Fees · Destination Guide
Volcanic walls, black coral, and starry summit nights on the Atlantic's green Canary Island
Key fee: La Palma Marine Reserve scuba authorization
No public per-diver fee published
Updated Apr 20, 2026 • 36 sources
Confirm these fees before you book so your operator plan and day budget match what you will pay onsite.
La Palma does not operate like a Caribbean diver-tag destination. The key paperwork issue is the La Palma Marine Reserve: scuba activity there is controlled by authorizations and quotas, usually handled through licensed dive centers. Ordinary visitors should also budget for normal Schengen visa costs if applicable, rental cars, ferry vehicle fees, and controlled-access parking reservations for some topside sites.
| Fee | Amount | Applies to | Where to pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Palma Marine Reserve scuba authorization | No public per-diver fee published |
Specific dates for private requests; annual quota processes for centers and clubs
| Scuba activity inside the La Palma Marine Reserve |
| Licensed dive center or official MAPA/Spanish government authorization channel |
MAPA states underwater activity authorizations are granted for specific dates and quota availability. Regulations require divers to carry and show documentation when requested. Most travelers should let a licensed local operator manage this process. |
| General La Palma shore and boat diving outside reserve | Operator package pricing; no universal island diver tag found in official materials Per dive, package, or course | Training, guided dives, rental gear, and cylinders outside reserve-controlled activity | Local dive centers | Ask what is included: tanks, weights, guide, boat supplement, marine-reserve logistics, insurance verification, computer rental, and night-dive surcharge. |
| La Cumbrecita viewpoint parking authorization | Free reservation; limited parking Reserved access window during controlled hours | Private-car access to La Cumbrecita during controlled daytime periods | Official national park or Cabildo reservation system | Useful for non-diver itineraries and caldera viewpoints. Reserve ahead in busy periods. |
| Schengen visa or entry costs | Varies by nationality and visa type Depends on visa or visa-free status | Travelers who require a visa or entry authorization for Spain | Spanish consulate, official visa center, or airline pre-check process | Check current passport validity, 90-in-180-day rules, financial-means requirements, and any ETIAS timing before booking nonrefundable dive packages. |
Fee
Specific dates for private requests; annual quota processes for centers and clubs
MAPA states underwater activity authorizations are granted for specific dates and quota availability. Regulations require divers to carry and show documentation when requested. Most travelers should let a licensed local operator manage this process.
Per dive, package, or course
Ask what is included: tanks, weights, guide, boat supplement, marine-reserve logistics, insurance verification, computer rental, and night-dive surcharge.
Reserved access window during controlled hours
Useful for non-diver itineraries and caldera viewpoints. Reserve ahead in busy periods.
Depends on visa or visa-free status
Check current passport validity, 90-in-180-day rules, financial-means requirements, and any ETIAS timing before booking nonrefundable dive packages.