Boat trips to see seals grow popular in Tallinn Bay
In northern Estonia, boat excursions to islands where seals can be watched in their natural habitat are gaining popularity this summer season. The trips run from April to October.
Tourism in northern Estonia is not limited to land — boat trips that let visitors watch seals in their natural habitat are becoming increasingly popular. According to Estonian public broadcaster's "Aktuaalne Kaamera", these excursions run from spring to autumn, weather permitting.
Popular routes
Two of the most frequented routes lead to the Malusi archipelago in Kolga Bay and to Aegna Island in Tallinn Bay. On these trips, visitors can observe seals up close in the wild, a sight that delights children and adults alike.
Classical music to draw the seals closer
During the trips, classical music is played on board to attract seals closer to the boat. This tradition has existed for several years and is tied to a local legend about an island once inhabited by people known as Aksbergs. According to the story, when sailing, they used to play harmonium and violin at the stern of their ship, and at some point heard snorting sounds behind the boat — it turned out seals had gathered and were following the vessel. This is believed to be the origin of the idea that classical music may be the key connection with the animals, according to guide Epp Liibe.
Dozens of seals at once
Grey seals are most commonly seen near Malusi, and in favourable weather dozens can be spotted at the same time. The guide recalled an occasion with unusually warm, calm weather when more than 30 seals were resting on the rocks while others swam nearby or surfaced periodically — over 50 in total that day.
The excursions run from April to October by advance booking and are offered in Estonian, English, Spanish and Russian.
