Fees · Country Guide
Three islands, protected reefs, and wall diving on every kind of Caribbean itinerary
Updated Apr 26, 2026 • 24 sources
Confirm these fees before you book so your operator plan and day budget match what you will pay onsite.
The Cayman Islands do not operate like Bonaire, where every diver buys a national marine tag. Instead, visitors encounter accommodation taxes, operator-controlled specialty-site charges, strict marine conservation rules, Kittiwake access fees, and permit systems for activities such as lionfish culling or fishing. Most recreational divers and snorkelers pay through operators or lodging rather than buying permits independently.
| Fee | Amount | Applies to | Where to pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist Accommodation Tax | 13% of accommodation charge Per stay | Most visitor accommodation | Collected by hotels, condos, villas, and lodging providers | Budget this into total trip cost, especially on Grand Cayman where lodging can be the largest expense. |
| Kittiwake Dive Medallion | USD $10 per diver per visit Per Kittiwake dive visit | Divers visiting the Ex-USS Kittiwake site | Usually arranged through licensed watersports or dive operators | Operators may bundle or itemize the fee. Private boats and licensed operators must follow site rules and mooring limits. |
| Kittiwake Snorkeler Bracelet | USD $5 per snorkeler per visit Per Kittiwake snorkel visit | Snorkelers visiting the Ex-USS Kittiwake site | Usually arranged through licensed watersports or snorkel operators | The wreck is a boat site, not a shore swim. Choose calm weather and responsible operators. |
| Marine Park and Public Mooring Conduct | No general visitor dive tag published Always in force | Divers, snorkelers, boaters, freedivers, and fishers | Not a visitor purchase; follow Department of Environment rules and operator briefings | Do not anchor on coral, take coral or sponges, take marine life while scuba diving, wear gloves on reefs, or ignore mooring rules. |
| Wildlife Interaction Zone Operator Requirements | Operator license dependent Applies during regulated wildlife interactions | Commercial operators and visitors joining wildlife interaction tours | Book licensed operators for Stingray City and Sandbar trips | Fish feeding outside designated Wildlife Interaction Zones is restricted. Visitors should follow guide instructions and avoid harassing rays or other wildlife. |
| Fishing, conch, lobster, whelk, and lionfish permissions | Varies by permit or closed season Species and season dependent | Fishers, collectors, and trained lionfish cullers | Cayman Islands Department of Environment where permits or licenses apply | Recreational scuba divers should not collect marine life. Lionfish culling requires training and licensing, and protected species seasons change by law. |
Fee
Per stay
Budget this into total trip cost, especially on Grand Cayman where lodging can be the largest expense.
Per Kittiwake dive visit
Operators may bundle or itemize the fee. Private boats and licensed operators must follow site rules and mooring limits.
Per Kittiwake snorkel visit
The wreck is a boat site, not a shore swim. Choose calm weather and responsible operators.
Always in force
Do not anchor on coral, take coral or sponges, take marine life while scuba diving, wear gloves on reefs, or ignore mooring rules.
Applies during regulated wildlife interactions
Fish feeding outside designated Wildlife Interaction Zones is restricted. Visitors should follow guide instructions and avoid harassing rays or other wildlife.
Species and season dependent
Recreational scuba divers should not collect marine life. Lionfish culling requires training and licensing, and protected species seasons change by law.