Fees · Country Guide
Two oceans, a thousand microclimates, and a dive plan for every style
Updated Dec 16, 2025 • 14 sources
Confirm these fees before you book so your operator plan and day budget match what you will pay onsite.
There is no single nationwide 'marine park fee' for U.S. diving, but permits and fees show up in three places: federal entry documents (for international visitors), park entrance fees or passes, and activity-specific rules (especially inside sanctuaries and for fishing or collecting). Always confirm rules for the exact site you plan to visit.
| Fee | Amount | Applies to | Where to pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ESTA travel authorization (Visa Waiver Program) | USD $40 (check current fee before paying) Up to 2 years (or until passport expiration, whichever comes first) | Many travelers arriving without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program |
| Official ESTA website (U.S. Customs and Border Protection) |
Fee and required fields can change. Apply well ahead of departure and use only official government channels. |
| U.S. visitor visa (B-1/B-2) application | Varies by visa type (check current consular fees) Varies | Travelers who are not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program or who need a visa for their trip | U.S. Department of State visa process via the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate | Processing time can vary widely by location and season. Start early if a visa is required. |
| America the Beautiful Interagency Annual Pass | USD $80 (annual pass; pricing may differ for some categories) 12 months from month of purchase | Entrance fees at many U.S. national parks and federal recreation lands | National Park Service sites and official online sellers | Some dive-adjacent parks are fee-free, while others charge per vehicle or per person. Always confirm the park you are visiting. Recent policy announcements can affect pricing, especially for nonresidents. |
| National park and state park entrance fees | Typically USD $0 to $35 (varies by site and vehicle/person rules) Day-use to 7 days (varies by park) | Specific parks used for snorkeling, diving, hiking, or boating access | At the park entrance, visitor center, or official reservation system | Examples include remote boat-access areas and high-demand shoreline parks. Check if reservations are required in peak season. |
| Local site reservations and parking fees | Varies Day-use | Popular snorkeling bays, beach parks, and some island ferries | City, county, or state park reservation portals | Some high-traffic sites require timed entry or parking reservations. Book early during school holidays and weekends. |
| Fishing license and take rules (spearfishing, lobster, collecting) | Varies by state and activity Daily to annual (varies) | Spearfishing, lobster, or any 'take' activity | State fish and wildlife agencies or licensed vendors | Regulations can be stricter inside NOAA sanctuaries and state MPAs, and some zones prohibit take entirely. Do not assume 'allowed in one county' means allowed everywhere. |
Fee
Up to 2 years (or until passport expiration, whichever comes first)
Fee and required fields can change. Apply well ahead of departure and use only official government channels.
Varies
Processing time can vary widely by location and season. Start early if a visa is required.
12 months from month of purchase
Some dive-adjacent parks are fee-free, while others charge per vehicle or per person. Always confirm the park you are visiting. Recent policy announcements can affect pricing, especially for nonresidents.
Day-use to 7 days (varies by park)
Examples include remote boat-access areas and high-demand shoreline parks. Check if reservations are required in peak season.
Day-use
Some high-traffic sites require timed entry or parking reservations. Book early during school holidays and weekends.
Daily to annual (varies)
Regulations can be stricter inside NOAA sanctuaries and state MPAs, and some zones prohibit take entirely. Do not assume 'allowed in one county' means allowed everywhere.
