Join a relaxing 3-hour seal watching cruise through the beautiful Saimaa archipelago! Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of late summer, lovely lake scenery and the changing colours of early autumn aboard our quiet electric Ecoboat. With a little luck, we may even encounter the rare Saimaa ringed seal. Local guide Arto's stories and traditional Finnish coffee and sweet buns are included.
Tour at a Glance
Duration: 3 hours
Departure point: Sahanlahti Resort, Puumala, Finland
Season: Starting July 29 untill September 30, according to the booking calendar
Boat: Quiet electric Ecoboat with a sheltered cabin
Group size: Maximum 10 guests
Included: Guided boat cruise, coffee or tea and Finnish sweet gluten-free bun
Guide: Local guide and captain Arto
Check available departures and book your seat above!
What Our Guests Are Saying
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
What Will You Experience on the Tour?
Our cruise begins at the jetty of Sahanlahti Resort, where we set off to explore the beautiful islands and peaceful waters of Lake Saimaa.
Along the way, you'll discover forested islands, rocky shores and stunning lake scenery. In late summer, Lake Saimaa offers beautiful evening light, while the surrounding forests gradually turn golden as autumn approaches.
We travel through areas where Saimaa ringed seals are known to live, keeping a careful lookout for wildlife.
In late summer and autumn, seals spend much of their time in the water, making sightings less predictable than in spring. With a little luck, we may spot a seal swimming or lifting its head above the surface.
Seal sightings are never guaranteed, as these are wild animals in their natural habitat. We always observe them respectfully from a safe distance.
Even if the seals remain hidden, the cruise offers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of Lake Saimaa.
Enjoy a Comfortable Cruise on Our Quiet Electric Ecoboat
Our electric Ecoboat glides almost silently through the water, allowing you to listen to the sounds of nature without the noise of a conventional combustion engine.
The boat features a sheltered cabin, comfortable leather seats and large windows offering beautiful views of the surrounding scenery.
You'll stay comfortable even when the Finnish autumn weather is cooler or rainy. We recommend dressing warmly and according to the weather.
With a maximum of 10 guests, the atmosphere is relaxed and personal.
Discover Lake Saimaa with Local Guide Arto
Your captain and guide, Arto, knows the Saimaa archipelago and enjoys sharing its stories with visitors from around the world.
During the cruise, you'll learn about the rare Saimaa ringed seal, the nature and history of the region, Finnish traditions and life in the archipelago.
There's plenty of time to ask questions, take photographs and simply enjoy being on the lake.
We'll also stop for a relaxing coffee break, with coffee or tea and a traditional Finnish sweet gluten-free bun served in beautiful lake surroundings.
Who Is This Tour For?
Our shared seal watching tour is perfect for:
Couples and friends
Families and nature lovers
Solo travellers
International visitors exploring Finnish Lakeland
Anyone who enjoys peaceful scenery and wildlife experiences
You can book one or more individual seats without reserving the entire boat.
Departure Point – Sahanlahti Resort, Puumala
Our seal watching tour departs from Sahanlahti Resort in Puumala, Finland.
Sahanlahti is a beautiful lakeside destination where you can combine your boat tour with a meal or a relaxing stay by Lake Saimaa.
Please arrive in good time before departure. You'll receive detailed meeting instructions with your booking confirmation.
Good to Know Before Your Cruise
Dress according to the weather. It can be cooler on the lake than on land.
Bring a camera or smartphone to capture the beautiful scenery and possible wildlife encounters.
Seal sightings cannot be guaranteed.
All cruises are subject to safe weather conditions.
Departure times will be earlier as the days become shorter.
Pets are not allowed aboard the Ecoboat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see Saimaa ringed seals in August or September?
Yes, it is possible. Saimaa ringed seals live in Lake Saimaa throughout the year, although sightings are generally less predictable in late summer and autumn than in May.
How long does the tour last?
The cruise lasts 3 hours, including guided sightseeing, wildlife watching and a coffee break.
Is the boat comfortable in autumn?
Yes. Our Ecoboat has a sheltered cabin, comfortable seating and large windows. We recommend wearing warm, weather-appropriate clothing.
Can I join as a solo traveller?
Yes! You can book a single seat on our shared tour. Check the booking calendar for available departures.
What is included in the tour price?
The price includes a guided 3-hour electric boat cruise, coffee or tea and a traditional Finnish sweet bun.
Where does the tour depart from?
The tour departs from the jetty at Sahanlahti Resort in Puumala, Finland.
Book Your Late Summer Seal Watching Experience!
Discover the peaceful beauty of Lake Saimaa, enjoy its lovely scenery and listen to fascinating stories from your local guide. With a little luck, you might even encounter the rare Saimaa ringed seal.
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€ extra and are subject to availability
Stay overnight in Puumala !
Guide Arto recommends following accommodation
Sahanlahti Resort provides cosy accommodation in Puumala. Read more on Sahanlahti website
more options at visitpuumala.fi/en/sleep-tight/
Choose your preferred departure in the booking calendar and reserve your seat!
See you on Lake Saimaa!
Guide Arto – LakelandGTE
