The Wind Cave Hike in Phoenix AZ The Hills are Alive! Report inappropriate content 1-3 of 3 replies Dead Horse Ranch State Park + Tuzigoot and Clarkdale. Astronomy Cruise is once a month. Both are very pleasant scenic boat rides. Web enjoy an 80 minute cruise describing the history, geology, geography and wildlife native to the sonoran desert . Dolly Steamboat or Desert Belle? But it is the other one, Dolly Steamboat on Canyon Lake, which offers dinners onboard the boat. She has a BS in math, MBA, and DPA. At first we were very dissapointed with our obstructed view. Expect to be treated with outstanding service and personal attention to your every need. . I would highly recommend this trip as a way to learn about the beautiful area. Ive added this to our list for Arizona! Frank, our tour guide and the scenery (Big Horned sheep). A Savory Creekside Sunday Brunch is also popular with special beverages like mimosas and Bloody Marys. --Emily & Mark Fagan, traveling by land and sea since 2007. Tours Boat Charters Party & Event Planning. PS- Will yall be coming back this way anytime this year? View the majestic desert bighorn sheep, bald eagles and a host of other wildlife, waterfowl, and birds. Along the 1 hour and a half cruise, you will take in great views of Canyon lake, along with the Superstition Mountains and various rock formations. 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Dolly Steamboat - Old Town Scottsdale We'll be spending a day along Apache trail with 3 little kids (1,3,6)and elderly uncle during our 3 day stay in Mesa. No consideration for guests - Review of the Dolly Steamboat, Tortilla Try this quick fix! 6 Unique Dining Experiences In Arizona | TravelAwaits AZ Great Adventure Fishing. The Lakeshore Restaurant offers tasty cuisine and . Depends on what you plan to do with the rest of your day. Relax in air-conditioned comfort on one of her 80 minute narrated cruises and see exotic Arizona wildlife, towering canyon walls and dramatic desert vistas. The boat has an open-air upper deck. All Rights Reserved, Worldwide. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. New to this site? But there is another draw to this place. #8 of 61 restaurants in apache junction. This is a placeholder "Excellent ride, it's kind of a mix between a social booze cruise and Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom . Thanks, Renee. Neither one stands out above the other IMO. Fabulous band onboard, "Southwest Surfers (but I understand they use different bands on different days). (function () { Copyright 2012-23 top-ten-travel-list.com. Im a professional in my 50s and my kids are young adults. This narrated cruise explores a slot canyon. Feel free to ask questions, move about and mingle with the crew. Both the Dolly and Desert Belle are lovely boating excursions on Arizonas desert lakes. +14808279144. Learned lots & saw lots! There is so much to do at Saguaro Lake! Open 7 Days A Week! - Desert Belle Cruises "The captain was very informative and answered everyone's questions, including what kinds of fish ." more. Relax in comfort and see exotic Arizona wildlife, towering canyon walls and dramatic desert vistas. Rainbows and Wild Horses in the Arizona Desert! 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. Learn about Arizona's local culture on this fun, informative tour. Luckily, her schoolmate pediatrician friend was a member, and he invited her for dinner there and the invite was extended to include us, her hosts! The sunset and waterfall views also look awesome. Take up to 10% off on Amazon Dolly Steamboat sales. We drove down the Apache rail and took a tour on the Desert Belle on the Saguaro Lake instead and had a GREAT experience. Dolly Steamboat - Canyon Lake. Dolly Steamboat Gliding Through the Arizona Desert on Canyon Lake. DESERT BELLE CRUISES - 447 Photos & 258 Reviews - Yelp The next day we went to stand in line at the Dolly Steamboat dock. Please use Highway 88 from Apache Junction to access Canyon Lake Marina.**. Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list. 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. 33 N Hobson APT B, Mesa, AZ 85203 | Zillow Canyon Lake is a beautiful big, blue lake in the middle of the desert, and we had been getting lots of photos of it from the shore as we drove up and down the Apache Trail. Active now! 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. If we are doing a UYE I say booze cruise (chartered of course since majority rules), The cruise to ensenada from long beach is just a booze cruise. As I suspected, Puppy Chow is taking over the blog! The big horned sheep were well represented. Luckily, they also have a la carte menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner that our budget could accommodate. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Enjoyed it very much. Thanks! Canyon Lake Marina & Campground has a big open grassy area thats great for playing fetch. A must do on any adventure. Finally, she appeared, and we made our way down the dock and onto the boat. We had observed the booze cruisemore, addition, the so called sunset cruise was a booze cruise, and he did not warn anyone that theremore. . We had a choice of grilled steaks or chicken with plenty of vegetables, potatoes, bread, and fruits. Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experiences start time will not be accepted. TRAVEL AWAITS: 6 Unique Dining Experiences In Arizona - Blogger 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! Dolly Boat trip Great lunch at tortilla flat. Relax in air-conditioned comfort on one of her 80 minute narrated cruises and see exotic Arizona wildlife, towering canyon walls and dramatic desert vistas. This was a great boat ride. The Dolly Steamboat heads into the canyon where it will disappear from view. I enjoyed both equally. Janet & Steve. . Party & Event Planning. Great tour and good to get away from the city and to learn more about the areas history and people. This past week we took a ride on the Dolly Steamboat on Canyon Lake. While we were camped in our RV on Canyon Lake, our new puppy Buddy loved going down on the beach, especially during our early morning photo sessions. The Dolly Steamboat . Phoenix on the Wing Waterbirds of Arizona! For our ninth anniversary, my husband looked hard for a seafood place because that is my favorite, having grown up on the Philippine islands. My sister even said that she enjoyed this tour more than our visit to the Grand Canyon! You will love it! Beautiful sightseeing tours. Air conditioned lower and upper cabin during summer months. :-) Reply Delete. Monte Vista RV Resort in AZ Arts, Crafts and Sports Fun! Thanks again for a wonderful post. Certainly Canyon Lake would be more convenient for you since you are already planning to go on Apache Trail. This past week we took a ride on the Dolly Steamboat on Canyon Lake. 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. There were always more views around the next bend. 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. Our dinner cruises offer all of the grandeur of the daily cruise plus the ambiance of the twilight. 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. How does the Desert Belle compare? It was a great tour we would do it again. From Phoenix: Apache Trail & Dolly Steamboat Day Trip the Dolly Steamboat: No consideration for guests - See 1,477 traveller reviews, 849 candid photos, and great deals for Tortilla Flat, AZ, at Tripadvisor. Fantastic views offered at a fairly affordable price. Both are very pleasant scenic boat rides. probably every time we are in Mesa. Great job and well done! Saguaro Lake Marina | Mesa, AZ | Home Theres Geordies Restaurant and Lounge, Jamies Wine Bar, and the recently opened Christophers in an adjacent glass building (a replacement of sorts as the original at the airport was closed due to COVID). The food on the windstar was incredible. The many beaches come alive around these lakes, especially the great Lake Havasu where the UK's London Bridge was . Fabulous band onboard, "Southwest Surfers (but I understand they use different bands on different days). How does the Desert Belle compare? Stehekin Ferry Cruise to a Hidden Gem in the North Cascades! Required fields are marked *. Our tour guide was Captain John and he was fantastic. Your email address will not be published. The following year, my husband brought me back for a magical 10th-anniversary lunch. . The large windows and open aft decks provide great vantage points for viewing the wildlife and scenery. Very interesting and the staff was very friendly. The trip isn't too long, and we were very comfortable the entire time. There are two free boat-in campgrounds too! Experience the unique ambiance that is created by the sounds of plying through the waters of Canyon Lake. The Dolly Steamboat, Tortilla Flat Dolly is a steamboat that sails the Canyon Lake in the heart of Superstition Mountains. Experience the magnificence of both desert beauty and natural wildlife of one of the Valley's hidden treasures . It was only approx an hour drive from Phoenix and well worth it. The Southwest and northern Mexico are the only places on earth where this lush desert exists. Enjoyed it! You'll often see Bighorn Sheep, Bald Eagles and other wildlife as you cruise the waters of Canyon Lake. params.cid = cid.join('|'); Our guide, Hon was a knowledgeable, considerate, fun guide who drove like a limo driver. 4. Well worth the money for this tour, the views alone are breathtaking! 1. All road closures are passed Tortilla Flat to Apache Lake. . On this6-mile cruise, you may see desert bighorn sheep, bald eagles and a host of other animals viewed from the decks of the Dolly! Beat the heat on our air conditioned lower and upper decks! Unfortunately, the brutal summer months often make outdoor activities like hiking impossible. Anglers can hook rainbow trout (the Arizona Game and Fish Department stocks the lake from November through March), channel catfish, bluegill, crappie, large- and smallmouth bass, and walleye. There are several cruise companies in the area, Dolly Steamboat being one of your options. (It expires on Sept 25. Use Google for directions and input Canyon Lake Marina and Campground. Click here for directions and maps of Saguaro Lake and the area. Welcome to our siteand enjoy!! Dolly Steamboat & Saguaro Lake Ranch: January 26: Allied Tours: Verde Canyon & Grand Canyon Railraods: February 2-3: Free Spirit Vacations: Dolly Steamboat: February 8 . And because the lakes are full, we enjoy the two "steamboats" that ply the two gorgeous lakes all day the Dolly Steamboat on Canyon Lake and the Desert Belle on Saguaro Lake offering lunches, cocktails, and dinners on tour. Craft Beer cruises are offered Fridays in the months of October-June. We were shown so many points of interest and it was an awesome day! He liked to show us how fast he could zip between the legs of our tripods. The day was relaxing and the views in Canyon Lake were spectacular! Our goal, to share the worlds unique, hidden and once in a lifetime locations with you to create unforgettable memories. A very memorable experience. Air conditioned lower and upper cabin during summer months. Carol retired as a CEO for pioneering IT companies in the Philippines. Copper Mines, NOT CAMPING, in Tonto National Forest Why? So join us on the Dolly Steamboat for an unforgettable "mini-Arizona vacation" and see for yourself why there's nothing quite like a ride on Arizona's Dolly Steamboat. My husband saw an ad mentioning dining by a waterfall in the desert that is Phoenix. Here's some of the GEAR we use and great IDEAS for you! 13 mi from Dolly Steamboat. The drive is quiet and very beautiful with unending views of cacti and mountains. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Dolly Steamboat floats through the Sonoran Desert on Canyon Lake in Arizona. The tour was amazing despite of the rain. Great guide. Tour Itinerary Tours to the Apache Trail and Dolly Steamboat run on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Then, in 1987 the Grimh family purchased the steamboat. Please allow extra time to get to the lake. If you are traveling through the eastern side of Phoenix, Arizona, and have an afternoon or evening to spare, take a ride on the Dolly Steamboat. Buddy found a cool spot of his own down a narrow passageway on deck. for(key in cidParams) { cid.push(params[cidParams[key]]); }; Saguaro Lake Cruises. Lake Tours and Lake Cruises Near Mesa Arizona But Salt Cellars offerings also change, featuring seasonal fish throughout the year. Whatever you choose, The Desert Belle is a unique way to enjoy all the beauty that Arizona has to offer. The first one is from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., and then a second one happens from 10 p.m. to closing. 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. A stop for out of towners. This level is also handicap accessible. Experience the unique ambiance that is created by the sounds of plying through the waters of Canyon Lake. We did the Desert Belle this past Sat. Enjoy an 80 minute cruise describing the History, Geology, Geography and Wildlife native to the Sonoran Desert narrated live by a coastguard certified captain! Get answers to your questions about Phoenix. The Desert Belle operates Under Permit From the USDA Tonto National Forest. Fall Color in Arizonas Sonoran Desert near Roosevelt Lake, Arizonas Stunning Apache Trail Scenic Drive, A Majestic Scenic Drive in Arizona The Bush Highway. Do you have meal plans or are you taking a picnic? The Desert Belle seats passengers on two levels. Explore the mysterious Superstition Mountains or cruise Saguaro Lake aboard the Desert Belle and Canyon Lake aboard the Dolly Steamboat There's no shortage of family fun in Mesa, either, with kid-friendly museums that will entertain the little ones - and your inner child, too! This is the perfect spot for local residents and out-of-town guests of all ages. View Website. Both sit atop hills, commanding dramatic views of the mountains and the city (or island). Exp:May 14, 2023. })(); Saguaro Lake Cruises. 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. He slept right through the enormous rising full moon! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Subscribe 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. 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. This tour will take you into the desert, through the mountains, and then over Canyon Lake by Dolly Steamboat. Experience the unique ambiance that is created by the sounds of plying through the waters of Canyon Lake. We'll be spending a day along Apache trail with 3 little kids (1,3,6)and elderly uncle during our 3 day stay in Mesa. I've heard of this tour a few times before I decided to try it. Nature walk was fun and interesting. 257. From this base, they embark on great road trips to meet family at reunions in picturesque resorts around the U.S. Is Phoenix too hot to visit during the summer months? We had such a peaceful day on the Lake. If anyone is interested, there is a Groupon for the Dolly Steamboat. . Dolly first began in 1983 with Dolly and Paul Kennedy as the original owners. Desert Belle Cruises Originally launched in 1964, the Desert Belle has been cruising the waters of Saguaro Lake for over fifty years. 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! Phoenix. Great afternoon and well worth the money. As music by Enya played softly over the loudspeaker, we floated past exquisite desert landscapes. Once aboard the Dolly you may view the majestic desert big horn sheep, bald eagles and a host of . Yes, it was a small one, but he still thought it was a grand way to start his special day, especially since his eggs Benedict was the best he has had in a long time. The only downside is the cramped seating. Fossil Creek Waterfall A Pretty Hike to a Scenic Cascade. Would thoroughly recommend! Starting April 17th there will be road construction on Highway 88. The landscape is so unique and beautiful that made me proud of this country. Scottsdale Fashion Square Tours & Tickets, Wildlife World Zoo Aquarium and Safari Park Tours & Tickets, Tuzigoot National Monument Tours & Tickets, LEGOLAND Discovery Center Arizona Tours & Tickets, Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA) Tours & Tickets, National Comedy Theatre (NCT) Tours & Tickets, Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center Tours & Tickets, Mission San Xavier del Bac Tours & Tickets. Dolly Steamboat | Dining & Sightseeing Tours on Canyon Lake, AZ The views are fantastic. ), JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, GreenTree Inn & Suites Phoenix Sky Harbor. RV Keyless Entry Door Lock Problems? As a premium dining experience, they advise a resort casual dress code for the main dining room. You'll be entertained by our captains on the narrated cruises learning about the history, geology, geography and wildlife native to the Sonoran Desert. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. Best boat trip in the Apache trail lakes? (Mesa, Steamboat: rental car Your email address will not be published. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experiences start time. The restaurant, Cress on Oak Creek, is known for creekside dining since its tables are right beside Oak Creek, where birds chirp while you delight in an exquisite meal. Adding a business to Yelp is always free. Report inappropriate content 1-7 of 7 replies Sorted by 1 Janss Sedona, AZ Destination Expert for Sedona Level Contributor 3,391 posts 8 reviews 10 helpful votes 1. Im so happy to know Buddy is making you smile. Boat Charters Boat Tours Travel Services. Fantastic views offered at a fairly affordable price. Happy Trails!! Dolly Steamboat. It's geared for college kids. One of the best tours we took while visiting Phoenix. You will be amazed at its grand, sweeping staircase, fabulous first-class decor, and even a vintage telephone system. We had friends from out of town and we thought they should see part of the Superstition Mountains and look at them from the lake. Shrink-wrap your screen door for winter! Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews. You know that the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Thanks! Overview. Visits to their kids homes in Anchorage, Boise, and Denver (his) and in San Francisco, Calgary, and Melbourne (hers) allow for exploring the U.S., Canada, and Australia. After the wedding ceremony, they honeymooned for eight years in an RV to 49 states, nine Canadian provinces, and six Mexican states. Apache Trail and Dolly Steamboat One-Day Van Tour from Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe or Mesa . I think we all hit the jackpot when our paths crossed, and were very happy to be together. Planning a boat ride along with visits to Lost Dutchman SP, Tortilla Flat. It looks very similar to the mansion on Catalina Island off the Los Angeles coast, which was another gift Wrigley had constructed for his wife. If you're also going to Lost Dutchman State Park (remember there's an entrance fee) and Tortilla Flat, I'd definitely go on the Dolly otherwise you'd have a very long day. I hope you have a chance to do one or the other or both! The Desert Belle is a locally owned tour boat offering graceful sightseeing cruises on spectacular Saguaro Lake. We have been to Arizona quite a lot, and didn't even know about this tour! 528. 20 Best Boat Tours in Arizona - triumphboats.com The 2 deck boat features a covered upper deck, air conditioned lower deck, and a cash snack and drink bar. On the other hand, I chose to have a great plate of white eggs spinach frittata with a side bowl of fresh fruit. var defaultParams = {"vid":"tou"}; Copyright 2008-2023 Emily FaganAll rights reserved. My 5 Favorite Springtime Experiences In The Arizona Desert 8.6/10 Excellent! Continuing a tradition of cruising since 1925, the Dolly Steamboat now cruises the secluded inner waterways of this beautiful lake. And Chef Dahl creates a unique South American-inspired cuisine thats informed by her travels to Argentina, Uruguay, and Chile. In addition, it gets pretty breezy once you start moving, so as long as you stay out of direct sunlight you should be fine. Enjoyed it very much. A steamboat ride definitely seemed like it would be a lot of fun to do together. Washington Cog Railway The Little Engine That Could! Dolly Steamboat. There are wonderful seats on the deck that offer a great view. *Price does not include tax and gratuity. Exp:Apr 30, 2023. This one-day trip takes you deep into the Sonora Desert loaded with Saguaro cactus and beautiful desert landscapes. Enjoyed it very much. The Dolly Steamboat was better than expected, great views. (document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] || Have also done both and equally liked them. Dolly Steamboat, 16802 Highway 88, Tortilla Flat, AZ - Groupon The Dolly Steamboat - Facebook This is the perfect spot for local residents and out-of-town guests of all ages. Have also done both and equally liked them. Here in America, I have learned to prepare many dishes well, so my husband and I rarely go out to eat. Imagine having dinner (and wine) while you cruise around the lake, viewing great vistas, admiring desert plants that grow among the rocks, and spotting wildlife that is taking a peek at you plus whatever else is happening below the lake surface.