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.
Pigeon Guillemot
Scientific Name: Cepphus columba
Size: Medium-sized auk Weight: Approximately 450-550 grams (16-19 ounces) Lifespan: Unknown
Physical Description:
- Stocky body with rounded wings and straight bill
- Breeding plumage: dark brown with black sheen, white wing patch
- Non-breeding plumage: white underparts, mottled gray-white upperparts
- Distinctive red legs and feet
Habitat:
- Coastal waters and rocky shores
- Nests in cliff crevices, talus slopes, or human-made structures
Diet:
- Small fish
- Mollusks
- Crustaceans
- Marine worms
Behavior:
- Feeds by diving underwater
- Nests in colonies
- Courtship display involves marching and showing off red feet
Conservation Status: Varies by region, but generally considered stable.
Semipalmated Plover
Scientific Name: Charadrius semipalmatus
Size: Small Weight: Approximately 1.6 ounces (45 grams) Lifespan: Unknown, estimated several years
Physical Description:
- Small, round-headed plover
- Short, orange bill with black tip
- Breeding adults: black crown, eye patch, and breast band
- Lower body: white
- Legs: yellow
Habitat:
- Breeds: Arctic tundra
- Nests: gravel bars, near rivers or ponds
- Migrates: coastlines, mudflats
Diet:
- Insects
- Small crustaceans
- Mollusks
Behavior:
- Long-distance migrant
- Forages on mudflats and beaches
Conservation Status: Least Concern, but monitored due to habitat loss and disturbance.
Family-Friendly Tours in Moss Landing
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