Starting November 1, 2025, the National Park Service (NPS) will be accepting applications for Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) from businesses offering guided water-based tours. The CUA is a permit that allows commercial tour operators to conduct businesses within the national parks. The application process will be conducted through the updated online CUA portal.
The CUA covers a variety of water-based commercial activities including charter fishing, charter sightseeing, charter transportation, charter scuba diving, and guided kayaking. The permit will be valid for a period of two years, allowing businesses to operate within the national parks during this time frame.
Interested commercial operators can apply for the CUA via the NPS’s updated online portal. The new system aims to streamline the application process, making it easier for businesses to obtain the necessary permits. The NPS encourages all commercial operators conducting water-based tours to apply for the CUA to ensure they are operating within the guidelines set by the NPS.