Your own boat, your private guide and the peaceful beauty of Lake Saimaa!
Discover the stunning Lake Saimaa archipelago on a private 3-hour cruise aboard our quiet electric Ecoboat, departing from Sahanlahti Resort in Puumala from July 29 to the end of Oc.
Join your local captain and guide Arto for a relaxing journey through forested islands, rocky shores and beautiful lake scenery. Along the way, learn about Finnish nature, local traditions and the rare Saimaa ringed seal.
The entire boat is reserved exclusively for your group. Whether you're travelling as a couple, with family or with friends, you can enjoy this special experience without other passengers.
Your tour includes a traditional Finnish coffee break with coffee or tea and a freshly baked sweet bun.
In late summer and autumn, Saimaa ringed seals spend much of their time in the water. You may be lucky enough to spot one surfacing to breathe, although sightings are never guaranteed.
Even when the seals remain hidden, the beautiful scenery, peaceful atmosphere and Captain Arto's stories make this a memorable Lake Saimaa experience.
Book your private Lake Saimaa adventure!
Essential Tour Information
Duration: 3 hours
Season: From July 29 to the end of October, according to the booking calendar
Departure: Sahanlahti Resort, Puumala
Address: Lietvedentie 830, 52200 Puumala, Finland
Price: Private tour from 456€ per group. 76€/person (children 1-11 years old 61€, 0 year old free). Minimum price six adults
Group size: 1–10 guests, exclusively your group
Boat: Quiet, covered electric Ecoboat with solar power
Guide: Captain Arto, experienced local guide
Included: Guided cruise, coffee or tea, Finnish sweet bun and binoculars
Languages: English. Guide Arto also speaks some French and German
Booking: Advance reservation required
Book Your Private Seal Watching Tour
Choose your preferred date, select your group size and reserve your private boat.
Travelling as a couple? You're welcome! Small groups can enjoy a private cruise too, subject to the minimum booking charge.
What Our Guests Say
Our guests especially appreciate the peaceful electric boat, Captain Arto's local knowledge, the beautiful scenery and the friendly atmosphere.
Perfect éco experience Amazing eco boat trip with a multilingual guide, who knows what to see where to see. I would recommand that for families with children or couples. You can go with folded eyes ??
Wonderful seal safari on Lake Saimaa In August 2023 we joined a seal safari by ecoboat. We spent three wonderful hours on Lake Saimaa and felt really close to this piece of paradise. Arto is a very hospitable person (we even had a little coffee/ tea break :). He gave us insight into the life of the Finnish Norppa, the bird species and the region in general. Fortunately, we even spottet a Norppa, some Fisheagles and Swans. We were impressed by Arto‘s knowledge and enjoyed peaceful Lake Saimaa a lot!
Amazing experience Great experience, our guide tell us lots of stories and informations about Finland and finnish nature. I recommand !
The lake is beautiful.
Click to read more reviews in Tripadvisor
Read our genuine guest reviews on Tripadvisor and Google to discover why visitors recommend LakelandGTE's Lake Saimaa experiences.
Why Choose This Private Tour?
Your Own Boat and Personal Guide
Enjoy Lake Saimaa with just your partner, family or friends.
Our Ecoboat is reserved exclusively for your group of up to 10 guests.
Take photographs, ask questions and enjoy the scenery in a relaxed atmosphere, without sharing the boat with other passengers.
Discover Lake Saimaa in Late Summer and Autumn
August brings warm summer light, peaceful islands and beautiful reflections on the lake.
In September and October, the forests gradually turn golden, creating a wonderful backdrop for your private cruise.
The Puumala archipelago is a beautiful place to experience the changing seasons of Finnish Lakeland.
Search for the Rare Saimaa Ringed Seal
The Saimaa ringed seal (Pusa saimensis) is one of the world's rarest seals and lives only in Finland's Lake Saimaa.
In late summer and autumn, seals spend much of their time swimming. With a little luck, you may spot one when it comes to the surface to breathe. Occasionally you might see one after sunset on a rock.
Your guide will share fascinating stories about these remarkable animals and the efforts to protect them.
Seal sightings are never guaranteed, as the animals live freely in their natural habitat.
A Quiet and Comfortable Electric Boat
Our Ecoboat is powered by electricity and also uses solar energy.
Its quiet motor allows you to enjoy the peaceful sounds of nature without the noise of a conventional engine.
The boat features comfortable seating, a covered cabin, large windows and warm blankets for cooler days.
Even on a chilly autumn day, you can enjoy the lake scenery in comfort when navigation conditions are safe.
Meet Your Private Guide, Captain Arto
Captain Arto is a friendly and experienced local guide who loves sharing the nature, stories and traditions of Lake Saimaa.
During your cruise, you'll discover fascinating facts about Saimaa ringed seals, local wildlife, Finnish culture and everyday life in the Lakeland region.
Arto may even share a few secrets of Finnish happiness!
The tour is guided in English. Arto also speaks some French and German.
Enjoy a Traditional Finnish Coffee Break
Relax with a cup of coffee or tea and a locally baked Finnish sweet bun during your cruise.
It's a lovely moment to enjoy the peaceful surroundings and experience warm Finnish hospitality.
Explore Lake Saimaa Responsibly
Our quiet electric boat offers a peaceful way to explore the beautiful Saimaa archipelago.
We respect the protected Saimaa ringed seals, observe wildlife from a safe distance and avoid disturbing the animals.
What's Included?
Private 3-hour guided cruise on Lake Saimaa
Exclusive use of our covered electric Ecoboat
Local captain and guide
Coffee or tea and traditional Finnish sweet bun
Binoculars for wildlife watching
Warm blankets when needed
Safety equipment
Not included: Transfers to the departure point and personal purchases.
Where Does the Tour Start?
Sahanlahti Resort
Lietvedentie 830, 52200 Puumala, Finland
Your private seal watching tour departs from the Sahanlahti Resort boat harbour, near Puumala.
Please allow enough time to park your car and find the departure jetty.
We recommend arriving at the boat at least 5 minutes before departure.
You will receive practical arrival instructions with your booking confirmation.
What Should You Bring?
Warm outdoor clothing suitable for the weather
A camera or smartphone
Personal essentials
Even in August, the weather can feel cool on the lake. In September and October, warm layers are particularly important.
Our Ecoboat has a covered cabin, and warm blankets are available on board.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we book a private seal watching tour for two people?
Yes! Private tours are suitable for couples as well as larger groups, provided the minimum booking charge is met.
The entire boat is reserved exclusively for your group.
How many guests can join a private tour?
Our Ecoboat accommodates up to 10 guests. Only your group will be on board.
Can we see Saimaa ringed seals in September or October?
Yes, it's possible. During late summer and autumn, seals spend much of their time in the water and may occasionally be spotted when they surface to breathe.
However, sightings are never guaranteed.
When is the best time to see Saimaa ringed seals?
May and early June are generally the best months, as seals often rest on rocks during their annual moult.
In late summer and autumn, sightings are possible but less predictable.
Can the tour be guided in French or German?
Yes. Guide Arto speaks some French and German.
Where does the tour depart from?
The tour starts at Sahanlahti Resort, Lietvedentie 830, 52200 Puumala, Finland.
What happens if it rains?
Our Ecoboat has a covered cabin that protects passengers from wind and rain.
Tours can operate in rainy weather when navigation conditions are safe.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes! Families with children are welcome. Children's life jackets are available. Please inform us in advance if you're travelling with several young children.
Can we bring our dog?
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed aboard our Ecoboat because of possible allergies among passengers.
How far in advance should we book?
Advance booking is required. Please check the booking calendar for available dates and the latest booking deadline.
When will our booking be confirmed?
After completing your booking and payment, you'll receive a confirmation email with practical information about your tour.
Cancellation Policy
7 days or more before departure: Full refund
At least 48 hours before departure: 75% refund
At least 24 hours before departure: 50% refund
Less than 24 hours before departure or no-show: No refund
You can request a change of date until 6:00 PM Finnish local time on the day before departure.
Date changes are subject to availability and a €10 change fee.
Please read the full booking and cancellation terms before completing your reservation.
Where to Stay in Puumala
Would you like to spend more time exploring Lake Saimaa?
Sahanlahti Resort offers welcoming accommodation close to your departure point, making it a convenient place to stay before or after your private cruise.
Sahanlahti Resort provides cosy accommodation in Puumala. Read more on Sahanlahti website
more options at visitpuumala.fi/en/sleep-tight/
Enjoy the peaceful lakeside atmosphere, local food and beautiful Finnish nature.
Book Your Private Lake Saimaa Seal Watching Tour!
Your own electric boat, your private local guide and a memorable late-summer or autumn experience in Finland!
Discover the beautiful Puumala archipelago with your partner, family or friends, and learn about the fascinating world of the rare Saimaa ringed seal.
Choose your preferred date and reserve your private cruise.
View all Seal Watching Tours →
We look forward to welcoming you aboard!
Captain Arto – Your local guide at LakelandGTE
