Background

Nysted Seal Safari

Witness Denmark's largest seal colony on intimate Baltic boat tours from a historic coastal harbor.

4.8

Experience Denmark's largest grey seal colony on an intimate boat tour departing from the historic harbor town of Nysted. The M/S Drost takes visitors on approximately one-hour journeys through the calm Baltic waters to Rødsand, where around 600 registered seals bask on sandy areas and swim in their natural habitat. Knowledgeable guides provide insights into the local wildlife, coastal ecology, and maritime heritage while passengers observe both harbour and grey seals in their element.

A brief summary to Nysted Sealsafari

  • Strandvejen 18, Nysted, 4880, DK
  • +4521656535
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours
  • Budget
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Tuesday 9 am-12 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-12 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-12 pm
  • Friday 9 am-12 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-12 pm

Local tips

  • Bring binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens for optimal wildlife spotting and photography. Seals often remain at a distance on sandbanks, and zoom capability significantly enhances both viewing and image quality.
  • Dress in layers and wear a windproof jacket. Baltic Sea breezes make even sunny days feel cool on the water, and weather conditions change rapidly. Comfort directly impacts your ability to enjoy the experience.
  • Book in advance, especially for spring and summer departures. Tours frequently sell out during high season, and advance booking ensures your preferred date and time are secured.
  • Arrive early during holiday periods to secure parking near the harbor. Summer weekends and school vacations fill parking quickly, and early arrival eliminates stress and allows time to explore Nysted's charming town center.
  • Confirm whether your tour includes a dedicated nature guide and verify the language of commentary. Some departures feature expert guides offering deeper ecological and behavioral insights, enhancing the educational value of your experience.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Car

    From central Lolland-Falster, follow main island roads toward Nysted with clear signage to the historic harbor. Free parking is available near the harbor adjacent to the marina; spaces may fill quickly during peak summer weekends, so early arrival is advisable. From the parking area, a short level walk past the marina and historic fishermen's sheds leads directly to the boat jetty. During high season, parking may cost a nominal fee of approximately 20–25 DKK.

  • Public Transport

    Regional buses connect Nysted with Nykøbing Falster, the region's main transport hub, with journeys ranging from 30–50 minutes and single fares approximately 40–55 DKK. Upon arrival at Nysted's main bus stop, follow signage down to the harbor for an easy 10–15 minute walk through the town center, passing historic houses and the local church before reaching the waterfront and safari departure point.

  • Taxi

    A taxi from Nykøbing Falster's train station or town center to Nysted harbor typically takes 20–30 minutes with fares ranging from 250–350 DKK. Taxis can drop visitors directly at the harbor entrance, which is particularly helpful for those with limited mobility or traveling in groups.

  • Walking

    From the harbor area in central Nysted, the safari departure point is a pleasant stroll along the waterfront, with the picturesque marina and sailboats guiding your way. Expect an easy walk of around 5–10 minutes from the town center to reach the dock, which is well signposted with views over the bay.

Nysted Sealsafari location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures
  • Weather icon Cold Weather

Unlock the Best of Nysted Sealsafari

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Nysted Sealsafari

An Encounter with Denmark's Seal Colonies

Nysted Seal Safari offers an intimate wildlife experience in the pristine waters surrounding Rødsand, a protected nature reserve stretching along Lolland's southern coast. The tour operates aboard the M/S Drost, a dedicated vessel designed for small-group exploration of the Baltic's tranquil waters. Approximately 600 registered seals inhabit this area, with grey seals representing Denmark's largest population of this species. Harbour seals also thrive here, creating a diverse marine ecosystem that few visitors to Denmark encounter. The journey typically lasts around one hour, allowing ample time to observe seals in their natural behaviour. Visitors witness seals sunbathing on sandy banks, swimming with curious grace, and diving beneath the surface. The experience combines genuine wildlife observation with the serene beauty of Denmark's unspoiled coastline, where the rhythm of nature unfolds at its own pace.

Natural Heritage and Protected Landscapes

Rødsand forms part of an extensive wildlife reserve system protecting the southern shores of Lolland from Hyllekrog to Rødsand. This designation reflects the ecological significance of the area, which supports not only seals but also diverse bird populations and marine habitats. The calm, shallow waters of the Baltic create ideal conditions for seal colonies, while the sandy banks provide essential haul-out sites where seals rest and thermoregulate. Guides aboard the M/S Drost share knowledge about the region's natural systems, wildlife behaviour, and conservation efforts. All passengers receive informational pamphlets covering the area's ecology, marine life, and environmental context. On select departures, a dedicated nature guide joins the tour, enriching the experience with expert commentary and answering questions about seal biology, behaviour, and the broader coastal ecosystem.

A Journey from Historic Nysted Harbor

The safari departs from Nysted, a charming historic port town with centuries of maritime tradition. The departure point sits at Strandvejen 18, directly adjacent to the picturesque harbor where traditional fishing vessels and modern sailboats create an authentic Danish coastal atmosphere. The waterfront location offers views across the bay and easy access to the town's restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions. Boarding the M/S Drost marks the beginning of a transition from the bustle of town life to the quiet majesty of the open Baltic. The vessel's small capacity ensures a personal, unhurried experience where every passenger enjoys unobstructed views and the opportunity to photograph seals and coastal scenery. The boat's design balances comfort with accessibility, though boarding requires modest mobility due to the vessel's size and the nature of harbor docking.

Seasonal Rhythms and Weather Considerations

The seal safari operates year-round, though summer months (May through September) represent peak season when tours frequently sell out in advance. Winter and shoulder seasons offer quieter experiences with fewer crowds, though weather conditions become more variable. The Baltic Sea's character shifts dramatically across seasons—summer brings calm, often glassy waters ideal for photography, while winter introduces stronger winds and cooler temperatures that demand appropriate clothing. Weather on the water differs markedly from conditions on land. Even sunny days can feel cool due to Baltic breezes, and wind speeds increase over open water. Layered clothing and windproof jackets prove essential regardless of season. Advance booking is highly recommended, particularly during spring and summer, as tour availability fills quickly during holiday periods and school vacations.

Practical Essentials for Your Visit

Ticket prices reflect the intimate nature of the experience, with children aged 0–11 years charged 200 DKK and adults 250 DKK. Payment is processed immediately upon booking, and refunds are issued only if the skipper cancels the tour due to weather or operational constraints. The booking system accepts Dankort, Visa Dankort, and Mastercard through the official website or by telephone with Mikael Andersen at +45 21 65 65 35 for last-minute bookings. Parking near Nysted harbor is typically free or costs a nominal daily fee of approximately 20–25 DKK during peak season. The harbor area offers public parking adjacent to the marina, though spaces may fill quickly during summer weekends and holidays. From the parking area, a short, level walk past the marina and historic fishermen's sheds leads directly to the boat jetty. Photography enthusiasts should bring cameras with good zoom capabilities, as seals often lounge on distant sandbanks beyond close-range viewing.

Busiest months of the year

Busiest hours of the day

Popular Experiences near Nysted Sealsafari

Popular Hotels near Nysted Sealsafari

Select Currency