Next-Gen Maritime Touring
Elkhorn SloughJoin us for an hour and a half cruise aboard the brand new El Cat, a 37 foot fully electric catamaran, gliding quietly (and cleanly) through the waters of Elkhorn Slough!
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 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
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 Composite 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
Captain
Wyatt
Naturalist
Helaina
Naturalist
Joe
Boatworks
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
As the boat can seat 32 passengers and is a safe platform for kids of all ages we are a great option for school groups. Interested in field trips to study ecology, natural history, wildlife, birdwatching, stewarding our environment and so much more? We are excited to accommodate school groups and have special groups rates for education.
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.
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
My family of 4 booked a tour with Monterey Bay Eco Tours after checking out other tour companies. We totally enjoyed the day. Our guide made sure we were comfortable, and was very accommodating with our children. We had a fabulous day and would recommend Monterey Bay Eco Tours to anyone considering an Elkhorn Slough Tour.
Anita, Phoenix, AZ
This was our fourth trip with Monterey Bay Eco Tours and it lived up to our very high expectations. The ship was quiet, clean, comfortable, and excellently crewed. A shout-out to our wonderfully informed guide who pointed out local flora and fauna. Excellent!
Life on the Slough
Photo Gallery
All images taken aboard the El Cat
Brown Pelican
Scientific Name: Pelecanus occidentalis
Southern Sea Otter
Scientific Name: Enhydra lutris
Purple-striped Jelly
Scientific name: Chrysaora colorata
Harbor Seal
Scientific Name: Phoca vitulina
Common murre
Scientific name: Uria aalge
Brandt's cormorant
Scientific name: Phalacrocorax penicillatus
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!
How to dress?
Please dress warmly and in layers. Sun hats are recommended as well as there is not a roof on the vessel. Weather in Monterey Bay can be unpredictable.
Is there a bathroom on the boat?
There is a small marine style “head” or restroom on board the Slough Cat but we recommend using the bathrooms we have available at the docks before setting off on the tour.
Are children allowed?
Yes, children are allowed on board. The ‘El Cat’ is an extremely stable enclosed platform and certified by the US Coast Guard built to their guidelines of safety at sea. Therefore, it is safe for children of all ages to enjoy the surrounding wildlife in comfortably and securely.Â
Is there parking?
Yes! Monterey Bay Eco Tours is located at 10932 Clam Way with plenty of free parking available on site and easy to find. Check in at the booth in the parking lot *
How early should we arrive?
Please arrive with at least 20 minutes before the boat is scheduled to leave as that will give you ample time to check in and use the restroom if needed before boarding the vessel
Are Passengers allowed to bring food and drinks on tours?
Yes, snacks and drinks are allowed on board for the comfort of the passengers.  The boat was custom made for the tour and is easily cleaned and sanitized.
Are pets allowed on the boat?
While Service Animals are allowed on all trips. Pets are welcome on private charters.