Tours/Monterey and Carmel/Elkhorn Slough Wildlife Tour

Elkhorn Slough Wildlife Tour

4.9(489)Monterey and Carmel1h 30min
VIATOR4.9(259)TRIPADVISOR4.9(230)
Elkhorn Slough Wildlife Tour
Elkhorn Slough Wildlife Tour
Elkhorn Slough Wildlife Tour
Elkhorn Slough Wildlife Tour
Elkhorn Slough Wildlife Tour
Elkhorn Slough Wildlife Tour
Elkhorn Slough Wildlife Tour
Elkhorn Slough Wildlife Tour
Elkhorn Slough Wildlife Tour

At a glance

Duration
1h 30min
Price from
$45 / person
Location
Monterey and Carmel
Rating
4.9 / 5 · 489 reviews
Languages
EN
Group
Small group, up to 32
Cancellation
Free cancellation
Confirmation
Instant
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Operator
Monterey Bay Eco Tours
Meeting point
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.

Description

The El Cat, built right here in Moss Landing, is a fully electric, 32 passenger, Coast Guard-certified vessel. This is a custom 37’ catamaran built and designed especially for the waters of our very own Elkhorn Slough.

Tour Options

Elkhorn Slough Wildlife Tour
  • Fully Electric Catamaran

Itinerary

Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve
Admission included60 min

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, sea lions, birds and beyond during a cruise through these peaceful waters.

What's included

Included
Tour Guide

Traveller Ratings

4.9
489 reviews
5
459
4
19
3
8
2
2
1
1

Important Information

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation

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

1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund

Frequently asked questions

How long does Elkhorn Slough Wildlife Tour take?

Elkhorn Slough Wildlife Tour lasts about 1h 30min. The itinerary has 1 stop.

How much does Elkhorn Slough Wildlife Tour cost?

Prices start at $45 per person for this Monterey and Carmel experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.

Can I cancel Elkhorn Slough Wildlife Tour for free?

Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is 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. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.

What languages is Elkhorn Slough Wildlife Tour offered in?

The experience is available in EN.

Is this a private or a group tour?

It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 32 participants.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Wheelchair accessible

Reviews(489)

M
Mike_S
September 26, 2026
Elkorn Slough

Great eBoat, nice guides, great weather, fun gift shop, lots of wildlife, safe boat ride, fun trip!!!!

E
Ellen_K
September 24, 2026
What a beautiful day out...

What a beautiful day out on the Slough! We learned so much about the marine life and ongoing preservation projects, and we saw so many cute animals (yes so many otters!) We even got great local food recs at the end so it turned into a very chill, lovely day.

K
K6059GPevelync
September 21, 2026
Elkhorn Slough

Great fun! Joey our tour guide was very knowledgeable. Saw many sea otters and several species of birds.

B
Brianna_M
September 14, 2026
Wildlife, Good Vibes & a Beautiful Boat Ride

This was such a fun experience! The crew were knowledgeable, friendly, and genuinely entertaining—it never felt scripted or monotone. We saw sea lions, seals, sea otters, seabirds, and even got to help some stranded paddle boarders along the way! If you’re someone who gets motion sickness, fear not! The boat moved at a slower pace, and the water was calm enough that I had no issues, even though I’m pretty sensitive to motion sickness. They also provided small throw blankets, which was a really nice touch since it can get windy and chilly on the water. One thing to note: check-in is at the Ship Store to the left of the parking lot. The store has a bathroom, souvenirs, and even a cute shop cat named Merlin! If you’re looking for something to eat afterward, there’s also a cute dockside restaurant nearby. I’d definitely recommend bringing binoculars if you have them, as most of the wildlife stayed a little farther away from the boat. The boat is also uncovered, so I’d recommend bringing a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and layers. Overall, it was an awesome scenic journey, and I’m so glad I got to experience it while supporting a small local company. Definitely recommend!

G
Georgia_P
September 12, 2026
Elkhorn Adventure

Very knowledgeable guide. Staff very efficient and friendly. Plesant and fun experience. Appreciate the quiet electric boat- so nice for wildlife. Would highly recommend it. Bring your binoculars for a more close up view.

S
stevehK2385WU
September 8, 2026
Let sleeping otters, lie, and playing otters play!

As the name suggest, the tour was eco conscious with the smooth electric catamaran, offering a quiet low impact experience on the surrounding nature. With two naturalist on board they provided a personal experience that they describe as a conversation. The entire experience felt more like a private charter; completely relaxing with an immersive learning experience.

C
Chris_l
September 5, 2026
Otter times

Great guides! E catamaran was stable and quiet making the experience more serene out on the slough. The otters were very adorable and entertaining. Great recommendations for fish tacos nearby!

J
Jack_L
September 5, 2026
As a birder, I expected a...

As a birder, I expected a little more opportunity to see them, tho I did enjoy the otters and seals.

T
T7504FMwendys
August 28, 2026
A Perfect Morning

we highly recommend this trip to everyone, young and old. the boat for the trip was an electric vehicle, so it was super quiet and no diesel smoke blowing in your face. the quietness was great because it didn't scare away the wildlife. the guides were very informative. we saw tons of sea lion, otters and seals, and a myriad of birds, so really a good trip for birders. it was quiet and peaceful on the slough. and just the right amount of time. we'd probably do it again if back in the area.

G
gaillarosat
August 24, 2026
Fantastic ecological and environmental tour of Elkhorn Slough

We spent a cool and foggy morning on the slough in search of wildlife. The trip did not disappoint. Incredibly knowledgeable guide. He did not dumb down the information and kept it accessible and interesting. It was obvious that the guides were very familiar with the environment and loved all aspects of it. As a retired natural history educator, I give them gold stars for this trip. Highly recommend!

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