Wildlife watching in Moss Landing, California

I spent an amazing weekend in wildlife watching in Moss Landing. I kayaked in Elkhorn Slough Estuary, hiked in the Elkhorn Slough Natural Reserve and went whale watching with Sanctuary cruises. The trip gifted me with several wildlife encounters: I saw otters, seals, birds and killer whales – all happy in the nature.

1. Kayaking in Elkhorn Slough

A friend mentioned that kayaking in Elkhorn Slough is an unparalleled opportunity for wildlife watching, so I brushed up my kayaking skills and went on the trip. The trip starts at the harbor and even there otters were enjoying the water, swimming, and playing around. Sea lions were making noise not far away. I turned into the estuary and continued my trip.

Otters

Otters were one of my favourites and the prime reason I came for the trip. Did you know that sea otters eat up to 25% of their body weight each day? Also they have the thickest fur among all animals, keeping them warm in cold water as well.

Birds

Elkhorn Slough is the home of over 300 types of birds. My personal favorites were the brown pelicans. A volunteer told me that pelicans are not breeding here (but in Baja California). However they were awfully cosy here as well. They had a nice long rock on the shore where they gathered and went from there towards to ocean to feed. It was amazing to watch them approach their rock. They come in really low and felt just like being approached by dinosaurs.

I also saw a few great egret – moving slowly and elegantly in the water hunting for their prey.

Seals

There are seals along the kayak route enjoying the sun and their nap in the sanctuary. They are really fun to watch and the area offers them safe heaven from the killer whales in the open ocean.

2. Hiking in Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve

I had a few hours for a hike and wanted to see the slough from a higher vantage point so I headed to the National Estuarine Research Reserve.

As I arrived to the visitor center – they offered a guided tour with a few volunteers so we did a short walk together. They mentioned about on-going projects – they are working on cutting down eucalyptus trees to focus more on native vegetation. They also had an amazing knowledge of flora and fauna and could name a lot more birds then I ever would. We met a snake – in fact I almost stepped on it – that was not my favorite wildlife encounter.

3. Sanctuary Cruises – Whale watching

Just outside of Elkhorn Slough you can go whale watching in Moss Landing. There are whales all year around, just the type of whale changes based on their migration pattern.

I was lucky enough to meet 4 killer whales just outside Moss Landing. Our boat followed them around for almost 2 hours. They fed on seals, came by our boat, went under our boat and were almost in touching distance. The whales hunt as a family. Our boat personal knew them and gave us their names. For example Bumpy had a folding fin and loved to rub against ships while their mother had the longest fin.

It was an amazing experience and I will be back to whale watching the next time I am in the area again.

Overall I spent a brilliant weekend spent in nature and I was really happy to have met a few new animals in their natural habitat.

If you are interested in seeing other wild animals in their natural habitat – check out the day hike to Tomales Point for elks and coyote watching.