Unique Tours: Discover the untouched beauty of Disko Bay

Nestled on the west coast of Greenland, Disko Bay is a pristine wonder of Arctic beauty. Among other things, the region is known for Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unique Tours offers travellers an authentic Greenlandic experience through boat tours, snowmobile adventures, and dog sledding. Rooted in the community, this family business not only showcases Disko Bay’s beauty but also contributes to local livelihoods.

Disko Bay in Greenland is a place of immense beauty. Here you can see icebergs floating peacefully, fjords stretching endlessly, and surrounding mountains. The landscape is almost something out of a fairytale and a little bit surreal. With Unique Tours, you can explore this spectacular corner of the earth yourself. Whether through summer boat tours or winter snowmobile rides, each tour will give you an opportunity to get a flavour of this extraordinary region.

“Nature is not just a backdrop; it’s part of our way of life. We take our guests where they can feel that connection to nature,” says Lars Erik Gabrielsen, founder and owner. Unique Tours is a family business, and it is about more than tourism – it is a chance to share an understanding of the land. If marvelling at Ilulissat Icefjord, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is on your bucket list, an adventure with Unique Tours is just up your alley.

From dog sledding to whale watching

Gabrielsen had the idea for Unique Tours about ten years ago, and in 2020 offered the first tour. Since then, the family-run business has grown to three boats and tours year-round. “We have a much bigger boat now, which has been a game changer for us. It’s perfect for longer trips as it offers more comfort than the smaller ones. It also allows people to be on deck to take photos,” smiles Gabrielsen. For Unique Tours, one of the most important values is to keep its promises to travellers, which is reflected in the exceptional tours with rarely any cancellations.

Unique Tours also collaborates with locals who operate dog sleds, for additional opportunities in winter – and if lucky, you might even see the Northern Lights on a tour. Dog sledding in Greenland holds a deep cultural significance, tracing back over 4,000 years, and has been essential for hunting and transportation in harsh Arctic conditions. “We love giving guests a taste of the real Greenland. When dog sledding, you are in the wild. There is no one to disturb or distract you. There is no noise. It’s just you and nature,” says Gabrielsen.

During the summer months, you can also experience migrating whales, including humpback, fin and minke whales. These giants are truly majestic creatures and a must-see if you visit Greenland in summer.

Stories from Greenland

Unique Tours is committed to involving the local community and creating sustainable employment opportunities. The team collaborates with locals to offer dog sledding tours and has invested in training young adults as licensed tour operators. “We want to make sure that there is work year-round for our people,” says Gabrielsen. “In winter, we carry out various construction and building projects, so we don’t have to let people go. And we also offer snowmobile tours during the winter season.”

Storytelling is a central part of the experience with Unique Tours. Gabrielsen explains; “For us, this isn’t only about showing nature, it’s about telling stories about Greenlandic traditions and our way of life here. Guests can hear first-hand about the history of the area, taste local food, and experience a deeper connection with our land.”

Unique Tours also has ambitious plans for the future, aiming to build cottages in Ilulissat by 2026. These cottages will offer year-round accommodation. “Our hope is that these cottages will create a home base for travellers who want to see Greenland in all seasons,” adds the owner.

Through its tours, and future accommodations, Gabrielsen and his family provide a unique experience of Disko Bay. “There is no place quite like Disko Bay, and we just want to share it with others the way we know it,” he adds. With untouched landscapes and rich history and culture, Unique Tours invites visitors to experience a Greenland that only a few get the chance to see.

Web: www.uniquetours.gl
Facebook: Unique Tours