The Lil’ Toot Water Taxi is a Santa Barbara icon! The tugboat is named for its distinctive whistle, and is such a fun way to explore the Santa Barbara Harbor. When you take a trip on Lil’ Toot, you’ll experience the Santa Barbara Harbor in a new way!
What is the Lil’ Toot Water Taxi?
The Lil’ Toot Water Taxi is water taxi that operates in the Santa Barbara Harbor. This taxi first started running 16 years ago, and has quickly become an iconic Santa Barbara activity. Take the taxi around the harbor and wharf for a fun trip out on the water!
How long are the Lil’ Toot rides?
Each ride, one way, is around 15 minutes. Take a trip from Santa Barbara Harbor to Stearns Wharf, or take the reverse trip. Or do both! A round trip on the taxi will be approximately 30 minutes.
Lil’ Toot is a fun way to venture from harbor to wharf, and you can easily explore many dining, shopping, and other activities in both locations!
How much does it cost?
A one-way ride in the Lil’ Toot water taxi is $5 for adults and $2 for children. If you want to take a return trip, you will have to purchase another ticket for the way home. So a round trip on Lil’ Toot is $10 for adults and $4 for children.
Special events
Lil’ Toot also will host some private events. Rent out Lil’ Toot and take a harbor tour in your private tugboat.
Lil’ Toot Private Charter
For You can rent out Lil’ Toot for yourself (or share the boat with up to 18 of your friends or family). These private charter tours will let you explore the Santa Barbara harbor and the surrounding waters while aboard your own private boat.
Lil’ Toot’s captain will gladly take you around on a tour of the local beaches, the Santa Barbara waterfront, and all of the harbor sights. Relax on the boat and take in the ocean views–and maybe spot some sea lions while you’re out there!
The cost of the private charter is:
- $99 for a one hour tour with up to 6 passengers
- $145 for a 1.5 hour sunset charter with up to 6 passengers
- $275/hour for a private charter with up to 18 passengers
Lil’ Toot Kids’ Parties
Does your child dream of becoming a sea captain? With the Lil’ Toot Water Taxi birthday party, those dreams can become a reality! For one hour, you’ll tour the Santa Barbara Harbor. Each child will get a chance to steer the boat and embrace their inner captain! The kids–and adults–can toot Lil’ Toot’s horn and the birthday kid will receive a special Lil’ Toot sailor cap!
Have you taken a ride on the Lil’ Toot Water Taxi?
Let us know! And during your next trip to Santa Barbara, stay at Marina Beach Motel! We’re only 37 steps from the beach, and still close to many other Santa Barbara activities. You can follow us on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with the latest in Santa Barbara.
