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!
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!
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
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
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
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.