Went out last weekend at 8:00 AM with Captain Brian who was knowledgeable about the wildlife and area without over doing it. Saw plenty of Sea Otters, Harbor Seals, Sea Lions and birds.The boat is quiet and Brian does not push it so too bother the animals.
We were so fortunate to have hit the perfect window between bad weather days, and on our 11am tour, we were the only 2 aboard, but off we went anyway with Capt Brian. He was very knowledgeable about all the wildlife and quite accommodating about turning the boat for optimum photographs. The boat itself really is as quiet as a whisper and was the main reason we chose this tour company, so as to not scare off the wildlife. And we were treated to a ton of wildlife! We would go again in a heartbeat!
A wonderful viewing experience can be had from the silent electric boat with Captain Brian at the helm. Elkhorn Slough is one of the most spectacular wildlife refuges on the west coast and Captain Brian is well versed in the animals, birds and harbor history. I take guests on the boat at least three times a year and each experience is unique. Rain or shine you can't miss; each trip becomes more educational, more fun and more memorable. Food and beverages are available or you can bring your own. All guests despite their interest have had a great time. It should be put on the "must do" list. Perfect for couples, families (kids of all ages) friends and business associates.
Our family of 4 truly enjoyed our morning cruise with Captain Wim. We had the boat all to ourselves, learned a lot and saw hundreds of different animals and birds. Captain Wim has an easy going style and shared a lot of information with us. The electric boat is whisper quiet and allows for great views of the wildlife that populates the Slough. The boat is also perfectly stocked with everything from blankets to binoculars to snacks and drinks. This was the highlight of our week in California and an experience we will never forget.
If you're looking for an easy laid back "tour " of Elkhorn slough I would recommend you to join Whisper. His boat is quiet and clean emission which helps as you're traveling down the slough to spot for otters, sea lions and birds. Two thumbs up for keeping a clean and green vessel ! You travel down and up for two hours and you get to see all the creatures that live there. We came on a beautiful sunny day so everything was blue and clear ! He shared all the information about the slough too. Two hours was just right with a teenager ! There are clean bathroom facilities before you board, a parking lot enough for All the cars that shares the lot. Keep an eye out for the parking sign and drive slow as you see the power plant ahead of you.
We took our daughter and grandchildren (ages 6 and 3) for a fun 2 hour cruise of the Elkhorn Slough. We saw dozens of harbor seals, otters (males in one group, females in another), sea lions, snowy egrets, terns, white pelicans and brown pelicans, to name a few. Captain Vim was knowledgable and hospitable. Hot chocolate for the kids, snacks and soft drinks, all complimentary. A beautiful way to spend a couple of hours on a quiet, relaxing cruise.
We went out on a two hour morning tour of the estuary. The boat only takes 6 passengers and the other 4 were a nice group of people. The boat is comfortable and quietly moves along the estuary, which allowed us to get close to the wildlife. I am an avid wildlife photographer and I was able to get some great shots. Being an electric boat, my photos did not suffer from the shake you might experience with a motor boat. It was a great way to spend an early morning amongst nature. The big negative is that duck season just opened and for some stupid reason, hunting is allowed in a nature reserve! I never heard of this before and we did encounter a few hunters and heard a number of shots. It also seemed dangerous as there are kayakers, boaters and others out there that could end up getting shot. I would recommend Whisper Charters and the next time we are there we would also go out for a sunset cruise and enjoy some wine while enjoying the estuary.
We are visiting California to see family who arranged for a tour with Whisper Tours and Captain Brian. We were given a very knowledgable tour around Elkhorn Slough. Captain Brian was extremely knowledgable and provided detailed information about the birds and wildlife. We had some fantastic flying displays from Pelicans and swimming Sea Otters. The nicest part was the whisper quiet electric motor and complimentary beverages. I strongly recommend choosing this trip if in the area. Even if it is raining, you will be warm and dry!
Highly recommend this. Only 6 people to a boat plus guide. Boats are so quiet they don't alarm the wildlife. I have been coming to Monterey Bay for 30 years and have seen the otters at the aquarium (which was fine, but not their habitat) and off in the distance on the bay, mostly hidden by the kelp. On the Slough the otters are so much easier to spot (no kelp here) and so much closer. We saw a raft of otters (a raft is the official term for otters all hanging out together in a long line in the water), 2 moms floating on their backs with babies riding on their chests, and several other otters playing eating, diving and frolicking. There were also plenty of water fowl. The guide, Captain Wim, was fun, informative, Knowledgeable about the wildlife and the history of the area. The ride is gentle and relaxing. They have binoculars, or you can bring your own. This is well worth the 30 minute drive from Monterey. Don't miss it. The otters are waiting for you.
Whisper Tours provides a comfortable and quiet two hour trip 7 miles up the Elkhorn Estuary. They make the trip three times a day year round. The wildlife is plentiful and different depending on the time of year. The boat is electric so it does not disturb the otters who were grooming and eating close by. Seals and many kinds of birds were swimming, resting on the banks, diving and catching food. The captain provided excellent commentary on what we were seeing and on the history of the area. The tour is limited to 6 people at a time which is perfect for a photographer who needs to leave his seat to get the best shot. This is perfect for all ages and recommended for locals and visitors to the area.