i am staying @ a hotel that has included a 10% service charge. who receives this 10%. do any staff members (bartenders,waiters,housekeepers etc...)expect a gratuity in addition to this charge. how about snorkeling and fishing guides, do they expect tips?

10% seems like a lot on the whole bill. Verify with the hotel desk to be sure who gets what.
Tipping is hard, my wife and I always...discuss appropriate amounts,[I'm too generous--I grew up in the business so I tip early and tip often]
I give guides $5-10 U.S. depending on duration and quality of tour. or maybe a good cigar
I buy a roll of the Sacgawea gold dollars they make nice bartender tips=--or to the local vendors.
The porters in the airport only carry your bags about 50 feet, so, if you can carry them yourself, do so.

Hi,
I think most places divide the tips among all of the staff, maintenance crew, everyone so that each employee benefits from it. There are alot of people working hard, behind the scenes, who you will never even meet. However (and I hate to admit this) some places do not pay their employees their tip due. Instead they keep it and pay only a portion of that 10%. But I don't think that is the norm.

As far as tipping goes, we always give the service staff at least 15%, when we go out to dinner or drinks at the bars, It's just like it is up here in the states... Service sells, but don't expect the quickness and fast pace as we do up here... It's an island and they have their own pace... very relax... and peaceful.... If you take care of them, they will take care of you all...
Goes for the same with tour guides and you might get extra's that most people don't....
Rick

Ya, well Rick comes from the restuarant world! Now me? Write your request on the back of a $100 dollar bill, (green or Blue), and insert in tip jar. Vwa La!

And I forgot to mention.. When Barefoot's out there very much take care of him.. He is one of the BEST entertainers there on the island, The more you give the more he does...... See you soon....Rick

Can't wait to catch one or more of Skinny's shows. Will be there March 1st late afternoon!! So where exactly will you be that evening Skinny? Let me know and I'll be your big tipper for the evening.