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 - The world’s largest population of Southern Sea Otters and 340 bird species inhabit this spectacular wetland. Our expertly guided tours will show you all this, and more!
    And, we offer complimentary use of binoculars to ensure that everybody gets a great look at 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
(38 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
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
Sharonwa2
Sep 28, 2025
A very enjoyable outing for the whole family! - We had been on a trip before and enjoyed it so much we wanted to take our sons and our granddaughter this time! We all enjoyed ourselves while learning about the wildlife! Joe our captain and the naturalist aboard were very informative and made the outing fun! Loved the treats too!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
L7756xyangelm
Sep 18, 2025
An experience like no other!!! - I cannot recommend this excursion enough. We had the best time! I've lived here all my life, and I had no idea that that the Slough existed! We took my 17-year old, who is usually too cool to hangout with mom! As soon as he got his pair of binoculars, he was hooked! Such great photo opportunities as well! We've never been so close to sea otters, pelicans, and sea lions in our lives! It really *was* magical, and we want to come back with my parents! Thanks again! : )
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Veronica_o
Sep 5, 2025
Wonderfull experience in every way! - Excellent crew. Very knowledgeable about the natural environment and wildlife. They created a wonderful experience. They shared great stories as well. Highly recommend this vendor.
Review provided by Viator
Eleanor_p
Sep 1, 2025
Did Not Disappoint - Excellent experience! The team was very knowledgeable, fun, and friendly. 11/10 recommend this tour.
Review provided by Viator
Umesh_p
Sep 1, 2025
Awesome tour in Elkhorn Slough - Must do if you want to see otters, lots of otters, from a safe distance with a naturalist giving useful & fun information.
Review provided by Viator
Douglassr3547fx
Sep 2, 2025
Another wonderful cruise on Elkhorn Slough! - This was my fourth cruise in Elkhorn Slough, but the first with my eldest son and his intended. They both loved seeing all the sea otters & sea lions, plus the numerous sea birds. Our favorite was the Elegant Tern, a graceful flyer and amazing diver! Our naturalist & captain were quite courteous and informative. Everyone in our party of 4 had a great time!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $45
up to 8 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).