Elkhorn Slough is one of California's largest wetlands and part of a National Estuarine Reserve located in central Monterey Bay, California, just a short trip from the Santa Cruz area and the Monterey Peninsula. The wildlife rich reserve winds inland seven miles and provides an important feeding and resting place for a fantastic variety of wildlife such as playful sea otters, curious harbor seals, and hundreds of species of waterfowl and migratory shorebirds. Each season is unique and you may be greeted in nature's dynamic playground by nesting birds, feeding sharks, giant slugs and endangered animals. Elkhorn Slough Safari is an exciting way to visit this natural, calm water habitat and will provide excellent opportunities to view and photograph wildlife close at hand. These two hour boat cruises include an in-depth look at various aspects of slough ecology, fascinating history, and birding in the company of a naturalist guide.

You can relax and enjoy a roomy, stable ride and refreshments on our coast guard certified 27 foot pontoon boat, the Safari, departing from Moss Landing, California. The boat tour is ideal for couples, families, groups, business retreats, private photography shoots, weddings, and singles. There are special activities provided for children. Moss Landing is a short day trip from the San Jose/San Francisco Bay region. We also offer specialty cruises.

Birding

There is excellent year round birding while on Safari, and the bird checklist for Elkhorn Slough contains over 200 species of birds recorded. Shorebirding is particularly good from the vantage provided by the tour boat. Our tours are scheduled to take advantage of their feeding times. The general tour is appropriate for beginner and serious birders. Be sure to tell our birder Captain that you are interested in birds. Each season has something different to offer: Fall migration, winter visitors, spring migration, spring/summer nesting, and summer residents. There are a number of rare bird sightings during the Elkhorn Slough Safari tours which include golden eagle, red knot, black skimmer, least terns, phalaropes, tundra swans, Clark's grebe and many others.

Otters

Elkhorn Slough Safari offers unique and relatively close sea otter viewing. We observe sea otters playing, feeding, resting, caring for young and socializing. While you watch and enjoy these delightful creatures in their natural environment, the naturalist will share background information with you. This tour has been recommended to sea otter enthusiasts by "Friends of the Sea Otter."

In addition to otters, a number of marine mammals frequent the slough. Harbor Seals have an active birthing rookery and resting haul outs here. Sea lions are sighted regularly. On at least two rare occasions gray whales have strayed into the slough channel.

Captain & Crew

Elkhorn Slough Safari is owned and operated by Captain Yohn Gideon, a Coast Guard licensed captain. The Captain is a local Elkhorn Slough naturalist, an avid birder, and amateur photographer. On taking the tours the Captain comments, "I'm always amazed at how each day and season holds a new surprise. There is such diversity, I look forward to each tour. I strive to show my guests as much wildlife as possible in a fun and relaxing atmosphere."

Elkhorn Slough Safari is not only fun but informative as well. The on board naturalist will provide local stories, wildlife interpretation, answer your questions and share identification guides. Binoculars can be rented.