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.
Marbled Godwit
Scientific Name: Limosa fedoa
Size: Large shorebird Weight: Approximately 500-800 grams (1.1-1.8 pounds) Lifespan: Up to 15 years
Physical Description:
- Large body with long, slightly upturned bill
- Breeding plumage: mottled brown and black with white belly
- Non-breeding plumage: paler brown with white belly
Habitat:
- Wetlands, grasslands, and agricultural fields during breeding
- Coastal mudflats and estuaries during migration and winter
Diet:
- Invertebrates, including insects, worms, and crustaceans
- Plant matter, such as seeds and tubers
Behavior:
- Long-distance migrant
- Often found in flocks
- Proficient wader and swimmer
Conservation Status: Least Concern, but populations declining in some areas.
Pelagic Cormorant
Scientific Name: Phalacrocorax pelagicus
Size: Small cormorant Weight: Approximately 1.5 – 2.4 kilograms (3.3 – 5.3 pounds) Lifespan: Unknown
Physical Description:
- Slender body with long neck and tail
- Breeding plumage: black with iridescent green and purple sheen, white flank patches, red facial skin, double crests
- Non-breeding plumage: black with iridescent sheen, lacking breeding ornaments
Habitat:
- Coastal waters and rocky shores
- Nests on cliffs
Diet:
- Fish
- Mollusks
- Crustaceans
Behavior:
- Excellent diver
- Often solitary or in small groups
- Nests in colonies
Conservation Status: Varies by region, generally considered stable.
Family-Friendly Tours in Moss Landing
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