Tour & Activity Scams in Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Unlicensed guides, fake tickets, bait-and-switch excursions, and ticket scalping. Below are the tour & activities scams reported in Galapagos Islands — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Buenos Aires, Cusco, and Lima.
Last updated: April 2, 2026
4
Tour & Activities Scams
10
Total in Galapagos Islands
How it works
Agents in Quito and at Baltra Airport sell Galapagos cruise packages with small-boat operators that are not licensed by the Galapagos National Park authority. These vessels may be unsafe, over capacity, or skip protected sites due to lack of permits.
How it works
The Galapagos National Park entrance fee is collected on arrival. Scammers near airport exits pose as officials and offer to process payment at a discounted rate outside the official fee station.
How it works
Day trip operators in Puerto Ayora sell spots on small boats visiting Tortuga Bay or Bartolomé Island beyond the vessel's safe and legal capacity. In rough Pacific conditions, overloaded small boats are a safety hazard.
How it works
Dive shops in Puerto Ayora offer PADI certification courses at 3–4 times the standard global price, knowing that tourists are captive to the unique marine environment and cannot easily compare prices.
See all scams in Galapagos Islands
10 total warnings across all categories