Wildlife watching and photographing tours near Helsinki with a professional guide.
What to expect?
When it comes to wildlife it’s hard to guarantee seeing any specific species but we always see some mammals and some birds. Most common big mammals to see are white-tailed deer, roe deer, fallow deer and moose. It’s also possible to see hares, foxes, badgers and raccoon dogs. Spotting a lynx, wolf, otter or other rarer species is always possible but requires a lot of luck. In the summer season we typically see up to hundreds of deers and 5-20 moose.
Possible bird species to spot are e.g. common crane, barnacle and greylag goose, nightjar, woodcock, black woodpecker, whooper swan, tawny and long-eared owl and white-tailed eagle.
To minimize disturbing the wildlife we do most spotting from inside the car or at least from the road. In some situations we way also do a little walking. For more advanced photography goals there are also other options.
How long and when is the tour?
We aim to start a couple of hours before the sunset and continue until it gets dark. In the dark we can still observe the wildlife with thermal binoculars. Estimated length 3 hours. Also longer tours can be agreed. Also early morning tours are possible.
What time of the year can the tour be?
Tours can be organized at any time of the year but during the winter months we will see much less wildlife. Especially for moose spotting it’s recommended to book a tour between mid-May and September.
The basic tour can be customized completely based on your wishes. We can camp in the forest overnight to look for wildlife in both evening and morning light or we can focus on day-active species or look for animal tracks. Photo-/videography and post-processing teaching can be included.
What should I bring with me?
* Dress accordingly to the weather considering the possibility we might also move by foot. Long clothes protect you better from insects and ticks.
* Camera if you wish to take pictures
* A lens of at least 300mm is recommended (sometimes the animals can also be very close)
* I will lend you at least one pair of binoculars but you can also bring your own
* Food/drinks (not included unless otherwise agreed)
Where and when we meet?
We will depart from Espoo or we can agree to meet at the location. Pick up from near the capital area is possible for extra cost.
Exact meeting location and time will be agreed separately.
Your guide
Your guide and driver on this tour is Ossi Saarinen, 29 year old professional wildlife photographer based in Espoo. Ossi has been actively observing wildlife since childhood and photographing it for the past 10 years working now as an official Nikon creator. He has a very wide knowledge of Finnish nature and wildlife and will be happy to answer any questions you might have related to it. He can also help you with your camera to make sure you get the best possible pictures during the tour.
Price & payment
175€ /person (minimum charge 350€)
Group size maximum 4 people.
Payment by bank transfer after the tour.
Other important things
You must have you a valid travel insurance. You are not insured by the tour organizer.
Children above 12yo are welcome if they don’t need a special safety seat.
Book your wildlife tour or send any other inquiries via the from below