Puumala Lake Saimaa Cruise: Seal Watching & Ecoboat Experience

Summary

Gentle waves, rare seals and stories drifting across lake saimaa

You’ll glide across Lake Saimaa on an electric boat with a small group, guided by Mr Arto’s gentle stories and sharp eyes for wildlife. Watch for rare Saimaa Ringed Seals, sip coffee or tea as afternoon light dances on the water, and feel the quiet settle in. It’s not flashy — but it lingers with you.

What’s the experience like?

There’s this soft hum — not from an engine, but from the water itself. We’d just left Puumala pier and I could smell pine needles somewhere behind the breeze. Our guide, Mr Arto (he wore a blue cap that kept slipping sideways), started telling us about the Saimaa Ringed Seal before I even spotted one. He said there are only a few hundred left. I leaned against the leather sofa and tried to imagine what it’s like to live your whole life in these waters. The boat barely made a sound — it’s all electric, which felt oddly futuristic out here among birch trees and old wooden docks.

About halfway through, someone shouted “there!” and we all shuffled to one side (probably too fast for the captain’s liking). There was this round little head bobbing between ripples — honestly, I almost missed it. Arto just smiled and let us watch in silence for a while. Later he poured coffee into real mugs (not paper cups) and told us how locals used to fish here before tourism took off. Afternoon tea tasted kind of earthy, maybe from the lake air? Or maybe I was just hungry from standing outside on deck longer than planned.

I still think about that quiet moment when everyone stopped talking — just listening to water slap gently against the hull. The cruise lasts three hours but time gets weird out there; it felt both quick and slow. If you’re after loud music or big crowds, this isn’t it. But if you want to hear local stories while looking for seals on Lake Saimaa with a small group (and yes, there’s pickup if you need), well… you’ll probably remember it too.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 3-hour narrated cruise on Lake Saimaa

• Board the Ecoboat in Puumala
• Enjoy narrated cruise on Lake Saimaa
• Observe Saimaa Ringed Seals
• View archipelago scenery
• Relax in comfortable cabin

Top questions

How long is the Puumala Lake Saimaa cruise?

The narrated cruise lasts 3 hours.

Can you see Saimaa Ringed Seals on this tour?

Yes, spotting Saimaa Ringed Seals is part of the experience.

Is there a guide during the cruise?

Yes, narration is provided by Mr Arto or another professional guide.

What kind of boat is used for the cruise?

The tour uses an electric Ecoboat with a comfortable cabin.

Are drinks or snacks included?

Coffee or tea and afternoon tea are included during the cruise.

Is this cruise suitable for children?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult.

How often does this cruise depart?

The cruise departs up to 10 times weekly in early summer; after mid-June there are 5 departures per week.

Is live entertainment included?

Yes, live entertainment is part of the experience onboard.

What’s included

Your day includes a narrated three-hour cruise aboard an electric Ecoboat with comfortable seating, afternoon tea with coffee or tea served in real mugs, live entertainment throughout your journey, and guidance from a professional local guide who shares stories as you sail past islands and look for seals together.