A frolicsome sea otter, noisy (and stinky) sea lions, and hundreds of migrating pelicans were among the first inhabitants to greet us as the Elkhorn Slough Safari (a 27 ft. pontoon boat) motored slowly away from the harbor. 

Photo: Elkhorn Slough Safari 

Once out into the more open waters of the Elkhorn Slough, one of California’s largest wetlands, it became obvious that this Safari was the perfect opportunity to observe and photograph the native wildlife (and some endangered species) right in their own backyard.

What do you need to know about the Elkhorn Slough Safari? The word safari originally meant an overland journey for the purpose of observing and recording wildlife in its natural habitat. Moving slowly and thoughtfully through the landscape, man was able to commune with nature and her creatures. By taking it to the water, these educators share much about the area, ecology, animals, and more.

Photo: Elkhorn Slough Safari 

What is a slough?

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration website defines a slough as an estuary with coastal embayments consisting of deepwater sub-tidal habitats with adjacent intertidal wetlands. These estuarine habitats are usually semi-enclosed by land with open access to ocean waters that enter with the tides and are diluted by freshwater. 

Read more about sloughs and the National Esturarine Reserve and efforts to preserve this delicate and important habitat.

Elkhorn Slough (pronounced slew) is one of the few relatively undisturbed coastal wetlands remaining in California. It is located just north of Monterey, California.

The main channel of the slough winds inland nearly seven miles, and encompasses over 3,000 acres of marsh and tidal flats. 

More than 400 different species of invertebrates, 100 different species of fish, and 300 different species of birds have been identified in the Elkhorn Slough.

Depending on which season you go, you may see California seal pups, pelicans with their mating plumage, giant slugs, or feeding sharks. Every season is different at the Elkhorn Slough - and all seasons are good for a Safari.

The Elkhorn Slough has been featured in National Geographic Adventure, selected as One of Ten Great Places In America To See Wildlife by USA Weekend Magazine, and many other noted publications.

Photo: Elkhorn Slough Safari 

The Elkhorn Slough Safari is a family-friendly, fun for all ages, exciting way to visit this natural habitat and will provide ample opportunities for the shutterbugs in the family. It’s the best way to observe otters, California seals, seas lions, and other wildlife - and you can relax and let Captain Yohn do the driving while his trusty assistant tells stories of the history and ecology of the slough. 

Kids are given assignments, like counting a particular type of bird or spotting sea otters, while the Captain points out photo-ops to the photographers in the group. He knows every nook and cranny of the slough, having been conducting tours there for over twenty years.

You couldn’t ask for a more entertaining classroom. The pontoon boat is roomy and stable, and a nice touch was the refreshments and homemade cookies offered at the end of the cruise.

It’s perfect for business retreats, families, weddings, and private photo shoots. The Safari departs from Moss Landing. Tours on the Safari range from $26 - $35 dollars.

Elkhorn Slough Safari
Capt. Yohn Gideon 
(831)633-5555
http://www.elkhornslough.com

Photo: Elkhorn Slough Safari 

Penny Sadler is the Style/Travel Editor for Wandering Educators. For more information on traveling in style, please see www.pennysadler.com and http://adventuresofacarryon.com/

All photos courtesy and copyright Penny Sadler, except where noted