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 (see map). You can read what our passengers think of this tour. We also offer specialty cruises.

Elkhorn Slough Safari is locally owned and operated
by your host Captain Yohn Gideon

Recently featured as "most unforgettable encounter we have ever had" on CBS' Eye On The Bay. NBC's Today Show with Peter Greenberg enjoyed our wildlife tour. As seen on PBS' Calif. Golden Coast with Huell Howser, Bay Area Backroads, KRON-TV, on BBC with Bill Oddie, and reviewed in the San Francisco Chronicle. Recently highlighted in Newsweek Magazine, Via Magazine, Coastal Living magazine and the Sacramento Bee. This tour has been featured in Sunset Magazine, Birder's Digest, Frommer's Guide to California, Northern California Best Places, the San Jose Mercury News, National Geographic TV, KGO-TV San Francisco, Weekend Adventures in Northern California, Patricia Hamilton's Monterey County Guide, Monterey Herald and others.

Watch for us on All Bird TV on Animal Planet on the Discovery Channel.
KIDS: Watch for us on Dragonfly TV on PBS and on the Disney Channel.
Recently listed as one of the 10 Fun Things to do in Monterey Bay by Central Coast Adventures Magazine.

Elkhorn Slough Safari is dedicated to the preservation of Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, and to providing educational access to these treasures.

When taking this boat trip stay at the new Captain's Inn at Moss Landing

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