Nestled in the heart of Finland’s pristine Lake Saimaa, the Saimaa Ringed Seal is one of the rarest and most endangered marine mammals in the world. Living exclusively in freshwater, these seals have made their home in only one place on Earth—Lake Saimaa. With just around 400 individuals left, the Saimaa seal is critically endangered, making sightings all the more special and impactful for nature enthusiasts.
A Fascinating Journey to Find the Saimaa Ringed Seal
I first learned about the Saimaa Ringed Seal through a WWF donation, where they featured the animal as one of the most endangered species. The fact that such a rare species exists in Finland came as a surprise, especially considering the country’s reputation for its natural beauty. The seal’s troubled history, however, is rooted in centuries of human activity. For years, it was considered a pest by locals, believed to damage fishing resources. In 1734, Swedish authorities even allowed people to kill these seals, and rewards were offered for their capture. It wasn’t until the mid-20th century, when the population dwindled to near extinction, that efforts to protect the seals began to take shape. Since then, conservation initiatives have helped grow the population to about 400 today.
After learning about the seal’s fascinating story, I was eager to see one for myself. I discovered that SaimaaHoliday Oravi organizes seal safaris, where visitors can venture into the wild and spot these incredible creatures. The best time to visit is in May, right when the seals come out to bask on the rocks and ice. Though I read about the safaris in August, I knew I would have to wait nearly a year for the right season to arrive.
Despite a late snowstorm threatening to derail my plans, I made it to Oravi, a small village located about a 4.5-hour drive from Helsinki. To break up the journey, I booked a night in Savonlinna and visited the medieval Olavinlinna Castle before continuing to Oravi the next day.
The Safari Experience
By 2:00 PM, I arrived in Oravi and met up with the group. After a quick lunch, we suited up in large coveralls designed to keep us warm and dry during the boat safari. Though I was the only foreigner in the group, everyone was friendly and spoke English well. The group included a bunch of biology teachers from Helsinki, who made the experience even more enjoyable with their fun personalities and interesting stories.
The safari was divided into two groups, each with a guide. Both guides were passionate about nature and focused on preserving the seal’s natural habitat. As we set off, our first sighting was a Saimaa Ringed Seal lounging on a rock near the shore. The guides made sure to keep a respectful distance, avoiding any disturbance to the animal. I appreciated this approach, even though it meant that I didn’t get the clearest pictures.
We continued on, navigating the narrow channels of the lake. Our next seal was resting on the ice, but the light was low, and the photos didn’t turn out as well as I had hoped. However, I was thrilled just to have seen another one in the wild. As we moved on, we spotted a third seal resting on the ice in a secluded spot, and this time we were able to get a little closer without scaring it off.
After a few more sightings, we stopped at a small island for a break. The guides prepared coffee and tea over a fire, served in traditional wooden cups known as “Kuksa.” It was a peaceful moment, surrounded by nature, and I had the chance to chat with one of the guides. He shared that he had once been an engineer but left his office job to pursue a career as a nature guide. Now, he leads photography tours during the Aurora Borealis season in Lapland—something that seemed like the perfect job to me. I was inspired by his story and enjoyed our conversation about the joy of living and working close to nature.
The Return and the Final Sightings
After our break, we headed back to Oravi. On the way, we had one final surprise: a perfectly camouflaged Saimaa Ringed Seal resting on a rock just a short distance from the boat. It was amazing how well it blended into the surroundings, and we were fortunate to spot it just in time.
The entire safari was a fantastic experience, offering great value for the money. For those who want a longer stay, SaimaaHoliday Oravi also offers charming cottages that you can rent. I saw the biology teachers staying in one of these cottages, and they looked cozy and welcoming.
Where to Stay
After the safari, I drove to Savonlinna, located about 37 minutes from Oravi. I stayed at Hospitz, a family-owned hotel near Olavinlinna Castle. The staff was exceptionally friendly, and the hotel’s welcoming atmosphere made me feel right at home. I was even told that Saimaa seals have been spotted in the waters near the city, so even in Savonlinna, you might catch a glimpse of these rare creatures.
On my way to Savonlinna, I was lucky enough to spot some common cranes and swans by the roadside. The cranes were performing their courtship dances, adding a magical touch to my journey around Lake Saimaa.
Unpredictable Weather and a Magical Evening
During my time in Savonlinna, I experienced the most unusual weather. It snowed in May—huge, fluffy flakes that felt more like winter than spring. After dinner at Restaurant Majakka, I took a walk to capture some photos of Olavinlinna Castle. The snow stopped, the wind died down, and I was treated to a peaceful, clear evening with a stunning view of the castle all to myself. It was the perfect way to end a memorable trip.
If you’re ever in Finland and looking for an unforgettable wildlife experience, I highly recommend the Saimaa Ringed Seal safari in Linnansaari National Park. The beauty of the seals, combined with the stunning landscapes of Lake Saimaa, makes it an experience you’ll never forget.
