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
(380 Ratings)
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818larainej
Aug 25, 2025
Wonderful Sea Otter tour - Aaron who narrated the tour was so knowledgeable. Joey captained the boat and was excellent. We saw many sea otters and close enough to enjoy them.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Davetheplanet
Aug 25, 2025
A great experience! - I've done this trip twice now and I'm looking forward to doing it again. The two skippers and naturalists that I've met so far have been great. You'll learn a lot. The boat itself is unusual. It's very quiet when moving and when they stop for viewing wildlife it's completely silent. You can get up and move around during most of the trip. They are very respectful of the wildlife, even though you get reasonably close, so bring binoculars. We will be doing this more often because each trip offers something new and different.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Micaela_r
Aug 18, 2025
Educational and relaxing - The Elkhorn Slough Eco Tour is a wonderfully relaxing experience on an all-electric Catamaran. I loved the leisurely pace of the boat, and the conversational tone of the information presented by our guides. Great experience!
Review provided by Viator
Hanschiachang_y
Aug 16, 2025
Full story of southern... - Full story of southern sea otters habit and behavior in the Slough as well as surrounding fauna and neighbors
Review provided by Viator
Octavia_j
Aug 11, 2025
Relaxing and enjoyable - Very professional and very clear instructions. Calming and relaxing morning spent on the water looking at wildlife. Fantastic natural history, guy that had a wealth of information
Review provided by Viator
Joan_g
Aug 7, 2025
Excellent wildlife... - Excellent wildlife experience. Lots of sea otters and birds. The bird nesting explanations were especially informative.
Review provided by Viator
Y7413jdsarahd
Aug 7, 2025
Loved it - Great experience. Very knowledgeable guide. Lots of beautiful animals and birds. Would recommend to friends and family
Review provided by Tripadvisor
William_p
Jul 31, 2025
Eco wildlife tour - It’s a calmwater tour of a sanctuary where you will see lots of birds, sea otters, and seals. The boat is electric, so it’s not going to make you seasick and the wildlife aren’t scared off by a noisy motor or wake.
Review provided by Viator
240brettk
Jul 28, 2025
Outstand experience - This was a fantastic trip. The boat was perfect, I really appreciated how quiet the electric engine was. I'd been to Elkhorn before and it's a beautiful spot, but the naturalist really knew her stuff and really brough the trip to the next level
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Candy_m
Aug 3, 2025
Visit Elkhorn Slough Safari! - This experience is entertaining, fun and really relaxing! Emily was great! We learned a lot, and even had a delicious lunch (recommended by Emily) at a fresh caught fish house near by. A must see if you are an otter fan or a bird watcher!!
Review provided by Viator
From $45
up to 6 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).