Elkhorn Slough Boat Tour: Sea Otters and Bird Watching

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with Monterey Bay Safari’s Elkhorn Slough Otter Tours. Discover the largest population of Sea Otters in California and over 300 species of birds. Book now!

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • 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.
  • **Moss Landing…
What's Included
  • Complimentary street parking on Moss Landing Road.
  • Binoculars provided for tour use.
What's Not Included
  • $12 fee to park in Moss Landing Harbor parking lot. Free with handicap placard.
Additional Information

Elkhorn Slough is home to the most significant sea otter population in California, and it’s also a habitat for over 300 bird species! For nearly three decades, we’ve conducted insightful boat tours through this wetland and we have a keen understanding of its terrain, history, and wildlife. Our expert Naturalist team are all graduates in Marine Science…

Location
7981 Moss Landing Rd ste e
Moss Landing Road
Check in for your Safari inside our Gift Shop, and then it's just a short walk across the street to the dock where the boat launches.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.8
(12 Ratings)
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1 star
Cheryl_g
Aug 3, 2024
Moss Landing Safari - Great trip with knowledgeable guides! Fun experience. Also gave a great suggestion for lunch. Communication on purchasing tickets and directions were helpful.
Review provided by Viator
Jeannefleur63
Jul 6, 2024
Wild Kingdom - There were many kayakers and paddle boarders on the slough, but I feel we were luckiest choosing this pontoon boat tour. Both the captain and super informed naturalist on board filled us with knowledge about the history, plant and animal life. We were given binoculars to borrow, and we were able to spot numerous sea otters as well as seals and sea lions. I usually get sea sick, but this would have been so unlikely on the calm waters of the slough. They even had a great gift shop with a wealth of books on natural history for both kids and adults. Several restaurants nearby. Easy access from Monterey where we stayed. The highlight of our trip!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Denise_l
Jun 10, 2024
Well balanced tour to experience, learn and be entertained - This was an absolute thrill to attend as I love otters. Seeing the babies on the Mommas tummies and "barking" was sweet as I never heard this. A lot of whimsy from sea lions to otters. To troll by enjoying this natural beauty I had no idea was in the area was refreshing and relaxing. It was a great day to spend. So many wildlife to see, experience what they do and learn more about. It was a well balanced tour to take. I recommend to all. The little kids were even engaged to enjoy the ride. We all had a great time with the birds in flight by us!
Review provided by Viator
633melodyg
May 22, 2024
Excellent Operation. A Dazzling Experience. - I highly recommend this tour. Our captain and naturalist (Isabella, in our case, a young woman) were friendly and outgoing and answered all questions. They spotted and identified many birds and took us close, but not too close, to the otters and other critters. I had previously booked a trip with a company called "eco tours" because they ran electric boats but they cancelled the trip 3 hours before it was set to leave, saying they had too few passengers. I had already driven to Moss Landing. So I felt fortunate that I could get a last minute spot with Safari. They also have a terrific bookstore with fun (and tasteful, not tacky) souvenirs/gifts. Excellent operation all round.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Marsha_s
May 17, 2024
Great - Great experience. Informative and helpful tour guides. Well worth the reasonable fee. Saw lots of wildlife. Boat goes slow so it doesn't get to cold.
Review provided by Viator
Shannonlv7808nu
Mar 31, 2024
While in Moss Landing you must do this excursion. - This is a wonderful excursion! We were able to see several momma otters with their pups, many different kinds of birds, sea lions and harbor seals. The naturalists are very knowledgeable and gave us so much fascinating information. Well worth it. I will do it again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Annabi4606nm
Mar 20, 2024
Great trip out - We had a great time despite the grotty weather-the otters and birds were wonderful it was a really informative and interesting trip
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Laura_j
Mar 4, 2024
Very friendly and... - Very friendly and knowledgeable staff. Learned lots of information about the wildlife in the area and got tons of otter pictures.
Review provided by Viator
Sidneycmar
Jan 5, 2024
Beautiful day, relaxing cruise - Enjoyed the beautiful day and views of the Elkhorn Slough. Naturalist Judy and Captain Joe gave good explanations of what we saw during an almost two-hour relaxing boat ride.
Review provided by Viator
Trail60717552489
Oct 26, 2023
Great experience, but I wish it was possible see the animals a little closer. - It was a very lovely experience and I learned some interesting things. The main thing I want to make people aware of is that the incredible pictures this company posts on social media are a little misleading as to how close you actually get to the animals (otters and seals) on the safari. Law prohibits getting very close to them. Those photos must be taken with a professional camera with a high quality zoom lens.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $43
up to 8 guests
1 Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).