Next-Gen Maritime Touring of the elkhorn slough-Moss landing
Elkhorn SloughJoin us for an hour and a half boat cruise aboard the brand new El Cat, a 37 foot fully electric catamaran, gliding quietly (and cleanly) through the waters of Elkhorn Slough – Moss Landing California!
We Are Local & Family-Owned
Protecting & Preserving
About Monterey Bay Eco Tours
Join us for a 90 min cruise on the Elkhorn Slough viewing the abundance of Southern Sea Otters, Harbor seals and other marine mammals as well as hundreds of bird species that inhabit the Elkhorn Slough. Enjoy this spectacular wetland aboard a FULLY electric custom catamaran, gliding quietly and cleanly through these calm and protected waters. Our Naturalist on board facilitates a viewing experience jam packed with wildlife. Children of all ages are welcome. Restroom on board and free parking available. Leaves from Moss Landing Boat Works.
About the ‘El Cat’
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. Joe Kitchell at Left Coast Composites used a proprietary fiberglass/carbon fiber vacuum infusion system to build an extremely strong, light-weight catamaran powered by 2 independent 20 horse power Elco electric motors running on 48 volts.
Meet the Crew
Wendy
Wyatt
Helaina
Joe
What we do
Our Services
Daily Tours
Monterey Bay Eco Tours offers daily tours on the El Cat year round. The hour and a half trip takes you from El Cat’s berth at Moss Landing Boatworks through the winding tidal flats of Elkhorn Slough deep into the reserve.
Private Charters
We can accommodate private groups as large as 32 and will schedule a private charter tailored to fit your needs. Our boat is a great platform to move around and mingle with your business partners or extended family in a tranquil outdoor setting. Catering is also available. Contact us for our special group rates.
School Groups
Birding Tours
The Elkhorn Slough is visited by over 340 species of birds throughout the year. This tranquil estuary has such an abundant variety of habitat for so many unique species that it is a birder’s paradise! Photographers love our boat because of the lack of vibration from the electric motors. Contact us for the special birder group rate. Click here for link to Audubon Elkhorn Slough site.
Stay Informed
What’s New on the Slough
Removing Eucalyptus Trees on the shore of the Elkhorn Slough
The Eucalyptus Tree is an invasive tree brought to California in the 1850's. Once thought as “The single tree upon which the hope of the nation is fastened, the only tree which could possibly avert… the inevitable ravages of the hastening timber famine, is the...
Nature Boat Tours Helping our Brains and Bodies Stay Healthy
Lots to do in Mosslanding and the Elkhorn Slough Being close to sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions, and a plethora of birds diving, and dabbling for food reconnects you to the natural world around you. Many studies show just looking at pictures of baby animals can...
The Sea Otter Story
We Love Sea Otters One of our favorite marine mammals here on the Elkhorn slough is the Sea Otter. It turns out that they are not just the cutest most playful and curious of all the marine mammals on the slough, they have an important role in taking care of the Health...
What Drives Us
Our Mission
Our goal is to provide a delightful educational experience on a comfortable, eco-friendly and quiet electric catamaran. We believe that viewing the natural beauty of the Elkhorn Slough should have minimal impact on the wildlife and environment. It is our vision to become a leading example of a charter boat company that demonstrates a model of environmental sustainability.
Get Involved
The Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve and the Elkhorn Slough Foundation work with government, community agencies and other partners to protect this precious and scarce environment.
Testimonials
John, Daly City, CA
Anita, Phoenix, AZ
Life on the Slough
Photo Gallery
All images taken aboard the El Cat
Brown Pelican
Southern Sea Otter
Purple-striped Jelly
Harbor Seal
Common murre
Brandt's cormorant
Before you visit
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have Covid-19 protocols?
What makes our tour different?
Our 37 foot, fully electric catamaran was custom built in 2019 to create an entirely immersive experience where you not only see but hear the surrounding wildlife without fossil fueled powered engines!