Hidden Tour Fees: Where You Pay Extra on the Day
Updated 2026-11-02 · Based on 2214 tour listings
498 of 2214 tours (22%) list a cost that is not included in the price you pay online: park entry, marine park, dock, fuel or locker fees. Many must be paid in cash on the day.
Destinations where extra fees are most common
| Destination | Tours with an extra fee | Most common fee |
|---|---|---|
| Cancun | 68% (69 of 101) | Conservation fee 600 pesos per person |
| Tulum | 66% (39 of 59) | Conservation of the Marine Fauna Fee and Tulum National Park |
| Cabo San Lucas | 60% (42 of 70) | Dock Fee |
| Playa del Carmen | 59% (24 of 41) | Tax fee of 35 USD per person(Mandatory) |
| Cozumel | 58% (41 of 71) | National Marine Park Fee |
| Hurghada | 58% (68 of 117) | National park |
| Miami | 56% (30 of 54) | Admission Fee - Park Admission Fee $20.00 per person |
| Sharm El Sheikh | 48% (28 of 58) | Government Fees |
| Puerto Vallarta | 34% (23 of 67) | Port Fee |
| Maui | 23% (13 of 56) | Parking Fees |
| Oahu | 22% (22 of 98) | Fuel surcharge |
| Algarve | 20% (8 of 40) | Bring 150€ cash or card deposit for EACH buggy. |
| Las Vegas | 18% (9 of 49) | $20 fee for parking. Can avoid by using ride-share, or finding a lot that is cheaper |
| St. Thomas | 16% (5 of 31) | Parking is available for outside guests a cost of $10/vehicle. Please purchase at hotel front desk. |
| Phuket | 16% (17 of 107) | National park fee(400THB per adult and 200THB per child) |
By activity
| Activity | Tours with an extra fee |
|---|---|
| Submarine rides | 37% |
| Snorkeling tours | 36% |
| Caves, cenotes and catacombs | 31% |
| Boat and catamaran trips | 29% |
| Whale watching | 27% |
| Parasailing | 22% |
| ATV and quad tours | 22% |
| Jet ski tours | 18% |
| Buggy and UTV tours | 18% |
| Ziplining | 16% |
| Horseback riding | 11% |
| Helicopter tours | 9% |
| Hot air balloon rides | 5% |
| White-water rafting | 2% |
| Tandem skydiving | 0% |
How to avoid surprises
- Read the “not included” list before you book, not after.
- Carry small bills in the local currency and in US dollars for park and dock fees.
- Marine park and reef fees are usually set by the government, so every operator in that area charges them.
See each tour’s extra fees in the hidden fees tables.