Is it customary to tip kayak tour guides? If yes, how much are you expected to tip? What if you are not really satisfied with the service provided by your guide?
Those who are new to kayaking usually find the services of tour guides very useful, and wonder how much they should tip the guides. While this question is a bit subjective, learning about the industry standard can clarify things.
If you are on a kayak tour and mulling over the issue of tipping, keep reading. Hopefully, this post will clear up your confusion.
Table of Contents
Should I Tip My Guide?
It depends on the location of your kayak tour and the quality of service you receive from your guide. Tipping is not mandatory; it is voluntary, so you can leave any amount you see fit.
There is probably no kayaking spot where you are required to tip your guide. If you feel your guide has done a good job, tip them any amount you please.
Being a tour guide may look like a fun and easy job, but it’s not. The job requires monitoring the safety of the tourists, answering their questions and of course, walking for hours.
They are not paid much, and a significant part of their earnings comes from tips. A little bit of generosity on your part can bring a smile to your guide’s face.
How Much To Tip a Kayak Tour Guide
Tip your tour guide depending on your level of satisfaction with the service you have received. If the guide has taken care of you and showed you additional things, he or she may deserve $20 as tip.
As a rule of thumb, the amount should be 10-20% of the total cost of the tip—just like you pay a waitstaff when you go to a restaurant.
The clerk or concierge of your hotel’s front desk knows a lot about that particular area’s tourism industry. They can give you some valuable advice on gratuities. When tipping, consider factors such as your guide’s knowledge, cordiality, professionalism, attitude, and engagement in the tour.
A guide will appreciate any amount you leave. In general, tips should be included in your budget, because they mean a lot to tour guides and their families. However, if you have a bad experience, do not feel bad for not tipping your guide.
The table below is a general guideline for tipping your kayak tour guide:
| Tip for Kayak Tour Guide/the trip cost | When |
| 20% | A memorable and outstanding experience |
| 15% | Your guide was highly knowledgeable, attentive, engaging, and adaptable |
| 10 | You had an average experience with the guide |
| 0% | You are utterly dissatisfied with the service |
How And Where Should You Tip Your Guide?
Although tips are rarely turned down, tipping customs are not the same in all parts of the world. In some places, a tip can even offend a tour guide. That’s why it’s a good idea to learn about the tipping etiquette of a place before you visit it.
First, see if there is a box labeled “TIPS” or something like that in the office. If not, you can give the tip to the trip leader. However, there is a way to be a bit more discreet. Consider leaving an envelope at the desk, if you like that approach.
And if you do not have extra cash with you, find an alternative way to tip your guide. You can offer them a drink, gift card or a bag of cookies. Leave a good review. Positive feedback means a lot to a tour guide.
FAQs
How much do you tip a tour guide for 2 hour?
As a rule of thumb, the amount of a tip should be about 10-20% of the cost of the tour. For a 2-hour tour, a tip of $10 is pretty reasonable in most cases.
If it is a walking tour, your guide probably expects you to be generous with tips. But if the guide is rude and unprofessional, do not feel obliged to give a tip.
How much do you tip a city tour guide?
The amount should be determined by the quality of the service you receive. Your guide will appreciate any amount you leave. But it is important to remember that standards vary throughout the world. Before you visit a city, learn a little bit about the local tipping etiquette.
How much do you tip a tour guide at the Grand Canyon?
For a full-day or half-day tour, your guide should receive a tip of 10-20% of the cost of your tour. Stay on the lower end if you are on a group tour. However, tipping is voluntary, so the amount you leave is totally up to you.
Do you tip VIP tour guides?
Tipping is not mandatory, which means any amount you give would be appreciated. In general, the tips VIP tour guides receive range from 10 to 20% of the cost of the tour.
The amount should be based on the quality of the service you have received. Calculate 10-15% if the service is average, and calculate 20% if you really love the helpful attitude of your guide.
Conclusion
It turns out that for kayak tour guides, the average tipping amount is 15%. It can go up or down depending on your level of satisfaction with your tour guide. If you are dissatisfied with the service, not tipping at all is perfectly fine. But in general, make sure tips are included in your budget.
Your safety is the primary responsibility of your guide. The responsibilities of your tour guide also include kayak and gear preparations, weather checks and ensuring your comfort. Tipping your guide is a great way to recognize the hard work of your guide and return home with a warm heart.