Tour & Activity Scams in Tenerife, Spain
Unlicensed guides, fake tickets, bait-and-switch excursions, and ticket scalping. Below are the tour & activities scams reported in Tenerife — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Mykonos, Barcelona, and Krakow.
Last updated: April 2, 2026
2
Tour & Activities Scams
11
Total in Tenerife
How it works
Operators renting parasailing equipment, jet skis, and inflatable rides on the beaches around Playa de las Américas and Costa Adeje frequently invent or exaggerate pre-existing damage to equipment after the rental ends, then demand large cash payments to cover supposed repairs. The damage is presented as having occurred during the tourist's session, and the operator may become aggressive or block the visitor from leaving until payment is made. No written rental agreement or documented pre-rental inspection is provided.
How it works
Unofficial guides solicit tourists at Masca village entrance, promising "the real hidden trails." Once committed, groups are led on extended routes with minimal infrastructure, then charged inflated prices (€80-120 per person) for a 2-hour hike. Some guides demand tips at the end or claim "group insurance fees."
See all scams in Tenerife
11 total warnings across all categories