Exploring the enchanting landscapes of Lake Saimaa in Puumala, Finland, the Ecoboat Story Cruise offers a unique opportunity to discover the region’s captivating history and rich wildlife. Aboard an eco-friendly electric boat, passengers embark on a 1.5-hour journey, led by the knowledgeable Captain Arto, who regales them with engaging tales of the area’s past and present. As the boat glides across the serene waters, guests may catch glimpses of the elusive Saimaa seal, a critically endangered species found only in this remarkable lake system. With complimentary refreshments and live accordion music, this intimate experience promises to leave a lasting impression on all who venture forth.
Good To Know
- A 1.5-hour scenic cruise on Lake Saimaa, offering breathtaking views and potential sightings of rare wildlife like the Saimaa seal and ospreys.
- Intimate group size of up to 10 participants ensures a personalized experience, with the captain engaging directly with guests in multiple languages.
- The electric Ecoboat provides a sustainable and comfortable ride, with complimentary coffee, tea, and live accordion music performed by the captain.
- Guests can enjoy the captain’s storytelling about local history, legends, and insights into the Saimaa seal and ospreys during the cruise.
- The cruise departs from Puumala harbor or Sahanlahti Resort, depending on the season, with clear signage and accessibility to the pier.
Cruise Duration and Pricing
The Lake Saimaa Story Cruise lasts for 1.5 hours and is priced from $34.45 per person.
The cruise operates with a limited group size of 10 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.
Departures are available Tuesdays through Sundays, with different departure locations during the summer months – Puumala harbor from June 24th to July 31st, and Sahanlahti Resort from August 1st to August 31st.
Guests have the flexibility to cancel their booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The cruise combines scenic views of the Lake Saimaa archipelago with the potential to spot rare wildlife, making it an engaging and informative exploration of the local natural environment.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Puumala.
Group Size and Language Options
The Lake Saimaa Story Cruise limits group size to just 10 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience for all guests. This small group setting allows the friendly skipper, Captain Arto, to engage directly with each passenger, sharing his wealth of knowledge about the local nature, wildlife, and history. The cruise is offered in four languages – Finnish, English, French, and German – catering to a diverse international audience. This language flexibility empowers guests to fully enjoy the captivating stories and stunning scenery of the Saimaa archipelago.
| Language | Availability |
|---|---|
| Finnish | ✓ |
| English | ✓ |
| French | ✓ |
| German | ✓ |
Departure Locations and Schedules
Departure points for the Lake Saimaa Story Cruise change seasonally, catering to the varying popularity of the destination.
From June 24th to July 31st, the cruise departs from Puumala harbor. Then, from August 1st to August 31st, the departure location shifts to Sahanlahti Resort.
The cruise operates Tuesday through Sunday, ensuring accessibility for visitors throughout the week.
This seasonal flexibility allows the cruise to accommodate the fluctuating tourism demand in the region, offering an immersive experience regardless of when guests choose to explore the stunning Lake Saimaa archipelago.
Scenic Views and Potential Sightings
Cruising through the picturesque Lake Saimaa archipelago, guests aboard the Lake Saimaa Story Cruise are treated to breathtaking vistas.
The tour showcases the serene beauty of this Finnish waterway, with the possibility of spotting rare wildlife such as:
- The endangered Saimaa seal, a subspecies found only in this lake
- Ospreys soaring gracefully above the water
- A variety of waterfowl and other birds native to the region
The comfortable electric Ecoboat provides an eco-friendly and weather-proof way to take in the natural splendor of Lake Saimaa, as the knowledgeable skipper shares stories about the local environment and history.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyEcoboat and Onboard Amenities
The electric Ecoboat ferrying guests across Lake Saimaa provides an eco-friendly and weatherproof way to take in the natural splendor of this picturesque Finnish waterway.
Designed to minimize environmental impact, the Ecoboat offers a comfortable ride while ensuring a close-up view of the lake’s stunning archipelago.
Onboard, guests can enjoy complimentary coffee and tea along with the soothing sounds of live accordion music performed by the friendly skipper, Captain Arto.
Binoculars are also provided, allowing visitors to scan the horizon for potential sightings of the rare Saimaa seal and majestic Osprey.
With a maximum capacity of 10 participants, the intimate cruise ensures a personalized and engaging experience amid the tranquil beauty of Lake Saimaa.
Captain’s Narration and Entertainment
Throughout the 1.5-hour journey, Captain Arto captivates guests with his deep knowledge and engaging storytelling.
As the electric Ecoboat glides across the tranquil waters of Lake Saimaa, the friendly skipper shares fascinating insights about the local area:
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He recounts the rich history and legends of the Saimaa region, transporting passengers back in time through his vivid narrative.
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The captain also points out unique wildlife, from the rare Saimaa seal to the majestic Osprey, providing valuable information about these remarkable creatures.
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Plus, he delights guests with live accordion music, creating a truly immersive and memorable experience.
Meeting Point and Directions
Passengers will meet at Sahanlahti Resort, where the boat pier is located next to the Rantamakasiini restaurant in the harbor.
The resort is the departure point for the Lake Saimaa Story Cruise by Ecoboat in Puumala. The pier is easily accessible, situated just a short walk from the resort’s main facilities.
Guests should arrive at the meeting point a few minutes before the scheduled 1:30 PM departure time to ensure a smooth boarding process.
Directions to the resort and pier are clearly marked, making it simple for participants to find the starting location for this immersive sightseeing adventure on the stunning Lake Saimaa.
Customer Feedback and Ratings
Travelers who’ve experienced the Lake Saimaa Story Cruise consistently rave about the exceptional tour.
With an overall rating of 5/5 based on 2 reviews, the cruise has earned high praise from guests.
Highlights of the customer feedback include:
- The knowledgeable and friendly captain, Captain Arto, who provides informative narration about the local nature, wildlife, and history.
- The engaging experience, with the captain’s live accordion music adding to the atmosphere.
- The scenic views of the Lake Saimaa archipelago, with potential sightings of the rare Saimaa seal and Osprey.
The overwhelmingly positive reviews underline the high-quality, immersive nature of the Lake Saimaa Story Cruise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Life Jackets Provided During the Cruise?
Life jackets are provided for all passengers on the cruise. The cruise operator ensures the safety of participants by making life jackets available and requiring their use during the duration of the scenic boat tour.
Is the Boat Suitable for Small Children?
The boat is generally suitable for small children, though it may not be the most comfortable option. Children under 3 years old ride free, and life jackets are provided for all passengers, including kids.
Can I Bring My Own Snacks and Beverages Onboard?
Passengers are welcome to bring their own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages onboard. However, the cruise provides complimentary coffee and tea service, so guests may prefer to enjoy the provided refreshments during the scenic 90-minute journey.
Is the Cruise Accessible for Individuals With Mobility Challenges?
The cruise is not suitable for wheelchair users or individuals over 275 lbs. However, the comfortable weather-proof electric Ecoboat can accommodate most guests with moderate mobility challenges, as long as they can board the vessel independently.
Can I Request a Private Cruise or Customize the Experience?
Customers can request a private cruise, but it may incur an additional fee. The experience can be customized to an extent, such as adding extra time or arranging for special accommodations, subject to availability and pricing.
Sum Up
The Lake Saimaa Story Cruise by Ecoboat offers a unique and eco-friendly way to explore the stunning Finnish landscape. With breathtaking views, potential wildlife sightings, and engaging storytelling from the captain, this 1.5-hour cruise is a must-try for anyone visiting the Puumala region. The intimate group size, complimentary refreshments, and live accordion music create a memorable and sustainable experience in the heart of the Saimaa Lake district.
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