Edhat Staff
By the edhat staff
Celebration Cruises offers a variety of tours and views of Santa Barbara’s beautiful coastline.
While most of us are aware of their flagship water taxi, Lil’ Toot, their larger boats Azure Seas and Whisper provide options for romantic evenings, music in the channel, whale watching, private events and more.
Captain Fred and Kathy Hershman started operating Lil’ Toot in 2003, the area’s first narrated boat tour between the Santa Barbara Harbor and Stearns Wharf. They started Celebration Cruises in 2010 to offer the Santa Barbara community and visitors more cruise and private charter opportunities, acquiring Azure Seas in 2014 and Whisper is 2017.
With over 40 years of boating experience, Captain Fred 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. A decorated veteran from the Vietnam War, he holds a 100-ton, near coastal Masters license. Captain Fred’s wife Kathy is Azure Seas’ business manager, event planner, and cruise director.
When the seas are calm, Azure Seas boards on the eastern side of Stearns Wharf and glides past Shoreline Park and back down to Montecito.
Each cruise includes information about the local area and its history with options for daytime, happy hours, and sunset cruises.
An edhat reader boarded the 70-foot Azure Seas this past week for their one-hour afternoon cruise along the Santa Barbara coastline.
“A friendly, down to earth staff created a pleasant experience on the water with a delicious bar that rivals any local watering hole in town,” they said. “Why not mix it up for some fresh sea air and memories?”
Celebration Cruises is currently offering 50% off their Happy Hour Cruise Tickes with available drink specials. It’s valid Monday through Friday and expires on May 26, 2023, visit celebrationSB.com or call (805) 465-6676 for more information.
