Not sure if that one is still available. We are for sure going again . /* Please do not modify the below code. Desert Belle Cruises. During this one-and-a-half-hour, six-mile cruise, you may see desert bighorn sheep, bald eagles and a host of other animals and local wildlife viewed from the decks of the Dolly! Dolly Steamboat and Apache Trail tour from Phoenix area. Im a professional in my 50s and my kids are young adults. She has a BS in math, MBA, and DPA. A Savory Creekside Sunday Brunch is also popular with special beverages like mimosas and Bloody Marys. If you do Dolly, then you can stop at Tortilla Flat for lunch or ever a quick look at Goldfield. A must do on any adventure. Neither one stands out above the other IMO. Carol has been to 48 countries but their 3-month all-inclusive winter escapes to Mexico in Mazatlan, Cancun, or Cozumel are their best times. *Please confirm with local operator. 52 reviews. Have lunch poolside and dinner at the Top of the Rock with panoramic views of the city below. The Desert Belle is a locally owned tour boat offering graceful sightseeing cruises on spectacular Saguaro Lake. Agent Patricia at Fox Car Rental Phoenix airport best place to stay in Phoenix without breaking the bank. About. Curious about the world she missed while stressing out working, she migrated to the U.S., ended up an adjunct professor and small business counselor while babysitting her grandson during the day. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund. Frank was very informative and made our trip memorable! To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. We had observed the booze cruisemore, addition, the so called sunset cruise was a booze cruise, and he did not warn anyone that theremore. The Captain was hoping to spot some big horn sheep, which are a fairly common sighting on this tour, but the herd was somewhere else that afternoon. Had a great time. When we were RVing, each campground gave us a majestic mountain, a flowing river, a refreshing lake, a sunny beach, et cetera as a backdrop. Planning a boat ride along with visits to Lost Dutchman SP, Tortilla Flat. . If you want to spend a relaxing afternoon or evening looking at the beautiful flora and fauna of the lower Sonoran Desert, consider a cruise on the secluded inner waterways of the Junior Grand Canyon on Canyon Lake. The breakfast was exceptional! Enjoy 90 Minute Narrated Cruises or Live Music Cruises aboard The Desert Belle Tour Boat on Saguaro Lake in Mesa, AZ. On this 6-mile cruise, you may see desert bighorn sheep, bald eagles and a host of other animals viewed from the decks of the Dolly! Toy Hauler Life Whats It Like Living in a Toy Hauler? ), JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, GreenTree Inn & Suites Phoenix Sky Harbor. You'll often see Bighorn Sheep, Bald Eagles and other wildlife as you cruise the waters of Canyon Lake. Then, in 1987 the Grimh family purchased the steamboat. It was very informative and so beautiful. They only served hotel guests during COVID times. Hop on board the Desert Belle, a restored sightseeing vessel with spectacular views of the desert landscape. We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. The Dolly Steamboat, Tortilla Flat Dolly is a steamboat that sails the Canyon Lake in the heart of Superstition Mountains. Never miss a post -- it's free! In terms of scenic outdoor adventures in the Phoenix area, hiking is the way to go. We will try the sunset cruise next time! A visit from a Filipino psychiatrist friend brought us to dine at the elegant Wrigley Mansion. Get Deal. From pop to jazz to classic rock, these popular cruises sell-out quickly. We depart from hotels and resorts in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe and Mesa. Experience the unique ambiance that is created by the sounds of plying through the waters of Canyon Lake. And we also had a fun group! We saw bach on the steamboat ride. pl.async = true; Love the addition of Buddy into the posts. Reasonably priced Favorite for those who like water in the desert The guide is very engaging. Expect to be treated with outstanding service and personal attention to your every need. The Dolly Steamboat was better than expected, great views. Phoenix. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-15375682', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Goldfield Ghost Town is on your route,too. You'll be entertained by our captains on the narrated cruises learning about the history, geology, geography and wildlife native to the Sonoran Desert. Thanks! Party & Event Planning. Our dinner cruises offer all of the grandeur of the daily cruise plus the ambiance of the twilight. Be alert on the way in, have a sumptuous dinner, and allow romance to fill the air on the way back. And we loved the cruise! Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Overview. Take a Mark Twain voyage and admire the breathtaking scenery as you enjoy a presentation on the solar system with Dr. Sky. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. One such cruise is the Desert Belle that plies around Saguaro Lake. Continuing a tradition of cruising since 1925, the Dolly Steamboat now cruises the secluded inner waterways of this beautiful lake. As music by Enya played softly over the loudspeaker, we floated past exquisite desert landscapes. (It expires on Sept 25. After the Wrigley family sold the mansion in 1973, it changed hands several times, but in 1992, the late Geordie Hormel and his wife Jamie bought the property and lovingly restored it. Nature walk was fun and interesting. Late one afternoon while he was down on the beach playing with the waves, he noticed an inflatable boat that had been pulled up on the beach. " 29/03/2022. Luckily, they also have a la carte menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner that our budget could accommodate. Our tour guide was Captain John and he was fantastic. It is a steal at this price. Starting April 17th there will be road construction on Highway 88. 8.6/10 Excellent! var paramsArr = []; Ive added this to our list for Arizona! I think we all hit the jackpot when our paths crossed, and were very happy to be together. 9 years ago Save We have been on the Dolly steamboat twice. More info about boat rides and camping near Canyon Lake, Ariziona: Other blog posts from the east side of Phoenix (theres a lot to see! This past week we took a ride on the Dolly Steamboat on Canyon Lake. Selections come from Hawaii, Alaska, the Gulf of Mexico, Chesapeake Bay, Boston, Georges Bank, and even New Zealand. The boat ride was peaceful and accentuated the unusual landscape. Here in America, I have learned to prepare many dishes well, so my husband and I rarely go out to eat. The first one is from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., and then a second one happens from 10 p.m. to closing. Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experiences start time will not be accepted. There are two free boat-in campgrounds too! While Dolly Steamboat is not the best cruise option in Southern Arizona (the Desert Belle offers better narration, scenery, and seating), its still an enjoyable ride. We absolutely loved our excursion on the Dolly Steamboat. Washington Cog Railway The Little Engine That Could! Phoenix on the Wing Waterbirds of Arizona! Dolly Steamboat and Apache Trail tour from Phoenix area, Take a 90-minute guided cruise through a slot canyon on an old-fashioned steamboat, Look out for wildlife like long horn sheep and eagles along the way, Ride a van through the Sonora Desert, a rare desert environment found in the American Southwest and Mexico, Lunch in the historic mining town of Tortilla Flat, Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only), Stretch 15 passenger vans with maximum 10 per van, Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability, Children 6 years and under are required to ride in a car seat that the guest must provide, Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately, Hotel pickup and drop-off is offered for most hotels/resorts in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe, plus in Mesa at the Mesa Hilton. We have several models of new boats available for sale as well as a variety of Pre-Ownedmore, I do this cruise many times a year with friends, neighbors and relatives.more, You can request a quote from this business, our cruising itinerary for another year, my daughter surprised us at Christmas with a cruise.more, Make no mistake, this is a booze cruise and is not family friendly. A steamboat ride definitely seemed like it would be a lot of fun to do together. Rent a pontoon boat, or take a relaxing Desert Belle tour boat ride around the lake, then eat at the ShipRock Restaurant. Note: The Apache Trail (Route 88 from Apache Junction to the Roosevelt Dam) is one of the most famous and popular scenic drives in central Arizona. Beat the heat on our climate controlled lower and upper decks. Throughout the tour he would point out animals and we were able to see a few bald eagles! Copyright 20042023 Yelp Inc. Yelp, , and related marks are registered trademarks of Yelp. Web enjoy an 80 minute cruise describing the history, geology, geography and wildlife native to the sonoran desert . Enjoy some of Arizonas finest craft beers while listening to great live music aboard the Desert Belle. And the dinner, served buffet-style, is always bountiful. Beat the heat on our climate controlled lower and upper decks. A very memorable experience. Desert Belle - Saguaro Lake. Well worth the money for this tour, the views alone are breathtaking! I love the desert walk, not too long for older people. The actual boat part of it is similar enough to me that is doesn't make any difference. Would definitely recommend this tour! As the Desert Belle boat cruises leisurely, guides point out various flora, fauna, and extraterrestrials disguised as Arizona wildlife dotting the landscape. Learned lots & saw lots! " Disgusted " 03/07/2022. Frank, our tour guide and the scenery (Big Horned sheep). Executive Chef Christopher Gross leads a strong culinary team, and CEO and Sommelier Paola Embry directs the wine program that consistently wins prestigious wine awards. Catalina State Park & Roosevelt Lake: RV Camping in AZ, Spring Has Sprung! A great way to see beautiful rock formations, wildlife, and a gorgeous lake. This was a great boat ride. It frowns on hats, tank tops, shorts, flip-flops, and branded sportswear. It was only approx an hour drive from Phoenix and well worth it. per night. The Dolly Steamboat: Sightseeing and Dinner Steamboat Cruises in Tortilla Flat, Arizona. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. Fantastic views offered at a fairly affordable price. At the marina, you can rent a runabout, fishing or pontoon boat, or take a 90-minute guided tour on a double-decker paddleboat, the Desert Belle. The Dolly Steamboat was patiently waiting to take her first group of passengers out for a nature tour on Canyon Lake. Copyright 2008-2023 Emily FaganAll rights reserved. Depends on what you plan to do with the rest of your day. Finally, she appeared, and we made our way down the dock and onto the boat. My husband saw an ad mentioning dining by a waterfall in the desert that is Phoenix. Copper Mines, NOT CAMPING, in Tonto National Forest Why? Canyon Lake Marina & Campground rents watercraft and equipment everything from pontoons and runabouts to canoes, kayaks and water skis. Quote: Originally Posted by DetroitN8V. Dolly Steamboat - Canyon Lake. Both are very pleasant scenic boat rides. Tours depart between 8:00 am and 9:00 am and . the Dolly Steamboat: No consideration for guests - See 1,477 traveller reviews, 849 candid photos, and great deals for Tortilla Flat, AZ, at Tripadvisor. Years ago we rode on the Desert Belle on Saguaro Lake and absolutely loved it. An added bonus is that you get a different view of the lake and its surroundings on the way back after the sun goes down. "I fished Bartlett yesterday with Larry and we caught 21 largemouth by 10am." more. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Definitely I recommend this tour. This narrated cruise explores a slot canyon. Monte Vista RV Resort in AZ Arts, Crafts and Sports Fun! more. This simple little boat ride is a definite must do if you like the desert and want a scenic outing. RV Solar Upgrade with Renogy and Go Power ! Originally launched in 1964, the Desert Belle has been cruising the waters of Saguaro Lake for over fifty years. The explanation about the canals and water was very interesting. As of February 2018, the 18 mile paved portion is under construction for its entire length, and the winter traffic is significant, so allow plenty of time for delays or wait until next year! :-) Reply Delete. The tour guide did an excellent job in guiding us (only one more customer) and he is very personable. Nothing like dining and feasting your eyes too! Guests will ride through desert terrain experiencing breathtaking Arizona Scenes: mountains, canyons, lakes, rivers, andmore, Action Water Sports is your dealer for Nautique, Cobalt Boats, MB Sports, and Bennington. Oh, those beautiful mountains and cactus! February 2018 One of the most enjoyable ways to experience the beauty of the Sonoran Desert in Arizona is to take a boat ride on one of the lakes around Phoenix. Pro Tip: They have added an Astronomy Cruise Dinner that starts at 6:30 p.m. We discovered an Arizona dining experience I will never forget when we were invited to have lunch by an Australian friend. A definite must do on your trip. The Dolly Steamboat has indoor seating down below, as well as snacks and goodies for sale. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. The lake boasts more than 22 miles of shoreline and plenty of on-the-water-fun, including power boating, water skiing, sailing, kayaking and fishing. This thread is great. Highly recommend! Best Western Gold Canyon Inn & Suites. Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list. 945 E Scenic St 1535 E Old West Hwy. On Holland. Nestled in the heart of the Superstition Mountains lie spectacular Canyon Lake, home of the Dolly Steamboat. The big horned sheep were well represented. It's geared for college kids. This is the perfect spot for local residents and out-of-town guests of all ages. Desert Belle Cruises 2019 All Rights Reserved. Desert Belle Cruises Originally launched in 1964, the Desert Belle has been cruising the waters of Saguaro Lake for over fifty years. The Southwest and northern Mexico are the only places on earth where this lush desert exists. Waterton Shoreline Cruise A Classy Tour of Waterton-Glacier NP. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. The steamboat tour was amazing, beautiful scenery and Rock formations.