How much should you tip a yacht charter crew?
The customary crew gratuity on a crewed yacht charter is around 5–15% of the base charter fee, with 10% a common benchmark for good service. It is discretionary and reflects the crew's effort, not the yacht's size. You give it to the captain at the end, who shares it among the crew.
Key facts
- Customary range: 5–15% of the base charter fee; ~10% is a common benchmark.
- It is based on the charter fee, not the APA or the total spend.
- The tip is discretionary — reward the service you actually received.
- Hand it to the captain (cash or transfer) on the last day; the captain shares it with the crew.
What is the customary tip range?
Across the industry, a gratuity of 5–15% of the base charter fee is normal, with around 10% a widely used starting point for good service. Exceptional crews who make the week are often tipped toward the upper end.
The tip is calculated on the charter fee itself, not on the APA or your total holiday spend, and it is always your choice.
How do you give the tip?
The simplest way is to hand the gratuity to the captain on the final day, in cash or by transfer, and the captain distributes it fairly among the whole crew — including the chef and interior staff you may see less of.
If a particular crew member went above and beyond, it's fine to mention it to the captain, but tipping individuals directly can undercut the team, so the pooled approach is standard.
Common questions
Is tipping the yacht crew mandatory?
No — a gratuity is discretionary. It is customary and appreciated for good service, typically 5–15% of the charter fee, but it is entirely your decision and should reflect the experience you had.
Do you tip on the APA or the charter fee?
On the base charter fee. The APA is a running-cost float for fuel, food and fees, not part of what the gratuity is calculated on.
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