A Local Voice Guiding Expedition Cruises in East Greenland

Local Guide Brings East Greenland to Life for Expedition Cruise Guests

When an expedition cruise ship glides between towering icebergs outside Tasiilaq, Jaakusaaq Sørensen often finds himself pointing toward the dramatic mountains along the coast. For him, guiding visitors through East Greenland is more than a job – it is an opportunity to share the place he calls home.

Originally from Tasiilaq, Jaakusaaq has spent the past three years working as a local guide on expedition cruise ships in both East and West Greenland. Since 2022, he has introduced international guests to Greenland’s landscapes, culture, and everyday life, from Zodiac cruises among icebergs to guided hikes in the mountains around Tasiilaq and Ittoqqortoormiit.

His journey began through a partnership between the tourism department of Kommuneqarfik Sermersooq and the expedition cruise company Ponant. The initiative aimed to bring local knowledge onboard and strengthen the experience for visiting guests.

Jaakusaaq Sørensen

“I was originally only supposed to join three voyages to Tasiilaq,” Jaakusaaq explains. “But the captain and my colleagues liked my work, so my contract was extended. That’s how it all started.”

On board, he plays several roles: cultural storyteller, nature guide, and polar bear guard. Jaakusaaq speaks Danish, English, East Greenlandic and West Greenlandic, and has even learned some French to communicate with the many French-speaking guests travelling with Ponant.

“My work is a mix of storytelling and safety,” he says. “Sometimes I guide guests in the mountains and talk about the landscape, wildlife, and local history. Other times, I’m standing watch as a polar bear guard.”

Many guests are curious about everyday life in Greenland, and their questions often open the door to conversations about culture and language.

“Some visitors still ask whether we live in ‘ice houses’,” he says with a smile. “Then I explain that illu means ‘house’ in Greenlandic, and that ‘igloo’ is actually a misunderstanding that became popular abroad. It usually leads to a deeper appreciation of our culture.”

For communities in East Greenland, having a local guide on board can also build trust. When expedition ships arrive in places like Ittoqqortoormiit, Jaakusaaq’s presence reassures local hunters and residents that someone with local knowledge is part of the expedition team.

“Some hunters have told me they feel more comfortable knowing I’m there,” he says. “They know I understand the area and the rules.”

Today, Jaakusaaq lives in Stockholm, where he studies biology at university – a path inspired by a Swedish researcher he met during one of his voyages. Even so, he hopes to return to guiding during the summer months.

“It’s the perfect student job,” he says. “I get to share my country with visitors while helping make sure it is understood and respected.”

Visit East Greenland
info@eastgreenland.com