We had the best experience with Captain Joonya and were so lucky to see so many otters, seals, and birds on our trip. We even saw multiple groups of mating otters & a mother and baby!! The boat is so comfortable and beautifully decorated. My 99 year old grandmother had the best time & appreciated the extra blankets provided on board and how comfortable Captain Joonya made our family feel! We will definitely be back for another charter in the future!! read more

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Fantastic trip on the slough to see otters. Great boat. Great staff. Definitely recommend.

We did not end up booking them because our wedding group is too large, but shoutout to the owner Joonya for being so incredibly helpful with using his connections to find us a few alternative options! We hope to be on your boat very soon! read more

Gliding across the water in Captain Brian's Selkie for two hours is an amazing experience. The electric motor is almost silent; it does not frighten the wildlife. The boat is low so it seems like you are at eye level with otters, birds, and seals. Besides the quite electric motor what sets this tour apart from others is the boat only holds the Captain and six people, there is room to move and see the wildlife. The information that was provided as we glided around the slough was helpful and made the trip more than just a photo trip. When we got off the boat he told us where we could go to see even more wildlife. There is also a yelp check-in. Advanced reservations are required and are made online. When I booked the trip I mentioned that my friends and I wanted do to some photography. When we got there we were asked what we wanted to photograph, my first thought was otters. I enjoyed the tour so much I am going to go again and see, and photograph, more otters, birds, and seals. read more

Whisper Charters - Sea Otter - Boat Charters Near Me - Moss Landing, California

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Fraud, Incompetence, Medical Emergency? Not sure why Whisper Charters blew off today's group reservation, sent all calls to voice mail and ignored our group's texts. They certainly were quick to charge our credit card. We need our money refunded and and an explanation of they blew off the reservation. read more

We had such a relaxing and fun tour seeing the otters and seals. Joonya was a great captain and knowledgeable about the area. I would highly recommend this cruise. read more

Whisper Charters - Boat Charters Near Me - Moss Landing, California

The Aloha Sunset cruise was a great experience. We had a party of four had the whole boat to ourselves.

What a great experience this trip was! This is a 2 hour trip into the Elkhorn Slough. The whole area is filled with sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions, ducks, shore birds, terns, etc, etc. The boat is clean and comfortable and can completely enclose to keep you warm! There is complementary water, coffee, and tea. As well as a few other items available for purchase. He also has binoculars people can use to get a close look at the animals. Captain Brian is incredibly knowledgeable and friendly. Answering all questions and pointing out wildlife and the history of the area. Recommend bringing a camera to take some pictures of the amazing wildlife. I would definitely recommend this experience to anyone interested in nature. read more

We loved this. The tour was great, our captain was Joonya, the owner. Joonya is an 11 out of 10. The tour was serene. His boat is electric so it provides a great experience and is extremely comfortable. His knowledge of the ecosystem and history is great also. Lots of unique wildlife to see. We will definitely do this trip again at some point and also want to do his sunset cruise with Hawaiian apps, ukulele and hula dancing? are you kidding me? read more

Wonderful way to see Elkhorn Slough ... go even further into the slough thank on kayak to see up close the sea and shore life. It's covered and protected from wind, smooth cruising and very comfortable seating. Super friendly and knowledgeable guide, Jooyna - experience seals and pups, mama otters and pups, rafts of male otters, pelicans, pipers, cormorants and other sea life so close. Thanks, Jooyna ... we will book a sunset cruise with you later this summer!! read more

Junior was a great captain. Fantastic teacher. Knew all about about the marine life and birds in the slough. Will be going back again for the sunset tour. read more

LOVED IT!!! Take this tour. We learned a lot about the area including animals and plants. Capt. Brian was fantastic. He pointed out many things to us that we would of never of seen without him. It was a relaxed atmosphere. Something that makes this tour the best is we were totally sheltered from the wind on the way back. We had the window flaps up on the way out and put the flaps down on the way in. We saw the other tour boat on the way out and they looked frozen. I would take this tour again. read more

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Thank you Captain Seann! You made our engagement so unique and special my fiance Michelle could not have had a better day. The boat was amazing and it was so magical to see all the wildlife and your knowledge and humor was calming for me before I asked the big question. We will be back!!! And thank you everyone at Whisper Charters for helping me arrange it. read more

Whisper Charters - The boat - Boat Charters Near Me - Moss Landing, California

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If you don't want to paddle you own kayak, this is the best way to see the Elkorn slough! Quiet ( electric) and comfortable. The captain is very nice and knowledgeable. We ordered a cheese and fruit plate and brought our own wine. Nice! read more

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We had the BEST time ever for my Mom and niece Bella's bday Nov 8th. Capt Joonya made it a smooth ride and the delicious island food was oh so ono! The Hula Aloha was a special treat, a part of the Aloha Sunset cruise that sets Whisper Charter above the rest. So much mahalo to the Joonya and Marlene for making this the most memorable birthday celebration for our family and friends! read more

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After taking two trips on another company that tours the Elkhorn Slough, I was frustrateactivityd to say the least. Any time there would be an otter sighting, people would run to that area of the boat and I was never able to get any good photos. Frustrating to say the least. Let me say that will NEVER be a problem with Whisper Charters! I have taken the trip at least a half a dozen times, any time someone I know comes to visit the area this is a MUST DO activity!! I was sad when they closed for a while but they are back up and running!! The boat itself is so comfortable, and they provide blankets and water for you, and if it gets too cold with the "windows" open, they put down the plastic barrier that can still see through. The fact that there are only 6 people to a trip makes perfect for seeing the slough the best way possible. Every time I go I learn something new about the area or the critters that inhabit it. Truly the best thing to do on Central Coast!! read more

They are back in business! And better than ever. I chartered the boat for 2 seniors and 3 elderly grandmas and everyone had a blast! A wonderful experience for them. The Captain, I believe his name was Tim, was very knowledgeable and made the trip extra-special with his attentive and kind manner. Thank you Tim, and thank you Joonya! read more

HEART BROKEN..sorry your closed, your the best in Moss Landing..Don't know what to do now..wont go on the cattle boat..i would love to take this business over, if only wishes came true. thank you for the memories and good times. read more

Fantastic trip! Otters abound. Plus seals, seal lions and hundreds of birds. Captain Brian is knowledgeable and doesn't chatter on too much. He was gracious helping my elderly mother in and out of the boat. If you want to visit the slough and can't kayak. This is the way to go!!! read more

My husband and I took the 2 PM cruise on Valentine's Day. To our surprise we were the only couple on board but that only made for a personal, quiet thoroughly, enjoyable cruise into Elkhorn Slough. Captain Brian was gracious and informative describing the birds and wildlife we were seeing. We had so many wonderful opportunities to see sea otters with pups, and a special rare siting of a sea otter "hauling out", climbing on shore among the harbor seals to sun himself and groom. What a treat. The boat itself is clean, comfortable and can be completely enclosed for protection from the weather. Complimentary water and tea are offered but other items are available for purchase if you wish, mostly light snack foods and wine. Our tour was slightly over two hours and we didn't want it to end. The Selphie II is so quiet that you glide through the wildlife without disturbing anything allowing for maximum viewing. We did see the other pontoon style boat zipping about with someone using a loud speaker. We were so happy that we took this cruise and could enjoy the sublime quiet that is our Elkhorn Slough. I highly recommend Whisper Charters and Captain Brian. I don't think you will be sorry. read more

Tim was an excellent skipper for our morning cruise! This is the second time we have been on their boat, so obviously we love it. This time we brought our little dog and she enjoyed the morning as well. Lots of birds, seals, and otters to see as well as learning about the area. Thanks!! read more

On Saturday, we took the Eco Friendly Tour of the Elkhorn Slough on Whisper Charters. Captain Brian Ackerman was our guide. He was professional and friendly. He would point out rare birds and various wild life. The Captain was full of knowledge and answered every question I had. Captain Brian offered us coffee, I was thankful as I had not had any yet. It was delicious. The boat was immaculate, comfortable and was truly whisper quiet as it is an electric powered boat. I loved visiting the sea otters in their home. They were adorable! We learned that a group of sea otters is called a raft! The slough is host to a tremendous number of birds! It is a bird watchers paradise! We saw endanger species such as the Brown Pelican. The Harbor seals sun bathed along the shore. One seal decided to check us out, swimming near the boat, he would stop and look at us and we "floated" by. I saw the "other" tour in an open aired Pontoon style boat. The captain was zipping around the harbor talking over a loud speaker. I was so happy I did not choose that tour. You will not be sorry if you pick Whisper Charters. I plan on going back in the fall, winter and spring. This tour is graceful, educational, green and most of all fun! read more

The experience was so nice. An electric motor with a canopy that blocks the sun in small intimate vessel. Capt. Brian really knows a lot about the slough. We saw a lot wild life and received so much education. This is a must do trip. read more

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A must if you are in the Santa Cruz to Monterey area, is to take this tour. The boat is a clean and efficient electrically driven boat, that easily cruises in the Elkhorn slough......and in this slough we saw over 80 sea otters, feeding, playing and grooming....sea lions, harbor seals, also many varieties do shore birds, loons, cormorants, muirs....and more. The tour is quiet and filled with specific scientific information on the marine animals, fish, bird life and geology...... Put this on your must do list. read more

Thank you Junior for a wonderful tour of the slough. Rain or shine it doesn't matter because we stayed warm and dry! We were in sea otter in heaven. The seals and birds were abundant and beautiful. The conversation was just right and pleasant. Marsden party of four, Fremont & Vacaville CA May 18, 2019 read more

Captain Brian was very knowledgeable and accomodating. But the star of the show is his electric boat. You feel like you are kayaking because the motor is nearly silent as you cruise around the slough. Per the captain, this is the only electric boat in Monterey Bay. I can't understand why there aren't more. It really made the whole experience unforgettable. I would definitely go again and take others there. read more

Booked the 9a tour of Elkhorn Slough. The directions unfortunately weren't super clear so we parked in the wrong lot but it was a very short walk to get to the right side of the Elkhorn Yacht Club. (Keep going past the Yacht Club building until you are just north of it for the right driveway -- we turned too soon.) We had the boat all to ourselves and it was a great tour. We saw so many sea otters, harbor seals, and all sorts of different seabirds. Love that we were sheltered from the wind and early morning chills. Mahalo, Joonya! So glad we booked with Whisper Charters. read more

A great trip. OK, so I'm not usually a fan of guided tours but this was fabulous. Went with some friends on Mother's Day. Took the two o'clock cruise and we all had a great time. Our guide (the owner) was a knowledgable naturalist with a (thankfully) low key style. No constant talking and the information was really interesting. The boat is comfortable and quiet (it's electric). Hot tea, or wine make the cruise comfortable. Highly recommend! read more

Whisper Charters - Frolicking otters - Boat Charters Near Me - Moss Landing, California

We went on their Elkhorn Slough tour for the second time this week, and it was perfect (both times). Both Brian (last time) and Sean (this time) are excellent guides. Both are knowledgeable, patient, friendly and flexible. For example, it was an unusually high tide so Sean rolled with it and took us to a different spot until the tide went down, but made sure we saw everything we wanted to see. If there was an otter, seal or bird we wanted a second look at he would happily wheel the boat around to give us that look. The boat is very comfy and outfitted with all the amenities you could want. The slough is so peaceful and beautiful I already want to go back and try their aloha sunset cruise! read more

Memorable way to spend Father's Day! We chose Whisper Charters based on the high praises of family members who live in Monterey. It was a fantastic experience for our party of six, including two children. Capt. Brian is a fount of great information about the flora, fauna and ecosystem of Elkhorn Slough, and his electric boat is super deluxe, quiet and comfy. He even let the kids take the wheel for a bit. The 10 year old wants to come back next year! Great family outing, plus there's wine and beer on board for the grown ups. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. read more

Such a pleasant tour! The boat really is "whisper quiet" and they limit it to six passengers (though we only had four that day), so it feels extra private. And the plastic windows that can be put up and down are great for giving serious photographers options, but also protecting people from the wind (though they also provide nice, cozy blankets and warm drinks if needed!). And Elkhorn Slough was full of birds and otters! read more

Had such an awesome time. The otters, pelicans, and views were so awesome. The seals were funny. The captain and his beautiful girlfriend were so friendly, informative, and welcoming. Wine, cheese, and snacks were provided. Would definitely recommend!! read more

This was an amazing adventure! The Captain - Captain Brian is fully knowledgeable about the touring environment. Be prepared to be amazed at the knowledge you will gain as well! Captain Brian was welcoming and prepared for any situation - coffee, tea, beer, wine, snack and blankets! A man with great care and respect for the environment. He seems to have a knack for determine each individual's conversational style and responds appropriately to each individual's needs. Totally awesome given how many people he must meet on the daily. The Boat - This is by far the best boat ever - all electric and silent as it gets. The boat has speed and like Captain Brain said - much like a Tesla and so true! The boat is comfortable, clean and excellent for viewing. You have the option of an open environment or a closed environment. The closed environment does not hinder any ability to see. Smooth sailing all the way! The boat is very private and personal - this is preferred when you compare how other charters are - shove you and blast a loudspeaker scaring away the wildlife - not this boat. The Tour - Captain Brian is the one you want head on out with. Be prepared to have the most informative tour. My group is heavily involved in birding, conservation and other nature nerd things. Captain Brian was a prior research scientist for Monterey Bay so we ate up his knowledge like we could not get enough. He was able to point out all the birds by name, talk about the behaviors of the seals, sea otters and sea lions and the history of the slough. When we were talking it all he respected the silence of the group and let us take it all in. Rates - After the tour you will wonder why you paid so little because there was so much that was provided. I would not have minded paying an additional $30-40 more per person. Seriously, willing to give more money away is how awesome this was!! Bring cash for a tip (this was never asked for - Captain Brian = man of integrity) because you too will want to thank Captain Brian! read more

Called today and got message out of business. We loved these folks done it many times anyone know what happened?

The most relaxing tour ever. Rather than sit with 28 other people on an open boat listening to someone yell through a microphone, we had a beautiful Duffy boat with hot coffee or hot tea and the best tour. Hardly even a cost difference between the two. Hawaiian music playing in the background, no noisy engine, a tour guide who knew everything about the slough (yes, he was the owner), and a nice clean boat. When it got a little chilly he zipped up the boat, and we continued our tour. It is the only eco-friendly way to tour the slough and keep nature relaxed. Hope you take this tour--I can't say enough good things about it. read more

My wife and I took a nature tour of Elkhorn Slough this week and had a great time -- much more than I expected. This water wonderland is home to amazing varieties of flying and swimming creatures, and the surrounding land is beautiful. The electric boat (think "whisper" quiet) is cozy, stable, and really beautiful with Captain Brian in control. This is so different from the usual water cruise. Cushy seating, with complimentary hot coffee and tea. Brian is a great, informed tour guide and host and even loaned us binoculars as he pointed out all manner of birds and animals. Good stories about the history of the area, too. We really enjoyed our morning and plan on doing it again with a small group (I think the boat holds six or eight) for a picnic cruise. Highly recommended. read more

We had skipper Tim to color commentate our tour. Saw so many different species. A wonderful and quiet (given the boat is eco electric) experience. The owner called before to make sure we knew where to park and after to confirm that we enjoyed the tour and to ask if there was anything we would suggest to improve (there was not). Definitely will go again! read more

All the way around, this will be The Ticket for out-of-town guests (and a great excuse to sit back and cruise the beauty we live in here in Santa Cruz county). The four of us included 3 locals with one from Ohio and we had a ball watching otters and babies, long billed shore birds, nesting egrets and all the basking seals enjoying the view as much as us. Brian, the captain and owner, knew the answer to all our questions about the animals, land and tidewater. EVERYTHING!! plus all the history, 'inside poop' and plans for the area...what a treat!! The electric power boat was quiet and brand new, comfy. A couple of us are prone to sea sickness but there was never even a hint of that problem; the slough is so smooth. We took up the offer and pre-ordered a veggie plate ($6 pp) and I have to say that Capt Brian put out the nicest spread of all fresh produce and artichokes filled with dips (no bagged carrots here!!) with lentil chips that I am going to be on the lookout for...FAB!! Hot coffee, tea, chilled water...binoculars for everyone and bird books/info cards...he (and his daughter) have thought of everything to make your 2-hours on Elkhorn something to come back to time and again!! This is an easier trip than whale watching on the open bay which can be hit/miss and sometimes rocky...and I think more rewarding!! read more

This is by far one of the best nature boat trips we done and we done many of them, the captain is amazing and we learned so much. The boat is new and you have so many complimentary goodies...we had a blast. read more

We took the morning tour (8:30AM) as a small group (3 generations of a family, including a 2.5 year old) and had a wonderful time. If you are considering a tour to see the amazing wildlife in this slough, I very highly recommend this outfit for three reasons: the captain, the boat, and the small group nature of the experience. (1) The captain had a long career as part of a research team at the Monterey Bay Aquarium and was extremely knowledgable about all aspects of the slough (history, geology, birds, mammals and fish). I am also a researcher and was impressed with his knowledge and demeanor (he was good with non-naturalists, as well as more experienced birders). (2) The boat was new, clean, and comfortable (it has clear siding that can be zipped up to allow protection from the wind, yet not affect visibility- and there was tea and coffee available). The boat was electric and extremely quiet, which allowed us to get close to the wildlife and converse with each other and the captain. (3) Being in a small group allowed us to really engage and learn, and have the captain steer toward/stop at the things we were interested in seeing. We saw another tour boat out there that was much louder and had far more people on it, which would have been a very different experience. Depending on what you are looking for from a tour of the slough, this is a wonderful option. I plan on taking this again when I am back in the area. read more