Fees · Destination Guide
Costa Brava and Medes Islands
Mediterranean walls, grouper-filled islets, and Costa Brava villages in one easy land-based trip
Updated Apr 20, 2026 • 34 sources
Fees And Permits
Confirm these fees before you book so your operator plan and day budget match what you will pay onsite.
Fees You Can't Skip
- Medes Islands marine reserve activity fee - Usually around EUR 5.30 per Medes dive or water activity, verify at booking
- Catalonia tourist accommodation tax - Varies by accommodation type and location
- Typical payment pattern: Budget for Medes reserve activity fees through authorized operators, Catalonia tourist accommodation tax, and Spainspecific diving paperwork such as accident insurance and medical fitness documentation.
What people usually pay
Budget for Medes reserve activity fees through authorized operators, Catalonia tourist accommodation tax, and Spain-specific diving paperwork such as accident insurance and medical fitness documentation. Fees change, so confirm the current season with your operator and accommodation.
| Fee | Amount | Applies to | Where to pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medes Islands marine reserve activity fee | Usually around EUR 5.30 per Medes dive or water activity, verify at booking Per reserve activity or departure | Scuba divers, guided snorkelers, freedivers, and other regulated reserve users depending on activity | Normally handled by authorized dive, snorkel, or boat operators in L'Estartit | Ask whether the fee is included in the quoted price. Reserve access is controlled, and operators may need to match your certification and guide requirements to the route. |
| Catalonia tourist accommodation tax | Varies by accommodation type and location Per person per unit of stay, normally capped by the statutory stay limit | Visitors staying in tourist accommodation in Catalonia, with age and exemption rules set by Catalan law | Collected by hotels, campsites, apartments, and other regulated accommodations | The Catalan Tax Agency publishes current rates. Outside Barcelona, the amount is usually lower than central Barcelona surcharged rates, but accommodation category still matters. |
| Dive accident insurance | Varies by insurer or daily operator policy Daily, trip, or annual policy | Scuba divers, and sometimes freedivers depending on operator policy | Dive operator, DAN Europe, federation, or personal dive insurer | Many Spanish dive centers require proof of valid diving accident insurance before you board. Bring digital and offline copies. |
| Medical fitness documentation | No fixed destination fee Depends on operator, certification agency, and medical form | Divers and course participants | Completed before travel if a physician sign-off is required | Some operators accept a standard medical self-declaration when answers are clear; others request a medical certificate. Confirm before arrival, especially for courses, older divers, or anyone with a recent health change. |
| Equipment, guide, and nitrox extras | Varies by center and package Per dive, per day, or per package | Scuba divers and freedivers renting gear or upgrading gas | Dive centers in L'Estartit and other Costa Brava ports | Open Water or equivalent divers may need guided service for Medes routes depending on the center. Confirm whether tanks, weights, guide, computer, wetsuit, and nitrox are included. |