As of August 1, 2024, the “Ponza Ticket” has come into effect, a mandatory fee for all boat owners who wish to navigate through the beautiful waters of the Lazio island. The mooring ticket is currently in a trial phase for the summer of 2024 and will become permanent starting from the summer of 2025, but only from June to September.
The Ponza Ticket in detail
The mooring ticket is a fee that must be paid by anyone navigating their vessel off the coasts of Ponza and Palmarola. The Ponza Ticket costs 3 euros per linear meter during the months of July and August (peak season) and 2 euros per meter during the months of June and September (off-season). For those staying on the islands for more than a few days, there are increasing discounts according to the following rates:
3 to 6 days: -10%
7 to 29 days: -20%
More than 30 days: -25%
Seasonal: -40%
For users who are already moored at berths (docks and moorings) officially registered in the SUAP lists of the Municipality of Ponza, an additional 50% discount will be applied. This discount will be managed through the use of special codes provided by the mooring operator.
It is a rather substantial fee; for instance, the owner of a small 12-meter boat could end up paying nearly 100 euros for two days of mooring.
Payment of the “Ponza Ticket” can be made on the dedicated website www.myponza.it or through the MyPonza app, available for both iOS and Android operating systems.
Exemptions and Penalties
Not all boat owners will be required to pay the “Ponza Ticket.” The exemptions include residents of the island, property owners, tour guides, and professional fishermen. Additionally, there are reduced seasonal rates for commercial activities such as boat rentals, sport fishing, and diving.
More specifically, here is the complete list of those exempt from paying the Ponza boat ticket:
Recreational boaters residing in the Municipality of Ponza with their own boat.
Recreational boaters born in Ponza with their own boat.
Recreational boaters who are not residents but own property in the Municipality of Ponza.
Recreational boaters who are not residents but have a property with a valid rental contract in the Municipality of Ponza.
Operators of rental or leasing businesses with a water area concession, registered with the TARI role exclusively for listed and/or authorized vessels.
Tour guides officially authorized for their profession (naturalistic, tourist, etc.).
Educational institutions.
Environmental protection associations.
Professional fishermen.
Boat owners and lessors for persons with disabilities.
Military and rescue vessels.
In case of non-payment of the Ponza Ticket, the penalty will be ten times the originally due amount.
Reasons for the Mooring Fee
With the introduction of the “Ponza Ticket” for boats mooring in the island’s waters, the administration of the Pontine Islands has aimed to regulate the phenomenon of mass nautical tourism. Additionally, the fee is intended to protect and enhance the natural heritage of the area.
