Busines of the Week: River Otter Taxi Co.

The Suisun City Waterfront now has one more option for those wanting to tour the marsh area. The River Otter Taxi Co. offers a ride throughout the slough suitable for both adults and kids, and this company is looking to stick around.

“I love boating and we’ve been watching the tour boats come and go-they haven’t made it,” said Don Sefcik, owner.

Licensed by the Coast Guard as a merchant mariner, Sefcik has been boating for 50 years. He has traveled throughout most of Northern California’s wetlands before docking permanently at the delta in Suisun City 15 years ago. Though he has been in the area for years, he decided just last year to begin offering the tours at the waterfront.

“I’ve been to Santa Cruz, San Francisco Bay, the ocean in between, but I love the Delta so I’m up here now,” said Sefcik.

The water taxi is a 22 foot vessel that seats to up 20 people, though Sefcik said the ideal ride would include about 10 passengers. A typical tour lasts for one hour. Sefcik said, for customers, the tours are a great time to bring a couple people with them and have picnic.

“We go out and spend an hour in the local area in the marsh,” he said. “There's interesting things there.”

Included in the tour is an explanation of the marsh and its history. For example, there are sunken boats in the area, one of which was used during World War II. It can now only be seen during low tide. Sefcik also describes some of the wildlife within the area.

“It’s interesting, especially if you’ve never been out in the water before,” said Sefcik.

The River Otter Taxi is also available for charter for a couple of hours at a time. It is not, however, the only vessel in which Sefcik offers tours at the waterfront. He gives custom cruises on a three-story, 60 foot luxury yacht, available by charter only, through Island Gypsy Cruises. Tours on Island Gypsy are three to five hours at a time, and includes music, dining and champagne for a more elegant touch. Sefcik has provided the yacht cruises now for about a year.

Water taxi tours happen every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, leaving from the dock at the waterfront at 12:00 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Prices are $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 12 and under.

For more information about River Otter Taxi Co. and Island Gypsy Cruises, contact Don at (707) 372-5677 or visit their website.