Name: Elkhorn Slough Wildlife Tour
SKU: 258992P1
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.9 (500 reviews)

WizardTrip

Elkhorn Slough Wildlife Tour

4.9(500)· Monterey & Carmel· By Monterey Bay Eco Tours

Free cancellation

From

€41per person

1 to 6 travelers per booking.

Time

1 × Adult × €41€41

Total€41

About the activity

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.

What's included

✓Tour Guide

Itinerary

1
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.
· 1 h· Admission included

How to use your ticket

Mobile or paper ticket accepted. One per booking

Meeting point and return

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.

Meeting point

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Practical information

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Activity options

Elkhorn Slough Wildlife Tour
Fully Electric Catamaran

Duration

1 h 30

How to prepare for your experience

Arrive at the check-in booth at least 15 minutes before departure.
Bring binoculars for a closer look at wildlife.
Wear comfortable clothing and layers, as coastal weather can change.
Don't forget your camera to capture the amazing scenery and animals.
Listen to your guide for the best wildlife spotting opportunities.
Enjoy the peaceful and educational experience of Elkhorn Slough.

Embark on an unforgettable wildlife adventure aboard a state-of-the-art electric catamaran.

Cancellation conditions

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Any questions?

Product code: 258992P1

Activity offered by Monterey Bay Eco Tours via Viator.

Who is this activity suitable for?

Nature enthusiasts
Families
Wildlife photographers
Eco-tourists
Visitors seeking accessible tours

Activity essentials

Explore Elkhorn Slough on a unique electric catamaran.
Observe diverse wildlife including otters, sea lions, and birds.
Enjoy a narrated cruise through a vital California wetland.
Suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Wheelchair accessible for your convenience.
Service animals are welcome aboard.

Monterey & Carmel: good to know

Currency: United States dollar
Driving: on the right
Power plugs: A, B · 120 V
Emergency number: 911
Capital city: Washington, D.C.

Average temperatures

11°Jan
11°Feb
12°Mar
12°Apr
13°May
14°Jun
15°Jul
16°Aug
16°Sept
15°Oct
13°Nov
11°Dec

Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.

Frequently asked questions

What kind of vessel is used for the tour?

The tour utilizes the El Cat, a fully electric, 32-passenger, Coast Guard-certified catamaran custom-built for Elkhorn Slough.

What wildlife can I expect to see?

You can expect to see otters, sea lions, various bird species, and other marine life in their natural habitat.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for all physical fitness levels.

What is the duration of the tour?

The tour lasts for 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is at Monterey Bay Eco Tours, 10932 Clam Way, where you should check in at the booth in the parking lot.

What is the cancellation policy?

For a full refund, cancellations must be made at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

4.94.9(500)

5 stars

469

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Reviews provided by Viator, written by travellers on Viator and Tripadvisor.

★★★★★Viator review
Low key beautiful wildlife tour.
Michael_B, October 2026
Very quiet boat. All electric. Guides weee helpful and knowledgeable. Saw whales and dolphins outside the harbor at a distance. Lots of wildlife in the slough- otters, pelicans, herons, egrets, curlews, seals. Low key beautiful ride. Highly recommend.
★★★★★Tripadvisor review
Wonderful experience!
jennybN6383DW, October 2026
My guide, MJ, on a whale watching tour had recommended this and I am so glad I came! We saw lots of sea birds, sea otters resting in seagrass, some sea lions piled on the docks, seals hauled out in the mud, and even schools of anchovies. There was plenty to see throughout the trip! The electric boat was quiet and the ride was smooth. Our captain, Marina, navigated obstacles and wildlife carefully. Our guide, Sophie, was pointing out wildlife throughout the trip, sharing information, and even history of the slough. I think it was well worth $45 for the 1 hour trip and all the sightings you get!
★★★★★Viator review
Loved the Slough!
Janet_C, October 2026
Wonderful, laidback trip into the slough. Lots of sea otters, sea lions and seals. And if you’re a birder, this is the way to see all the shorebirds with a guide who actually knows who’s who.
★★★★★Tripadvisor review
Otters, gulls and pelicans, oh my!
jwenell, October 2026
We enjoyed seeing all the wildlife!
★★★★★Tripadvisor review
Beautiful Day!
normak932, October 2026
My husband and I had a beautiful day for our tour. We saw a lot of otters of all ages. We also saw Harbor seals and sea lions as well as many different types of birds. Our guide was new but very knowledgeable. All in all, it was a perfect day. The extra was a visit to a private fossil museum inspired by the large fossil display by the tour headquarters.

7 activities · United States

Monterey & Carmel, United States, has 7 activities, tours and experiences to book.

01Activities to book

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7 in the catalogue

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All activities · Monterey & Carmel · 7

02Categories

Guided tours in Monterey & Carmel

6 activities

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17-Mile Drive Electric Bike Guided Tour

from €68★ 4.9

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Elkhorn Slough Wildlife Tour

from €41★ 4.9

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Whale Watching Tour Monterey California

from €56★ 4.7

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Frequently asked questions about Monterey & Carmel

What is there to do in Monterey & Carmel?

Monterey & Carmel has 7 activities, tours and day trips you can book online. Among the most booked: « Monterey Bay Whale Watching », « 17-Mile Drive Electric Bike Guided Tour », « Elkhorn Slough Wildlife Tour ».

What are the top-rated activities in Monterey & Carmel?

According to traveller reviews: « Monterey's 17 Mile Drive Guided Electric Bike Tour, 3 hr » (5.0/5, 949 reviews) ; « Elkhorn Slough Wildlife Tour » (4.9/5, 500 reviews) ; « 17-Mile Drive Electric Bike Guided Tour » (4.9/5, 470 reviews).

Can you cancel an activity in Monterey & Carmel for free?

Usually, yes: 7 of the 7 most popular activities in Monterey & Carmel offer free cancellation. The exact terms are shown on each activity page before you book.