Elkhorn Slough Wildlife Tour
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
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.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve
Join us on a one-of-a-kind, electric-powered catamaran ride for a wildlife tour along one of California's largest tidal waterways. Enjoy a narrated cruise along the Elkhorn Slough, a vibrant and lively wetland located on Highway 1 between Santa Cruz and Monterey in Moss Landing. Scan for otters, sea lions, birds and beyond during a cruise through these peaceful waters.
What‘s Included
Tour Guide
Options
Sunset Tour
Sunset Tour: Join us on a one-of-a-kind, electric-powered catamaran ride for a wildlife tour during sunset.
Elkhorn Slough Wildlife Tour
Fully Electric Catamaran
Reviews
420 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
The Elkhorn Slough is a...
Kelly S,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The Elkhorn Slough is a really amazing place. Aaron was a great guide. Would highly recommend touring the slough if you’re in the area.
Perfect 90 minutes
Howard L,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00So educational while at the same time being in a quiet peaceful setting. The E boat is stable and smooth. Highly recommend this trip.
Treat Yourself to Exploring Elkhorn Slough
kathleen v,,Jan 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Lovely boat, knowledgeable presenter, Aaron, who was interesting , informative, welcoming. Couldn’t have been a better experience.
Slough boat adventure
Cathryn F,,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Wear warm clothing for this potentially breezy adventure. The staff was knowledgeable and engaging. The wildlife was interesting. The slough is much larger than we expected. Overall, it was a delightful and educational way to spend 90 minutes.
Awesome Tour Guide
Courtney T,,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great facts and information about the environment and the wildlife! Only thing I could suggest would have been to offer the blankets for the guests in the beginning - a small child was obviously freezing the entire time and the blankets weren't offered til the final 1/3 of the tour.
Wonderful!!!
laurendP4253FV,,Dec 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Peaceful calm waters, very kind and knowledgeable staff. Lots of birds and animals. Comfortable benches. what more could you want?!!!
Great tour - we've done it twice so far!
Jerald M,,Dec 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was our second trip into the Elkhorn Slough on the El Cat. We want a few months ago with part of our family and liked it so much we went back this last weekend with more of the family. Different pilot and guide, but both trips were very enjoyable. Operators are quite knowledgeable and very responsive to questions from the visitors.
So much wildlife to be seen & learn about
Connie L,,Dec 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00A fantastic time out on an electric catamaran in the Elkhorn Slough estuary with our Captain Brian and Naturalist Aaron (hopefully I got the names right!) We saw so many sea otters, sea lions, harbor seals, and varieties of birds! We also learned a but about the history of the estuary and conservation efforts. The ride is smooth and calm but be sure to have cool weather gear (coat, hat, gloves), as it does get chilly out on the water. I highly recommend bringing binoculars, polarized sunglasses, and your camera as well. Unfortunately the app isn't letting me upload pictures...
Great tour of birds & mammals of Elkhorn slough
Susan R,,Dec 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Bring binoculars and lots of questions! The naturalist will have all the answers! Comfortable and smooth sailing.
Peaceful and knowledgeable
loram881,,Dec 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I personally have kayaked the Elkhorn Slough, and this trip was so relaxing and quiet. I enjoyed the two folks that worked the boat, Joey and Julie, (not sure if that was her name) great team. Had a wonderful time watching the wildlife and it was a beautiful experience. From Gardnerville Nevada!
From US$45.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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Operated by Monterey Bay Eco Tours