Santa Barbara’s Original Water Taxi Service Offering Waterfront Cruises,
Harbor Tours and Private Charters

Experience Santa Barbara’s beautiful waterfront and spectacular sunsets aboard the Lil’ Toot, Santa Barbara’s original, authorized water taxi. The 15-minute boat ride aboard the Lil’ Toot takes you to many of Santa Barbara’s most popular restaurants and destinations. Our Santa Barbara sunset cruises and harbor tours are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. For more info or to reserve a private charter, call (888) 316-9363.

About Lil’ Toot
Lil’ Toot was built in Osterville, Massachusetts in 1987, by the Crosby Tug Company. Made of fiberglass, our clean and comfortable boat seats 22 passengers. Lil’ Toot is Santa Barbara’s original water taxi service, shuttling locals and visitors alike between Stearns Wharf and Santa Barbara Harbor since 2003. Over the years, our water taxi business has evolved to offer premier cruises including sightseeing boat tours, sunset cruises, private charters, family-friendly activities, and more!

Your safety is very important to us. Lil’ Toot is inspected by the U.S. Coast Guard once a year and is captained by licensed U.S. Coast Guard professionals with over 30-years experience each. We also meet Coast Guard standards of safety, carrying both child and adult life vests as well as firefighting equipment.

About the Founders:
Captain Fred and Kathy Hershman
Fred Hershman has spent his entire life on or near boats – growing up with his father on a 51-foot Ketch sailboat and serving in the Coast Guard from 1968 to 1974. Currently he lives with his wife Kathy on one of the 113 live-aboard vessels in the Santa Barbara Harbor.

Both Fred and Kathy share a deep commitment to the Santa Barbara and the waterfront community. They are active members of Santa Barbara Harbor Merchants Association, contribute to many local fund-raising events, offer free tours to public schools as well as individuals on active military duty and are major supporters of the Tallship Youth Education Program at the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum.

Fun Facts About Santa Barbara’s Lil’ Toot: Did you know?

  • Lil’ Toot only uses 4 gallons of fuel a day!
  • The Lil’ Toot was originally painted red. After unsuccessfully searching the west coast for the 26 Crosby tug, Fred Hershman turned to the east coast and found the boat that would become Lil’ Toot in New Hampshire!
  • Lil’ Toot is yellow with black accents, reminiscent of a New York taxicab, and is named after its distinctive whistle.