Cheap 'guides' scam tourists in Murmansk northern lights hunts
The aurora borealis draws tourists to Murmansk, where some are exploited by cheap, unqualified guides.
Chasing the northern lights is a popular tourist activity. Many travel north specifically to see and photograph the aurora borealis. High demand has led to a surge in offerings, including from those providing low-quality services.
Professional aurora hunter Tikhon Nikolayev reported that many taxi drivers have «retrained» as guides. They specifically target people near the airport, offering services like whale-watching trips to Teriberka or northern lights hunts.
We consider them scammers who deceive people because they don«t check schedules; they don»t know when or where to go. Sometimes, they simply follow professional aurora hunters. They drive irresponsibly and ignore safety rules,Tikhon said.
These «guides» pose significant competition to professionals due to their lower prices:
Northern lights hunting cannot be cheap with a professional because he uses his knowledge, transportation, time, and provides a service that determines the price. On average, it costs from 3,500 to 5,000 rubles (approximately $35 to $50 at current rates).
We previously covered when and where to find the aurora, how much tours cost, and what to expect.
