Join a relaxing 3-hour seal watching cruise on beautiful Lake Saimaa! Explore the Finnish archipelago aboard our quiet electric Ecoboat, enjoy fascinating stories with local guide Arto and keep your eyes open for the rare Saimaa ringed seal and other wildlife. Finnish coffee and sweet gluten-free buns are included.
Tour at a Glance
Duration: 3 hours
Departure point: Puumala Harbour, Puumala, Finland
Season: June 8–July 28, 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
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
What Will You Experience on the Tour?
Our cruise begins at Puumala Harbour, 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. We travel through areas where Saimaa ringed seals are known to live, keeping a careful lookout for wildlife.
In midsummer, seals spend much of their time swimming and feeding in the lake, making sightings less predictable than in spring. With a little luck, we may spot a seal swimming or lifting its head above the water.
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 quietly 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 lovely views of the surrounding scenery.
You'll stay comfortable even when the Finnish summer weather is cooler or rainy.
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 – Puumala Harbour
Puumala Harbour, Puumala, Finnish Lakeland
Our seal watching tour departs from Puumala Harbour, conveniently located in the heart of Puumala village. Departure point: The pier next to the boat launch in downtown Puumala, address: Satamatie 6, 52200 PUUMALA (parking and restrooms available on site). See Google Maps https://maps.app.goo.gl/pnw23TN5bf1LbSL28
Nearby, you'll find cafés, restaurants and other lovely places to explore before or after your cruise.
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.
Pets are not allowed aboard the Ecoboat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see Saimaa ringed seals in July?
Yes, it is possible. Saimaa ringed seals live in Lake Saimaa throughout the year, although sightings are generally less predictable in July than in May.
How long does the tour last?
The cruise lasts approximately 3 hours, including guided sightseeing, wildlife watching and a coffee break.
Is the boat covered?
Yes. Our Ecoboat has a sheltered cabin, comfortable seating and large windows, making it enjoyable even in cooler or rainy weather.
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 gluten-free bun.
Book Your Saimaa Seal Watching Experience!
Discover the peaceful beauty of Lake Saimaa, explore its wonderful archipelago and enjoy stories from your local guide. With a little luck, you might even encounter the rare Saimaa ringed seal.
Choose your preferred departure in the booking calendar and reserve your seat!
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/
See you on Lake Saimaa!
Guide Arto – LakelandGTE
