Elkhorn Slough Wildlife Tour: Eco-Friendly Catamaran Experience

The El Cat, constructed in Moss Landing, is a completely electric, Coast Guard-certified boat that can carry 32 passengers. It’s a customized 37’ catamaran, specifically designed for navigating the waters of our beloved Elkhorn Slough.

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • 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,…
What's Included
  • Expert local tour guide
Location
Monterey Bay Eco Tours - Elkhorn Slough Eco Nature Tour
Clam Way
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.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.9
(437 Ratings)
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Kelly_s
Jan 19, 2026
The Elkhorn Slough is a... - The Elkhorn Slough is a really amazing place. Aaron was a great guide. Would highly recommend touring the slough if you’re in the area.
Review provided by Viator
Howard_l
Jan 16, 2026
Perfect 90 minutes - So educational while at the same time being in a quiet peaceful setting. The E boat is stable and smooth. Highly recommend this trip.
Review provided by Viator
Kathleen_v
Jan 15, 2026
Treat Yourself to Exploring Elkhorn Slough - Lovely boat, knowledgeable presenter, Aaron, who was interesting , informative, welcoming. Couldn’t have been a better experience.
Review provided by Viator
Cathryn_f
Jan 9, 2026
Slough boat adventure - Wear 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.
Review provided by Viator
Courtney_t
Jan 9, 2026
Awesome Tour Guide - Great 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.
Review provided by Viator
Laurendp4253fv
Dec 31, 2025
Wonderful!!! - Peaceful calm waters, very kind and knowledgeable staff. Lots of birds and animals. Comfortable benches. what more could you want?!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jerald_m
Dec 30, 2025
Great tour - we've done it twice so far! - This 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.
Review provided by Viator
Connie_l
Dec 30, 2025
So much wildlife to be seen & learn about - A 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...
Review provided by Viator
Susan_r
Dec 29, 2025
Great tour of birds & mammals of Elkhorn slough - Bring binoculars and lots of questions! The naturalist will have all the answers! Comfortable and smooth sailing.
Review provided by Viator
Loram881
Dec 9, 2025
Peaceful and knowledgeable - I 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!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $45
up to 6 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).