Savonlinna: Evening Photography Tour on lake Saimaa

Savonlinna: Evening Photography Tour on Lake Saimaa

This 5-hour boat tour on lake Saimaa offers a unique chance to photograph one of Finland’s most endangered wildlife — the Saimaa ringed seal — without disturbing their natural behaviors. Led by a local photographer guide, this small-group experience is perfect for photography enthusiasts eager to capture wildlife and scenic landscapes in the serene Finnish archipelago. At $277 per person, it combines wildlife observation, landscape photography opportunities, and expert tips, making it an enriching outing for nature lovers.

What makes this tour particularly special is its focus on observing seals in their natural environment. The tour does not include transportation to the meeting point, so guests should plan accordingly. While the trip duration is 5 hours, the actual timing can vary slightly depending on conditions, and the tour is limited to 6 participants for a more personalized experience. This tour is best suited for those with warm clothing and a camera who are over 12 years old, seeking both wildlife encounters and beautiful vistas.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Wildlife Focus: Close observation of the endangered Saimaa ringed seals sitting on rocks, resting, or socializing without disturbance.
• Expert Guidance: Led by a local photographer guide who shares photography tips to help capture wildlife and landscape shots.
• Scenic Location: Explores the National Urban Park of Savonlinna, covering 7,700 hectares of land and water around Olavinlinna Castle.
• Wildlife & Birds: Besides seals, expect to see waterbirds and ospreys, adding to the richness of the nature experience.
• Inclusive Lunch: A picnic lunch including a sandwich and hot drinks, along with drinking water, is provided.
• Small Group: The limited group size of 6 ensures personalized attention and better wildlife viewing opportunities.
• No Disturbance Policy: Observation is carried out without disturbing the wildlife, respecting their natural behaviors.
• Booking Flexibility: You can reserve now and pay later with full cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Discovering Lake Saimaa’s Natural Beauty and Seals

The tour begins at the pier in Savonlinna, where guests meet the skipper guide. From there, a comfortable boat takes you across Lake Saimaa, Finland’s largest lake, renowned for its labyrinth of islands and scenic archipelago. The guide leads you to prime observation points within the National Urban Park, allowing for optimal wildlife sightings.

The Saimaa ringed seals are the main highlight of this experience. Estimated at approximately 430 individuals in June 2022, these seals are among the most endangered in the world. During the boat ride, you’ll have the chance to see seals lounging on rocks, digesting their food, resting, or socializing. The guide helps in spotting them and provides photography tips to ensure you get great shots without disturbing the animals.

Exploring the Savonlinna National Urban Park

The National Urban Park of Savonlinna spans 7,700 hectares of land and water, surrounding the medieval Olavinlinna Castle. This park offers diverse scenery, from lush forests to rocky shores, making it ideal for landscape photography as well. The archipelago presents numerous vantage points, which the guide reveals during the tour.

While the focus remains on wildlife, the park’s landscapes also attract those interested in landscape photography. The sunset lighting often enhances the scenery, creating perfect conditions for capturing dramatic shots of lakes, rocks, and the castle backdrop.

Wildlife Observation Without Disturbance

One of the tour’s key principles is respect for the seals and their environment. The boat remains at a safe distance, and all observation is done quietly and without causing disturbance. This approach ensures the seals continue their natural routines, such as resting and socializing, while offering excellent photo opportunities.

Along With seals, bird enthusiasts might spot waterbirds and ospreys, adding diversity to the wildlife sightings. The tour emphasizes ethical wildlife watching, which many nature lovers appreciate.

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Photography Tips and Support from the Guide

Throughout the tour, the local photographer guide shares practical tips tailored to wildlife and landscape photography. Whether you’re using a compact camera or a DSLR, the guide offers advice on composition, lighting, and settings to help you make the most of your shots.

For those interested in landscape photography, the archipelago offers opportunities for capturing vast lake scenes, rock formations, and the picturesque castle. The guide’s insights help participants improve their technique, making this tour valuable for photographers of all skill levels.

Picnic Lunch and Refreshments

Included in the price is a picnic lunch consisting of a sandwich and hot drinks, along with drinking water. The meal provides a relaxing break mid-tour, allowing for conversation and enjoyment of the stunning surroundings. The lunch adds to the comfort and convenience of the experience.

Meeting Point and Group Size

Guests meet at the pier in Savonlinna, where the skipper guide awaits. The small group size of 6 ensures a more intimate and personalized experience, with plenty of opportunity for questions and interaction. The activity ends back at the starting point, making logistics straightforward.

Practical Details and Recommendations

Guests should bring warm clothing suitable for outdoor activities on the water, especially during evening hours. A camera is essential for capturing the wildlife and landscapes, and the tour does not include transportation to the meeting point. The activity is not suitable for children under 12 due to the nature of the experience and the need for patience during wildlife observation.

The duration of the tour is approximately 5 hours, although the exact timing can vary based on conditions. Booking is flexible with the option to reserve now and pay later, and cancellation is free if made 24 hours in advance.

How This Tour Compares to Similar Experiences

Apart from this evening photography tour, Skafur-Tour offers other activities like cruises around the Saimaa archipelago, cruise to the opera, and yoga cruises. However, this experience’s focus on wildlife observation and photography makes it distinct, especially for those wishing to capture the elusive Saimaa ringed seals and scenic views.

The tour’s 4.5-star rating reflects its quality, particularly praised for the knowledgeable guides and personalized service. Its price point of $277 is aligned with similar wildlife and landscape experiences in the region, offering good value considering the inclusion of lunch, guide support, and the small group setting.

The Sum Up: A Unique Chance for Wildlife & Landscape Photography in Savonlinna

The Savonlinna: Evening Photography Tour on lake Saimaa offers a rare opportunity to observe and photograph the endangered Saimaa ringed seals in their natural habitat. The intimate group size, expert guidance, and focus on ethical wildlife observation make this experience stand out. Guests will also enjoy exploring the National Urban Park, capturing scenic vistas, and learning photography techniques from a knowledgeable guide.

While the cost may be higher than some standard boat trips, the quality of wildlife encounters and personalized support justify the price. This tour is ideal for photographers and nature lovers who value authentic wildlife experiences and stunning scenery in a peaceful setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes a guide skipper, photography tips, a boat, a picnic lunch (sandwich and hot drinks), and drinking water.

How long is the tour?
The activity lasts approximately 5 hours, but the duration may vary slightly.

What should I bring?
Guests should bring warm clothing and a camera to capture wildlife and landscapes.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is not suitable for children under 12 years old.

Where do I meet the guide?
Guests meet at the pier in Savonlinna, at the start of the tour.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, full cancellation is possible up to 24 hours before the activity.

Is wildlife observation guaranteed?
While seals are frequently seen, wildlife sightings depend on natural conditions; observation is done without disturbing the animals.

What makes this tour different?
Its focus on endangered seals, expert photography guidance, and scenic archipelago locations set it apart from other cruises.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby