Overview
Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
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.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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.
Options
Elkhorn Slough Wildlife Tour
Fully Electric Catamaran
What‘s Included
Tour Guide
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
460 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Bring a jacket... It can...
Phyllis S,Jun 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Bring a jacket... It can be chilly. Very knowledgeable guide. Great experience. Lots of otters and various birds. Recommend highly!
Interesting boat trip
Roger M,Jun 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great trip on a quiet electric boat watching lots of wildlife with good knowledgable guide
Perfect for “Kids” of All Ages
Fun4Mom,Jun 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Loved the wildlife - such cute otters and sea lions and so many birds, and what an extra addition to have a naturalist onboard to create such an educational experience.
Elkhorn Slough Tour
Joey G,Jun 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour! The tour was beautiful and interesting. We learned a lot about the habitat and the wildlife that lives there. They even provided blankets!
Awesome summer road trip!
Companion52147920300,Jun 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Timothy, our naturalist, was outstanding. He was incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and enthusiastic, sharing fascinating information about the sea otters, birds, and local ecosystem throughout the trip. Brian, our captain, did a wonderful job making the ride comfortable and enjoyable while ensuring we had great opportunities to view the wildlife. We saw plenty of sea otters, which was exactly what we had hoped for, but we were also amazed by the incredible variety of birds we encountered along the way. The amount of wildlife we observed made the trip truly special. Overall, the tour was well organized, educational, and a lot of fun for the entire family. We highly recommend it to anyone looking for a memorable wildlife experience. We will definitely be back for another trip in the future!
Birds, Otters, Sea Lions!
Lisa S,May 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The guides were excellent and the views and wildlife were perfect. It did get a little chilly on the boat and the guides broke out blankets for everyone. This is a great tour for birders. We saw red-throated loons, terns, a couple of types of gulls and ducks. The boat is very quiet and stable too.
Would do this again
Happiness785080,May 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I loved this experience. I saw SO much wildlife (harbor seals, sea lions, sea otters, pelican, cormorants) and some otters are fairly close to the boat so can see their sweet faces up close. It was an amazing time.
Fun and Unique Experience
catherinegT4912VT,May 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a really neat experience! It was relaxing and nice to get to hear about the deals, sea lions, otters, birds and more of this part of California!
You Otter take this Eco tour of Elkhorn Slough
Pamela M,May 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I have aged out of Kayaking on the slough. The electric eco-tour boat is almost like being in my kayak. The boat is so quiet the otters, harbor seals and birds are not disturbed. Our guide is an avid birder and shared her knowledge in a way that kept folks who are not birders interested. The fact that the boat is so stable you can get up and walk around for the best viewing opportunity.
Many thumbs up!
Travel22425777343,May 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great guide, Judy. Great boat captain John. Very comfortable and informative
Related Experiences
Operated by Monterey Bay Eco Tours