Elkhorn Slough

Elkhorn Slough, a tidal marsh, extends 7 miles inland from Montery Bay. The estuary provides habitat for a wide variety of birds, fish, marine mammals, and plants. About 125 sea otters make Elkhorn Slough their home, along with sea lions and harbor seals.

Elkhorn Slough Safari Nature Tours

Elkhorn Slough Safari Nature Tours are aboard their 32-foot Electric Catamaran, newly launched in 2024. The vessel holds up to 32 people and travels quietly with its twin electric motors. The new boat includes a restroom.

Tours include daily public tours, winter specialty tours (2024), and private charters. Tours last between 1.5 to 2 hours. Advance reservations are required: (831) 633-3217 or online. Elkhorn Slough Safari Nature Tours

Monterey Bay Eco Tours

Ride aboard Eco Tours' El Cat, an innovative, custom, fully electric catamaran. Their Elkhorn Slough tour cruises past wildlife, including otters, sea lions, and a variety of birds. An on-board naturalist assists with wildlife spotting, providing insights into the natural wonders of the Slough, and answering questions during your tour. There is also a bathroom on board. Tours lat 1.5 hours.

Eco Tours also offers Sunset Tours and Private Charters. Reserve your spot online: Monterey Bay Eco Tours.

Elkhorn Slough Trails

5 miles of trails explore various parts of Elkhorn Slough's wetlands. Along the way you are apt to see barn owls, great blue herons, double crested cormorants, and great egrets. The South Marsh Loop trail leads you to Hummingbird Island on the edge of the slough's main channel.

Visitor Center

Numerous exhibits related to Elkhorn Slough can be viewed at the Visitor Center. Among them is a model of life in the mud, showing various creatures that live there. The bookstore is crowded with treasures from T-shirts and hats to guidebooks and calendars. The book store is operated by the Elkhorn Slough Foundation, which works to conserve and restore Elkhorn Slough and its watershed.

Elkhorn Slough Wildlife

• Mammals: Sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions, mountain lions, bobcats
• Reptiles and Amphibians: Pacific tree frog, Santa Cruz long-toed salamander, American bullfrog, California red-legged frog
• Birds: Snowy plovers, great egrets, hawks, woodpeckers, pelicans terns white-tailed kites, and many more

Kayaking Elkhorn Slough

Kayaking in the Elkhorn Slough has become very popular as a way of touring the slough and observing the variety of wildlife. Kayakers must stay in their boats once they are inside the Reserve.

Where to Launch

Kirby Park on Elkhorn Road
Moss Landing Harbor District Launch Ramp off Highway 1, north of Moss Landing.

Hazards to Kayakers

While waters within the slough are calm, the harbor area around the Highway 1 bridge can be dangerous. Among the hazards are strong tidal currents, wind and boat traffic. Kayakers should plan their trips to avoid these hazards, taking advantage of the tides and being careful not to end up stranded on a mudflat as tides recede.

Resources for Kayakers

The Elkhorn Slough Foundation offers a Kayaker's Map of the Slough and a Guide to low impact paddling on their website. Anyone planning to kayak in the Elkhorn Slough should take advantage of their information.
Elkhorn Slough Foundation