Diskobay Tours is a company built on a deep respect for Greenland’s nature and culture. Now based in Ilulissat, over the years, the company has created a range of experiences that allow tourists to experience Greenland’s unique landscape and cultural history up close.
Diskobay Tours began their journey in Qasigiannguit, offering dogsledding and trophy hunting. Over time, they expanded their activities to include hiking and sailing tours and a spectacular day trip to the ice sheet from Ilimanaq. This development required more space and resources, leading the company to move to Ilulissat. Here, they have established themselves as a major player in tourism and have created a solid foundation in a town with many other skilled tour operators.
The company’s philosophy is based on sustainability and a strong local commitment. At Diskobay Tours, all guides are native or have a strong connection to Greenland. This means that each guide brings their own experiences and stories to the tours, giving guests a personal and authentic experience. In addition to guides, the company employs local fishermen, retirees, and students, creating jobs and strengthening the connection to the local community.
Sled dogs play a central role in Diskobay Tours’ activities. With 59 sled dogs, the company works to preserve the importance of the sled dog in Greenland. Tourists are invited to learn about the dogs’ history and work, both summer and winter. In winter, guests can participate in dog sledding tours, helping prepare the dogs and feed them afterward. In summer, dogs take on another role in communicating their cultural significance, where tourists can get up close and learn about their lives.
The summer season also offers a particularly popular trip to the Ice Sheet. The tour starts in Ilulissat and takes guests to Ilimanaq, where they first travel overland in amphibious vehicles and then sail through the Tasiusaq fjord. At the edge of the glacier, there is a short hike, giving guests a chance to experience the grandeur of the ice up close. The tour is carefully planned to minimize the impact on nature, and Diskobay Tours has invested in vehicles that leave fewer traces in the landscape.
Collaboration with local communities is crucial to the success of Diskobay Tours. In Qasigiannguit, the company works closely with the museum, local citizens, and other stakeholders to ensure that tourism is developed together. In Ilulissat, this approach continues, with the company engaging local fishermen as tour guides and selling local artists’ art and crafts. The aim is to create tourism that attracts visitors and benefits the local communities that are part of the experience.
The past year has seen major changes for Diskobay Tours. The move to Ilulissat has required adaptation, a new focus on the company’s identity, and collaboration with other players in the area. Despite the challenges, Diskobay Tours has established itself well and built on its core values.
In the future, Diskobay Tours wants to strengthen year-round tourism in Greenland. The company looks forward to contributing to the growth of local guides and working closely with colleagues in the tourism industry. The upcoming Tourism Act provides an opportunity to grow and create even better conditions for local players, and Diskobay Tours is ready to seize the opportunities that come with it.
Sustainability will continue to be a cornerstone of Diskobay Tours’ work. The company has chosen to avoid snowmobiles and instead stick to sled dogs, which are gentler on nature and an important part of Greenland’s cultural heritage.
If you’re planning to visit Greenland, Diskobay Tours recommends that you start by contacting a local travel agent. Greenland offers many different experiences, but Ilulissat is a great place to start, whether you’re visiting in summer or winter.