May Is the Best Time to See Saimaa Ringed Seals in the Wild!
Discover the rare Saimaa ringed seal on a peaceful electric boat tour in Lake Saimaa, Finland.
May and early June are among the best times of the year to see Saimaa ringed seals in their natural habitat. During their annual moulting season, the seals spend long periods resting on shoreline rocks, making them easier to spot.
Join local guide and captain Arto for a three-hour wildlife cruise through the beautiful archipelago of Puumala. Travel comfortably aboard our quiet electric Ecoboat, enjoy fascinating stories about Finnish nature and relax with coffee and traditional Finnish pastries.
Our early summer tours depart from Niinisaari, Puumala, at the Okkola Holiday Cottages jetty starting May 1
Travelling alone? You're welcome aboard! Our scheduled shared tours operate even with just one paying guest.
Explore Shared Seal Watching Tours and Book Your Seat →
Why Is May the Best Time to Spot Saimaa Ringed Seals?
The Saimaa ringed seal is one of the world's rarest seals and lives only in Lake Saimaa, Finland.
During spring, these endangered freshwater seals moult their fur and spend more time resting on rocks along the shoreline. This makes May and early June particularly good months for seal watching.
Captain Arto knows the local waters and the areas where seals are often found. Along the way, you'll learn about their behaviour, life cycle and the efforts to protect this unique species.
We always observe wildlife from a respectful distance without disturbing the animals.
Although spring offers excellent opportunities to spot seals, sightings can never be guaranteed. These are wild animals living freely in their natural environment.
Shared Seal Watching Tours – Guaranteed Departures in Early Summer
You don't need to book a whole boat to experience Lake Saimaa's wildlife.
Our scheduled shared seal watching tours are ideal for solo travellers, couples, families and friends. Simply choose your preferred departure and book individual seats online.
Guaranteed departure means the tour operates even if only one paying guest has booked. You don't need to wait for a minimum group size. Departures remain subject to safe weather and operating conditions.
Essential Tour Information
Duration: 3 hours
Season: From May 1 untill June 6
Departure point: Okkola Holiday Cottages jetty, Niinisaari, Puumala
Boat: Quiet electric Ecoboat with a sheltered cabin
Guide: Local nature guide and captain Arto
Languages: English and Finnish. Arto also speaks some French and German
Refreshments: Coffee or tea and homemade gluten-free Finnish sweet buns; juice for children
On board: Binoculars for wildlife watching and warm blankets
For exact dates, departure times, prices and availability, please check the booking calendar.
View Available Departures and Book Your Seat →
What Will You Experience on the Tour?
A Peaceful Cruise on a Quiet Electric Boat
Our electric Ecoboat glides gently through the islands without the noise of a conventional combustion engine.
Enjoy the sounds of nature, the beautiful lake scenery and the peaceful atmosphere of the Finnish Lakeland.
The comfortable seating, sheltered cabin and large windows make the cruise enjoyable even on cooler spring days. You can admire the scenery while staying protected from wind and rain.
Wildlife, Local Stories and Finnish Hospitality
We'll search for Saimaa ringed seals and keep an eye out for other wildlife along the way.
Your guide, Arto, shares stories about the seals, local traditions, life in the archipelago and the famous Finnish song character Nestori Miikkulainen, whose story is closely connected to Lake Saimaa.
During the cruise, we'll take time to enjoy coffee or tea and homemade Finnish sweet buns surrounded by beautiful lake scenery.
It's a relaxed way to discover Finnish nature with a local guide.
What Do Our Guests Say?
Our guests especially appreciate Arto's friendly and knowledgeable guiding, the comfort of the quiet electric boat and the peaceful atmosphere of the cruises.
Visitors also enjoy discovering the beauty of Lake Saimaa and learning about Finnish wildlife, local culture and everyday life in the region.
Read Our Guest Reviews on Tripadvisor →
Where Do the Early Summer Seal Watching Tours Depart From?
Our early summer tours depart from the Okkola Holiday Cottages jetty on Niinisaari Island in Puumala, in the Lake Saimaa region of Finland
Address: Ylössaarentie 35, 52200 Puumala, Finland.
There is a short walk from the Okkola parking area to the jetty.
After booking, you'll receive a confirmation email with further arrival instructions.
View the Departure Point on Google Maps →
Frequently Asked Questions About Early Summer Seal Watching Tours
When is the best time to see Saimaa ringed seals?
May and early June offer some of the best opportunities. During the moulting season, seals often rest on shoreline rocks, where they are easier to observe than during midsummer.
Will the tour operate if I'm the only guest?
Yes! Our scheduled shared tours are guaranteed to depart even with just one paying guest.
Are seal sightings guaranteed?
No. Saimaa ringed seals are wild animals, so sightings cannot be guaranteed. However, May is the best months to look for them.
Can children join the tour?
Yes. The sheltered cabin and peaceful cruising experience make the Ecoboat suitable for families with children. Life jackets are available for children.
What happens if it rains?
Our Ecoboat has a sheltered cabin that protects passengers from rain and wind. We recommend bringing warm, weather-appropriate clothing.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes. Please reserve your seat online before the tour. You can check available dates, departure times and prices in the booking calendar.
Prefer a Private Seal Watching Tour?
Would you like to explore Lake Saimaa with just your partner, family or friends?
You can also book the Ecoboat for a private guided seal watching tour. It's a lovely choice for couples, families and small groups who prefer a more personal experience.
Explore Private Seal Watching Tours →
Welcome to Lake Saimaa – Let's Go Seal Watching!
Spring is a wonderful time to discover the peaceful islands of Lake Saimaa and search for one of Finland's rarest animals.
Come aboard our quiet electric Ecoboat, enjoy the scenery and experience Finnish nature with your local guide.
View all Seal Watching Tours →
Welcome aboard!
Guide Arto – LakelandGTE
