Elkhorn Slough: Electric Catamaran Wildlife Tour Moss Landing

Summary

Otters, sea lions & birds on a quiet electric cruise in Moss Landing

You’ll board a quiet electric catamaran in Moss Landing for a wildlife tour through Elkhorn Slough, spotting otters, sea lions, and birds with a local guide sharing stories along the way. The peaceful ride lets you take in soft sounds and salty air—leaving you with that feeling of being part of something quietly alive.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t really know what to expect when we stepped onto the El Cat at Moss Landing — just that it was supposed to be quiet, which sounded nice after the drive down Highway 1. The boat felt smooth under my sneakers, and the water smelled faintly briny, almost sweet. Our guide (I think her name was Jamie?) waved us aboard and pointed out how the catamaran was all-electric — no fumes or engine rumble, just this gentle hum as we pulled away from the dock. There were maybe twenty of us, but it never felt crowded.

The first thing I noticed was how still everything got once we drifted out into Elkhorn Slough. It’s not silent exactly — there’s gulls squabbling overhead and some distant barking from sea lions somewhere upriver — but it’s a softer kind of noise. Jamie started pointing out wildlife almost right away: a raft of otters floating on their backs (one had a pup curled up on its belly), then pelicans gliding low over the water like they owned the place. I tried to snap a photo but mostly just ended up watching. The air had that cool Monterey Bay bite even though the sun was out, so I was glad I’d brought an extra layer.

At one point, someone asked if we always see this many animals on these wildlife tours — Jamie just grinned and said “the slough delivers,” which made everyone laugh. She told us about how the tides shape everything here, and why so many birds stop over during migration. I kept thinking about how different this felt from other boat trips — no diesel smell, no shouting over engines. Just slow drifting past salt marshes while egrets stalked dinner in the shallows. There was this moment where everyone went quiet at once because an otter popped up so close you could see its whiskers twitching. That stuck with me for some reason.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Electric catamaran wildlife tour

• Board electric catamaran in Moss Landing
• Enjoy narrated cruise along Elkhorn Slough
• Observe otters, sea lions, and birds
• Return to dock after 60-minute tour

Top questions

Is the Elkhorn Slough wildlife tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible for all guests.

Where does the Elkhorn Slough wildlife tour depart from?

The tour departs from Moss Landing along Highway 1 between Santa Cruz and Monterey.

What animals can you see on an Elkhorn Slough wildlife tour?

You may spot otters, sea lions, various birds, and more during the cruise.

How many passengers fit on the El Cat catamaran?

The vessel holds up to 32 passengers per trip.

Is there narration or a guide during the tour?

Yes, a local guide narrates throughout your wildlife tour experience.

Are infants or small children allowed on board?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller.

Are service animals permitted on this cruise?

Service animals are allowed during the wildlife tour.

Is physical fitness required for this activity?

No special fitness level is required; it's suitable for everyone.

What’s included

Your day includes boarding at Moss Landing with narration by a local guide throughout your electric-powered catamaran ride—wheelchair access is available, and infants or small children can come along in strollers or prams too.