Monterey Bay Eco Tours

Experience amazing wetland wildlife on our Elkhorn Slough Tours

Monterey Bay Eco Tours

Experience amazing wetland wildlife on our Elkhorn Slough Tours

Monterey Bay Eco Tours

Experience amazing wetland wildlife on our Elkhorn Slough Tours

Monterey Bay Eco Tours

Experience amazing wetland wildlife on our Elkhorn Slough Tours

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

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 can answer any questions during your tour!

From $35

Sunset Tours on the Elkhorn Slough

Guided Nature Tour • 1.5 Hours • All Ages Welcome

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!

Private Charter

from $885

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.

ABOUT MONTEREY BAY ECO TOURS

Reconnecting people with nature is what we do! Embark on an eco-conscious adventure with Monterey Bay Eco Tours, dedicated to fostering a genuine connection between people and the natural world. Our El Cat tour not only offers a low-impact journey into the heart of the Elkhorn Slough but also guarantees a responsible encounter with wildlife. Our sunset tour is a great option to enjoy the Slough at the best time of day!

Our tour aboard the El Cat takes you into nature with minimal impact. Not only does the El Cat have zero emissions, but our captains are also respectful of nature, allowing you to see the magical wildlife without affecting their behavior.

ABOUT THE EL CAT

The El Cat is a 37′ fully electric, 32-passenger, Coast Guard-certified vessel. This unique catamaran is designed specifically for the calm waters of the Elkhorn Slough by our very own Joe Kitchell at Left Coast Composites. The boat is made from vacuum-infused carbon fiber/fiberglass, with 2 Elco electric motors running on 48 volts.

With the El Cat’s innovative design, including its fully electric propulsion and environmentally considerate approach led by our knowledgeable captains, you can immerse yourself in the captivating realm of Elkhorn Slough’s magical inhabitants while leaving only ripples in your wake.

Elkhorn Slough Wildlife

Southern Sea Otter

Southern Sea Otter

Scientific 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.

Common Loon

Common Loon

Scientific Name: Gavia immer

Size: Large waterbird Weight: 4-5.5 kilograms (9-12 pounds) Lifespan: Up to 30 years

Physical Description:

  • Elongated body with pointed bill
  • Breeding plumage: black head and neck, white chest and belly, black and white checkered back
  • Non-breeding plumage: gray-brown body with white underparts

Habitat:

  • Freshwater lakes for breeding
  • Coastal waters and large inland lakes during migration and winter

Diet:

  • Primarily fish, but also consumes amphibians and aquatic insects

Behavior:

  • Excellent swimmer and diver
  • Known for distinctive yodeling call
  • Nests on islands or shorelines

Conservation Status: Varies by region, but overall considered stable.

Caspian Tern

Caspian Tern

Scientific Name: Hydroprogne caspia

Size: Largest tern species Weight: Approximately 500-800 grams (1.1-1.8 pounds) Lifespan: Up to 25 years

Physical Description:

  • Large size with long, thick, red bill
  • White body with gray wings
  • Black cap in breeding plumage, reduced in non-breeding plumage
  • Short, black legs

Habitat:

  • Coastal areas, large lakes, and rivers
  • Nests in colonies on open ground

Diet:

  • Primarily fish, but also consumes crustaceans and insects

Behavior:

  • Powerful and agile flyer
  • Aggressive defender of territory
  • Nests in colonies

Conservation Status: Least Concern, but populations declining in some areas.

Family-Friendly Tours in Moss Landing

Loved Our Tour!

Google Reviews

★★★★★

Wyatt was super knowledgeable and we got so lucky to see so many sea lions, harbor seals, otters and many types of birds! The electric boat was very quiet, and they even had blankets aboard for those who got cold when the wind picked up! They also provided binoculars which was great! We live in WA and this was definitely worth doing on our trip.

– Cassandra M.

Such a Wonderful Tour

Google Reviews

★★★★★

The electric catamaran was such a smooth ride and very quiet and peaceful. I was worried we might not see any sea otters but we observed so many and they were engaged in different activities like hunting, eating, sleeping in rafts (groups of otters), grooming themselves and playing. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and taught us about the varied flora, fauna and ecology of Elkhorn Slough. I will definitely go again with friends and family. Big recommend to all. Thanks Monterey Eco Tours for such a great tour

– Esin S.

Great Experience for Our Grandchildren!

TripAdvisor

★★★★★

We were so fortunate to have Marina as our Captain and Cindy as our naturalist. We enjoyed the trip together with our 3 grandchildren. We’re trying to instill in them a love of nature and travel. Marina and Cindy gave great answers to the questions asked by the kids. We endorse the electric boat 100% — and I bought a T-shirt to remember the trip!

– aglessnerz1

Hemig Tour

TripAdvisor

★★★★★

We had an amazing time today on this tour. The guides were knowledgeable, easy-going and more than happy to answer our questions. We can’t wait to do this again when we visit Monterey again. Thanks again Monterey Bay Eco Tours, it was great!!!

– Malinda H.

Enjoyable and Educational

TripAdvisor

★★★★★

So friendly and relaxing. The naturalist provided us interesting information and fun stories about the bay, the slough, and the wildlife we saw, and answered all of our questions. We were able to move around the catamaran to get close ups of the otters and other animals. We loved being out on the water. There were sunglasses, blankets if we needed, and even a restroom on the boat.

– Kathe G.