Wildlife Safari Boat Tour in Scenic Monterey Bay Wetland

4.9 (63 reviews) Monterey & Carmel, USA
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Duration1h 30m
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Group sizeUp to 26 travelers

Overview

The Elkhorn Slough has the largest population of Sea Otters in California, and over 300 species of birds! We’ve been offering guided boat tours of this wetland for almost 30 years, and have an intimate knowledge of the area, its history, and it's wildlife. All our Naturalists have Marine Science degrees, and we are third party certified Wildlife Stewards, so you can be assured that we always conduct ourselves responsibly around the wildlife. Our stable, comfortable vessel is designed for unobstructed wildlife viewing, and we’ve been a preferred outfitter for many prominent wildlife photographers, like Frans Lanting and Suzi Eszterhas, to name a few. On our relaxing ride, no one gets sea sick, and our safety record is flawless. We also operate a large science and nature themed Gift Shop / Bookstore celebrating the Monterey Bay. Our shelves contain over 600 titles, many of which are 30-50% off the list price, plus attire, stuffed animals and souvenirs.

What's included

  • Activities and prizes for kids
  • Free use of binoculars during tour
  • Trained Naturalist as Tour Guide
  • Complimentary refreshments
  • Free street parking along Moss Landing Road
  • $12 fee to park in Moss Landing Harbor parking lot. Free with handicap placard.

What to expect

  1. Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve
    1h 10m · Admission ticket included
    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.
  2. Moss Landing Harbor
    20m · Admission ticket included
    Moss Landing Harbor is not just a commercial fishing harbor. Overflowing with local character, and home to hundreds of endlessly entertaining Sea Lions, the harbor also hosts a number of Marine Research institutions, including the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute. Their research vessels and impressive technology is often in view as we make our way to the Elkhorn Slough. But before doing so, we always like to pause and linger at the mouth of Moss Landing Harbor, and discuss the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, and it's deep submarine canyon. The Elkhorn Slough is a tidal inlet fed directly by the Monterey Bay, so these bodies of water share a unique relationship and history. And we might even encounter Humpback Whales feeding close to shore!

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

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.

End point

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.

Additional information

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Tours typically last an hour and a half to two hours.
  • Our minimum age for passengers is 3 years old.
  • Weather in the Monterey Bay can vary, so it's always a good idea to bring layers of clothing.
  • There is no restroom onboard, but restrooms are available at our Gift Shop and in the harbor.
  • Do not enter "Elkhorn Slough" into your maps app. This will direct you away from our location, and we'll be unable to delay our departure time if you are late.
  • Please arrive 30 minutes before your tour time to check in, and walk over to departure point.

Cancellation policy

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

Reviews

4.9 (63)
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