elkhorn slough tours

Elkhorn Slough Wildlife Tour

• Entry/Admission - Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve
• Monterey Bay Eco Tours - Elkhorn Slough Eco Nature Tour, 10932 Clam Way, Moss Landing, CA 95039, USA 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.
• Wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 32 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Similar experiences

• You'll start at Monterey Bay Eco Tours - Elkhorn Slough Eco Nature Tour 10932 Clam Way, Moss Landing, CA 95039, USA 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. See address & details
• 1 Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve Stop: 60 minutes - Admission included 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, sea lions, birds and beyond during a cruise through these peaceful waters. Read more
• You'll return to the starting point

• 685artic 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Otter extravaganza Super quiet and eco friendly electric catamaran. Female captain and naturalist guide super knowledgeable and funny and patient with a boat full of birding nerds. Amazing wildlife, tons of baby otters. Just a blast for novices, bird nerds, families. Highly recommended. Read more Written February 11, 2022
• saratravels2015 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great nature tour Excellent (amazingly quiet!) tour full of sightings: plentiful sea otters (and young), seals, and so so so many (well- described) shore birds. Scenic views even on a brisk November afternoon. Friendly, helpful, knowledgeable staff. Our family had kayaked part of this same route a few days earlier (great fun!) and we found that these on-water experiences are perfectly complementary ! Do both -- if possible:) Read more Written November 18, 2021
• 892DanielR 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Highly recommend the tour Very fun and relaxing tour! We had a lot of fun and got to see a lot of wildlife with a good explanation of the species we were seeing. It didn’t feel like a tourist trap and felt the price was fair for the effort put forth. Read more Written July 16, 2021
• I6125FEericac 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Wild life!! Birds! Otters! Seals! This was my Mother’s Day gift to myself & my mom. I’ve kayaked this slough, about 10 years ago & decided that I didn’t want to have hook my mom up to my kayak to get her back out when the wind picked up. It was so great to go so far down into the slough. Bring your binoculars ask Wyatt the naturalist every question you can think off (my 8 year old did) and have a great time. You will see the wildlife you are hoping to see at a distance that isn’t distressing to them. Will book again, definitely. Read more Written May 10, 2021
• jeffandnt 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A peaceful and educational morning We were fortunate to be the only guests on board today, so we had plenty of opportunity to learn from and talk to Wendy and Helena. They were warm, friendly and great to spend an hour and a half with. We learned about the slough, efforts to protect it, and of course the birds and marine mammals that make the area so special. It’s such a beautiful and calm setting, and it was pretty much just us and some kayakers. Wendy, as captain, skillfully maneuvered us, and was quick to turn off the motor (is that what electric boats have?) when we’d have an otter or sea lion sighting, to give us a better chance to have it come closer. Helena shared interesting information about the amazing variety of birds and other fun facts about the animals. I have a new appreciation for pelicans! In addition to enjoying the physical space of the clean and simple catamaran, we were really glad to support a new tour company that uses an electric vessel. We’d happily go out again with this company when we’re back in the area. Read more Written September 18, 2020

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Elkhorn Slough Wildlife Tour provided by Monterey Bay Eco Tours

GRACEFUL HERONS OF ELKHORN SLOUGH: FROM AMERICAN BITTERN TO GREAT BLUE

Elkhorn Slough, nestled between Santa Cruz and Monterey, is a haven for a variety of avian species, including a captivating array of herons. In this article, we’ll embark on a journey to discover the diverse world of herons that call Elkhorn Slough home. From the elusive American Bittern to the majestic Great Blue Heron, each species adds a touch of elegance to this coastal sanctuary.

American Bittern: The Elusive Camouflage Master

The American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus) is a true master of camouflage. Its mottled brown and buff plumage allows it to seamlessly blend into its wetland surroundings. Despite its elusive nature, keen observers can spot this heron as it stands frozen, mimicking the reeds it hides amongst.

Black-crowned Night-Heron: The Nocturnal Hunter

The Black-crowned Night-Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) is a nocturnal hunter with distinctive red eyes and a black crown that stands out against its gray plumage. Its stealthy demeanor and preference for twilight hours make it a unique sight among the heron species of Elkhorn Slough.

Green Heron: The Agile Fisherman

The Green Heron (Butorides virescens) is an agile fisherman known for its vibrant greenish-black back and chestnut neck. Often found perched on branches above the water, it employs a swift strike to catch its aquatic prey, showcasing its exceptional hunting skills.

Reddish Egret: The Dancing Coastal Beauty

The Reddish Egret (Egretta rufescens) is a coastal beauty renowned for its distinctive slate-blue body and unique foraging behavior. It performs an enchanting dance, spreading its wings to create shade and attract fish—a display that captures the hearts of those who witness it.

Cattle Egret: The Pastoral Companion

The Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis) is a pastoral companion often seen in fields alongside livestock. Its white plumage and yellow bill contrast with the earthy surroundings, making it a picturesque presence in both rural and coastal landscapes.

Snowy Egret: The Elegance of White Plumage

The Snowy Egret (Egretta thula) boasts pristine white plumage and striking yellow feet. Its delicate appearance belies its remarkable fishing skills, as it gracefully wades through the water, employing a variety of techniques to secure its meals.

Great Egret: The Iconic Marsh Sentry

The Great Egret (Ardea alba) stands as an iconic marsh sentry with its towering stature and snowy white plumage. Its slow and deliberate hunting approach, combined with its remarkable patience, exemplifies the art of anticipation in the world of avian fishing.

Great Blue Heron: Majestic Guardian of the Waters

The Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) is a majestic guardian of the waters, recognized by its towering height and distinctive blue-gray plumage. Its deliberate movements and patient hunting style make it a true embodiment of grace and elegance in Elkhorn Slough.

Elkhorn Slough’s heron population embodies the elegance and diversity of avian life in coastal ecosystems. From the American Bittern’s elusive stance to the Great Blue Heron’s majestic presence, each species contributes to the rich tapestry of this sanctuary’s avian residents. As we explore the tranquil waters and lush landscapes of Elkhorn Slough, let us celebrate the unique beauty and significance of these herons, whose graceful forms enrich the vibrant harmony of this coastal haven.

Nature’s Palette in Harmony: A Great Egret stands gracefully within Elkhorn Slough’s eelgrass beds, a living canvas of contrasts. Its white plumage, set against the vibrant green eelgrass and the tranquil blue waters, paints a captivating scene of color symphony.

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• Hour Glass 1.5 hours

Elkhorn Slough Tour

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.

Sunset Tours on the Elkhorn Slough

Join us on a one-of-a-kind, electric-powered catamaran ride for a wildlife tour along one of California’s largest tidal waterways at sunset.

At Kirby Park, the accessible trail remains closed due to storm damage.

Photo by Paul Zaretsky

Elkhorn Slough Reserve

Discover the magic of Elkhorn Slough

A Sanctuary for Wildlife and People

Located just a few miles east of Moss Landing, the Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve supports one of California’s largest coastal salt marshes and provides habitat for a fantastic diversity of birds, plants, marine mammals, and fish.

The Reserve is one of 30 National Estuarine Research Reserves established nationwide as hubs for environmental stewardship, research, and education. It is administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, owned and managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and supported by its partnership with the Elkhorn Slough Foundation.

Visit the Reserve

The Elkhorn Slough Reserve features a visitor center, picnic areas, and five miles of trails through beautiful oak woodlands, calm tidal creeks, and open grasslands.

We are committed to ensuring the health of Elkhorn Slough and its surrounding watershed for generations. Please join us in keeping this place healthy and wild.

HOURS:  Wednesday-Sunday, 9am-5pm

Our Programs

We support conservation at Elkhorn Slough and beyond through research, stewardship, education, professional training, and community engagement.

Tracking the health of the estuary to inform conservation strategies.

Engaging students and teachers in the wonders of Elkhorn Slough.

Sustainable management and restoration of diverse species and ecosystems.

Strengthening environmental sustainability in the Central Coast region.

A collaborative effort to conserve and renew estuarine habitats across the watershed.

Photo by: Michael McGreevy

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Elkhorn Slough Information

What is the elkhorn slough, and where is it located.

The Elkhorn Slough is a 7-mile-long estuary and tidal slough located in Monterey Bay, California.

Known nationally as a pristine ecological treasure, The Elkhorn Slough spans over 45,000 acres (5,000 of which are protected by The Nature Conservancy ) and provides essential habitat for countless species of birds, marine animals, and plants.

Together, The Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve and the Elkhorn Slough Foundation collaborate with community agencies and governments to protect and preserve the slough’s critical habitats. Currently, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) manages the reserve.

How Was Elkhorn Slough Formed?

Elkhorn Slough is part of an extensive estuarine network, and the area’s evolution is inexorably linked to sea-level changes.

At the time of the last glacial period, the sea level in the Monterey area was about 120 m lower than it is today, which allowed a freshwater river to flow through the heart of Elkhorn Valley, out to Monterey Bay.

Approximately 18,000 years ago, the earth’s glaciers began to melt, causing rapid worldwide sea level rises. As sea levels rose, ocean water from the Monterey Bay was forced up into the mouths of Moro Cojo and Elkhorn sloughs, converting what used to be freshwater streambeds to tidal inlets, vibrant with marine life, including clams and oysters.

About 8,000 years ago, the influx of ocean water decreased slightly, allowing heavy sediment to accumulate in the tidal wetlands, creating an expansive environment of mudflats and salt marshes.

Today, Elkhorn Slough and similar seasonal estuary environments provide essential habitat that supports a rich and diverse mixture of marine life, including mammals, invertebrates, fishes, birds, and plants.

These areas also provide critical recreational opportunities for local and visiting nature lovers who want to experience the beauty of the Monterey Bay area.

What is Unique About Elkhorn Slough?

There’s so much to love about Elkhorn Slough! Here are a few of our favorite facts about the area:

• According to NOAA , Elkhorn slough provides critical habitat for more than 550 species of invertebrates, 135 species of migratory birds, and 100 species of fish.
• Elkhorn Slough’s salt marsh is the second largest in California, after San Francisco Bay.
• California has lost more than 90% of its estuaries, which makes the Elkhorn Slough even more precious .
• According to California Marine Protected Areas (CMPA), there is even more life below the surface of the slough than there is above : experts estimate that one cubic foot of mud from the slough contains about 500 billion bacteria, 500 million diatoms, 50,000 protozoa, 50,000 worms, 5,000 tiny crustaceans (including crabs and shrimp), and 40 clams.
• Elkhorn Slough contains several essential, threatened habitats, including coastal prairie areas, maritime chaparral, alive oak woodlands, grasslands, and coastal sage scrub.
• The area, which is famous for its biodiversity , has been recognized by the Ramsar Convention as a “wetland of international importance.”
• The Elkhorn Slough Reserve is one of only 30 areas in the National Estuarine Research Reserve System. These sites are federally protected for water-quality monitoring, education, long-term research, and coastal stewardship.

What Kind of Animals Live in the Slough?

Because the Slough’s habitat is so unique, it is a hotspot for seals, migratory birds, marine mammals, fish, and the endangered California Southern Sea Otter .

Each day, hundreds of sea otters gather to rest, groom, hunt for clams, and rear their pups in the Elkhorn Slough’s protected waters.

The Southern Sea Otter isn’t the only endangered species living in Elkhorn Slough. In fact, the area is home to at least four other threatened or endangered species:

The California brown pelican, the California least tern, the Santa Cruz long-toed salamander, and the American peregrine falcon.

The area is also home to a stunning assortment of migratory birds that hunt and gather in the mudflats and wetlands. As such, Elkhorn Slough has been named a “Globally Important Bird Area” by the National Audubon Society and the American Birding Conservancy.

Why Should I Visit The Elkhorn Slough?

The Elkhorn Slough is one of the nation’s top 10 wildlife viewing destinations. With over six miles of navigable waterway inland from Monterey Bay.

No other tidal estuary of its beauty and magnitude exists along the coastline today, making it a must-see if you visit the Central Coast.

The Elkhorn Slough is a kayaker’s paradise with calm waters, limited large vessel traffic, and wildlife encounters around every bend.

When is it Best to Kayak at Elkhorn Slough?

The Elkhorn Slough is full of wildlife all year round, and seal and otter pups are abundant in spring. Spring also boasts green hillsides and vibrant wildflowers for an excellent picture backdrop on your kayaking adventure.

Summer is a popular time in the Slough because our temperate weather makes for a perfect retreat from the inland valley heat.

Our best weather arrives in the Fall season when the summer marine fog layer lifts, and we have calm, sunny, warm days through October. We can have beautiful weather sporadically all the way into December and January, so keep your eyes on the rain forecast for plenty of wonderful opportunities to paddle in idyllic conditions with zero crowds during these months.

Birdwatching becomes more exciting in the Fall/Winter months. Winter also brings gorgeous sunsets and fewer crowds.

How to Dress for Kayaking at Elkhorn Slough

How you dress for your kayak adventure depends on the season.

In warm or hot weather, we recommend wearing the following:

• A UV-blocking, long-sleeved shirt
• A sun hat with a brim wide enough to protect your face, ears, and neck
• Polarized sunglasses with an attached retainer so they don’t fall into the water
• Swimsuit bottoms or shorts made of non-binding, non-cotton material
• Sandals or water shoes

In the fall or winter season, we recommend wearing the following:

• A lightweight, sweat-wicking, long-sleeve shirt
• A sun hat with a wide brim or a beanie if it’s chilly enough
• Polarized sunglasses with an attached retainer
• Sunscreen (yes, even on cloudy days!)
• Light shell pants made from moisture-resistant material
• Sandals, water shoes or neoprene kayaking booties
• A light fleece jacket or vest
• A raincoat, depending on weather conditions.

No matter what time of the year you go kayaking, you should always wear a properly-fitted PFD. Make sure to wear it over your base layer and add additional layers on top of it, so you never have to take the PFD off on the water.

Should I Take A Tour Or Rent?

All Kayak Connection guides are talented naturalists with tons of knowledge about the local environment, in addition to being skilled kayakers with rescue training.

On a kayak tour in the Elkhorn Slough , a guide can point out animals and interesting features that you likely would have paddled right by without noticing during a rental excursion. They’re also able to tell the story of the Slough, and explain the ways in which all the creatures are interconnected to form a beautiful ecosystem. They can also help make your trip more memorable by adding a bit of personality and fun and lending a local’s advice towards the rest of your journey.

Renting a kayak in Elkhorn Slough gives you the freedom to choose your own pace and explore to your heart’s desire and can be a terrific way to get in a workout or completely relax – it’s all up to you.

What Are The Current Conditions, And How Should I Prepare For My Trip?

Every employee working at Kayak Connection will know the current conditions and help you plan your adventure. Please ask them about how both the tide and the wind will influence your paddling on that day.

The Elkhorn Slough can look very different given the changing tidal conditions. The main channel is always accessible, but there are fun tidal creeks that need at least two feet of water for a kayak to paddle through them.

Strong afternoon winds (often 15 to 20 knots), especially in the Spring, can make paddling more difficult. Plan your trip to take advantage of the favorable winds and currents.

How Can I Protect The Elkhorn Slough And The Wildlife I See?

Do not approach wildlife too closely. If an animal changes its behavior or appears startled by your presence, you are too close to that animal and should paddle away. Remember, certain species, like sea otters and harbor seals, need to spend a good amount of their time resting and not being disturbed by kayakers for their health and well-being.

Maintain a safe, respectful distance while paddling in the Elkhorn Slough. Please do not land on mud banks or disturb resting seals or sea lions. If you bring water bottles or snacks on your kayak, please pack your trash out and dispose of it in the Kayak Connection yard area.

What Type Of Kayak Should I Rent?

Kayak Connection rents both sit-on-top and closed-decked kayaks in the Elkhorn Slough. We’re one of the few outfitters on the west coast to offer rental closed-deck kayaks. This difference allows our customers to experience a unique sea kayaking adventure that they won’t find at our competitor’s locations.

The advantages of closed-decked kayaks are that they are much more efficient and they keep customers warmer and dryer than a standard sit-on-top kayak. Our double closed-deck kayaks are all equipped with rudders to help for easier maneuvering in windy conditions.

Sit-on-top kayaks are typically more stable, maneuverable, and beginner friendly. We offer both double and single sit-on-top options. They’re a great choice for someone that might be a bit nervous or for all experience levels on a gorgeous, sunny day.

Both our closed-deck and sit-on-top kayaks are quite stable, with plenty of room to store snacks, water, and extra equipment that you may wish to bring with you on your paddle.

Try both options and see which fits your style of paddling adventure.

Have other questions about the Elkhorn Slough?

Just give us a call or send us a message to reach one of our friendly staff and we’ll be happy to help.

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