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Wildlife Safari Boat Tour in Scenic Monterey Bay Wetland

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Overview

Available languages

English

1 hour 30 minutes

Mobile ticket

The Elkhorn Slough has the largest population of Sea Otters in California, and over 300 species of birds! We’ve been offering guided boat tours of this wetland for almost 30 years, and have an intimate knowledge of the area, its history, and it's wildlife. All our Naturalists have Marine Science degrees, and we are third party certified Wildlife Stewards, so you can be assured that we always conduct ourselves responsibly around the wildlife. Our stable, comfortable vessel is designed for unobstructed wildlife viewing, and we’ve been a preferred outfitter for many prominent wildlife photographers, like Frans Lanting and Suzi Eszterhas, to name a few. On our relaxing ride, no one gets sea sick, and our safety record is flawless. We also operate a large science and nature themed Gift Shop / Bookstore celebrating the Monterey Bay. Our shelves contain over 600 titles, many of which are 30-50% off the list price, plus attire, stuffed animals and souvenirs.

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Tours typically last an hour and a half to two hours.

Our minimum age for passengers is 3 years old.

Weather in the Monterey Bay can vary, so it's always a good idea to bring layers of clothing.

There is no restroom onboard, but restrooms are available at our Gift Shop and in the harbor.

Do not enter "Elkhorn Slough" into your maps app. This will direct you away from our location, and we'll be unable to delay our departure time if you are late.

Please arrive 30 minutes before your tour time to check in, and walk over to departure point.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Activities and prizes for kids

Free use of binoculars during tour

Trained Naturalist as Tour Guide

Complimentary refreshments

Free street parking along Moss Landing Road

$12 fee to park in Moss Landing Harbor parking lot. Free with handicap placard.

What To Expect

1

Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve

The world's largest population of Southern Sea Otters and 340 bird species inhabit this spectacular wetland. Our expertly guided tours will show you all this, and more! And, we offer complimentary use of binoculars to ensure that everybody gets a great look at the wildlife.

1 hour 10 minutes • Admission Included
2

Moss Landing Harbor

Moss Landing Harbor is not just a commercial fishing harbor. Overflowing with local character, and home to hundreds of endlessly entertaining Sea Lions, the harbor also hosts a number of Marine Research institutions, including the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute. Their research vessels and impressive technology is often in view as we make our way to the Elkhorn Slough. But before doing so, we always like to pause and linger at the mouth of Moss Landing Harbor, and discuss the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, and it's deep submarine canyon. The Elkhorn Slough is a tidal inlet fed directly by the Monterey Bay, so these bodies of water share a unique relationship and history. And we might even encounter Humpback Whales feeding close to shore!

20 minutes • Admission Included

Options

Wildlife Safari Boat Tour in Scenic Monterey Bay Wetland

Reviews

4.90

39 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

35
4
0
0
0
  • Moss Landing Safari FUN!!

    123debbiek,

    Oct 25, 2025

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    Thank you Captain Joe and Naturalist John for a wonderful tour. Lots of otters, seal lions, seals and birds. The cookies were yummy too!

  • Great Wetlands Tour

    Mark W,

    Oct 2, 2025

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    We saw a lot of sea otters floating around and seals laying along the shore. There were a lot of sea lions on the docks. We saw many seabirds. Zane and Brian are excellent guides. They are knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the area. Highly recommend

  • Cruise on the Water

    Carolyn U,

    Oct 1, 2025

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    It was a beautiful relaxing day looking at sea otters. Our guides were very knowledgeable and accommodating. We were even served hot drinks and cookies.

    Carolyn U's photo 1
  • Wonderful Trip!

    Michael S,

    Oct 1, 2025

    - Review from Viator

    5.00

    We saw tons of otters, seals & sea lions. If you’re a nature lover this is the trip for you. Jon, our guide, and Roberta our captain were the BEST, very knowledgeable.

  • Great hosts. Fun trip....

    Alfred G,

    Sep 29, 2025

    - Review from Viator

    5.00

    Great hosts. Fun trip. Lots of information about Elkhorn Slough and so much fun to see sea otters. Well worth the time to go.

  • A very enjoyable outing for the whole family!

    Sharonwa2,

    Sep 28, 2025

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    We had been on a trip before and enjoyed it so much we wanted to take our sons and our granddaughter this time! We all enjoyed ourselves while learning about the wildlife! Joe our captain and the naturalist aboard were very informative and made the outing fun! Loved the treats too!

  • An experience like no other!!!

    L7756XYangelm,

    Sep 18, 2025

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    I cannot recommend this excursion enough. We had the best time! I've lived here all my life, and I had no idea that that the Slough existed! We took my 17-year old, who is usually too cool to hangout with mom! As soon as he got his pair of binoculars, he was hooked! Such great photo opportunities as well! We've never been so close to sea otters, pelicans, and sea lions in our lives! It really *was* magical, and we want to come back with my parents! Thanks again! : )

  • Wonderfull experience in every way!

    Veronica O,

    Sep 5, 2025

    - Review from Viator

    5.00

    Excellent crew. Very knowledgeable about the natural environment and wildlife. They created a wonderful experience. They shared great stories as well. Highly recommend this vendor.

  • Another wonderful cruise on Elkhorn Slough!

    douglassR3547FX,

    Sep 2, 2025

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    4.00

    This was my fourth cruise in Elkhorn Slough, but the first with my eldest son and his intended. They both loved seeing all the sea otters & sea lions, plus the numerous sea birds. Our favorite was the Elegant Tern, a graceful flyer and amazing diver! Our naturalist & captain were quite courteous and informative. Everyone in our party of 4 had a great time!

  • Did Not Disappoint

    Eleanor P,

    Sep 1, 2025

    - Review from Viator

    5.00

    Excellent experience! The team was very knowledgeable, fun, and friendly. 11/10 recommend this tour.

From $45.00

4.90
39 reviews
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