Monterey Bay Wetland Wildlife Safari Boat Tour with Sea Otters

Sea lions at the harbor, research ships and a tidal inlet

Ride a stable, comfortable boat into Elkhorn Slough, a tidal wetland fed by Monterey Bay, where a marine science naturalist points out sea otters and more than 300 bird species. A guided wildlife boat tour with binoculars supplied.

Step-by-step itinerary

Guided wildlife boat tour in Elkhorn Slough

• Board stable, comfortable vessel
• View Southern Sea Otters and birds
• Use complimentary binoculars for viewing
• Pause at Moss Landing Harbor mouth
• Learn about Monterey Bay Sanctuary
• Watch for Humpback Whales feeding

Stops and time spent at each 2 stops

1. Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve Entry included 1h 10m
2. Moss Landing Harbor Entry included 20m

What’s included

• Activities and prizes for children.
• Free binoculars during the tour.
• Trained naturalist as your guide.
• Complimentary refreshments.
• Free street parking on Moss Landing Road.

Times

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• Every day 11:15

Information

Glide through Elkhorn Slough with a marine science naturalist, watching sea otters and over 300 bird species from a stable boat with free binoculars.

Group Up to 26 · max 8 per booking

Live guide English

Meeting point and pickup No hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point. See the exact address

Book up to 4h before

Ages Adult (13 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund. It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Good to know

Low physical effort Wheelchair accessible Accessible transport Stroller-friendly Pets welcome

More information The exact meeting point address, the operator’s instructions and every other detail are in the full listing. See the full listing

Traveler reviews

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The experience

The first stop is Moss Landing Harbor, a working fishing harbor full of local character, where hundreds of sea lions keep the scene lively. Research vessels from the marine institutions based here often drift into view as the boat passes, and at the harbor mouth the naturalist pauses to talk about the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and its deep submarine canyon.

Then the boat heads into the slough, a tidal inlet fed directly by the bay, so the water you cross is linked to the ocean beside it. The boat is built so nothing blocks your view, and you can borrow binoculars to get a close look at the otters and birds. Humpback whales feeding near shore are a possibility, and refreshments are part of the ride.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Do I need to arrive early for the boat tour?

Yes, arrive 30 minutes before your tour time to check in and walk over to the departure point.

Will I see research ships on the way out?

Often, yes. Research vessels and technology from the marine institutions at Moss Landing Harbor are often in view as the boat makes its way to the slough.

Are humpback whales seen on this boat tour?

The naturalists might encounter humpback whales feeding close to shore, but it is not guaranteed.

Operated by Elkhorn Slough Safari. Explorevia does not run this tour: we compare it with similar options, and you book it with our booking partner.

Prices and times updated yesterday