Fees · Destination Guide
Atlantic volcanic walls, blue-water pelagics and crater-lake adventures from one easy island hub
Key fee: Sao Miguel municipal tourist tax
EUR €2 per person per night
Updated Nov 21, 2025 • 10 sources
Confirm these fees before you book so your operator plan and day budget match what you will pay onsite.
Compared to some destinations, Sao Miguel keeps dive-specific permits simple: you usually pay only for your dive or snorkel trip plus standard accommodation and park fees. However, from 2025 a municipal tourist tax applies on Sao Miguel, and access to certain marine reserves or islets involves separate tickets or is handled via licensed operators. Build these fixed costs into your planning.
| Fee | Amount | Applies to | Where to pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sao Miguel municipal tourist tax | EUR €2 per person per night Charged for up to 3 consecutive nights per stay in most paid accommodations |
| Most visitors aged 13 and over staying in tourist accommodation on Sao Miguel |
| Collected automatically by hotels, guesthouses and most registered accommodations on Sao Miguel |
From January 2025, municipalities on Sao Miguel introduced a nightly tourist tax of around €2 per person, typically applied to the first three nights of each stay. Children under 13 and certain categories of travelers, such as local residents or people visiting for medical reasons, are exempt. Funds support tourism infrastructure and environmental management. Always confirm the latest rules with your accommodation. |
| Vila Franca do Campo islet ferry ticket | Around EUR €10 per adult round trip Per person, per visit during the operating season | All visitors using the official ferry to access the islet and its marine reserve | Ticket booth at Vila Franca do Campo marina or official online booking platform when available | Ferry services to the islet of Vila Franca typically operate from around late June to early October, with daily visitor numbers capped at roughly 400 and simultaneous occupancy lower for conservation reasons. Ticket prices have recently ranged from about €10 to €12 for non-residents, with discounts for locals and children. Buy tickets early in the day or online to avoid sold-out crossings, especially in July and August. |
| Offshore marine reserve dive access | Included within offshore dive trip pricing Per offshore trip or package | Divers and snorkelers participating in guided trips to designated marine reserves | Through licensed dive operators running trips to Formigas, Banco Dollabarat and similar sites | Formigas, Banco Dollabarat and several other offshore sites sit within marine protected areas where fishing is restricted or banned. Visiting these zones for diving is handled through authorized operators who manage permits, boat logistics and adherence to strict codes of conduct. You generally do not need to arrange separate paperwork, but should book well ahead in summer because weather windows and boat spots are limited. |
Fee
Charged for up to 3 consecutive nights per stay in most paid accommodations
From January 2025, municipalities on Sao Miguel introduced a nightly tourist tax of around €2 per person, typically applied to the first three nights of each stay. Children under 13 and certain categories of travelers, such as local residents or people visiting for medical reasons, are exempt. Funds support tourism infrastructure and environmental management. Always confirm the latest rules with your accommodation.
Per person, per visit during the operating season
Ferry services to the islet of Vila Franca typically operate from around late June to early October, with daily visitor numbers capped at roughly 400 and simultaneous occupancy lower for conservation reasons. Ticket prices have recently ranged from about €10 to €12 for non-residents, with discounts for locals and children. Buy tickets early in the day or online to avoid sold-out crossings, especially in July and August.
Per offshore trip or package
Formigas, Banco Dollabarat and several other offshore sites sit within marine protected areas where fishing is restricted or banned. Visiting these zones for diving is handled through authorized operators who manage permits, boat logistics and adherence to strict codes of conduct. You generally do not need to arrange separate paperwork, but should book well ahead in summer because weather windows and boat spots are limited.