WE ARE LOCAL & FAMILY-OWNED
The Elkhorn Slough Tour provides amazing wildlife viewing aboard the El Cat, an innovative, custom, fully electric catamaran, built right here in Moss Landing by us. As you glide cleanly and quietly through the meandering channels led by our experienced captain and crew, you’ll be treated to a spectacle of vibrant wetlands and lush marshes teeming with an array of wildlife. During a tour, you will see otters, sea lions, harbor seals, and a diverse population of birds, as the Elkhorn Slough is part of the Pacific Flyway.
IT’S ELECTRIC!
ELKHORN SLOUGH TOUR
Electric Catamaran Tours
| MOST POPULAR |
Guided Nature Tour • 1.5 Hours • All Ages Welcome
Join us on a one-of-a-kind, electric-powered catamaran ride for a wildlife tour along with one of California’s largest tidal waterways, the Elkhorn Slough. Our naturalist on board will assist in wildlife spotting, providing insight into the natural wonders of the Slough, and to answer any questions during your tour!
From $35
SUNSET TOURS ON THE ELKHORN SLOUGH
Guided Nature Tour • 1.5 Hours • All Ages
Join us on a one-of-a-kind, electric-powered catamaran ride for a narrated wildlife tour along one of California’s largest tidal waterways during one of the best time’s of the day – sunset. You are welcome to BYOB during this relaxing and educational sunset tour!
Southern Sea Otter
Southern Sea OtterScientific Name: Enhydra lutris
Weight:
- Male: 60-90 lbs (27-41 kg)
- Female: 35-60 lbs (16-27 kg)
Lifespan: 10-20 years in the wild
Interesting Fact: Southern sea otters have the densest fur of any mammal, with up to 1 million hairs per square inch! This thick fur keeps them warm in the cold ocean water, as they lack blubber like other marine mammals.
- otter gaurantee
Harbor Seal
Harbor SealScientific Name: Phoca vitulina
Weight:
- Male: 265 lbs (120 kg)
- Female: 220 lbs (100 kg)
Lifespan: 25-30 years
Interesting Fact: Harbor seals are skilled divers and can hold their breath for up to 28 minutes! This allows them to dive deep underwater to hunt for fish, squid, and crustaceans on the ocean floor. They also use their whiskers, called vibrissae, to sense vibrations in the water, helping them locate prey in low-light conditions.
California Sea Lions
California Sea LionScientific Name: Zalophus californianus
Weight:
- Male: 600-850 lbs (272-386 kg)
- Female: 200-250 lbs (91-113 kg)
Lifespan:
- Male: Up to 19 years
- Female: Up to 25 years
Interesting Fact: California sea lions are the fastest swimming pinniped (group that includes seals, sea lions, and walruses), reaching speeds of up to 25 miles per hour (40 kilometers per hour)! They use their powerful flippers to propel themselves through the water in pursuit of fish, squid, and octopus.
Great Blue Heron
Flying over the Elkhorn SloughGreat Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)
- Scientific Name: Ardea herodias
- Length: Up to 3.9-5 feet (1.2-1.5 meters)
- Wingspan: Up to 6.5-7.5 feet (2.0-2.3 meters)
- Weight: 6-8 lbs (2.7-3.6 kg)
- Lifespan: Up to 25 years in the wild
- Diet: Primarily fish, but also amphibians, reptiles, crustaceans, and small mammals
- Habitat: Freshwater marshes, wetlands, coasts, and shallow waters
- Interesting Fact: Great blue herons are patient predators. They often stand perfectly still for long periods, waiting for prey to come close enough to be snatched with their long, sharp beaks.
Great Egret
Hunting on the Elkhorn SloughGreat Egret (Ardea alba)
- Scientific Name: Ardea alba
- Length: Up to 3.5 feet (1.1 meters)
- Wingspan: Up to 6.5 feet (2.0 meters)
- Weight: 2-4 lbs (0.9-1.8 kg)
- Lifespan: 15-20 years in the wild
- Diet: Primarily fish, amphibians, reptiles, and crustaceans
- Habitat: Freshwater marshes, wetlands, and coasts
- Interesting Fact: Great egrets have a remarkable ability to stand perfectly still for long periods, waiting for prey to come close enough to spear with their sharp bills.
Surf Scoter
On the Waters of the Elkhorn SloughSurf Scoter (Melanitta perspicillata)
- Scientific Name: Melanitta perspicillata
- Length: Up to 22 inches (56 cm)
- Wingspan: Up to 42 inches (107 cm)
- Weight: M: 2.2 lbs (1.0 kg), F: 2.0 lbs (0.9 kg)
- Lifespan: Up to 20 years in the wild
- Diet: Primarily mussels, clams, and other mollusks
- Habitat: Coastal waters, estuaries, and bays in winter; freshwater lakes in breeding season
- Interesting Fact: Surf scoters have a unique feeding method called “baying.” They dive underwater in large groups, churning up the bottom sediment to flush out their preferred prey.