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Elkhorn Slough Wildlife Tour

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Overview

Available languages

English

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

1

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.

1 hour • Admission Included

What‘s Included

Tour Guide

Options

Elkhorn Slough Wildlife Tour

Fully Electric Catamaran

Reviews

4.91

425 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

399
17
6
2
1
  • Wet wonderful experience

    Jeffery S,,Feb 19, 2026

    - Review from Viator

    5.00

    Such good and knowledgeable boat captain and naturalist. We saw otters, harbor seals and so many birds. It was rain ot shine and I'm so grateful they did not cancel. They gave everyone the option but the light rain made it that much more memorable. Great time

  • A beautiful insightful peaceful experience on the slough

    Cris B,,Feb 11, 2026

    - Review from Viator

    5.00

    Friendly knowledgeable staff.. I would recommend anyone visiting the area to treat themselves to this wonderful experience out on the water. Educational and enjoyable for all ages.

  • Beautiful tour of the Slough

    Dawn M,,Feb 8, 2026

    - Review from Viator

    5.00

    The catamaran tour was excellent. Very professionally run, and narrated by a knowledgeable naturalist. We saw a wide array of birds and marine mammals, and the slough itself was beautiful. My son and I enjoyed it very much.

  • Lots of wildlife; get a tour with a naturalist

    Susan L,,Feb 6, 2026

    - Review from Viator

    3.00

    The catamaran itself is comfortable and the ride is smooth on the slough. We were there on a beautiful sunny day and saw many sea otters and birds and seals. Because it was a weekday and our group contained only 6 people, we were too few for a full crew so we had only the driver to navigate and narrate. Unfortunately, although he said he was a naturalist, he didn't narrate what we were seeing but spent the bulk of the trip talking about his personal life with two passengers. We really missed not having a naturalist who could explain about the slough and the wildlife that lives there. We asked him questions, but he didn't engage with us or elaborate. We enjoyed the trip, nonetheless, and were glad to go out on a quiet weekday. This was my second tour of the slough and I recommend it. You can also rent kayaks and go out on your own.

  • It was a hot day of sun and sea life

    ROBERT H,,Feb 5, 2026

    - Review from Viator

    4.00

    Got to see sea otters, seals, migratory birds and pleasant boating experience! It would have been nice to have a pop-up Bimini on the boat.

    ROBERT H's photo 1
  • The Elkhorn Slough is a...

    Kelly S,,Jan 19, 2026

    - Review from Viator

    5.00

    The Elkhorn Slough is a really amazing place. Aaron was a great guide. Would highly recommend touring the slough if you’re in the area.

  • Perfect 90 minutes

    Howard L,,Jan 16, 2026

    - Review from Viator

    5.00

    So educational while at the same time being in a quiet peaceful setting. The E boat is stable and smooth. Highly recommend this trip.

  • Treat Yourself to Exploring Elkhorn Slough

    kathleen v,,Jan 15, 2026

    - Review from Viator

    5.00

    Lovely boat, knowledgeable presenter, Aaron, who was interesting , informative, welcoming. Couldn’t have been a better experience.

  • Slough boat adventure

    Cathryn F,,Jan 9, 2026

    - Review from Viator

    5.00

    Wear warm clothing for this potentially breezy adventure. The staff was knowledgeable and engaging. The wildlife was interesting. The slough is much larger than we expected. Overall, it was a delightful and educational way to spend 90 minutes.

  • Awesome Tour Guide

    Courtney T,,Jan 9, 2026

    - Review from Viator

    5.00

    Great facts and information about the environment and the wildlife! Only thing I could suggest would have been to offer the blankets for the guests in the beginning - a small child was obviously freezing the entire time and the blankets weren't offered til the final 1/3 of the tour.

From US$45.00

4.91
(425 reviews)
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