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
447 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Very enjoyable tour
Lindsey K,May 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour was very laid back and informative. We saw many seals, otters and birds. The captain and guide were extremely friendly and knowledgeable. It was a little chilly on the way back and they had blankets onboard that made it very comfortable. We would definitely take the tour again. The catamaran was very smooth and quiet.
Excellent Tour Experience!!!
DaniLola12,May 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Incredible experience from tip to tail. The boat was EV and so comfortable. The guides were so amazing and knowledgeable. The scenery and all the information I learned was extraordinary. Definitely recommending this to everyone. I know who comes to visit this area!
Excellent tour with knowledgeable naturalist (many otters!)
keithwM3041VR,May 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We loved this tour! The naturalist was extremely knowledgeable, entertaining, and made this tour special for us. We saw so many sea otters (including otter pups!), harbor seals and a couple pups, and many birds. I've been kayaking in Elkhorn Slough in the past and much prefer this stable boat you can walk around on. ;)
It’s my second time on...
ChunYen L,Apr 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It’s my second time on this tour, and it’s still incredible. This time, there are more sea otters compared to the previous tour.
For nature lovers!
Meredith K,Apr 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Wonderful experience! Great boat (electric makes it so much quieter and a nicer ride), great crew and knowledgeable guides, so much wildlife to see. We had a great time.
Not a fave
moretrips51,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00There were a few mama otters with babies, some cormorants, a few pelicans, some geese, some seals, some sea lions and not much more. The boat is comfortable but all 4 of us (2 grandparents, a teenager and a 10 year old) were bored. On the back almost no one was engaged in the trip other than enjoying a quiet boat ride. The commentary was average.
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.
From US$45.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by Monterey Bay Eco Tours