Desert Belle on Saguaro Lake: April 7, 2021: Allied Tours: Hopi/ARC: April 13-15, 2021: Free Spirit Vacations: Discover Navajo: April 20-23, 2021: Free Spirit Vacations 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. . If anyone is interested, there is a Groupon for the Dolly Steamboat. The Real Arizona - Canyon Lake Nestled in the heart of the Superstition Mountains lies Canyon Lake, Fossil Creek Waterfall A Pretty Hike to a Scenic Cascade. May 1 - May 2. We drove down the Apache rail and took a tour on the Desert Belle on the Saguaro Lake instead and had a GREAT experience. Astronomy Cruise is once a month. Had a great time. Dolly Steamboat & Saguaro Lake Ranch: January 26: Allied Tours: Verde Canyon & Grand Canyon Railraods: February 2-3: Free Spirit Vacations: Dolly Steamboat: February 8 . document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]).appendChild(pl); Dolly Steamboat. Great guide. Finally, she appeared, and we made our way down the dock and onto the boat. 16 km from the Dolly Steamboat. My sister was visiting Arizona so I wanted to show her around and this was a great idea . The pics are really nice, as usual. We are using the Groupon for Gold Canyon Resort also in two weeks. We also touch on the beautiful flora from the stately Saguaro cacti to the microscopic organism called desert varnish. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. All Cruises start from $30. Janet & Steve. This is the perfect spot for local residents and out-of-town guests of all ages. 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. Look out for wildlife like long horn sheep and eagles along the way. Depends on what you plan to do with the rest of your day. Tours Boat Charters Party & Event Planning. As music by Enya played softly over the loudspeaker, we floated past exquisite desert landscapes. Copyright 2008-2023 Emily FaganAll rights reserved. Seen from our truck window on the Apache Trail (Route 88), Canyon Lake doesnt look all that big. probably every time we are in Mesa. Can I go on that boat ride now?. Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list. Best Western Gold Canyon Inn & Suites. I enjoyed both equally. Frank was a knowledgeable and accommodating tour guide and the group was fun! There are several cruise companies in the area, Dolly Steamboat being one of your options. But seeing a lake from the shore isnt the same as seeing it from the water. per night. From hiking in Sedona, encountering bears in Bearizona, to cruising on Canyon Lake, Teal Wheel Tours provides 1stmore, We provide Off Road Tours through the Wilds of Arizona. 14 years ago Save Any opinions on which is the better tour, Dolly Steamboat on Canyon Lake, or Desert Belle on Saguaro? Worth it. Thanks! Phoenix on the Wing Waterbirds of Arizona! Fantastic views offered at a fairly affordable price. They now call Mesa, Arizona, home. Pro Tips: Please visit their website or call to find out if they are welcoming dining-only guests. Overview. It frowns on hats, tank tops, shorts, flip-flops, and branded sportswear. Certainly Canyon Lake would be more convenient for you since you are already planning to go on Apache Trail. My husband thought it was good enough for our 11th-anniversary dinner. The Dolly staff and management need to take a lesson from the . Ive added this to our list for Arizona! 37,518 posts, read 47,846,144 times Reputation: 26227. If you do Dolly, then you can stop at Tortilla Flat for lunch or ever a quick look at Goldfield. Nature walk was fun and interesting. While underway, the captain gives a live narration discussing the natural history of Arizona. 9 years ago Save We have been on the Dolly steamboat twice. Tonto National Monument AZ Workamping with the Ancients! My husband saw an ad mentioning dining by a waterfall in the desert that is Phoenix. This past week we took a ride on the Dolly Steamboat on Canyon Lake. It is a steal at this price. 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. Stay in the loop and travel with us! Both are very pleasant scenic boat rides. . The tour guide did an excellent job in guiding us (only one more customer) and he is very personable. One of the best tours we took while visiting Phoenix. Loved the tour guide and his explanations of the plants. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. A 3 hour lake cruise to view bighorn sheep at Canyon and with Arizona Game and Fish Biologists and members of Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Society. The Desert Belle is a locally owned tour boat offering graceful sightseeing cruises on spectacular Saguaro Lake. Saguaro Lake is located within the Tonto National Forest just 20 minutes from Mesa, Arizona. I also loved the Dolly Steamboat tour of the lake. +14808279144. . Thanks again for a wonderful post. About. Stehekin Ferry Cruise to a Hidden Gem in the North Cascades! Well worth the money for this tour, the views alone are breathtaking! There are also two glass-enclosed wine vaults with more than 600 wine bottles, including many rare South American varieties. 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. You'll often see Bighorn Sheep, Bald Eagles and other wildlife as you cruise the waters of Canyon Lake. Replies. 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. . Where: The Dolly Steamboat, 16802 Arizona 88, Tortilla Flat. We enjoyed the wildlife viewing and the short walk at the Lost Dutchman Park for plant viewing. ), JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, GreenTree Inn & Suites Phoenix Sky Harbor. I think we all hit the jackpot when our paths crossed, and were very happy to be together. Climb on board for a trip around the secluded inner waterways. If taking your rig, scout with your tow vehicle or toad first. On Holland. The 2 deck boat features a covered upper deck, air conditioned lower deck, and a cash snack and drink bar. Have lunch poolside and dinner at the Top of the Rock with panoramic views of the city below. Awesome tip on the Groupon. Lost Dutchman State Park Campground Arizona Gold in the Superstitions, Fall Colors and Wildlife on the Sonoran Desert Rivers in Arizona. After your narrated cruise, visit the small town of Tortilla Flat, taking in views of the rare desert landscape along the way. Years ago we rode on the Desert Belle on Saguaro Lake and absolutely loved it. Alternatively, you may use, Apache Junction Hotels and Places to Stay. Book online or by calling us at 480-827-9144! " The Skies were dark! Continuing a tradition of cruising since 1925, the Dolly Steamboat now cruises the secluded inner waterways of this beautiful lake. Quote: Originally Posted by DetroitN8V. If its canceled due to poor weather, youll be offered a different date or a full refund. On the other hand, I chose to have a great plate of white eggs spinach frittata with a side bowl of fresh fruit. The next day we went to stand in line at the Dolly Steamboat dock. 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. However, we decided just to stand outside the entire journey, which provided us with the best views. We have been on the Dolly steamboat twice. Cost: Scenic Nature Cruise is $22 adults and teens 13 and older, $20 seniors, $12 children 5-12, free . The Desert Belle operates Under Permit From the USDA Tonto National Forest. Very knowledgeable tour guide. As a premium dining experience, they advise a resort casual dress code for the main dining room. Dolly Steamboat or Desert Belle? Peach Faced Lovebirds in Phoenix, AZ Parrots in Cactus! The Dolly Steamboat heads into the canyon where it will disappear from view. Copper Mines, NOT CAMPING, in Tonto National Forest Why? However, during COVID lockdowns, Market Cafe in Marriott Phoenix Resort Tempe at The Buttes was only open for breakfast from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m., so we decided to begin his 2021 Fathers Day celebration with a special morning meal, even if that meant waking up early. When you descend the antique wooden three flights of stairs to the select tables below, you will be welcomed into a world far removed from the desert. One of our family is a horticulture major and found the plant discussion right on and really interesting. Before I tell you about my other five picks, let me tell you about the fun dinner we had on a steamboat. params.cid = cid.join('|'); 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. 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. Bring binoculars and cash for boat amenities. *Price does not include tax and gratuity. Please allow extra time to get to the lake. Report inappropriate content 1-7 of 7 replies Sorted by 1 Janss Sedona, AZ Destination Expert for Sedona Level Contributor 3,374 posts 8 reviews 10 helpful votes 1. 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. Fall Color in Arizonas Sonoran Desert near Roosevelt Lake, Arizonas Stunning Apache Trail Scenic Drive, A Majestic Scenic Drive in Arizona The Bush Highway. There is so much to do at Saguaro Lake! 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. We offer narrated nature cruises, twilight dinner cruises and astronomy cruises. Selections come from Hawaii, Alaska, the Gulf of Mexico, Chesapeake Bay, Boston, Georges Bank, and even New Zealand. But Salt Cellars offerings also change, featuring seasonal fish throughout the year. I enjoyed both equally. 4. The Dolly Steamboat was better than expected, great views. There is seating out on deck, and we found a seat at a table to take in the view. 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. We enjoyed Erics knowledge of the history of the area we visited We also enjoyed the desert walk and discovered plants we never knew about. There are wonderful seats on the deck that offer a great view. We absolutely loved our excursion on the Dolly Steamboat. 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! As riders listen to the narration from the shaded upper deck or air-conditioned lower deck, they can visually bask in cactus-studded desert vistas. 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! You know that the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Throughout the tour he would point out animals and we were able to see a few bald eagles! The trip isn't too long, and we were very comfortable the entire time. The steamboat tour was amazing, beautiful scenery and Rock formations. As the Desert Belle boat cruises leisurely, guides point out various flora, fauna, and extraterrestrials disguised as Arizona wildlife dotting the landscape. When he wasnt busy doing that, he was sprinting across the lakeside lawn carrying his favorite pink rope toy. The drive is quiet and very beautiful with unending views of cacti and mountains. Sweet Days at Roosevelt Lake, Arizona. var cid = []; RV Life is FUN and EASYGood EQUIPMENT makes it even better!! A great way to see beautiful rock formations, wildlife, and a gorgeous lake. The Desert Belle operates Under Permit From the USDA Tonto National Forest. Like you said, the lake seems small but when you get down in it, its much bigger. I just thought it was a little more interesting and cool looking (as in neato, not cold). Relax in comfort and see exotic Arizona wildlife, towering canyon walls and dramatic desert vistas. Exp:Apr 30, 2023. Take a Mark Twain voyage and admire the breathtaking scenery as you enjoy a presentation on the solar system with Dr. Sky. The tour was amazing despite of the rain. This past week we took a ride on the Dolly Steamboat on Canyon Lake. The choice of places to go and the overall plan of the tour is good. Thanks! Experience the magnificence of both desert beauty and natural wildlife of one of the Valley's hidden treasures . Hop on board the Desert Belle, a restored sightseeing vessel with spectacular views of the desert landscape. ViewPoint RV & Golf Resort RVers and Golfers Delight! Take up to 10% off on Amazon Dolly Steamboat sales. Copy, reproduction or use of text or images is not permitted without written permission from the author or photographer. Rec -Kid-friendly breakfast stop near Target/WalMart (north). This is a placeholder "Excellent ride, it's kind of a mix between a social booze cruise and Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom . . This was a great boat ride. Bob. Although you may think the air conditioned lower deck is the best option, the covered outdoor deck (or simply standing) will provide you with the best possible views. Party & Event Planning. We were startled at how rugged and dramatic the rock canyons were. From pop to jazz to classic rock, these popular cruises sell-out quickly. Fantastic views offered at a fairly affordable price. Oh, those beautiful mountains and cactus! View the majestic desert bighorn sheep, bald eagles and a host of other wildlife, waterfowl, and birds. Let me know when the beach cruiser booze cruise happens. Tour Boat near Mesa, AZ. If you love to try new things, head to Tortilla Flat's Dolly Steamboat, AZ and experience something new and exciting. Very interesting and the staff was very friendly. Rainbows and Wild Horses in the Arizona Desert! Absolutely loved it. For example, their Mindful Dining Experience at their Creekside Reserve Gazebo under a canopy of vines with a romantic chandelier overlooking the creek comes complete with all the trimmings you can imagine at $1,495 per couple. On this cruise you will see towering canyon walls, dramatic desert vistas and desert wildlife. Decorated as a snug seaside hideaway, this dining place is located below ground on the posh side of the valley, in upscale Scottsdale. 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). How does the Desert Belle compare? Your specific hotel may not be in the pick up route on a particular day. And the seafood menu was indeed outstanding. The Desert Belle is a locally owned tour boat offering graceful sightseeing cruises on spectacular Saguaro Lake. Buddy found a cool spot of his own down a narrow passageway on deck. Well gosh, hes wriggled his sweet little furry self right into the center of our lives!! This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Planning a boat ride along with visits to Lost Dutchman SP, Tortilla Flat. I bought one - we are going next week. (509 reviews) "The property is well maintained and very clean. AZ Great Adventure Fishing. With that said, Desert Belle or Dolly Steamboat? Listen as your captain recounts the legends and lore of the mysterious Superstition Mountains. You'll be entertained by our captains on the narrated cruises learning about the history, geology, geography and wildlife native to the Sonoran Desert. Explore Saguaro Lake on a tour boat cruise. Because recent reports say the unpaved portion of the Apache Trail is in poor condition. The Wind Cave Hike in Phoenix AZ The Hills are Alive! Adding a business to Yelp is always free. One such cruise is the Desert Belle that plies around Saguaro Lake. Great afternoon and well worth the money. Our guide Frank was excellent. Canyon Lake Marina & Campground has a big open grassy area thats great for playing fetch. Get Deal. This experience requires good weather. Web enjoy an 80 minute cruise describing the history, geology, geography and wildlife native to the sonoran desert . How does the Desert Belle compare? They were actually replaced by wine cruises with live . (It expires on Sept 25. We did the Desert Belle this past Sat. Dolly Steamboat offers sightseeing and dinner cruises on Canyon Lake, just outside the greater Phoenix area. Save Any opinions on which is the better tour, Dolly Steamboat on Canyon Lake, or Desert Belle on Saguaro? How does the Desert Belle compare? Great pics, Em. What would the pup think of a boat ride?! Active now! The Lakeshore Restaurant offers tasty cuisine and . When we settled in Arizona after our many years on the road, the food scene did not disappoint. " 29/03/2022. Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews. This is the perfect spot for local residents and out-of-town guests of all ages. var paramsArr = []; Pro Tip: Availability is tight for months in advance, and COVID capacity restrictions may still be in place, so call for reservations. Feel free to ask questions, move about and mingle with the crew. Kids wait for the Dolly Steamboat to arrive at the dock. It was a great tour we would do it again. Click here to email customerservice@dollysteamboat.net, Click here to view location 16802 AZ-88, Tortilla Flat, AZ 85117. Catalina State Park & Roosevelt Lake: RV Camping in AZ, Spring Has Sprung! Is Phoenix too hot to visit during the summer months? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Subscribe Mt. I bought one - we are going next week. Continuing a tradition of cruising since 1925, the Dolly Steamboat now cruises the secluded inner waterways of this beautiful lake. 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. We could eat him up too. All road closures are passed Tortilla Flat to Apache Lake. Both are nice relaxing scenic boat rides that you will enjoy. Tour Itinerary Tours to the Apache Trail and Dolly Steamboat run on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Buddy sure looks like a good boy and seems to really be enjoying his new life. The landscape is so unique and beautiful that made me proud of this country. But to our surprise, we traveled three miles into the hinterlands, winding our way through fabulous rock canyons that were studded with saguaro cactus. This level is also handicap accessible. Carol retired as a CEO for pioneering IT companies in the Philippines. I love the desert walk, not too long for older people. Kudos to our tour guide, Han despite the weather was not cooperating we still have wonderful tour. They only served hotel guests during COVID times. Any feedback? Awesome tip on the Groupon. The Dolly Steamboat is a family run business that provides outstanding cruise experiences on Canyon Lake in Arizona. *Please confirm with local operator. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. Ride the old fashioned Dolly Steamboat through the slot canyon at Canyon Lake and then hit the Apache Trail through the Sonora Desert on this tour from the Phoenix area. It was very informative and so beautiful. The first one is from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., and then a second one happens from 10 p.m. to closing. . Snow in the Arizona Desert A Beautiful Fairy Dusting! Copyright 20042023 Yelp Inc. Yelp, , and related marks are registered trademarks of Yelp. 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. Unfortunately, the brutal summer months often make outdoor activities like hiking impossible. With a capacity of 140 passengers, the Dolly Steamboat offers delightful sunset dinner cruises as well as daily scenic tours whereas the skipper narrates and recounts legendary tales of yore. Plan extra time for the curvy ride which slowly travels through the scenic Superstition mountains. One such cruise is the Desert Belle that plies around Saguaro Lake. Eric our guide was very good! We have a coupon for both so we might just try the Desert Belle this time. I would highly recommend this trip as a way to learn about the beautiful area. All this beauty inspired us to have an anniversary photoshoot. My favorite is the steamboat - Desert Belle which plies around Saguaro Lake sounds perfect. #16 of 59 Restaurants in Apache Junction. Depends on what you plan to do with the rest of your day. Any opinions on which is the better tour, Dolly Steamboat on Canyon Lake, or Desert Belle on Saguaro? --Emily & Mark Fagan, traveling by land and sea since 2007. She has a BS in math, MBA, and DPA. Pro Tip: Make it a whole day experience at The Buttes. If you're looking for things to do outdoors, look no further. We were shown so many points of interest and it was an awesome day! more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. A visit from a Filipino psychiatrist friend brought us to dine at the elegant Wrigley Mansion.

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