Your own boat, your private guide and the best season to spot the rare Saimaa ringed seal!
Discover the beautiful Lake Saimaa archipelago on a private 3-hour seal watching tour aboard our silent electric Ecoboat.
May is the best time to see the rare Saimaa ringed seal. During their annual moult, seals often rest on lakeside rocks, giving us a wonderful opportunity to observe them in their natural habitat.
Join your local captain and guide Arto for a peaceful journey through the islands near Puumala, Finland.
The entire boat is reserved just for you and your group. Whether you are a couple, a family or a group of friends, you can enjoy the beauty of Lake Saimaa without other passengers.
Your tour includes fascinating local stories, comfortable cruising and a relaxing coffee break with traditional Finnish pastries.
Seal sightings are never guaranteed, as these are wild animals. However, the beautiful scenery, peaceful atmosphere and warm Finnish hospitality make every trip special.
Book your private Saimaa seal watching experience today!
Essential Tour Information
Duration: 3 hours
Season: From May 1 till June 6
Departure: Okkola Holiday Cottages, Niinisaari Island, Puumala
Address: Ylössaarentie 35, 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: Silent, covered electric Ecoboat with solar power
Guide: Local captain Arto
Included: Guided tour, coffee or tea, Finnish sweet bun and binoculars
Languages: English. Arto speaks also Finnish and some French and German
What Our Guests Say
Our guests especially appreciate the quiet electric boat, Captain Arto's local knowledge, the beautiful Lake Saimaa scenery and the friendly atmosphere.
Read our genuine guest reviews on Tripadvisor and Google to discover what makes a LakelandGTE seal safari special.
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
Click here to read reviews in Google
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Book Your Private Seal Safari
Choose your preferred date, select the number of guests and reserve your private boat.
Just the two of you? You're welcome aboard! A private tour can also be booked for two people, subject to the minimum booking charge.
Why Choose This Private Seal Watching Tour?
Your Own Boat and Private Guide
Enjoy Lake Saimaa at your own pace with the people who matter most.
The boat is reserved exclusively for your group, with a maximum of 10 guests.
Take photographs, ask questions and enjoy the peaceful scenery without sharing your experience with other passengers.
The Best Season for Saimaa Seal Watching
The Saimaa ringed seal (Pusa saimensis) is one of the world's rarest seals and lives only in Finland's Lake Saimaa.
May and early June are generally the most favourable months for spotting these remarkable animals.
During their spring moult, seals often spend time resting on rocks around the islands.
We carefully search for seals while respecting their natural behaviour and keeping a safe distance.
As with any wildlife experience, sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Silent and Comfortable Electric Ecoboat
Our Ecoboat is powered by electricity and also uses solar energy.
Its quiet motor allows you to enjoy the sounds of nature and the peaceful atmosphere of Lake Saimaa.
The boat features:
A covered cabin for protection from wind and rain
Comfortable seats
Large windows for excellent views
Warm blankets on cooler days
Binoculars for wildlife watching
You can enjoy the beautiful Finnish spring scenery even when the weather is chilly.
Meet Your Private Guide, Captain Arto
Captain Arto is a friendly and experienced local guide who loves sharing the beauty and stories of Lake Saimaa.
During your tour, you'll learn about the rare Saimaa ringed seal, local wildlife, Finnish traditions and life in the Lakeland region.
Arto will also share a few secrets of Finnish happiness!
The tour is guided in English. Other languages may be available by prior arrangement.
Traditional Finnish Coffee Break
Relax with a cup of coffee or tea and a locally made Finnish sweet bun during your cruise.
It's a lovely opportunity to enjoy the scenery and experience a little Finnish hospitality.
Responsible Wildlife Watching
The Saimaa ringed seal is a rare and protected animal.
We observe wildlife respectfully, keeping our distance and avoiding disturbance.
Our quiet electric boat helps us explore this beautiful lake in a peaceful way.
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: Transport to the departure point and personal purchases.
Where Does the Tour Start?
Okkola Holiday Cottages – Niinisaari Island
Ylössaarentie 35, 52200 Puumala, Finland
Our early summer private seal safaris depart from the Okkola Holiday Cottages jetty on Niinisaari Island, near Puumala.
Please leave your car in the Okkola parking area and follow the signs towards the shore. The jetty is approximately 250 metres from the parking area.
Please arrive at the boat at least 5 minutes before departure and allow enough time for parking and walking to the jetty.
You will receive practical arrival instructions in your booking confirmation.
What Should You Bring?
Warm outdoor clothing suitable for the weather
A camera or smartphone
Personal essentials
Spring weather in Finland can be cool, especially on the lake.
Our covered Ecoboat protects you from wind and rain, and warm blankets are available on board.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we book a private seal safari for just two people?
Yes! Couples are very welcome. The entire boat is reserved exclusively for you, even if there are only two guests. A minimum booking charge applies.
How many people can join a private tour?
Our Ecoboat can accommodate up to 10 guests. Only your group will be on board.
When is the best time to see Saimaa ringed seals?
May and early June are generally the best months. During their annual moult, seals often rest on rocks, making them easier to spot.
Are seal sightings guaranteed?
No. Saimaa ringed seals are wild animals, so sightings are never guaranteed. Your guide will nevertheless make the journey enjoyable with beautiful scenery, wildlife knowledge and local stories.
Can the tour be guided in French or German?
English is available. Please contact us before booking to confirm whether guidance in French or German can be arranged.
Where does the tour depart from?
The tour starts at the Okkola Holiday Cottages jetty on Niinisaari Island, at Ylössaarentie 35, 52200 Puumala, Finland.
What happens if it rains?
Our Ecoboat has a covered cabin, so light rain is usually not a problem. Tours operate when weather and navigation conditions are safe.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes! Families with children are welcome. Children's life jackets are available. Please let us know in advance if you are travelling with several young children.
Can we bring our dog?
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed aboard the Ecoboat because of possible allergies among passengers.
When will our booking be confirmed?
After completing your booking and payment, you will receive a confirmation email with the practical details of your tour.
Cancellation and Booking Conditions
Please review the full cancellation and booking conditions before confirming your reservation.
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€ extra and are subject to availability
Where to Stay Near Puumala
Planning to spend more time in the beautiful Lake Saimaa region?
Captain Arto recommends exploring local accommodation options, including Okkola Holiday Cottages and Nestorinranta on Niinisaari Island.
Okkolan lomamökit provides Cottage accommodation in Puumala. Read more on Okkola website
Nestorinranta holiday cottages. Read more on Nestorinranta website
more options at visitpuumala.fi/en/sleep-tight/
Staying nearby gives you more time to enjoy the peaceful countryside, beautiful lake scenery and local Finnish hospitality.
Book Your Private Saimaa Seal Watching Tour!
Your own electric boat, your private local guide and a wonderful spring adventure on Lake Saimaa!
Whether you're travelling as a couple, with family or with friends, enjoy a memorable journey through the beautiful Puumala archipelago.
Choose your preferred date and book your private seal watching tour.
View all Seal Watching Tours →
We look forward to welcoming you aboard!
Captain Arto – Your local guide at LakelandGTE
