Oravi village has been a center for seal watching and research for decades due to the perfect location in the middle of the best seal waters. Oravi is the base camp for seal researchers in summer as well as winter time. Oravi is situated on the shore of lake Haukivesi and Linnansaari National Park, that inhabits ca 80 Saimaa Ringed Seals. At the moment the seal population in Saimaa is ca 450 individuals (year 2023). The largest seals have been found in Linnansaari National park, Viljo (male) 124 kg and Ritva (female) 97 kg. Oravi is also a great starting point for seal safaris. On our seal watching trips we guarantee great nature experiences without disturbing the animals. With an experienced nature guide the chance of spotting seal is very good.
In the
WWF photo galleria you can have a look at seals found in Linnansaari National Park and lake Haukivesi. The WWF live cam
Norppalive has become very popular, there you can watch seals live in May during the molting season.
More information about the Saimaa Ringed Seal you find here.