Discover California's Elkhorn Slough aboard an electric catamaran. Spot sea otters, sea lions, and beautiful birds while gliding through calm waters in Moss Landing.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal physical effort needed; suitable for most fitness levels including families and seniors.
Wildlife
History
Elkhorn Slough was historically an important tidal estuary for Native American tribes and later became a key site for conservation efforts starting in the 1970s.
Conservation
Monterey Bay Eco Tours operates with electric boats to minimize environmental impact, supporting local conservation programs focused on protecting the slough’s fragile habitats.
Monterey Bay Eco Tours
Discover California's Elkhorn Slough aboard an electric catamaran. Spot sea otters, sea lions, and beautiful birds while gliding through calm waters in Moss Landing.
Monterey Bay Eco Tours operates electric-powered catamaran wildlife cruises from Moss Landing, California, focused on immersive visits to the Elkhorn Slough. The company offers narrated wildlife tours that highlight the slough's rich marine and bird life, including the world's largest population of southern sea otters, frequent sea lion sightings, and diverse shore and waterbirds. Sunset Tours on the Elkhorn Slough feature an onboard naturalist who provides expert narration and context as the vessel glides through serene waters at dusk. The Elkhorn Slough Tour presents a daytime option on the same electric catamaran platform, giving passengers a calm, low-impact way to view wildlife and learn about estuary ecology.
Tours prioritize close but respectful wildlife viewing from the electric catamaran, using quiet propulsion to minimize disturbance. Narrated commentary helps guests understand animal behavior, habitat, and conservation issues relevant to the Monterey Bay and Elkhorn Slough ecosystem. Operating from Moss Landing places the excursions within easy reach of Monterey Bay communities and makes Monterey Bay Eco Tours a convenient choice for visitors seeking guided wildlife experiences.
Reservations are available for scheduled departures and accommodate a range of group sizes. Safety and passenger comfort are considered in the vessel design and tour operations. As a featured operator on The Adventure Collective, Monterey Bay Eco Tours is recognized for its specialized Elkhorn Slough experiences and emphasis on narrated, wildlife-focused boating tours. Guests often photograph otters and birds from accessible viewing areas, and interpretive narration makes each cruise informative and memorable for nature lovers and families.
Location
Moss Landing, CA
Departures on Monterey Bay near Elkhorn Slough
Vessel
Electric Catamaran
Electric-powered catamaran tours
Wildlife Focus
Southern Sea Otters
Home to the world's largest otter population
Tours Offered
Sunset & Day Tours
Sunset and narrated Elkhorn Slough tours
Reserve a sunset or daytime narrated tour on the electric catamaran to see sea otters, sea lions, and shorebirds — limited seats available
Wear layers for changing temperatures
Mornings and evenings can be chilly on the water, so dress in layers to stay comfortable.
Bring binoculars for wildlife spotting
Binoculars enhance viewing of distant animals like sea otters and bird species in the slough.
Use reef-safe sunscreen
Protect your skin without harming the delicate marine ecosystem of Elkhorn Slough.
Stay seated during the tour
For safety and stable photography, remain seated and follow the guide's instructions at all times.
Layered clothing
Helps regulate body temperature during cool mornings and warmer afternoons.
Binoculars
Enhances wildlife observation on the distant slough waterways.
Waterproof jacket
Useful for rainy or misty conditions common in fall months.
fall
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects your skin while safeguarding fragile marine life.
summer