Elkhorn Slough Wildlife Tour
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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.
What‘s Included
Tour Guide
Options
Elkhorn Slough Wildlife Tour
Fully Electric Catamaran
Reviews
442 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Endlessly fascinating!
marybW257ZK,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Outstanding from beginning to end. Our guide, a polymath with extensive knowledge in many fields, gave us fascinating info about the slough and the wildlife and was responsive to our many questions. So glad I took this trip.
Come see the animals while learning about them.
Ruth J,Apr 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Lovely tour with lots of sea animals and a very knowledgeable guide. If you’re a lover of animals, this is a tour for you. Excellent for kids of all ages and adults alike.
Relaxing and informative
Tourist640089,Apr 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We truly enjoyed the relaxing ride on the electric boat down the Elkhorn Slough. The quiet boat and the ability to move around increases your ability to see all the wildlife. Aaron, our naturalist, did an excellent job informing us of the history of the slough and all the wildlife we observed. We saw a wide variety of birds and many sea otters, seals and sea lions. Many had pups which was extra fun. Highly recommend!
An electric experience!
Carolyn and John B,Apr 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We picked a cool, rainy day to do a tour of Elkhorn Slough with this company. They provided an excellent experience for our family of six despite the weather. Joey and Aaron tried to dry off the seats on their nice quiet electric catamaran and provided blankets for us to huddle under. Aaron was our naturalist and helped us spot lots of sea otters (some with pups!), harbor seals (some with pups!), and many types of birds. He was really informative. You cannot control the weather and this crew helped us get great value out of our trip.
Great trip
Gail Z,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Loved by the whole family. Great captain. Highly recommend. Saw a ton of otters and seals and the captain was very knowledgeable and entertaining.
Lots of Sea Otters!
Diane M,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a great time traveling along the water learning about the creatures that live there: otters, seals, sea birds, and plants. Our guide was very knowledgeable and answered questions readily from the group on the boat. We watched the wildlife living their lives along the way, saw lots of otters especially so if sea otters are your passion definitely book a tour.
A great day on the water!!!
Ollie H,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a wonderful smooth water trip. We saw an assortment of water fowl, otters. Harbor seals and sea lions. Joey and Elaine were our Pilots and Guides. It was wonderful. Bring a jacket.
Slough love.
John G,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The 1- 1/2 hour trip was exceptional. Who knew about slough?? Aaron does! His Naturalist, paleontologist, ecology knowledge of all things Moss Landing, Salinas River, Monterey Bay, Flora, fauna & especially bird life was astonishing. He even knows about the Western Flyer, John Steinbeck & Ed Rickett’s marine lab boat! He’s one of the crew!! It was lovely. I recommend this with 5 stars.
Must see all the otters!
Holly C,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a special place! Aaron was a fantastic guide and we saw SO much wildlife!! Do not miss this area.
Luxury viewing of the Slough
gmardie,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome views of the birds, otters, seals and sea lions of the Slough! Boat is supremely comfy and quiet. All ages can enjoy the quiet smooth ride and love about to get good views. Binocular experience recommended but not necessary. Great for teens, parents, grandparents, and birders in your family!
From US$45.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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Operated by Monterey Bay Eco Tours