13 Popular Adventure Tours That Are Nothing But Scams

Thrill seekers from all corners of the globe are wanting to experience adventure tourism. There is no shortage of tours promising epic adventures climbing difficult peaks or discovering forested pathways. Sometimes, though, that ‘adventure of a lifetime’ is a rip off. Adventure tours are not all they are cracked up to be and some are little more than a shadow of what they advertise. In fact, some tours seem to exist only to draw in tourists, but the only thing they really offer are heavy price tags and broken promises.

Here’s a rundown of some of the most overrated adventure tours out there to help you dodge disappointment and hold onto both your sense of wonder and your wallet. Don’t become another victim on the ever growing list of travelers who were left underwhelmed, overcharged, or both, keep these on your radar.

Go Swim With the Pigs in the Bahamas

The swimming pigs of Exuma in Bahamas are famous and have become Instagram icons, and tour operators are cashing in on their cuteness. Unfortunately, many visitors discover that these excursions involve overcrowded boats, pigs that don’t want to swim, and in some cases, ‘tourist trained’ pigs treated more as props than animals. Plus, it can all be over in minutes. A short photo op that comes at a pricey ticket? The Bahamas have better sights to enjoy.

Pyramids in Egypt: Camel Rides

Riding a camel by the pyramids might sound like an ancient dream come to life, but in reality it’s usually a very different experience. According to a lot of tourists, guides hike up prices mid ride or demand extra tips to ‘safely return’ guests to where they began. More infamous for its scams than its historical beauty, it’s an experience that leaves many visitors frustrated, instead of fulfilled.

China Great Wall Helicopter Tours

It’s thrilling to see the Great Wall from above, but many helicopter tours don’t live up to the hype. Then there are those that give you just enough time to snap a decent photo before you’re rushed along to the next stop. The worst part is that most travelers are hurried off the helicopter for the next group. Exploring the Wall on foot is the only way to get a truly awe inspiring view.

Elephant Rides in Thailand

Thailand elephant rides have long been advertised as a must do but this is one adventure you should definitely skip. While branded as “ethical”, many companies still treat the elephants poorly. Too often visitors learn too late that the experience is harmful to these magnificent creatures, some of which endure cruel training methods. If you are an animal lover, there are so many better ways to interact with these gentle giants at sanctuaries that focus on ethical treatment.

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Record Time

For many, climbing Kilimanjaro is a bucket list adventure, but some tour operators are selling ‘quick’ summit packages, encouraging climbers to summit the mountain in a dangerously short period. Many climbers find themselves sick or even evacuated without time to adjust to the altitude. It’s not only disappointing, it’s risky to rush a climb like this. Look for guides who base their timeframes and routes on safety first and believe that empty promises about fancy routes are a waste of the travelers’ time.

Haunted Tours in Edinburgh

Edinburgh ghost stories tend to be a draw for lovers of the paranormal but most of its ‘haunted’ tours are more gimmicky than spine tingling. Stories are often exaggerated and cheap scare tactics are used and some tourists come away feeling like they signed up for a theme park attraction rather than a chilling historical experience. If you’re really into history and folklore, self guided exploration may be a more authentic (and spooky) adventure.

Ziplining in the Rainforest

Ziplining sounds like a great way to experience the rainforest, but many tours have some pretty disappointing caveats. Not all ziplines are long, don’t actually go through rainforest scenery, or end up at a crowded gift shop. Often, those seeking a true rainforest experience wish they’d opted for a hiking tour, instead. And many of these ziplines are incredibly expensive, making the experience feel like it’s not worth it.

South Africa Shark Cage Diving

Diving with sharks sounds like an adrenaline pumping experience, but some operators don’t get it right. There are too many cages, the water is murky, and the sharks are bated with fish to stay around for tourists. And this baiting practice is controversial and, in some cases, even harmful to local ecosystems. Most divers leave disappointed by a sub par experience or uneasy about the ethics.

Northern Lights Tours

Northern Lights tours promise to show you the aurora borealis, but nobody can control the weather, or promise to see the northern lights. This is something that some operators take advantage of by offering ‘viewing’ tours, knowing the lights might not even appear. Sadly many travelers find themselves staring at cloudy skies and realize they could have done the same thing for free without booking an expensive tour.

Gondola Rides in Venice

Venice is iconic for a gondola ride, but it’s also one of the priciest, shortest “adventures” out there. Gondola rides are often crowded and the canals they ply through are often less scenic than the ones you see in movies. If you want a better experience, consider walking around Venice’s quieter corners, or taking a regular water taxi for a fraction of the price.

Desert Safari Tours in Dubai

4×4 dune bashing, camel rides and dinner under the stars are all part of Dubai’s desert safaris. But far too many declare these tours rushed and commercialized. The dunes zip past so quickly that it feels like a bumpy race, rather than an adventure. The ‘authentic’ camp dinners can be hurried affairs with average food and visitors wondering if they got their money’s worth.

Paragliding Over Pokhara in Nepal

Stunning mountain views in Pokhara make it one of the world’s top paragliding spots. Some tourists say they are shuffled onto packed schedules with no time to appreciate the views. It can be hit or miss on safety standards with the operators and it can leave you more uneasy than exhilarated. If you want to paraglide here, do your research on reputable operators.

Maldives Underwater Walks

Maldives underwater walks are marketed as a magical experience, but they’re rarely that. Many tourists with clunky helmets and strict rules find the underwater views less impressive. Unfortunately, some operators rush the experience while visitors have barely enough time to drink it all in. Instead, a simple snorkeling trip often produces a more memorable (and natural) experience with the ocean’s wonders.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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