Tour & Activity Scams in Montego Bay, Jamaica
Unlicensed guides, fake tickets, bait-and-switch excursions, and ticket scalping. Below are the tour & activities scams reported in Montego Bay — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Willemstad, San José, and Havana.
Last updated: April 2, 2026
2
Tour & Activities Scams
10
Total in Montego Bay
How it works
In the Hip Strip area and near Gloucester Avenue craft markets, individuals dressed in traditional Rastafarian attire offer unsolicited cultural guidance — explaining reggae history, pointing out local landmarks, or walking visitors to specific shops. Once the impromptu tour ends they demand large cash payments, sometimes becoming aggressive or blocking the path until money is produced. The shops they lead visitors to often pay them a commission on any purchases made.
How it works
Tour sellers in resort lobbies and on the beach sell excursions (Dunns River Falls, Negril, glass-bottom boat) at significant markup over the same tours booked through reputable independent operators.
See all scams in Montego Bay
10 total warnings across all categories