Elkhorn Slough Wildlife Tour

Overview

The El Cat, built right here in Moss Landing, is a fully electric, 32 passenger, Coast Guard-certified vessel. This is a custom 37’ catamaran built and designed especially for the waters of our very own Elkhorn Slough.

City: Monterey & Carmel

Sun 17 Nov

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $43.00

Make a reservation

Sun 17 Nov

Starting at $43.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Tour Guide

Additional Info

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Hand sanitiser available to travellers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitised high-traffic areas
Guides required to regularly wash hands

What To Expect

Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve

Join us on a one-of-a-kind, electric-powered catamaran ride for a wildlife tour along one of California's largest tidal waterways. Enjoy a narrated cruise along the Elkhorn Slough, a vibrant and lively wetland located on Highway 1 between Santa Cruz and Monterey in Moss Landing. Scan for otters, sea lions, birds and beyond during a cruise through these peaceful waters.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (158)

MarthaK470

Oct 2021

With baby otters 🦦 year round, we had many sightings of various aged pups on our trip. Wonderful Great White herons, seals and pelicans were seen in abundance. The guide was very informative and pointed out every (yes every) otter 🦦 in the estuary that was near us. (She said population has been a steady 140 for several years). She shared that Momma's have to eat half their weight daily in addition to feeding and caring for a pup. Otters have just one at a time, and it's a challenge. Individually they have different favorite foods and pass those preferences to their pups. I especially like that the tour observes the rule to not interfere with wildlife behavior. The kayak tours were less compliant sadly. This electric catamaran and the tour on the Elkhorn Slough, in Moss Landing, CA, is fun for all: Gramma to 13 year olds will be comfortable on this tour. There are no gasoline fumes from a motor. The sea otters 🦦 naturally steal the show! I especially love that their are so many birds 🦆 and the boat is quiet and can respectfully pass the wildlife with little impact! Technically it is a catamaran, but feels like a boat. Easy boat tour to see the sights of the slough. Very importantly it was environmentally a better choice. Bring binoculars or telephoto lens for closer viewing. This is an experience you will remember. We had gorgeous weather leaving at 11:00am on a Friday in late October. Short sleeves were fine when we left the dock. When returning, the boat captain said it would be a little breezy heading into the wind. Dress in layers. Bring sunscreen. One and a half hours was the perfect trip. Fog was rolling in as we returned to our cars after lunch. There is a great restaurant called Phil's Fish and eatery walking distance.

Dorothy_S

Oct 2021

Beautiful day on a beautiful boat. Learned so much about the wildlife and the eco system of the slough. Plenty of otters to see along with birds sea lions and harbor seals.

Travel01618650429

Oct 2021

The Monterey Bay EcoTours of Elkhorn Slough was a great experience cruising the restored wetlands on a one-of-a kind electric catamaran, El Cat, designed and built especially for the owner/Captain. We saw lots of sea otters, sea lions, many types of birds and learned so much from the knowledgeable Naturalist. I love that the company is woman-owned by an experienced yachtswoman.