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
Sunset Tour
Sunset Tour: Join us on a one-of-a-kind, electric-powered catamaran ride for a wildlife tour during sunset.
Elkhorn Slough Wildlife Tour
Fully Electric Catamaran
Reviews
411 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Peaceful and knowledgeable
loram881,,Dec 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I personally have kayaked the Elkhorn Slough, and this trip was so relaxing and quiet. I enjoyed the two folks that worked the boat, Joey and Julie, (not sure if that was her name) great team. Had a wonderful time watching the wildlife and it was a beautiful experience. From Gardnerville Nevada!
Great knowledgeable people
Chris H,,Dec 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Super friendly and knowledgeable people. Spotless boat. Very relaxing journey through calm cool waters.
We enjoy nature experiences and this one was very worthwhile. Very informative, and a smooth and comfotable trip
denisewN2077VT,,Dec 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00this was a trip for my husband and myself and we really got a lot out of it. The weather was very pleasant, so we lucked out there. The staff were courteous and knowledgeable.
Quiet ride, otters & sea birds
jeannesU3882DG,,Dec 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We loved the electric boat and its quietness. We saw many otters and many different birds. The naturalist, Cindy, was personable and well-informed. It was interesting to hear about how the otters had repopulated the slough. She was great at pointing out the wildlife and identifying the birds. The ride was so smooth - hardly knew the captain had turned the boat.
Outstanding family experience
867lynna,,Nov 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a wonderful family experience, from ages 5 to 71! We saw a wide variety of coastal and migrating birds and marine wildlife. The guides were extremely knowledgeable. I highly recommend this tour! Don’t forget to bring your binoculars!
Great tour and so much information
Laurie S,,Nov 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a wonderful tour with lots of amazing wildlife and information about the eco system. Cindy was an amazing tour guide and instructor. We loved our time with her and Joey. Very, very educational.
Wonderful time.
Gay G,,Nov 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience from start to finish. We were greeted by our guide and captain and the boat was large, spotlessly clean and comfortable. They were very knowledgeable about the animals, sea life, birds, and environment. Our guide interacted with all of us and made it a fun and interesting time. Highly recommend it.
It was a fantastic...
ChunYen L,,Nov 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a fantastic experience watching sea otters, other marine mammals, and a variety of birds in their natural habitat.
Lovely day on the water with lots of otters
RenoHighlander,,Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Interesting and informative ride around the Slough, which has the densest population of southern sea otters in the world. Crew was great. I thoroughly enjoyed it but suspect smaller children might be restless. Also great for birders.
An excellent tour
TrueM C,,Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour exceeded our expectations. We saw harbor seals, sea lions and sea otters and numerous birds including a red throated Loon! Our guides were very knowledgeable.
From US$45.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by Monterey Bay Eco Tours