The best time to spot the most Finnish creature, the Saimaa Ringed Seal, is just around the corner!

Eagerly, I scurry towards the shore where a charming boat awaits at the dock. The evening in May is breathtakingly beautiful and bright, filled with the sheer joy of a boat trip, but the excitement is heightened by the anticipation of possibly spotting my first Saimaa ringed seals!

We depart from the shore of Puumala at a leisurely pace towards the seals’ home territory. Our boat is both seal- and passenger-friendly, provided one can settle into a tranquil rhythm for a few hours and manage without a restroom. While large vessels that offer multi-level services and louder environments also conduct numerous seal cruises, we get a closer experience akin to canoeing.

The small size of our boat keeps the group intimate, and everyone naturally gets a window seat. Our guide provides an in-depth discussion about the Saimaa ringed seal, and there’s ample time for any questions. The boat is equipped with a wide selection of binoculars, and as we approach the seal territories and are encouraged to start actively searching, everyone’s gaze shifts around the nearby islands and their shoreline rocks. To an outsider, the sight of ten pairs of binoculars scanning the lake might be quite amusing.

The best chances to spot a seal are either lounging on a rock or seeing a head pop up in the middle of the lake. We’re advised to look for “rock-like boulders that occasionally move a bit,” or any dark lump about the size of a human head that emerges on the lake surface. Springtime, just after the ice melts, is the prime time for seal watching as they climb onto the shore rocks to shed their winter fur for summer coats. Seal trips and cruises are organized throughout the summer upon request, though sightings diminish after Midsummer.

“There! Is that it? It is! A seal!” we whisper excitedly. We are actually seeing the endangered Saimaa ringed seal, of which only just over 400 individuals remain worldwide. The guide reminds us of how to avoid disturbing this adorable creature. We slowly pass by the seal at a sufficient distance, making two passes so that passengers on both sides of the boat have a chance to observe and photograph the seal at leisure. The seal doesn’t really do anything; it just lies there, occasionally lifting its head or front paws, turning slightly, and lounging around. What a fortunate and blissful experience!

On our mid-May trip, we are struck with immense happiness as we see a total of three magnificent seals throughout the evening! These three seals constitute 0.75% of the global seal population. We also spot an osprey nest, witness huge flocks of geese migrating as part of the Arctic migration, and hear black grouses still bubbling and strutting at their mating grounds.

Watching for Saimaa seals is especially enjoyable because even if you don’t spot a seal, the lake environment of Saimaa is enchantingly beautiful. Heading out on a seal tour is effortless and relaxed – no prior knowledge of the species or boating is necessary. Just be in the right place at the right time with adequate clothing. If you have your own binoculars, it’s a good idea to bring them along.

Be prepared:

• Wear weather-appropriate clothes that are comfortable for sitting in a boat in cool weather. We do not go ashore on the seal islands.
• Bring binoculars and a camera.
• Pack your own snacks.

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