Fees · Destination Guide
Murcia: Cabo de Palos and Islas Hormigas
Mediterranean pinnacles, wrecks, groupers, and bait balls from a compact fishing port
Updated Apr 20, 2026 • 26 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
- Marine reserve scuba authorization - Usually included in guided reserve dive pricing
- Marine reserve per-dive tax or fee - Commonly EUR 3.56 to EUR 5 per marine reserve dive when itemized
- Typical payment pattern: There is no broad destinationwide tourism levy identified for normal visitors to Cabo de Palos.
What people usually pay
There is no broad destination-wide tourism levy identified for normal visitors to Cabo de Palos. The important costs are dive-specific: marine-reserve authorizations, per-dive reserve fees or taxes when itemized, proof of dive insurance, and any check-dive or responsible-diving requirement your operator applies. Most visitors pay these through authorized local dive centers rather than applying directly to the authorities.
| Fee | Amount | Applies to | Where to pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marine reserve scuba authorization | Usually included in guided reserve dive pricing Per authorized dive or operator allocation | Scuba divers entering regulated reserve sites | Authorized Cabo de Palos dive centers, or CARM and MAPA procedures for private requests | The reserve is quota-controlled and uses assigned moorings. Operators normally handle authorizations and site forecasts, but divers still need ID, certification, insurance, and compliance with responsible-diving criteria. |
| Marine reserve per-dive tax or fee | Commonly EUR 3.56 to EUR 5 per marine reserve dive when itemized Per dive | Marine reserve scuba trips | Paid through the participating dive center | Local operators may include the reserve fee inside the displayed dive price or itemize it separately. Confirm the current amount and what is included before comparing dive-center prices. |
| Diving insurance | Day, week, month, or annual policy depending on provider Chosen policy period | Scuba divers | Dive center, DAN Europe, federation, or specialist insurer | Valid dive insurance is treated as standard required paperwork by Cabo de Palos centers. Bring proof in digital and offline form, especially for reserve or wreck dives. |
| Responsible-diving test or check dive | Varies by center; often bundled with check dive or first reserve procedure Minimum every 2 years under responsible-diving criteria when applicable | Reserve divers, especially Bajo de Fuera planning | Authorized dive center or qualified guide process | Spanish marine-reserve responsible-diving rules include guide-led briefings and impact-minimizing skills. Bajo de Fuera has additional equipment and DSMB expectations. |
| Cabo de Palos Lighthouse guided visit | From EUR 6 or provider rate Per visit | Topside visitors | Official lighthouse visit provider or local tourism channels | Optional but worthwhile for non-divers and final no-dive days. Availability and language options can vary by date. |