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The best way to experience Elkhorn Slough is with our friendly, professional guides. They'll make sure you get to see as much as possible, have some fun and bring you back wanting more!
* No experience needed * Children 3 - 14 must be in accompanied by adults * Most tours have a 2 person minimum unless noted * Check-in no later than 15 minutes prior to start time or you may miss the tour. * All gear & optional wetsuit is included (details will be in your email) * We recommend booking at least 24-48 hours in advance to ensure the tour/space is available. Bookings require full payment in advance. See full cancellation policy & weather links. SCROLL DOWN TO SEE FAQS ON GUIDED TOURS AT ELKHORN SLOUGH |
2390 Highway 1, Moss Landing CA 95039
Check-in at our store in Moss Landing's North Harbor (behind the big pottery shop on Hwy 1). We have a full retail store with restrooms, changing rooms, and parking.
Open Daily 9:00 to 6:00 - Fall Hours (starts Monday Sept 4) 9:00 to 5:00 - Winter Hours (starts Nov 5, closed Dec 25) 831 373-5357 |
Guided Tour Elkhorn Slough - Harbor 1.5 hourThis tour is a perfect adventure for young children and their parents. Explore the protected harbor where you can view sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions and "sea bunnies". No experience is necessary and is recommended for families with children ages 3 to 12.
Price includes FREE rentals after the tour! Regular rental rules apply. $45 Offered daily at 9:00, 11:00, 1:00, 3:00
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See dates, availability and reserve online. |
Guided Tour Elkhorn Slough - 2.5 hourExplore more of this peaceful tidal estuary with its stunning diversity of marine life. Paddle with sea otters, seals, sea lions, and a variety of shorebirds. No experience required. Children between 3 and 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
$60 Offered daily at 10:00 and 2:00
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See dates, availability and reserve online. |
Guided Tour Elkhorn Slough - Standup Paddleboards 2 hoursTraversing the slough from the unique perspective of a standup paddleboard can offer some of the best views of marine mammals, birds and scenery. This tour is for those who have already taken a class and are ready to paddle further! 2 person minimum. Kids must be at least 13 yrs old.
$60 Offered daily at 9:30
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See dates, availability and reserve online. |
Guided Tour Elkhorn Slough - Moon Rise 2.5 hoursJoin us each month during the full moon. We head out as the sun begins to set and explore the slough under a silver sky. We'll watch the moonrise for a magical and memorable experience. 4 person minimum. Reservations required 24 hours in advance.
$60 Offered monthly during the full moon.
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See dates, availability and reserve online. |
Guided Tour Elkhorn Slough - Bioluminescence
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See dates, availability and reserve online. |
Guided Tour Elkhorn Slough - The Whole Slough
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$85 Offered every Saturday & Sunday in summer.
Guided Tour Elkhorn Slough - Birds, Birds & more Birds! 3 to 3.5 hours - TOURS CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE DUE TO KIRBY PARK ROAD DAMAGE/CLOSURE.Join our resident bird guide to observe and identify the avian inhabitants of this complex and unique ecosystem. We typically spot over 50 species, but potentially more during spring and fall migrations. Low tides offer the best conditions for viewing foraging shorebirds and depending on conditions, trips may travel up to 4.5 miles into the slough to be picked up and returned to the shop by our shuttle. 4 person minimum. Reservations require 48 hours in advance.
$85 Offered August - April only.
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Guided Tour Elkhorn Slough - Ride the Tide
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FREQENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ELKHORN SLOUGH TOURS
1. Do I need to know how to swim to join a tour?
No, in the rare event of a capsize, your guide will immediately help you back into your kayak.
2. Why should I go on a tour instead of just renting?
Elkhorn Slough is a very special eco-system with a unique variety of marine life. Our informative guides will make sure you get to see and experience as much as possible to get the most out of your time on water. Many experienced customers repeat tours with us because each trip can be different depending on the season, guide or even time of day! Our guides carry first aid kits, marine radios, tow ropes and are highly trained to provide a safe, informative and fun experience for everyone
3. What is the difference between the Elkhorn Slough and the Monterey location? How do I choose?
Fortunately, they are both amazing places to paddle and see wildlife so you really can't go wrong at either location! Both places are protected calm areas suitable for beginners. Both locations are subject to wind on certain days which can make the water choppier and may limit how far you can paddle.
The Monterey location is an exciting ocean experience along the Monterey shoreline, harbor, Fisherman's Wharf and Cannery Row areas. This is the best place to experience the famous Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary with its diverse wildlife and eco-systems. Typically, people will see everything from small marine invertebrates, sea otters, seals, sea lions, the occasional dolphin or whale, shorebirds, and habitats like kelp beds, rocky shorelines and sandy beaches! Our paddling area is the most protected from surf and swell but some people who are sensitive to motion sickness might want to take precautions prior to arriving.
Elkhorn Slough at Moss Landing is a 20 minute drive north from Monterey. From our store in North Harbor, you paddle inland into a tidal Estuarine Reserve. Its a quieter area with less buildings and commercial boat traffic. This is a great place to see lots of sea otters, harbor seals and birds (especially during spring and fall migrations)! The slough is shallower than Monterey Bay and is surrounded by mud flats and oak hills. There is no landing allowed along the mudbanks throughout the slough.
4. What kind of kayaks do you use on the tours
We use open deck and/or closed deck doubles depending on the tour and by request (except the 1 hour harbor tours). Doubles are faster and more stable than singles. If you are an experienced paddler and want a single kayak, arrive 30 minutes prior to the tour so you can talk with your guide and select a model that fits you best. Only your guide can approve a request for a single kayak on the day of the tour.
5. Do I need experience to go on a tour? Is it strenuous?
Tours are better for complete beginners and the guide will provide all the instruction/assistance as needed. Tours travel at a very leisurely pace, mostly to observe wildlife. If you can hike a couple of miles easily, you shouldn't have any trouble on a beginners tour.
6. Can pregnant women join a tour?
Yes as long as you are not in your 3rd trimester.
7. Is there a weight limit?
Yes, 250 lbs per person
8. How close can I get to sea otters?
While the goal is to observe and learn about sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions, and birds, we make sure that we are not getting too close and disrupting their natural behaviors which can harm them. Five boat lengths is best to avoid disturbing animal (unless they come to us!) It is also illegal to disturb, chase, touch or feed marine mammals who are protected by Federal Law Read more about viewing sea otters and other marine mammals.
9. What should I wear/bring and what is included?
You can decide on the day of your arrival as temperatures vary.
• Option 1: Wearing wetsuits (included) - Bring bathing suit, quick drying top to wear underneath.
• Option 2: No wetsuit - Wear quick drying tops and bottoms and bring a change of clothes to leave in your car. DO NOT wear jeans, sweats or any heavy cotton clothing on the water.
• We provide splash jackets and/or splash pants (optional) and a life vest to wear over your quick dry clothing.
* Personal items such as windbreakers, hats, sunscreen, eyewear retainers and water.
* Go barefoot or wear any footwear you don't mind getting wet.
• Don't wear expensive watches or jewelry or bring large backpacks on the water.
* Phones and cameras should be in waterproof cases.
10. Do you have lockers for my belongings?
Lockers are not available. We recommend locking belongings in your car and if you want, we can hold your car keys. If you arrive by foot or bicycle, there is an area to leave clothing/shoes. Valuables can be held in the office.
11. Are dogs allowed on tours?
Not on guided tours due to the consideration of other guests. They are allowed on rental kayaks.
No, in the rare event of a capsize, your guide will immediately help you back into your kayak.
2. Why should I go on a tour instead of just renting?
Elkhorn Slough is a very special eco-system with a unique variety of marine life. Our informative guides will make sure you get to see and experience as much as possible to get the most out of your time on water. Many experienced customers repeat tours with us because each trip can be different depending on the season, guide or even time of day! Our guides carry first aid kits, marine radios, tow ropes and are highly trained to provide a safe, informative and fun experience for everyone
3. What is the difference between the Elkhorn Slough and the Monterey location? How do I choose?
Fortunately, they are both amazing places to paddle and see wildlife so you really can't go wrong at either location! Both places are protected calm areas suitable for beginners. Both locations are subject to wind on certain days which can make the water choppier and may limit how far you can paddle.
The Monterey location is an exciting ocean experience along the Monterey shoreline, harbor, Fisherman's Wharf and Cannery Row areas. This is the best place to experience the famous Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary with its diverse wildlife and eco-systems. Typically, people will see everything from small marine invertebrates, sea otters, seals, sea lions, the occasional dolphin or whale, shorebirds, and habitats like kelp beds, rocky shorelines and sandy beaches! Our paddling area is the most protected from surf and swell but some people who are sensitive to motion sickness might want to take precautions prior to arriving.
Elkhorn Slough at Moss Landing is a 20 minute drive north from Monterey. From our store in North Harbor, you paddle inland into a tidal Estuarine Reserve. Its a quieter area with less buildings and commercial boat traffic. This is a great place to see lots of sea otters, harbor seals and birds (especially during spring and fall migrations)! The slough is shallower than Monterey Bay and is surrounded by mud flats and oak hills. There is no landing allowed along the mudbanks throughout the slough.
4. What kind of kayaks do you use on the tours
We use open deck and/or closed deck doubles depending on the tour and by request (except the 1 hour harbor tours). Doubles are faster and more stable than singles. If you are an experienced paddler and want a single kayak, arrive 30 minutes prior to the tour so you can talk with your guide and select a model that fits you best. Only your guide can approve a request for a single kayak on the day of the tour.
5. Do I need experience to go on a tour? Is it strenuous?
Tours are better for complete beginners and the guide will provide all the instruction/assistance as needed. Tours travel at a very leisurely pace, mostly to observe wildlife. If you can hike a couple of miles easily, you shouldn't have any trouble on a beginners tour.
6. Can pregnant women join a tour?
Yes as long as you are not in your 3rd trimester.
7. Is there a weight limit?
Yes, 250 lbs per person
8. How close can I get to sea otters?
While the goal is to observe and learn about sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions, and birds, we make sure that we are not getting too close and disrupting their natural behaviors which can harm them. Five boat lengths is best to avoid disturbing animal (unless they come to us!) It is also illegal to disturb, chase, touch or feed marine mammals who are protected by Federal Law Read more about viewing sea otters and other marine mammals.
9. What should I wear/bring and what is included?
You can decide on the day of your arrival as temperatures vary.
• Option 1: Wearing wetsuits (included) - Bring bathing suit, quick drying top to wear underneath.
• Option 2: No wetsuit - Wear quick drying tops and bottoms and bring a change of clothes to leave in your car. DO NOT wear jeans, sweats or any heavy cotton clothing on the water.
• We provide splash jackets and/or splash pants (optional) and a life vest to wear over your quick dry clothing.
* Personal items such as windbreakers, hats, sunscreen, eyewear retainers and water.
* Go barefoot or wear any footwear you don't mind getting wet.
• Don't wear expensive watches or jewelry or bring large backpacks on the water.
* Phones and cameras should be in waterproof cases.
10. Do you have lockers for my belongings?
Lockers are not available. We recommend locking belongings in your car and if you want, we can hold your car keys. If you arrive by foot or bicycle, there is an area to leave clothing/shoes. Valuables can be held in the office.
11. Are dogs allowed on tours?
Not on guided tours due to the consideration of other guests. They are allowed on rental kayaks.
Open Daily
9:00 to 6:00 - Fall Hours (starts Monday Sept 4)
9:00 to 5:00 - Winter Hours (starts Nov 5, closed Dec 25)
(831) 373-5357
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We are a locally owned and operated small business that pioneered eco-tourism in 1985 and has been a leader in kayak recreation and education ever since!
We have introduced over 300,000 people to our unique and beautiful area with naturalist led tours, comprehensive rental packages and classes with ACA trained instructors. Our mission is to provide a wonderful and exceptional experience for everyone while fostering stewardship of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and the Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Reserve. |
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