Frequently Asked Questions

Children of all ages are welcome on Whisper Charters Selkie II tours. The boat is equipped with both child and infant life jackets. Keep in mind that the 1.5-hour tour may seem like a long time for little ones to be in one place at one time, so please bring soft toys and snacks to help keep them occupied. Since the boat is US Coast Guard documented and we cannot exceed the capacity, all passengers including infants and toddlers must book a ticket online. (If you plan on bringing a child under 3 years old, please contact us directly at:  (831) 400-6886

On the tour, we will visit Elkhorn Slough, one of the premier bird watching and sea otter spotting sites in the Western United States. On the slough, you will see an abundance of wildlife species, coastal wetlands and history of surrounding land. Elkhorn Slough is the second largest estuary in California in the middle of the curve of Monterey Bay.

Yes, on this cruise we will explore the natural wonders of Elkhorn Slough. Typical wildlife sightings include Southern Sea Otters, Harbor Seals, the Brown Pelican, Snowy Plover, and the Peregrine Falcon.

The cruise will run rain or shine. The Whisper Charters Selkie II is fully enclosed with clear isinglass windows, so you can enjoy panoramic views in cozy comfort even in the most windiest of days. A few days out of the year, there are high tide levels which affects the bridge clearance. In those instances, we block those days letting people know in advance that tours are not available.

The Whisper Charters Selkie II is a 22′ electric boat with a 9′ wide beam that comfortably accommodates up to 6 paying passengers which is the limit set by the US Coast Guard. This also allows an intimate boat ride and give passengers a more spacious to enjoyable experience. The boat is very roomy and can actually accomodate 12 passengers, which is the maximum occupancy set by the manufacturer.

The Captains are very knowledgeable concerning the natural and human history of the Elkhorn Slough and are very happy to share that information. Whisper Charters is client centered and so the narration is more conversational and not the “top-down” lecture style of other tour operations. Occasionally, special tours will be set up that are led by specialists in a particular field. For example, Birding instructor Nanci Adams will lead cruises that focus on bird watching.

Yes, you are welcome to bring your own picnic lunch on the daytime cruises. You are allowed to bring your own food and beverages on to the cruises. Please drink responsibly.

Yes, the Whisper Charters Selkie II offers well padded comfortable bench style seating with panoramic views from every side of the boat.

Yes, we have enough life jackets for every passenger, but you will not be required to wear them during the cruise. Children under age is only required to wear them at all times.

The cruise is smooth and stable, so seasickness is generally not a problem. However, we do recommend taking any necessary precautions if you are prone to motion sickness.

The cruise is steady enough for pregnant women – however, if you are in your third trimester or have other concerns, it is always best to consult with a doctor beforehand.

Gratuity is not included in the price of your ticket but is always greatly appreciated for a stellar job.

No, there is no restroom available on board. Restrooms are available nearby before launching.

With a maximum of six passengers, Whisper Charters Selkie II is roomy enough to stow a reasonable amount of gear such as cameras and tripods. However please be considerate of other passengers and do not block passageways or views. We are not responsible for lost or damaged belongings.

Please park at any parking stall at Elk Horn Yacht Club or Kayak Connection Parking.

The cruise will finish at the same place it departs from, at the dock behind the Elkhorn Yacht Club in Moss Landing.

No, we strictly enforce the non-smoking policy.

Whisper Charters Selkie II is pet friendly and welcomes well behaved, house trained and leashed furry friends as long as other passengers do not object.

Please call for larger dogs

Larger dogs can hang out in the back with the Captain if space allows

Yes, gift certificates are available and they make a perfect gift for holidays, birthdays or any other occasion!

Yes, private charters are available. Whisper Charters can accommodate a variety of special events from corporate outings to weddings! Please let us know what you’re interested in. We offer a signature “Aloha Sunset Cruise”!

Every charter business has their own rates and all of them have great concepts and their own style.  Our rate is based on value, quality, great service, the private feel with only 6-passengers max and the overall involvement our crew provides. Quality time and creating a lifetime memory with friends & family do not have a price tag. Our focus is to provide that experience for our guests and being unique. It’s not all about riding on a boat but creating memories for you to keep and share with others. 

The Elkhorn Slough is a full time slough but only part time estuary. The slough has no year round freshwater flow and because of it’s winter-only freshwater flow, Elkhorn Slough is called a “seasonal estuary.”

Definitions: Slough is a small or large creek or river in a marsh or tide flat. Estuary is a water passage where the tide meets a river current; an arm of the sea at the lower end of a river.

Choose Whisper Charters to explore the natural wonders of Elkhorn Slough and observe rare Southern Sea Otters, commune with Harbor Seals and enjoy watching hundreds of species of birds.​

Any cancellations within 72 hours notice will receive full credit in the form of a Gift Certificate. Customers will also receive full credit (Gift Certificate) in case of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Contact us by phone to cancel or inquire about a cancellation. No-shows will be charged the full price.

Other tours have 25+ people while ours is very unique with an exclusive experience of only 6 people max.