Fees · Destination Guide
Cold-water wrecks, tidal walls and basalt coastlines at Northern Ireland's wild northern edge
Key fee: Destination tourism levy
No separate levy identified
Confirm these fees before you book so your operator plan and day budget match what you will pay onsite.
There is no destination-wide tourism levy or general marine-park dive tag identified in the reviewed official sources. Budget instead for local dive-operator charges, the Rathlin public ferry, optional attraction admission and any UK ETA required by nationality. Historic-wreck controls are separate: La Girona is a restricted site and requires a licence, while HMS Drake must not be disturbed or stripped. Published fares and attraction prices can change, so recheck at booking.
| Fee | Amount | Applies to | Where to pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Destination tourism levy | No separate levy identified Not applicable in the reviewed official sources |
| Visitors to the Causeway Coast and Rathlin Island |
| Not applicable |
Normal accommodation, transport and attraction charges still apply. This finding should be rechecked if Northern Ireland or local authorities introduce a visitor levy after the research date. |
| General marine protected area dive tag | No general dive tag identified Not applicable | Ordinary recreational diving outside separately protected wreck restrictions | Not applicable | The absence of a paid tag does not remove conservation law, wildlife protections, access controls or historic-wreck rules. Follow operator briefings and leave all natural and archaeological material in place. |
| Rathlin Ferry adult passenger fare | GBP 8.40 each way Per journey under the published 2026 fare | Adult public-ferry passengers | Where to pay | The fare is separate from any dive-charter booking. Choose Spirit of Rathlin when luggage, a bicycle or a pushchair must travel; Kintra II does not accept those items. Recheck fares and sailing conditions. |
| Rathlin Ferry bicycle fare | GBP 2.20 each way Per bicycle journey under the published 2026 fare | Passengers taking a bicycle on an eligible sailing | Where to pay | Bicycles travel on Spirit of Rathlin subject to space and booking. They are not accepted on Kintra II. Electric or non-standard cycles may have additional restrictions, so confirm before travel. |
| Rathlin visitor vehicle permission | Eligibility restriction; no ordinary day-trip permit Pre-arranged for qualifying travel only | Limited categories such as qualifying Blue Badge users, work vehicles or stays of at least 6 nights | Where to pay | Ordinary day visitors should park in Ballycastle. A long stay alone does not guarantee carriage; the permit and ferry space must be arranged in advance. |
| United Kingdom Electronic Travel Authorisation | GBP 20 Normally 2 years or until the linked passport expires | Eligible non-visa nationals who are not exempt | Where to pay | Each traveler, including children, needs a separate authorization when required. An ETA permits travel to the UK but does not guarantee entry. Apply using the same passport that will be presented for travel. |
| La Girona restricted-wreck licence | Licence required; fee not published in the reviewed source Project and authorization specific | Anyone seeking to dive or investigate the protected La Girona site | Where to pay | Do not plan La Girona as an ordinary charter target. Access is restricted under historic-wreck protection, and unauthorized diving or disturbance can be an offence. |
| Giant's Causeway Visitor Experience | GBP 16 adult online price reviewed on September 4, 2026 Timed visit; price and terms may change | Visitors choosing the paid Visitor Experience and associated parking | Where to pay | Walking access to the stones is not conditional on buying the Visitor Experience, but National Trust parking and visitor facilities have their own terms. Advance booking is prudent in summer. |
| Carrick-a-Rede admission | GBP 16 adult online price reviewed on September 4, 2026 Timed visit; price and terms may change | Visitors booking site admission and a bridge-crossing slot | Where to pay | Bridge capacity is controlled and advance booking is essential. Weather or operational safety can prevent a crossing even when the coastal site remains open. |
Fee
Not applicable in the reviewed official sources
Normal accommodation, transport and attraction charges still apply. This finding should be rechecked if Northern Ireland or local authorities introduce a visitor levy after the research date.
Not applicable
The absence of a paid tag does not remove conservation law, wildlife protections, access controls or historic-wreck rules. Follow operator briefings and leave all natural and archaeological material in place.
Per journey under the published 2026 fare
The fare is separate from any dive-charter booking. Choose Spirit of Rathlin when luggage, a bicycle or a pushchair must travel; Kintra II does not accept those items. Recheck fares and sailing conditions.
Per bicycle journey under the published 2026 fare
Bicycles travel on Spirit of Rathlin subject to space and booking. They are not accepted on Kintra II. Electric or non-standard cycles may have additional restrictions, so confirm before travel.
Pre-arranged for qualifying travel only
Ordinary day visitors should park in Ballycastle. A long stay alone does not guarantee carriage; the permit and ferry space must be arranged in advance.
Normally 2 years or until the linked passport expires
Each traveler, including children, needs a separate authorization when required. An ETA permits travel to the UK but does not guarantee entry. Apply using the same passport that will be presented for travel.
Project and authorization specific
Do not plan La Girona as an ordinary charter target. Access is restricted under historic-wreck protection, and unauthorized diving or disturbance can be an offence.
Timed visit; price and terms may change
Walking access to the stones is not conditional on buying the Visitor Experience, but National Trust parking and visitor facilities have their own terms. Advance booking is prudent in summer.
Timed visit; price and terms may change
Bridge capacity is controlled and advance booking is essential. Weather or operational safety can prevent a crossing even when the coastal site remains open.