Socorros Marine Park Fee Alert

[dirtfarmer]

Does the underwater camera housing tax apply to those travelling to Socorro

Haven't heard much about it lately here. In January I skipped bringing my hard camera case, a sure sign of an expensive camera, and put it all in my luggage.
I was prepared to pay the tax begrudgingly, but got by no problem. That $ would end up in different hands then the park fee, I'm ok with park fees but $75 a day is ludicrous. Soccoro is pretty pricey in the first place but adding another $750 to a trip really is gouging.

I'm wondering if Guadeloupe is going to follow suit and ream the tourist?

 

[scubadada]

I thought the Revillagigedos were a pretty good bargain compared to Cocos or the Galapagos.

 

[dirtfarmer]

I thought the Revillagigedos were a pretty good bargain compared to Cocos or the Galapagos.

I think they are too. Now a bit less so.

Much easier to get to also.

 

[Dan]

I think $75 / day / diver for Marine Park fee is ridiculous. I was there 2 years ago and already booked to return in May 2021. I’m not looking forward to see the price increase. That trip would be my last trip there. I’d rather going back to Raja Ampat.

Marine park fee in Raja Ampat (which is the best dive destination in the world IMHO) is Rp.700,000 / year / diver, about $49, Marine Park Permit – Papua Diving Resorts – Raja Ampat – Indonesia Some liveaboards may add their handling fee and raise the fee to $100. I’ve been there 9x and will continue going back there. I already book trips to there in 2021 & 2022.

As far as east Pacific diving destinations (Galápagos, Malpelo, Cocos, & Socorro), this new marine park fee would be ithe highest one and I don’t think Socorro is that good in comparison to Galápagos & Cocos. I haven’t been to Malpelo, but am planning to be there in July, 2021, so I can’t compare it with Socorro.

I paid $100 / diver / visit of Marine Park fee when I was in Galápagos in December 2016 and $450 for Cocos in September 2018, which I thought it’s pretty steep. Malpelo Marine Park fee is still about $40 / day / diver for 2021 or $400 / diver / 10-day diving at the island. So $750 / diver / 10-day diving at the Socorro islands is totally ridiculous!

 

[Shasta_man]

First world problem

 

[Cert1967]

Nautilus is making their customers whole with a series of credits.

I hope the other ops follow suit.

 

[scubadada]

Nautilus Fleet & Marine Park Fee

 

[divergirlLinda]

I'm not so sure I see this as a problem. With this fee the Mexican government is putting a very clear and tangible price on the value of marine life and it's conservation. If this leads to any improvement in the protection of the Socorro environment and more diligent patrols of the area then I am all for it.

Check out my new post. The fees are now DOUBLING

 

[aquabluegreg]

Just a little clarification... The Marine Park Fees are increasing in ALL Mexican National Marine Parks, not just the Socorro Islands.

And yes the fee is doubling. It should be noted that all the liveaboard operators are challenging this increase but I would not expect the government to change their minds any time soon as these same operators challenged the increase in January 2024.

I will be submitting documents for one of my clients traveling to the Socorros in June 2025 who is a college professor and I expect approval.

All that said, there are a number of discounts:

Exception - No Park Fee
Minors less than 12 years old
People with a medical disability
Elderly people registered with INAPAM
Retired or pensioned (certificate required)

75% Discount
Students and teachers
People living in certain cities declared marginal

50% Discount
Mexican nationals
Non-Mexican nationals but residents of Mexico

 

[profmason]

Thanks Greg, I will get that copy of my faculty ID to you when I get back on campus after the holidays. Reading the size of the fee bump is definitely motivation. Ouch!