The elkhorn slough tour provides amazing wildlife viewing aboard the el cat, an innovative, custom, fully electric catamaran, built right here in moss landing by us. With 90% of california’s wetlands loss to development, elkhorn slough offers a special opportunity to observe a biologically rich and critically endangered habitat. Seniors (65 and older) $40.
Sea Otter Elkhorn Slough Monterey Bay Photograph by
Moss landing>> the elkhorn slough is booming with baby sea otters, which is a good thing for the ecosystem and the animals, scientists say.
Rentals at our elkhorn slough location.
For sure, harbor seals are cute and curious, and there were dozens of them hauled out on a mud bar on the north side of the slough. The attraction is to see sea otters, seals, sea lions, and, of course, birds. At the moss landing marina halfway between santa cruz and monterey, i slip into a kayak and paddle toward elkhorn slough, one of california’s largest tidal salt marshes. The elkhorn slough is one of california’s most spectacular wetlands.
We saw lots of each, with the otters being the most interesting.
Sea otters play an important role in the recovery of eelgrass beds here at elkhorn slough in mammals , research , science in action article by administrator august 28, 2013 scientists studying the decline and recovery of seagrass beds at the elkhorn slough have found that recolonization of the estuary by sea otters was a crucial factor in the. It has a resident population of over 100 sea otters, and annually hosts over 300 bird species. They make regular observations and report their findings. The estuary is home to 12 otter pups of varying ages.
Cormorants, gulls, pelicans, and a smattering of shorebirds ignore our small motorboat puttering through the calm waters of elkhorn slough, an estuary that winds east through farm.
The elkhorn slough reserve researchers and volunteer citizen scientists monitor the sea otters in the elkhorn slough. Now you can take part in that research by watching the. Roughly 60% of the sea otters in elkhorn slough are descendants of our sea otter program—and they’ve helped transform the slough into a. By conducting regular monitoring, we are learning a lot about what they are doing, but also how they are doing!
But i can see harbor seals in san francisco bay any day of the week.
5 people~ $100 per person for a private day on the water, 6. It’s low tide at moss landing and the mudflats add a sulfur scent to the salty air. With elkhorn slough safari’s online reservation system, you’re just a few clicks away from beginning your monterey bay wildlife adventure. Advance reservations guaranteed by a credit card are required.
But the main attraction of elkhorn slough is the marine mammals, and in particular, the southern sea otters.
The sea otters seem to wrap themselves among the leaves, lounging on the water’s surface as if spread out on a sofa. Because the slough’s habitat is so rare, it is a hotspot for migratory birds, marine mammals and fish and a happy haven for the endangered california southern sea otter.hundreds of sea otters gather daily to rest, groom, hunt for clams and rear their pups in the elkhorn slough’s predator protected waters. Abundant wildlife and scenic views make it a favorite destination for photographers from around the world. Just beyond the mouth of the slough, monterey canyon reaches seaward for 95 miles, plunging as deep as the grand canyon.
Other fascinating sightings include throngs of harbor seals hauled up on.
Sea otter adoptees born in elkhorn slough. Walk ins only, no reservations taken. Sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions and an array of birds can be seen at close range. This expansive estuary explodes with life, and even better, it’s really easy to see it.
So it’s the sea otters that are.
Glide cleanly and quietly while you see otters, sea lions, harbor seals, and a diverse population of birds, as the elkhorn slough is part of the pacific flyway. Eelgrass is an important ingredient in the ecosystem, and according to the elkhorn slough website, the otters have helped it thrive by eating the crabs who would otherwise prey on sea slugs that keep the leaves healthy. However, the southern sea otter is listed as threatened under the endangered species act according to the iucn red list and sea otters in general are endangered. Now open daily 9:00 to 5:00 both locations.
Elkhorn slough safari nature boat tours offers family friendly, sea otter eco tours in the monterey bay.
John bartell hops a boat and gets up close to the floating piles of furry cuteness. Cost was $32 for seniors. A group of otters is called a raft.
