Private boat transport from Okkola by open motorboat to the magnificent archipelago of Puumala, home to several Saimaa ringed seals. You will see the best scenery of Lake Saimaa and, if you are lucky, you may even spot a rare Saimaa ringed seal. Look out for seals and ospreys and enjoy the views. This is a private charter trip, with only you and your friends on board.
Highlights
The magnificent scenery of Lake Saimaa
It is very likely to see Saimaa ringed seals in May during their moulting season. Later in the summer, the seals swim in the water and the chance of seeing them is about 50%.
The skipper will take you to the magnificent seal archipelago of Puumala
The large "Seal Express" motorboat can accommodate 12 passengers
Safari details
When May to September, by reservation
Where Departure point: Okkola holiday cottages, Hätinvirta pier, address: Ylössaarentie 35, 52200 Puumala. See location in Google maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/rALbPjyVvfeiNCX48
Difficulty level Easy. The trip is suitable for everyone, regardless of age or gender. The languages of service are Finnish and English
Departure time daily by advance booking. For more details, see the booking calendar. Duration 2 hours
Includes boat transport to the seal archipelago for 2 hours, skipper, boat, liability insurance, use of binoculars, 14% VAT
Your own equipment Warm and wind/waterproof outdoor clothing suitable for the weather, cameras and binoculars if you want to use your own. Binoculars are available on the boat.
Note Pets can be brought on board on a leash. NOTE: We do not have life jackets for pets, so you are responsible for providing them yourself.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
After booking, you will immediately receive a confirmation email and instructions on the departure point.
The departure point is from the Okkola holiday cottage pier in Niinisaari, Puumala, address: Ylössaarentie 35, 52200 Puumala (about a 200-meter walk from the Okkola parking lot to the shore). See location in Google maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/rALbPjyVvfeiNCX48
The boat is equipped with life jackets for adults and the necessary safety equipment. If you have children with you, please let us know their sizes in advance so that the guide can bring life jackets of the right size for them.
The tour operates in almost all weather conditions. If there is a thunderstorm, we will wait at the pier for it to pass.
All our skippers are professional and experienced. The languages of service are Finnish and English. We follow the rules of "seal-friendly tourism" on all our trips
May and early June are the best times to see the rare Saimaa ringed seal, as this is when the seals moult and can often be found on rocks on sunny days.
CANCELLATION POLICY
100% refund if canceled at least 7 days before departure
75% refund if canceled at least 48 hours before departure
50% refund if canceled at least 24 hours before departure
No refund if canceled less than 24 hours before departure or if the customer does not arrive at the departure point on time
Date changes are possible for €10/person if made at least 24 hours before departure time
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the best time to see Saimaa ringed seals? The best time is in May and early June, about five weeks after the ice has melted, when the seals are basking on the rocks, molting. At other times, the seals are usually in the water, but with a little luck, you can see them at any time.
Where does the boat depart from? The tour departs from Niinisaari in Puumala, from the Hätinvirta pier at the Okkola holiday cottages, address: Ylössaarentie 35, 52200 Puumala (about a 200-meter walk from the Okkola parking lot to the shore). See location in Google maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/rALbPjyVvfeiNCX48
Can I book just one spot? No. The private tour is intended for groups of 6-12 people, and the minimum charge is always for 6 people.
What if it rains? Remember to dress appropriately for the weather.
Are there life jackets on the boat? The boat is equipped with life jackets for adults and the necessary safety equipment. If you have children with you, please let us know their sizes at least 24 hours in advance so that the guide can bring life jackets of the right size for the children.
Can I bring my pet on the boat? You can, but we do not have life jackets for pets, so you are responsible for them yourself. During the seal season in May, we do not recommend bringing pets on board, as we will have to watch for seals on the rocks from a greater distance.
When will my reservation be confirmed? After making your reservation, you will immediately receive a confirmation email with instructions on the departure point. If you think you have made a reservation but have not received a confirmation email, please contact sales@lakelandgte.fi (this is usually due to an incorrect email address or the internet connection being disconnected after payment before the payment confirmation has been sent to the online store).
How do I pay for the tour? You can pay in the online store with credit cards, bank details, and Alipay. The tour is paid for at the time of booking.
Do I need to book the tour in advance? Yes.
I tried to make a reservation but it didn't work. What should I do? First, make sure you have accepted the terms and conditions. If the reservation is still unsuccessful, please contact sales@lakelandgte.fi. We will respond as soon as possible.
Any other questions? Please contact sales@lakelandgte.fi. We will respond as soon as possible.
