Yacht Crew Gratuity Guide: How Much Should I Tip the Crew?
Understanding yacht crew gratuity is an important part of chartering a yacht. Your crew is at the heart of your experience — planning itineraries, preparing gourmet meals, ensuring safety, and delivering exceptional service throughout your vacation. Gratuity is not just a thank-you, but a significant portion of their income. While tipping is always at the client’s discretion, there are widely accepted industry standards by region and yacht type that can help guide you.
Caribbean Yacht Charter Gratuity Standards
In the Caribbean, gratuity is considered a standard part of charter culture, particularly in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) and surrounding waters.
- Typical gratuity rate: 15-20% of the charter fee
- How it’s calculated: Based on the total charter rate for fully crewed, all-inclusive charters
- Flexibility: Can be adjusted slightly higher or lower depending on service quality and guest satisfaction
- Caribbean yacht crews often go above and beyond, creating tailored itineraries, cooking custom meals, and providing hands-on water sports instruction. Because of this service-intensive experience, gratuities in the Caribbean are generally on the higher side compared to other regions.
Greek & Mediterranean Yacht Charter Gratuity Standards
In Greece and the Mediterranean, tipping culture is slightly different from the Caribbean.
- Typical gratuity rate: 15% of the charter fee adjusted as to how you feel the service you received was.
- Base rate vs. APA: Gratuity is calculated on the base charter fee, not on the APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance)
- Regional norm: Applies primarily to catamarans and sailing yachts operating in the Mediterranean
Greek yacht charters often provide incredible itineraries through the Cyclades or Ionian Islands, with professional crews delivering attentive service. While 15% is considered standard, some guests may choose to give more when service has exceeded expectations.
Motor Yacht Gratuity Standards (Worldwide)
Luxury motor yachts often have larger crews and operate under slightly different gratuity structures.
- Recommended gratuity rate: 10–20% of the charter fee
- What’s excluded: APA costs (fuel, dockage, provisions) are not included in the gratuity calculation
- Variation: The gratuity amount can depend on yacht size and the number of crew
- International practice: These guidelines are recognized across popular destinations including the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Bahamas, and beyond
Because motor yacht crews can be much larger, gratuity is pooled and distributed evenly, ensuring everyone from the captain to the stewardess is acknowledged for their role in making the charter seamless.
How Gratuity is Distributed
Guests often wonder how their gratuity is divided. The captain is typically responsible for allocating gratuity fairly among the crew. Distribution is based on each crew member’s position, responsibilities, and contribution during the charter. This ensures that all team members — from chefs and deckhands to engineers and stews — are recognized for their hard work. It is common on most charters for the gratuity to be split evenly among all crew members.
Attentive crew service is a cornerstone of every luxury yacht charter experience — gratuities recognize the professionalism and care shown throughout your voyage.
Payment Options for Yacht Crew Gratuity
Gratuity can be given in several ways, depending on what is most convenient for the guests and crew:
- Cash – Preferred by most crews for immediate distribution
- Wire transfer – Can be arranged through your charter broker
- PayPal or Venmo – Accepted in some cases, depending on the country your crew has banking
- Credit card – Sometimes processed through the broker or clearinghouse or even onboard.
- Pre-arranged payment – Organized in advance, especially for larger motor yachts
Your broker can assist in arranging the most suitable payment method before or at the end of your charter.
Key Takeaways
- Caribbean: 15-20% of charter fee
- Greece/Mediterranean: 15% of charter fee (base rate only)
- Motor Yachts: 10–20% of charter fee (excluding APA)
- Distribution: Handled by the captain, shared fairly among all crew
- Payment Options: Cash, wire, or broker-facilitated
Caribbean & Bahamas
• 15–20% of charter fee
• Often higher due to highly personalized service & custom itineraries
Greece & Mediterranean
• 10–20% of charter fee
• Calculated on base rate (not APA); common for catamarans & sailboats
Luxury Motor Yachts
• 10–20% of charter fee
• Excludes APA; gratuity pooled & shared among larger crews
Worldwide (General)
• 10–20% of charter fee
• Standards recognized globally, with variation by region & service
Final Note
While gratuity is never mandatory, it remains the most meaningful way to recognize your crew’s dedication, hospitality, and professionalism. A thoughtful gratuity ensures the team feels valued for creating your unforgettable charter experience.
If you’re unsure what’s appropriate, our brokers are happy to guide you before your trip so you feel confident about gratuity practices worldwide.
