Elkhorn Slough Safari Tour at Monterey Bay
Boat Nature Tours Explore Major California Wetland From Moss Landing
Jul 13, 2009
The wetlands around Monterey Bay, the bay itself and the city of Monterey all lie within federally protected Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. The ocean, shoreline and forests teem with wildlife, even within the city limits of Monterey.
Monterey and Monterey Bay, California
The historic city of Monterey is small by California standards, with a population of only some 30,000. However, Monterey's history, beauty, tourist appeal and commercial impact are disproportionately large. The city was founded in 1770, and was the capital of Alta California as part of Spain and, later, Mexico. The area is a naturalist's paradise, with mountain lion-dwelling urban pine forests, sand dunes, estuaries, shoreline and ocean. The entire area is part of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, which extends nearly 300 miles along the coast.
Monterey is home to the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, and Monterey Bay marks entry to Monterey Canyon. This offshore underwater canyon is the deepest along North America's Pacific ocean coast, and, at nearly 2 miles deep, large enough to hold Arizona's entire Grand Canyon. One of the more biologically-rich areas of the bay is Elkhorn Slough.
Elkhorn Slough at Moss Landing, California
Elkhorn Slough is an estuary that winds its way about 7 miles inland from Moss Landing, located roughly at the mid-point of Monterey Bay. The estuary's name is thought by some to be derived from the crooked, horn-like shape of the waterway, while others note the 50,000 Tule elk that populated the area a thousand years ago. In either case, it is home to some of the most important, as well as interesting, wildlife in the Marine Sanctuary.
The only true way to explore Elkhorn Slough is by boat. Kayaks can be rented in Moss Landing, but a far superior experience will be enjoyed by taking the Elkhorn Slough Safari.
The Elkhorn Slough Safari at Monterey Bay
Elkhorn Slough Safari is privately owned and operated by Captain Yohn Gideon, who provides pontoon boat tours out of the Moss Landing Marina. The 27-foot craft seats 24 passengers in comfortable double seats on both sides of the open boat. The 2-man crew includes a naturalist, as well as the savvy captain, and both are entertaining as well as knowledgeable. The 2-hour basic tour begins at the marina and explores 4 or 5 miles of the estuary before returning. Throughout the trip, the tour takes plenty of time to get close to, and linger by, the wildlife opportunites that change by the day.
The tours are safe, smooth and very well-managed. They are equally appropriate and recommended for youngsters as well as seniors. Birders, photographers and nature lovers would be hard pressed to find a better way to spend 2 hours.
Birds and Other Wildlife on Monterey Bay's Elkhorn Slough
The Safari tour's bird list includes 150 species of resident and migratory birds, ranging from the expected water birds to field and forest birds. A summer tour is likely to spot at least 30 species in the 2 hours, including multiple species of cormorants, grebes and loons. Unusual birds that may be seen include Clarke's Grebe, Red-throated Loon, White Pelican and Pigeon Guillemot.
Harbor seals are common and present good photo opportunities, as do the sprawling and bawling California sea lions. Playful sea otters are less common, but a recent tour watched a rack of 60 otters, roughly 2 percent of the entire California population.
Making Reservations for an Elkhorn Slough Safari Tour in Moss Landing
The Safari tours are so popular that advance reservations are a necessity. Tour prices are $32 for adults, with senior discounts, and $24 for kids up to 12. Children must be at least 3 years old. The company also provides several specialty tours, including birding excursions and photography tours. Complete tour and reservation information is available at Safari's web site.
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