How to Avoid Scams When Booking a Kite Safari
I’ve been organizing kite safaris for 10 years, and I’ve spoken with thousands of kiters who wanted to join my trips. Some of them had bad experiences in the past with other kite safaris, and I started wondering if I could do something to help people who want to book a kite safari but aren’t sure what potential problems to watch out for. The goal is to avoid scams or, more generally, an unpleasant experience. After all, if it seems too good to be true, sometimes it really is!
WHAT IS THE RIGHT PRICE FOR A KITE SAFARI?
Kiters are often confused – kite safari prices can range from €1000 to €2000/€3000, it does seem weird. If it’s too cheap, it’s a scam? Here, I’ll clarify what’s realistic.
A kite safari can (and should) range from €1000 to €1500 per person. More expensive than that is a bit excessive, and you’re overpaying. Period. Cheaper than €1000 is possible, but you should be cautious. Let’s look at some examples.
For instance, I run massive last-second discounts on my cruises (which normally cost €1050 per person). I do this because I pay a fixed amount for the yacht (which I own 25%), so the number of kiters on board doesn’t significantly affect my costs. To put it simple, the more kiters I have, the more profit I make. That’s why I offer discounts, and why they are only last-minute, when I realize there are still places available. My goal is to have the yacht fully booked.
You need to be careful if a trip is priced below €1000 and the kite safari is far away. This is a red flag – it may indicate someone is trying to fill a cheap yacht trip. There are two main risks:
- The yacht is of poor quality.
- The trip may not happen because there aren’t enough participants. The organizer is hoping to find enough kiters. If they don’t, the trip could be canceled (usually your deposit is returned, hopefully, but you still have a flight to Hurghada and no yacht organized – not good).
WHICH ARE THE EXTRAS?
Always confirm with the organizer what additional costs you might incur on top of the regular cruise price. In Egypt, you typically pay extras such as:
- Tips for the Egyptian crew on board.
- Marine Park fees
Every yacht and organizer charges different amounts for these two items. I don’t fully understand the logic behind these variations, but that’s the way it is.
For my trips, these are the only extra charges (everything else is included, even kite lessons). If you book with someone else, make sure to check what extras apply. I’ve heard organizer charging for storing your kites on board (absurd) or for wakeboard sessions (that are and should be always free of charge). It’s unpleasant to be surprised with additional payments, and it can leave a bad impression.
WHAT ABOUT THE GROUP?
Kitesurfing is important, but so is the group you will go on holiday with. Ideally, a perfect kite safari has a mixed group – different nationalities, ages between 25 and 55 (with some exceptions always welcome), and a common language, usually English. Always ask where the other kiters are from, it does matter for the overall experience.
IF IN DOUBT, TEXT ME
I know pretty much everyone organizing kite safaris in the Red Sea – if you are in doubt, just text me and I will tell you if the operator is trustable or not.
