Activities

A sunset wildlife safari to observe Saimaa Ringed seals

A sunset wildlife safari to observe Saimaa Ringed seals


3 hours

Easy

A sunset seal watching safari in Linnansaari National Park.
Best way to see the seals is when they are resting on the rocks. May is the main seal season when we can see the seals moulting on the rocks throughout the day. After the moulting season (when the seals shed their winter fur) the best time to see the seals is at sunset when they rest on the rocks. The departure time of the sunset safari depends on the time, please check times from the calendar.

On this seal safari, you will enter deep into the national park, to the home waters of osprey and the endangered Saimaa ringed seal. On this tour our main goal is to have a good look at the seals and get to know about their life! You will be guided by one of our wilderness guides specialized in seals. Seal Safaris are made with open boats to give the participants the best possibility to spot the seals. We also stop on one of the islands to enjoy a Coffee break in the wilderness. Duration of 3 hours.

All our seal safaris are done in small groups with no more than 11 passengers. In a small group and with an experienced nature guide the chance of spotting seal is very good. 

Boat is equipped with Life jackets, rain gear, EA kit and binoculars.

Starting place
Oravi village

Group size
max 10 person/ boat

What's included?

    Tour includes a guide, life jackets, rain gear if needed, binoculars, coffee/tea with sweet snack.

    We travel with open boats in small groups.

    Exclusions

      Safari doesn't include a pick up. We have a safari bus from Savonlinna city 19 €/person/one way, timetable: 

      Oravi  - Savonlinna at 9.00 and 19.00
      Savonlinna - Oravi at 10.00 and 20.00

      Please note

        SEAL SEASON: May is the main seal season. In May the seals are molting on the rocks throughout the day. Seals molt from the time the ice has melted for 1 month, this is usually from the beginning of May until the first week of June. In May the chance of seeing seal is 99%. After the molting season (when the seals shed their winter fur) the best time to see the seals is at sunset. At sunset it can be possible to see the seals resting on the rocks but most often we see the seals in the water. On the sunset seal safaris, the chance of seeing seal is circa 50-60%. The departure times for the sunset safaris can be seen in the booking calendar.

        SUSTAINABLE: Our trips are seal friendly and we do not disturb the animals.

        BOAT: On our lake safaris we travel with safe and fast but quiet aluminum boats (open boats).We also have a catamaran with bow visor for easy access. The catamaran is easy to board also for those with limited mobility.

        GUIDES: All our guides have years of experience with the seal excursions, and they know the best places for spotting the seals. All guides are licensed for boat safaris.

        WEATHER: We very seldom cancel trips due to the weather. We have the right to cancel the trip or change the timetable in case the wind is very hard or there is a long-lasting heavy rain or thunderstorm. In general, we do not cancel trips due to rain showers or unstable weather conditions.
        Dress according to the weather! You can borrow an overall or rain gear from the reception in Oravi (included in the price of the trip)

        What to bring

          CLOTHES: Good outdoor gear suitable for the weather. In May we still have cold days and the water is cold. Please take warm clothes, long sleeve outdoor wear, cloves and a beanie hat. You can also borrow overalls, hats, cloves and boots from us (included in the price). We also lend you rainwear if needed.

          CAMERA: Take camera if you want to take pictures of the seals. Please notice that we'll take pictures in a distance. If the weather is rainy you can borrow a dry bag for the camera.


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