Central Coast
Moss Landing and Elkhorn Slough: Sea Otters and Kayaking
See sea otters in Elkhorn Slough: kayak rentals, pontoon wildlife tours, reserve trails, Kirby Park, harbor food, and how to pair it with Monterey.
By Alex Khachigian · Updated September 2026 · 3 min read
Moss Landing is a small fishing town halfway around Monterey Bay. Just inland, Elkhorn Slough is a tidal estuary with year-round sea otters.
This guide covers kayaking, pontoon tours, reserve trails, the harbor and pairing a visit with Monterey or Santa Cruz.
In This Guide
- Why Elkhorn Slough Is Great for Sea Otters
- Getting to Moss Landing
- Kayaking Elkhorn Slough
- Elkhorn Slough Pontoon Boat Tours
- Hiking the Elkhorn Slough Reserve
- Kirby Park and Free Wildlife Viewing
- Moss Landing Harbor: Where to Eat and Browse
- Pairing Moss Landing with Monterey and Santa Cruz
- Where to Stay Near Moss Landing
- FAQ
Why Elkhorn Slough Is Great for Sea Otters
Elkhorn Slough winds about 7 miles inland through one of California’s largest remaining tidal salt marshes.
Dozens of otters live here, often in rafts near the harbor mouth. Harbor seals and shorebirds are common.
Getting to Moss Landing
Moss Landing is on Highway 1, about 25 minutes north of Monterey and 30 minutes south of Santa Cruz. From San Francisco it’s about 2 hours.
Kayak rentals and tour boats are in the north harbor off Jetty Road.
Kayaking Elkhorn Slough
Kayaking gets you closest to the otters. The slough is sheltered enough for beginners.
Kayak Rentals and Guided Paddles
Monterey Bay Kayaks and Kayak Connection rent kayaks and paddleboards in the harbor and run guided tours.
A typical paddle goes past the Highway 1 bridge and the otter rafts to Seal Bend, where harbor seals haul out. Plan 2 to 3 hours.
Tides and Wind
Paddle up the slough on the incoming tide and back on the outgoing tide.
West wind usually builds in the afternoon, so mornings are calmer.
Elkhorn Slough Pontoon Boat Tours
Elkhorn Slough Safari runs naturalist-led pontoon tours from the harbor, stopping for otters, seals and birds.
Tours run about 2 hours. Book ahead on weekends.
Hiking the Elkhorn Slough Reserve
The Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve is on Elkhorn Road, about 15 minutes from the harbor. It has a visitor center and a few miles of easy trails.
Walk the South Marsh Loop or the Five Fingers Loop. Egrets and herons nest near the trails in spring.
Kirby Park and Free Wildlife Viewing
Kirby Park, farther up Elkhorn Road, has a boat launch and a flat, accessible trail.
On the coast, walk Jetty Road toward the harbor entrance, where otters often float. Moss Landing State Beach runs north from here.
Moss Landing Harbor: Where to Eat and Browse
Moss Landing Road has antique shops, galleries and seafood spots.
- Eat: Phil’s Fish Market for cioppino
- Eat: The Haute Enchilada, a café and gallery with Mexican-inspired dishes
- Nearby: Castroville, 10 minutes inland, for fried artichokes
Pairing Moss Landing with Monterey and Santa Cruz
Moss Landing works as a half-day stop: a morning paddle or safari tour, lunch at the harbor, then the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row.
Whale-watching boats also leave from Moss Landing. See my California whale watching guide and where to stay in Monterey and Carmel.
For a weekend, add my weekend in Carmel-by-the-Sea guide or continue south with the Big Sur driving guide.
Where to Stay Near Moss Landing
Lodging in Moss Landing is limited, so most people stay in Monterey. Portola Hotel & Spa is by Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa is over the water on Cannery Row, and Stilwell Hotel is a boutique option downtown.
Kimpton Mirador in Pacific Grove is near the coastline trail. All are 25 to 35 minutes from the harbor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best place to see sea otters in California?
Elkhorn Slough in Moss Landing, where dozens of otters live year-round. Kayak or take a pontoon tour for the closest views.
Do you need experience to kayak Elkhorn Slough?
No. The slough is sheltered and calm. Paddle in the morning and time it with the tides.
How close can you get to sea otters?
Stay at least five kayak lengths, about 60 feet, away. If an otter stops to watch you, you’re too close.
How far is Moss Landing from Monterey?
About 25 minutes on Highway 1, and about 30 minutes from Santa Cruz.
Can you see sea otters in Moss Landing without a boat?
Yes. Walk Jetty Road toward the harbor entrance or visit Kirby Park on Elkhorn Road.
Destination guide
My Monterey hotel, Airbnb and tour picks
