Tour & Activity Scams in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Unlicensed guides, fake tickets, bait-and-switch excursions, and ticket scalping. Below are the tour & activities scams reported in Punta Cana — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Willemstad, Havana, and Montego Bay.
Last updated: April 2, 2026
3
Tour & Activities Scams
10
Total in Punta Cana
How it works
Tourists are approached at the pool or beach and told they have won a prize — excursion, free dinner, or shopping voucher — redeemable by attending a brief presentation. The presentation lasts 3–5 hours with extreme sales pressure to purchase vacation club memberships.
How it works
Excursion desks at Punta Cana all-inclusive resorts sell tours (Saona Island, whale watching, zip-lining) at prices 40–60% higher than the same tours from independent operators in Bávaro or Punta Cana town.
How it works
Resort excursion desks in Punta Cana charge 40–100% more than independent operators for identical tours to Saona Island, Iguaria, and Bavaro. Trips to "exclusive beaches" are the same crowded excursions available cheaper directly.
See all scams in Punta Cana
10 total warnings across all categories