Tour & Activity Scams in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt
Unlicensed guides, fake tickets, bait-and-switch excursions, and ticket scalping. Below are the tour & activities scams reported in Sharm El Sheikh — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Hurghada, Casablanca, and Chefchaouen.
Last updated: April 2, 2026
5
Tour & Activities Scams
10
Total in Sharm El Sheikh
How it works
Similar to Giza, handlers at desert excursion areas and near tourist sites help tourists onto a camel or horse at an agreed price, then demand much more at the end of the ride, claiming the original price was a deposit or was per minute rather than for the full ride.
How it works
Budget dive operators undercut reputable centres on price but cut safety corners, use poorly maintained equipment, and pressure divers into buying unnecessary additional dives, courses, and equipment rental. Some operators are not properly certified.
How it works
Budget snorkeling boat trips sold on the beach promise visits to premium reef sites with equipment included. The actual trip visits degraded or distant reefs, equipment is poor quality or ill-fitting, and extra charges appear for items described as included in the booking.
How it works
Touts at Sharm El Sheikh Airport arrivals and near hotels sell overpriced excursion packages claiming official affiliations with the resort. The same trips are available through your hotel rep or a reputable agency at half the price.
How it works
Quad bike rental operators in the desert tour areas take a deposit or credit card imprint before rental. Upon return, they claim pre-existing scratches or mechanical faults are damage caused by the renter and refuse to return the deposit, or charge significant repair fees.
See all scams in Sharm El Sheikh
10 total warnings across all categories