Tour & Activity Scams in Davao, Philippines
Unlicensed guides, fake tickets, bait-and-switch excursions, and ticket scalping. Below are the tour & activities scams reported in Davao — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Lombok, Palawan, and Mandalay.
Last updated: April 4, 2026
3
Tour & Activities Scams
8
Total in Davao
How it works
Unlicensed agencies in Davao City sell Mount Apo climbing packages that lack proper permits, certified guides, or emergency equipment. Some packages advertise inclusive prices then add fees for park entrance, porter services, and equipment rental on the day of the climb. Poorly equipped guides have led groups onto dangerous routes during bad weather.
How it works
Boat operators and tour agencies near the Santa Ana Wharf sell island-hopping packages to Samal Island at inflated tourist prices. Packages often omit the mandatory ferry fee, entrance fees for Paradise Island Park, and boat transfer charges between beaches, which are added on the day. Some operators substitute lower-quality boats than advertised.
How it works
Freelance individuals near People's Park and Crocodile Park approach tourists claiming to be licensed city guides and offer tours for a set fee. They collect the fee upfront, provide a superficial tour, then disappear before completing the agreed itinerary. Some demand additional payment mid-tour claiming entrance fees are not included.
See all scams in Davao
8 total warnings across all categories