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The health of our oceans is of paramount importance, not just for the multitude of species that call it home, but for the global ecosystem. In Monterey Bay, the combined efforts of the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Monterey Bay Eco Tours play a crucial role in supporting marine conservation and fostering a healthier ocean. The…

If you’ve ever wanted to spot otters and contribute to their conservation, Monterey Bay Aquarium’s online course, “Otter Spotter,” provides the perfect opportunity for both kids and adults alike. Although designed for ages 3 to 7, the interactive, engaging nature of the course makes it enjoyable for otter enthusiasts of all ages. “Otter Spotter” is…

The Elkhorn Slough, one of the most biodiverse estuaries on the west coast of the United States, offers nature enthusiasts a rich tableau of fauna and flora. From playful otters to various bird species, the Slough is brimming with natural wonders. One of its most majestic visitors is the American White Pelican, a sight that…

The Elkhorn Slough, a tidal salt marsh located in central Monterey Bay, is a haven of biodiversity. It hosts a multitude of marine and terrestrial species, playing a pivotal role in the region’s ecosystem. Among its many feathered residents, the Brown Pelican is a species that never fails to captivate visitors. Observing these magnificent birds…

California’s Monterey Bay, with its diverse ecosystem and vibrant marine life, is an explorer’s dream. One of its unique features, the Elkhorn Slough, is an estuary brimming with a wide array of bird species. Among them, the Forster’s Terns offer a captivating sight, a spectacle best experienced via the Monterey Bay Eco Tours. Forster’s Terns,…

The Southern Sea Otter Scientific Name: Enhydra lutris Family: Mustelidae The Elkhorn Slough has the highest density of southern sea otters in the world.  With approximately 140 sea otters living year-round in the slough you will be sure to get your fill of these adorable creatures. Related to the weasel family they are energetic and inquisitive. Since…

Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia Caspian Tern Commonly seen in the spring, summer and fall in the Elkhorn Slough The Caspian Tern is the largest tern in the world and can be as large as a big seagull and can be easily identified by its coral red bill with a black tip. The tail is less forked…

Elegant tern (Thalasseus elegans) Commonly seen in the Elkhorn Slough during Summer and Fall, rarely in the spring and not seen in the winter A slender tern with a bill that is long thin and slightly drooping. This medium sized tern has a long, slender and pointed wing with a medium length forked tail. Their…

Nature Boat Tours Helping our Brains and Bodies Stay Healthy Lots to do in Mosslanding and the Elkhorn Slough Being close to sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions, and a plethora of birds diving, and dabbling for food reconnects you to the natural world around you. Many studies show just looking at pictures of baby…

We Love Sea Otters One of our favorite marine mammals here on the Elkhorn slough is the Sea Otter. It turns out that they are not just the cutest most playful and curious of all the marine mammals on the slough, they have an important role in taking care of the Health of the Elkhorn…

The Ocean Cleaning Electric Sailboat A Sea Cleaning Electric Boat If you have spent time in the ocean or on the shoreline you may have noticed that the ocean collects a lot of garbage. We have trash that will float out there until it either washes up on shore or we clean it up and…

Moss Landing the Future that might have been Moss Landing and the Sloughs that are home to abundant wildlife Did you know there was almost an oil refinery built in the 1960’s in Moss Landing? Conservation was a new concept at that time and many thought it would be a boon to the economy. Check…