Your own boat, your private guide and the beauty of Lake Saimaa, just for you!
Discover the stunning Lake Saimaa archipelago on a private 3-hour cruise aboard our quiet electric Ecoboat.
Join your local captain and guide Arto for a relaxing journey through the islands of Puumala, Finland. Enjoy beautiful lake scenery, fascinating stories about Finnish nature and the chance to spot 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'll enjoy a peaceful experience without other passengers.
Your tour also includes a traditional Finnish coffee break with freshly baked sweet buns.
In summer, Saimaa ringed seals spend much of their time in the water. Sightings are possible but never guaranteed. The peaceful scenery, comfortable boat and warm Finnish hospitality make this a memorable experience even when the seals remain hidden.
Book your private Lake Saimaa adventure!
Essential Tour Information
Duration: 3 hours
Season: From June 7 to July 28, according to the booking calendar
Departure: Puumala Harbour
Address: Satamatie 6, 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; other languages by prior arrangement
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 also enjoy a private tour, subject to the minimum booking charge.
What Our Guests Say
Our visitors especially appreciate the peaceful electric boat, Captain Arto's stories, 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 ??
Charming evening on Lake Saimaa The tour was excellent and very informative. We did not actually spot Saimaa seals, but no worries. Arto's stories, videos and entertainment guaranteed an enjoyable and interesting experience. We saw an osprey, wonderful islands and skerries. To add icing on the cake, tug boats with a long timber raft struggled through the Puumalansalmi Strait when we headed to the harbour. We can warmly recommend Arto's excursion to people who appreciate Lake Saimaa, its nature and heritage, and want to learn more about it.
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 the Rare Saimaa Ringed Seal
The Saimaa ringed seal (Pusa saimensis) is one of the world's rarest seals. It lives only in the Lake Saimaa region of Finland.
During summer, seals spend much of their time swimming and may occasionally be spotted when they surface to breathe.
Your guide knows the local waters and will share fascinating facts about these remarkable animals and their protected habitat.
As with all wildlife experiences, seal sightings cannot be guaranteed.
A Quiet and Comfortable Electric Boat
Our Ecoboat is powered by electricity and also uses solar energy.
Its quiet motor lets you enjoy the sounds of nature and the peaceful atmosphere of the Finnish Lakeland.
The boat features comfortable seating, a covered cabin, large windows and warm blankets for cooler days.
Even if the weather is chilly or rainy, you can enjoy the 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 learn about the rare Saimaa ringed seal, local wildlife, Finnish culture and life in the beautiful Lakeland region.
Arto may even share a few secrets of Finnish happiness!
Your tour is guided in English. Arto also speaks Finnish and some French and German
Enjoy a Traditional Finnish Coffee Break
Relax with a cup of coffee or tea and a freshly 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 is a wonderful way to experience the natural beauty of Lake Saimaa.
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 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?
Puumala Harbour
Satamatie 6, 52200 Puumala, Finland
Your private seal watching tour departs from the pier next to the boat launch in Puumala Harbour.
Parking and public toilets are available nearby.
Please arrive at the boat at least 5 minutes before departure and allow enough time to park your car.
You'll receive practical arrival information with your booking confirmation.
What Should You Bring?
Comfortable outdoor clothing suitable for the weather
A camera or smartphone
Personal essentials
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, a private tour is 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 July?
Yes, it's possible. During summer, the 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 June and July, sightings are still 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 Puumala Harbour, Satamatie 6, 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. Private tours can normally be booked up to 24 hours before departure, subject to availability.
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?
Captain Arto recommends discovering the welcoming accommodation options in and around Puumala, including Sahanlahti Resort.
Sahanlahti Resort provides cosy accommodation in Puumala. Read more on Sahanlahti website
more options at visitpuumala.fi/en/sleep-tight/
Make the most of your visit and 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 summer experience in Finland!
Enjoy the beautiful Puumala archipelago with your partner, family or friends, and discover 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
