Elkhorn Slough Wildlife Tour: Eco-Friendly Catamaran Experience

The El Cat, constructed in Moss Landing, is a completely electric, Coast Guard-certified boat that can carry 32 passengers. It’s a customized 37’ catamaran, specifically designed for navigating the waters of our beloved Elkhorn Slough.

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • 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
  • Expert local tour guide
Location
Monterey Bay Eco Tours - Elkhorn Slough Eco Nature Tour
Clam Way
Monterey Bay Eco Tours is located at 10932 Clam Way with plenty of free parking available on site and easy to find. Check in at the booth in the parking lot.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.9
(285 Ratings)
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Patimperial
Aug 30, 2024
2nd time we've gone - Second time we've gone and love it. Great staff Very informative Beautiful wildlife Nice day out with friends. A must see tour
Review provided by Viator
Jfitzger10
Aug 24, 2024
Beautiful quiet time in nature. - Very relaxed ride. Guide was super informative pointing out all of the different birds and wild life. Saw so many beautiful birds, lots of otters, some seals and even a purple jellyfish. Take a jacket it can get windy on the way back.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Diane_r
Aug 21, 2024
The otters eating worms... - The otters eating worms and shell fish. It was a nice quite electric boat and the wildlife explanations given by the tour guide were very interesting.
Review provided by Viator
Wander59516336502
Aug 17, 2024
If you like water based wildlife, this is the one - Excellent tour of the slough. Lots of wildlife and a very knowledgeable guide. I like that they use an electric boat also in this sensitive area. Highly recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
482mels
Aug 17, 2024
An outstanding experience - An outstanding experience that was definitely the high point of our summer trip, and a must for nature lovers. The slough itself is a major habitat for both waterfowl and small aquatic mammals (sea lions, seals, otter). I have never seen so many pelicans in one place in my life! There were terns, egrets, and loons on summer vacation from Minnesota. Wow! The tour itself is in a state-of-the-art electric catamaran, worth the trip in itself for techies. Our guide Cindy was an experienced naturalist who provided a fascinating commentary on our experience, and was able to answer everyone's questions. Bring your best photo equipment.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jane_s
Aug 16, 2024
The best! - Knowledgeable crew! Delightful ❤️😎🙏🐠🐠🐠🐠🐠🐠lots of otters and babies!! Beautiful boat too. Recommending to all- kids and adults
Review provided by Viator
Catherine_k
Aug 12, 2024
Great wildlife and fun time! - The naturalist on board was fabulous…so well educated and knowledgeable! And she had a great way with the passengers, very gracious. The captain was a sweetheart too. The boat was so comfy! And the wildlife… can’t say enough about it, the otters and birds and seals and sea lions were wonderful. Highly recommend this to everyone, you will learn so much!
Review provided by Viator
Pamela_c
Aug 11, 2024
Otters and their pups... - Otters and their pups Excellent narration and information about the wildlife in the slew. I have been on the other tour but really enjoyed yours!
Review provided by Viator
Katherine_a
Aug 10, 2024
Very fun day on the water! - This was a super fun tour!! Very educational & informative - we loved the wetland surroundings and opportunity to explore the wildlife in the slough-marshland. The tour guide & boat captain were friendly & knowledgeable. I’d highly recommend this to visitors upon staying in the area.
Review provided by Viator
Kenneth
Aug 8, 2024
Wildlife at its best - Lovely adventure; saw sea otters, harbor seals and seal lions as well as lots of different birds. The offered blankets and binoculars if needed and the commentary was interesting and informative. Enjoyed every minute! A highlight of our trip!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 6 guests
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September 2024
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