Fees · Destination Guide
El Hierro
Volcanic drop-offs, clear Atlantic water, and small-boat diving from La Restinga
Updated Apr 20, 2026 • 22 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
- Punta de La Restinga-Mar de Las Calmas Marine Reserve scuba authorization - No public per-dive visitor fee identified; authorization required
- Diving documentation - Varies by insurer, doctor, and training agency
- Typical payment pattern: El Hierro does not operate like a destination with a simple tourist dive tag.
What people usually pay
El Hierro does not operate like a destination with a simple tourist dive tag. The key requirement is authorization-based use of the Punta de La Restinga-Mar de Las Calmas Marine Reserve, normally handled by authorized La Restinga dive centers. Private or independent divers need to satisfy Spanish reserve requirements, including certification, insurance, and medical documentation, and diving is by boat at permitted points.
| Fee | Amount | Applies to | Where to pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Punta de La Restinga-Mar de Las Calmas Marine Reserve scuba authorization | No public per-dive visitor fee identified; authorization required Dive centers by calendar year; individual authorizations by one-month periods | Recreational scuba diving inside the marine reserve | Book through an authorized La Restinga dive center or apply through the competent Spanish/Canary marine reserve authority | Authorization is separate from ordinary dive booking. Rules include boat support, permitted dive points, reserve zoning, and compliance with no-take and no-anchoring restrictions. |
| Diving documentation | Varies by insurer, doctor, and training agency Must be current for the dive period | Scuba divers using the reserve and local operators | Training agency, dive insurer, doctor, or your operator's approved process | Spanish reserve rules reference recognized dive certification, insurance that covers diving accidents, and medical fitness documentation. Ask your operator what they must see before arrival. |
| Tourism levy | None identified for El Hierro or the Canary Islands Not applicable | General visitors | Not applicable | Accommodation prices and services include applicable Spanish and Canary taxes. No Bonaire-style island visitor levy was identified for El Hierro. |
| Natural pools and public swimming areas | Free Per visit | Tacoron, Charco Azul, La Maceta, Tamaduste, La Caleta, and similar public areas | No ticket required | Access does not mean safe access. Swell, tides, signs, and local warnings should decide whether you enter the water. |
| Ferry vehicle booking | Fare varies by operator, season, passenger count, and vehicle Per crossing | Visitors arriving from Tenerife with a car or heavy gear | Fred. Olsen Express or Naviera Armas | A vehicle ferry can simplify gear logistics, but confirm rental-car rules before taking a car between islands. |