Charter the Lil’ Toot for a 60-minute private cruise from Santa Barbara Harbor
60 Minutes
Up to 19 people
Private boat, Captain, Harbor cruise
Book a private 60-minute cruise aboard the yellow, tug-style Lil’ Toot and enjoy a relaxed ride on Santa Barbara’s waterfront. Bring your own food and drinks and cruise with up to 19 guests.
You must be able to walk independently; wheelchairs and mobility devices aren’t permitted. There’s no restroom onboard, and pets aren’t allowed except ADA-compliant service animals. If alcohol is served, all guests must be 21+ (except families with children).
No refunds for cancellations. Reschedule allowed with at least 48 hours’ notice; no reschedules within 48 hours. No refunds or rebooking for late arrivals or no-shows. If the operator cancels due to unsafe seas, bad weather, or unforeseen circumstances, you can reschedule or request a full refund.
No. There’s no restroom onboard; the nearest restroom is inside the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum building.
Meet your group on the steps of the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum 15 minutes before departure. Your group walks down to the boat together 5 minutes before departure (boarding is 5 minutes before departure). Late arrivals return to dock as scheduled, and the trip isn’t extended for late arrivals.
Bring your own food and drinks. Champagne, beer, and wine are allowed (no hard alcohol or cocktails), and there’s no corkage fee. If alcohol is served, all guests must be 21+ (except families with children).
-113 Harbor Way, Santa Barbara Harbor (front of Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, where boats are in the water)
Santa Barbara's harbor cruises are a genuine crowd-pleaser, drawing consistent praise from families, couples, and solo travelers alike. The boats themselves, including the charming Lil Toot and the sleek, modern Whisper, have a personality all their own, and wildlife sightings like harbor seals, sea lions, dolphins, and pelicans seem to be more the rule than the exception. Captains Charlie, Natalie, and Ryan all get called out by name in reviews, which says a lot about how much the crew adds to the experience. The vibe skews relaxed and low-key. Sunset cruises come with great playlists and calm waters, while the shorter harbor runs are ideal if you're traveling with young kids. Toddlers are apparently obsessed with the boats long after leaving, which is either adorable or a warning depending on your situation. Either way, arrivals about 15 minutes early are recommended since the boats tend to depart right on schedule.
This was a really fun addition to our trip to Santa Barbara that we found on Stearns Wharf. I liked that it was a smaller boat with plenty of room so everyone had a good view, the staff was really nice and brought our orders out quickly, and it was just relaxing with the music and beautiful views.
Jennifer Bannick
June 14, 2026
This was a really fun addition to our trip to Santa Barbara that we found on Stearns Wharf. I liked that it was a smaller boat with plenty of room so everyone had a good view, the staff was really nice and brought our orders out quickly, and it was just relaxing with the music and beautiful views.
Jennifer Bannick
June 14, 2026
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