Discover the rare Saimaa ringed seal on a peaceful 3-hour wildlife cruise in Puumala, Finland!
May and early June offer some of the best opportunities to spot Saimaa ringed seals in the wild. During their annual moulting season, these endangered freshwater seals often rest on shoreline rocks, making them easier to observe.
Join local guide Arto aboard our quiet, solar-assisted electric Ecoboat. Explore the beautiful Lake Saimaa archipelago, learn about Finnish wildlife and enjoy a relaxing coffee break with homemade Finnish sweet buns.
Travelling alone? You're welcome aboard! Our scheduled shared tours are guaranteed to depart even with just one paying guest, provided weather and safety conditions allow.
CHECK AVAILABILITY & BOOK YOUR SEAT see booking calendar
Your Seal Watching Tour at a Glance
Duration: 3 hours
Price: 76€/person. Children 1-11 years old 61€
Season: from May 1 to June 6 2027. Weekly open departures Tue-Thu at 19:00, Fri at 09:00 and 19:00, Sat-Sun at 09:00, 14:00 and 19:00
Departure point: Okkola Holiday Cottages jetty, Niinisaari Island, Puumala
Address: Ylössaarentie 35, 52200 Puumala, Finland
Group size: 1–10 guests
Boat: Quiet electric Ecoboat with a sheltered cabin
Guide: Local nature guide and captain Arto
Guiding language: Finnish and English; guide also speaks some French and German
Included: Guided cruise, coffee or tea, homemade Finnish sweet bun, binoculars and warm blankets
Price and availability: See the booking calendar
What Our Guests Say
Our guests especially appreciate the peaceful electric boat, Arto's knowledgeable guiding and the opportunity to experience Lake Saimaa's wildlife.
Many visitors tell us that the cruise is memorable not only because of the seals, but also because of the beautiful scenery and fascinating stories.
Beatiful summer morning Arto’s tour on a quiet ecoboat is a must thing to do when in Lake Saimaa. We spotted a Saimaa seal and learned a lot about nature and animals in Saimaa region. It was a beatiful morning and will be remembered for a long time.
Saimaan norppa cruise plus more nature The tour was amazing. It was a sunny, not windy, day. We saw 4 of the most endangered animals lying on stones. This is really unusual. The boat is really good since it is ecological and does not make noise. Arto can explain plenty of things also in German and English.
Top notch nature experience A great trip with a super knowledgeable guide! We saw three Saimaa seals, enjoyed the serene ride on the electric boat and Arto’s expert stories and Saimaa seal wisdom. Highly recommend!
Click to read more reviews in Tripadvisor
Why Choose This Saimaa Seal Watching Tour?
Excellent Opportunities to Spot Seals in May
The Saimaa ringed seal is one of the world's rarest seals and lives only in Lake Saimaa.
In May, seals moult their fur and often spend long periods resting on rocks. This makes spring the best times of year to observe them.
Guide Arto knows the local waters and will take you through areas where seals are often found. You'll learn about their behaviour, their natural habitat and the conservation work helping to protect them.
Seal sightings are never guaranteed, as these are wild animals. We always observe them respectfully from a distance without disturbing their natural behaviour.
A Quiet, Comfortable Electric Ecoboat
Enjoy the tranquillity of Lake Saimaa without the noise of a conventional combustion engine.
Our solar-assisted electric Ecoboat offers comfortable leather seating, a sheltered cabin and large windows that can be opened for photography and fresh air.
Even on cooler spring days, you can relax and enjoy the lake scenery in comfort.
Explore Lake Saimaa with Local Guide Arto
Captain Arto has over 19 years of experience guiding visitors in the Lake Saimaa region.
His friendly manner, local knowledge and entertaining stories make the tour much more than a search for seals.
You'll discover fascinating facts about the wildlife, islands, local traditions and everyday life in the Finnish Lakeland.
Finnish Coffee and Homemade Sweet Buns
During the cruise, enjoy coffee or tea served with a homemade Finnish sweet bun while surrounded by beautiful lake scenery.
It's a lovely moment to relax, admire the islands and experience a little Finnish hospitality.
Departure Times and Meeting Point
Our early summer seal watching tours operate on selected days in May and early June.
Meeting point: Okkola Holiday Cottages jetty, Niinisaari Island, Puumala.
Address: Ylössaarentie 35, 52200 Puumala, Finland.
Please park at the Okkola Holiday Cottages parking area and follow the signs approximately 250 metres to the jetty.
Arrive at the boat at least five minutes before departure, allowing extra time for parking and walking to the shore.
Check the booking calendar for current departure dates, times, prices and available seats.
SEE BOOKING CALENDAR FOR TIMES & BOOK NOW
What's Included?
Your tour includes:
Three-hour guided wildlife cruise aboard the electric Ecoboat
Friendly, experienced local guide
Coffee or tea and a homemade Finnish sweet bun
Juice for children
Use of binoculars
Warm blankets when needed
Comfortable seating in a sheltered cabin
Not included: Transport to and from the departure point.
What Should You Bring?
Please wear warm, weather-appropriate clothing. Lake Saimaa can feel cool in spring, even on sunny days.
Bring a camera or phone for photography and any personal items you may need.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to see Saimaa ringed seals?
May and early June offer excellent opportunities. During the moulting season, seals often rest on shoreline rocks, where they are easier to observe.
Will the tour depart if I'm the only guest?
Yes. Our scheduled shared tours are guaranteed to operate with just one paying guest, subject to safe weather and operating conditions.
Are seal sightings guaranteed?
No. Saimaa ringed seals are wild animals, and sightings depend on their natural behaviour. However, spring is one of the best times to look for them.
Is the tour suitable for children and older visitors?
Yes. Our sheltered electric Ecoboat has comfortable seating and is suitable for guests of different ages. Please let us know in advance if you're travelling with small children so we can prepare suitable life jackets.
What happens if it rains?
Our Ecoboat has a sheltered cabin that protects guests from rain and wind. Tours operate in most weather conditions, provided it is safe to do so. In the event of a thunderstorm, departure may be delayed until conditions are safe.
Can I bring my dog?
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed aboard the Ecoboat because of possible allergies among other guests.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes. Please book online to secure your seat. Available departures and prices are shown in the booking calendar.
Where is Puumala?
Puumala is located in Finland's beautiful Lake Saimaa region, surrounded by islands, forests and freshwater scenery.
When is my booking confirmed?
Immediately after payment you will receive confirmation email with instructions about the tour. If you think you have made the booking but have not received the confirmation email, then please contact us by email to sales@lakelandgte.fi and we will figure that out together
How do I pay for the tour?
You can book in our online store and pay by Credit card and via European SEPA bank payment. We require payment at time of the booking
Do I need cash to buy some souvenirs in Ecoboat?
You can pay also by Credit card.
Can I find more information about the Ecoboat?
Yes, have a look at our Ecoboat web-page for more info
I try to book but it does not work, what should I do?
First make sure that you have checked the “accept conditions” box. If it still does not work, please contact us by email to sales@lakelandgte.fi and we will figure that out together
Can I buy a ticket as a Gift?
Yes, you may. For this purpose we recommend buying a Gift Card for seal safari.
Other Questions?
Please email to sales@lakelandgte.fi and we will answer as soon as possible
Booking and Cancellation
Your booking is confirmed after payment, and you will receive a confirmation email with departure instructions.
Cancellation Policy
Full refund if cancelled not later than 7 days before departure.
75% refund if cancelled not later than 48 hours before departure
50% refund if cancelled not later than 24 hours before departure.
No refund if cancelled less than 24 hours before departure or no show
Change of day is possible when made latest 18h00 local time the day before departure. All changes cost 10€ per person and are subject to availability
Book Your Saimaa Seal Watching Experience
Experience the peaceful beauty of Lake Saimaa and discover the fascinating world of the Saimaa ringed seal with a local guide.
Whether you're travelling alone, as a couple or with friends, you're warmly welcome aboard.
SEE BOOKING CALENDAR FOR TIMES , PRICES & BOOK YOUR SEAT
See you on Lake Saimaa!
Guide Arto – LakelandGTE
Stay overnight in Puumala ! Guide Arto recommends following accommodation
Okkolan lomamökit provides Cottage accommodation in Puumala. Read more on Okkola website
Sahanlahti Resort provides cosy accommodation in Puumala. Read more on Sahanlahti website
Nestorinranta holiday cottages. Read more on Nestorinranta website
more options at visitpuumala.fi/en/sleep-tight/
