Tour & Activity Scams in St. John's, Antigua
Unlicensed guides, fake tickets, bait-and-switch excursions, and ticket scalping. Below are the tour & activities scams reported in St. John's — 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
3
Tour & Activities Scams
10
Total in St. John's
How it works
Antigua is a major sailing hub (home of Antigua Sailing Week), and this reputation is exploited by fraudulent charter listings. Scammers post attractive bareboat or crewed charter offers online, collect deposits of $500–$2,000 via bank transfer, and then become uncontactable before the charter date.
How it works
Nelson's Dockyard in English Harbour is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with official interpretive guides. Unofficial guides linger near the main entrance gate offering personalized tours at low prices, only to demand much higher fees at the end or to steer tourists into a rum bar where they earn commissions.
How it works
Antigua has its own Stingray City attraction near Seatons village, and unlicensed boat operators offer rides to the stingray sandbar at below-market prices. These boats may be overcrowded, lack life jackets, and the "guides" may mishandle the rays, leading to stings. Some collect payment and fail to show.
See all scams in St. John's
10 total warnings across all categories