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#269458 11/19/2021 05:32 PM
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What’s the appropriate tip for water taxi driver? There are 8 of us using dolphin water taxi.

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CottageGirl #269643 11/22/2021 11:46 AM
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I don't know about an appropriate tip but would like to know how the experience was and cost.

CottageGirl #269645 11/22/2021 11:57 AM
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Email from Dolphin re: cost:
"Here, we will collect the per person customs and processing fees in cash of $65pp for arrival AND $45pp (if you have a round trip with us, $110pp x # of guests)"
Plus the $169/pp

Hoping someone will chime in on appropriate tip for water taxi captain & crew

CottageGirl #269658 11/22/2021 04:11 PM
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Originally Posted by CottageGirl
Email from Dolphin re: cost:
"Here, we will collect the per person customs and processing fees in cash of $65pp for arrival AND $45pp (if you have a round trip with us, $110pp x # of guests)"
Plus the $169/pp

Hoping someone will chime in on appropriate tip for water taxi captain & crew

I'm not sure if this was appropriate or not, but we tipped $150 to the captain who brought 5 of us from Moorings to Red Hook in July. I don't recall the cost of the water taxi trip itself because at that time it was fly to BVI boat back to Red Hook, but I would guess it was close to the above figures. We tipped heavy because the captain did a great job both with the boat (in pretty rough seas) and getting us through customs. It was also a very slow time for all involved so our overall philosophy on the trip was to tip heavy for good service.

One thing we didn't do, and really regret not doing, is not tipping the dock crew in Red Hook. They had our boat unloaded and in the taxi before we all made it up the dock. It was so quick that we were driving away before I even thought about the fact that we should have tipped such great dock service.


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CottageGirl #269662 11/22/2021 05:32 PM
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Thank you!

CottageGirl #269682 11/23/2021 10:02 AM
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We took a water taxi from Marina Cay to Red Hook last July, 8 of us, and I think I tipped the captain $120. I have no idea if that was an appropriate amount, but it seemed reasonable to me considering the time spent by the captain on our behalf.

CottageGirl #269688 11/23/2021 10:19 AM
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We tipped 120 for 5 of us however he had another group of 5 onboard.

CottageGirl #269857 11/25/2021 03:15 PM
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We took Chill Out today from Peter Island to Red Hook this morning. Pick up to dock @Red Hook in 2 hours. That includes clear-out at West End, clear-in at Cruz Bay. Unfortunately there was a squall on our way to West End and we all got soaked. Our captain, Ricky, did the best he could and provided some dry towels once we got to West End. Mostly dried out by the time we got to Cruz Bay. Very fast, sweet boat. However, it was pretty bumpy ride at 30+kts....I think Ricky was trying to make up the time we lost slogging thru the squall.

There were 8 of us. $100pp for the ride plus $50pp in fees. $120 gratuity.

I would def use Chill Out again. Easy to book. More reasonable cost than some of the others. Had a similar experience with Island Times last July (less the squall). Probably less chance of getting wet in bad weather on one of the other taxi services....perhaps less bumpy as well.....like Dolphin.

We arrived at STT around noon after the 30+ minute taxi from Red Hook, 2 hours prior to flight, which was plenty of time to get thru customs and security....However, the airport was not busy today....I would allow more time on busy weekends.

(also posted this on another thread)


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