Elkhorn Slough Boat Tour: Sea Otters and Bird Watching

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with Monterey Bay Safari’s Elkhorn Slough Otter Tours. Discover the largest population of Sea Otters in California and over 300 species of birds. Book now!

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve - This stunning wetland is home to the largest population of Southern Sea Otters in the world and 340 bird species. Our expertly guided tours will reveal all this and more!
    Additionally, we provide complimentary binoculars to ensure everyone has an excellent view of the wildlife.
  • **Moss Landing…
What's Included
  • Trained Naturalist as Tour Guide
  • Free use of binoculars during tour
  • Complimentary refreshments
  • Activities and prizes for kids
  • Free street parking along Moss Landing Road
What's Not Included
  • $12 fee to park in Moss Landing Harbor parking lot. Free with handicap placard.
Additional Information

Elkhorn Slough is home to the most significant sea otter population in California, and it’s also a habitat for over 300 bird species! For nearly three decades, we’ve conducted insightful boat tours through this wetland and we have a keen understanding of its terrain, history, and wildlife. Our expert Naturalist team are all graduates in Marine Science…

Location
7981 Moss Landing Rd ste e
Moss Landing Road
Check in for your Safari inside our Gift Shop, and then it's just a short walk across the street to the dock where the boat launches.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.9
(46 Ratings)
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Kentc496
Mar 17, 2026
Great Times with Nature - This was a great experience and I recommend this nice cruze. We usually go whale watching but wanted something different. There where a lot of baby sea otters with there mothers and lots of birds. Hot chocolate and coffee on your trip back to the dock.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Pamelab1960
Mar 16, 2026
Fantastic trip with friendly and knowledgable staff. - A fantastic experience with some dedicated staff. They were knowledgable and friendly. We saw so much - many sea otters and pups, sea lions and seals. The bird life was excellent and Captain Joe, Timothy and John helped us identify them. It was great to hear they knew the individual sea otters by name. Would recommend this to anyone who loves wildlife in beautiful surroundings.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tourist14536121949
Mar 5, 2026
Departure on time, clean, welcome tourist and nature respectful - The boat tour was excellent, the crew was great and we could see 15 otters and one baby otter, i recommend this excursion for any one who can enjoy see wild life.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Wanderer824011
Mar 3, 2026
Wonderful - Excellent tour of the Slough. We saw 40+ Sea Otters with pups, loads of seal and birds.The intimate knowlege of the area was clear and expertly delivered. it was a tour with a passenger emergency. This was dealt with precisely, professionally and navigated quickly for emergency services to attend. I very rarely give 5 star reviews. Thank you
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Robert_i
Nov 29, 2025
Elk Horn Slough Boat Trip Was A FIVE STAR Experience. - Our already high expectations were exceeded. The naturalist proved to be a human with encyclopedic knowledge and well-paced delivery. This was a highly, highly enjoyable learning experience on the day before Thanksgiving. Amazing what we did not know about the otters and the abundant, over-the-top bird populations.
Review provided by Viator
123debbiek
Oct 25, 2025
Moss Landing Safari FUN!! - Thank you Captain Joe and Naturalist John for a wonderful tour. Lots of otters, seal lions, seals and birds. The cookies were yummy too!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mark
Oct 2, 2025
Great Wetlands Tour - We saw a lot of sea otters floating around and seals laying along the shore. There were a lot of sea lions on the docks. We saw many seabirds. Zane and Brian are excellent guides. They are knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the area. Highly recommend
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Carolyn
Oct 1, 2025
Cruise on the Water - It was a beautiful relaxing day looking at sea otters. Our guides were very knowledgeable and accommodating. We were even served hot drinks and cookies.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Michael_s
Oct 1, 2025
Wonderful Trip! - We saw tons of otters, seals & sea lions. If you’re a nature lover this is the trip for you. Jon, our guide, and Roberta our captain were the BEST, very knowledgeable.
Review provided by Viator
Alfred_g
Sep 29, 2025
Great hosts. Fun trip.... - Great hosts. Fun trip. Lots of information about Elkhorn Slough and so much fun to see sea otters. Well worth the time to go.
Review provided by Viator
From $45
up to 8 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).