Elkhorn Slough Wildlife Tour: Eco-Friendly Catamaran Experience
4.9
351 Ratings
Moss Landing

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,…
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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
(351 Ratings)
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Ashley
Mar 29, 2025
Calming and enjoyable - The guide was very knowledgeable about the area, wildlife, and various programs that the Monterey Aquarium hosts. The boat ride was calming and we were able to see lots of sea lions, otters, and various species of birds.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Khurt510
Mar 24, 2025
Beautiful Ride through Elkhorn Slough - Aaron was an amazing guide through Elkhorn Slough today. Great spotting and able to talk about wildlife, history, and the future of the area. Wonderful quiet electric boat so no terrible boat fumes. SO MUCH wildlife there!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Adventure34584378594
Mar 19, 2025
Smithing down the slough! Amazing time! - Amazing and absolutely a unique experience. The tour guide was so knowledgeable and so accommodating to everyone on the boat. We saw so many otters, seals etc etc my couldn’t sit down or we would miss something. And the boat was electric!! So quiet and peaceful! A must visit!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mark_m
Mar 17, 2025
Great tour. - Perfect day. Friendly, fun, snd knowledgeable crew. Saw everything and more. Very informative. Exceeded expectations.
Review provided by Viator
Janet_t
Mar 8, 2025
A quiet way to immerse... - A quiet way to immerse yourself in the nature reserve, see wildlife close up, and learn about sustainability efforts. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and also tuned in to the specific interests of the group. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Nomad22020556762
Mar 6, 2025
We highly recommend this tour!!! - So great to learn about all the ecosystem of the slough. Amazing animals and birds. We were thrilled with all the things we learned!!! We will be back!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Silviasystems
Mar 4, 2025
Nice and knowledgeable tour guides. - Wear layered clothing because it can get windy and cold when there is on on-shore flow. Also, bring your binoculars, phone or camera. The boat is powered by electricity-very quiet.
Review provided by Viator
Kerry_a
Feb 27, 2025
Brilliant wildlife tour - Great tour for sea otters, seals, herons & cormorants. Many others too and sea lions in the harbour. The boat is electric and LL ess intrusive. Very knowledgeable guides.
Review provided by Viator
Jessie
Feb 24, 2025
An absolute gem of an experience - The Elkhorn Slough Wildlife Tour was such a brilliant experience - Aaron is a very knowledgeable guide and gives a great overview of the ecology of Elkhorn Slough, as well as its history. Great opportunities to see beautiful wildlife. The tour was about two hours and very smooth (no need to worry about seasickness). The fully electric catamaran is a great vehicle to be aboard. This tour is a must-do if you’re visiting Monterey and surrounds!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Susanb2573
Feb 19, 2025
Terrific eco tour teaming with wildlife - Excellent trip with terrific naturalist guide. We saw dozens of sea otters, plus harbor seals, sea lions, and a great variety of birds…so fun for this birder! The guides were extremely careful not to disturb the wildlife and we were impressed with their very quiet and clean electric boat. Highly recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Check Availability
From $45
From $45
up to 6 guests
1 - Adult
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Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).