A Better, Less Expensive Way to See California’s Sea Otters

The California’s Monterey Aquarium is famous for its adorable sea otter residents, but if you’d rather see otters in the wild than behind a glass wall, there’s an amazing, lesser-known alternative. And it actually costs less than the £65 per person entrance fee to the Aquarium.

Just a short drive from Monterey, but well off the beaten path and light years away from the commercialization of Monterey, is Elkhorn Slough in Moss Landing, California. I randomly learned about this adventure flipping through the pages of the Monterey travel book in our hotel room.

Driving away from the glitz of Monterey was a world of suburban, nondescript strip malls and a dirt road that led to a simple, plain shed renting kayaks belonging to Monterey Bay Kayaks. The brochure said no reservations necessary, so we showed up hoping there would be kayaks available.

I immediately saw a handful of people standing by the edge of the estuary, pointing to a raft of otters. We hadn’t even made it into the kayaks, and I was in awe of how many otters lived here. Eventually, we made it to the rental shed. They had an abundance of kayaks at reasonable rates. Current rental prices for up to 4 hours of kayaking are:

• Double kayaks: £45 per person
• Single kayaks: £53 per person

Prices include splash jackets, life vests, use of private changing rooms, and free parking. Guided tours are available, but it’s so easy to spot the wildlife, there’s no need to spend the extra money for a guide.

The helpful staff provides a mandatory safety and wildlife briefing, including some rules for interacting with the wildlife and the distance you should maintain. However, the otters themselves are under no obligation to follow the rules. They were frequently popping up right next to my kayak for close-up encounters.

I couldn’t peel the smile from my face as I watched the otters frolic, flip, and cuddle with each other right next to my kayak. Some were napping in rafts, others floated belly-up while munching clams, and there were even moms with pups curled on their chests like fuzzy flotation devices. This was one of the most magical wildlife experiences of my life. It was infinitely better than fighting crowds of people to see the otters behind a glass wall at the aquarium.

The main kayaking route is 7 miles long, so you can paddle as little or as much as you want. It doesn’t take a lot of effort to find the otters. Since you don’t have to make reservations, your 4 hours starts whenever you want, but mornings are highly recommended when the water is calmer. If you wait until the afternoon, you run the risk of tougher kayaking conditions and weather-related cancellations.

We spent about three hours on the water, often drifting more than paddling, watching as otters floated within a few feet of our kayak. Paddling in the morning was easy and didn’t require extensive athletic ability.

What Is Elkhorn Slough?

Elkhorn Slough (pronounced “slew”) is one of California’s largest tidal estuaries, a protected waterway where fresh and salt water mix. Unlike most national parks or wildlife tours, where sightings are hit or miss, in Elkhorn Slough, it’s practically a guarantee you will see otters. A lot of them. 

Beyond otters, the estuary felt like a real-life aquarium as harbor seals, sea lions, pelicans, and over 300 types of other birds also live there.

The Thrifty Gist

If you want a wild yet peaceful and unforgettable close encounter with some of California’s most iconic animals, Elkhorn Slough is a must-do adventure. Top tips:

• Skip the guided tour. You will see plenty of wildlife without paying for a guide.
• A double kayak is less expensive, and you will get to see more of the estuary as two can paddle farther than one. 
• Plan to kayak in the morning when the water is calmer.
• Unfortunately, hotels in northern California are expensive, but there are a few affordable options under £100 per night, including Motel 6 in Marina, CA, and the Islander Motel Santa Cruz.
• Alternative Kayak Rental – Cannery Row Kayak Tour

And with no need to make a reservation, it couldn’t be easier to show up and have an incredible wildlife experience that costs less than an aquarium ticket!