Fees · Destination Guide
Isla Holbox Mexico
Whale sharks, bioluminescent nights, and barefoot island life in a protected corner of Quintana Roo
Updated Jan 24, 2026 • 11 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
- Yum Balam protected area entrance fee - MXN $215
- Tiburon Ballena Biosphere Reserve entrance fee - MXN $215
- Typical payment pattern: Budget for protectedarea access fees for Yum Balam and the Tiburon Ballena Biosphere Reserve.
What people usually pay
Budget for protected-area access fees for Yum Balam and the Tiburon Ballena Biosphere Reserve. Quintana Roo also applies the VISITAX tourist fee for foreign visitors. Many tour operators bundle protected-area fees into tour pricing, but you should confirm what is included before you pay. Fees can be updated over time.
| Fee | Amount | Applies to | Where to pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yum Balam protected area entrance fee | MXN $215 per person, per day | Visitors entering Yum Balam protected area zones and activities that require the fee | Paid as a protected-area right (often handled through operators or at access points) | CONANP lists visitor regulations including staying inside trails, using specialized guides, removing garbage, and not lighting bonfires. |
| Tiburon Ballena Biosphere Reserve entrance fee | MXN $215 per person, per day | Whale shark observation and swimming activities in the protected area | Usually arranged through authorized whale shark tour operators | CONANP lists visitor regulations such as no plastics, no drones, no feeding wildlife, and using reef-friendly sunscreens. |
| VISITAX Quintana Roo tourist fee | 2.5 UMA (peso amount shown on the official portal) per person, per trip | Foreign tourists visiting Quintana Roo | Where to pay | Use the official government portal and keep your receipt or QR code. |