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: 24 hours
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,…
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
(312 Ratings)
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Nancy_b
Oct 29, 2024
Excellent eco tour - Great experience with the eco tour- excellent guide, lots of seals, otters and pelicans. Worth the time and money.
Review provided by Viator
Emily_s
Oct 24, 2024
Lots of wildlife! - Excellent tour with Rachel! She is very knowledgeable. We saw sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters, and lots of birds. The catamaran was quiet and clean. Highly recommend to others!
Review provided by Viator
Jasongn8832dv
Oct 22, 2024
Fantastic October Tour - These folks do an amazing job connecting people with an amazing ecosystem that really can't be found anywhere else on earth. Our captain and naturalist were both engaging and just let you have the kind of guided tour that you want. We came for otters (not disappointed--the slough is lousy with 'em) but the sea lions and the sheer volume and breeds of seabirds is also impressive. I dare you to not feel something when a squadron of 20 large pelicans glides 15'over you on the el cat, which runs quiet and free of gasoline fumes. It really is an amazing experience, operated by people who care greatly for stewardship of this beautiful corner of the coast. Do this tour if: -you are a fan of Sea Otters, Sea Lions, or Birds/birding -you are the kind of person who likes to learn about science, ecology, or natural resource management -you love the ocean but get too seasick on whale watching cruises -you're staying in Santa Cruz or Monterey and have 4-ish hours to fill doing something cool (travel time + 1.5hr tour) Thanks for the amazing ride, Monterey Bay Eco Tours!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Richard_n
Oct 18, 2024
Very nice tour on the calm waters of Elkhorn Slough - Our tour guides were quite knowledgeable and shared information on the slough and it's wildlife with easy to understand verbiage. We liked how the captain shut off the engine to allow the otters a more natural environment while we enjoyed watching them groom themselves. Lots of sandpiper, cormerants, pelicans and seals as well. The tour was well done and a good value for 2 hours of wildlife viewing. Don't forget your binoculars, sun hat and a light jacket or sweater.
Review provided by Viator
Liz_a
Oct 15, 2024
Peaceful, educational, engaging, and no sea sickness! - Rachel and Joey are amazing! I learned so much on our tour of Elkhorn Slough—Southern Otters are a matrilineal species, there are three species of cormorants, some of the sea lions stay all winter. The electric catamaran was so still and has no exhaust. It’s the first time I didn’t get motion sick on a boat tour. They even kept my little kids’ attention for 45 minutes! Highly recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Joseph_c
Oct 14, 2024
The whole trip was great!... - The whole trip was great! We saw a side of the area we never knew about! So much wildlife! 5/5 would recommend.
Review provided by Viator
William_g
Oct 13, 2024
So many otters - Our second time doing this tour, it really is great especially for kids. Saw tons of wildlife and the naturalist on board was great.
Review provided by Viator
Nettynoo14
Oct 13, 2024
A great experience - Wonderful outing. So much wildlife to view and enjoy and knowledgable naturalist. Highly recommend. 1.5 hours of relaxation and beauty.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cgivich
Oct 12, 2024
Pleasant Boat Ride - This was a terrific little outing. We saw tons of otters, seals and seabirds. The guide and driver were both knowledgeable and friendly. The boat was comfortable, quiet and easy to move around to get the best viewing and photo angles. We also enjoyed the little cafe that was right next to the dock. The food was great and it was a nice way to cap off a lovely morning boat ride.
Review provided by Viator
Darcie_s
Oct 12, 2024
Fantastic wildlife watching! - This was phenomenal! We saw a ton of wildlife while also learning about the animals and surroundings. The guide was very friendly and knowledgeable.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 6 guests
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December 2024
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