The Dock fee, officially known as the Dock and Sanitation Surcharge, is a mandatory fee that passengers using maritime transport services in certain regions must pay.
The Dock (and Reef) fee is essential to protecting our natural resources and continuously improving tourist infrastructure. Through this fee, vital projects are funded, ensuring the conservation of the environment and the enjoyment of natural beauty for many generations.
Its current price is $20 USD
Components of the dock fee:
The fee consists of two main components:
- Dock fee (dock surcharge):
- Inspection and surveillance: Ensures all tour operators comply with safety regulations and environmental care recommendations.
- Wastewater treatment: Funds the construction of larger treatment plants to prevent waste from reaching the sea.
- Marina and dock repairs: Covers necessary repairs and preventive work due to daily use and natural disasters such as hurricanes.
- Reef fee (sanitation surcharge):
- Coral research and care: Finances projects for coral research, cultivation, and care.
- Artificial islands for mooring: Construction of artificial islands for mooring speedboats, limiting the number of people over the reef, and prevent damage from anchors.
- Reef state monitoring: Monitors water levels and the state of the coral reef, ensuring compliance by tour operators with regulations and recommendations.
- Wastewater treatment plants: Expand plants to handle the large number of tourists.
Importance of the Dock and Reef Fee
Paying this surcharge is crucial for:
- Preserving natural beauty: Ensures the conservation of reefs and beaches for future generations.
- Maintaining safety: Guarantees safe and well-maintained nautical facilities.
- Environmental protection: Prevents sea pollution and promotes sustainable practices.
Benefits for tourism
Paying the Dock and Reef fee contributes to environmental conservation and enhances the tourist experience by ensuring safe and sustainable destinations. Continuous surveillance and improvements in port infrastructure provide a more attractive and protected environment for visitors.