Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews. Thanks for the additional excursion idea for the area and knowing that dogs can take the river cruise is a bonus. There are also two glass-enclosed wine vaults with more than 600 wine bottles, including many rare South American varieties. I could just eat him up! The Dolly boat ride was quite relaxing. 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 are using the Groupon for Gold Canyon Resort also in two weeks. Saguaro Lake is located within the Tonto National Forest just 20 minutes from Mesa, Arizona. 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. Catalina State Park & Roosevelt Lake: RV Camping in AZ, Spring Has Sprung! . Experience the magnificent desert beauty by boat! Copyright 2012-23 top-ten-travel-list.com. 4. You will love it! The Dolly Steamboat is a family run business that provides outstanding cruise experiences on Canyon Lake in Arizona. We have a coupon for both so we might just try the Desert Belle this time. And the seafood menu was indeed outstanding. Answer 1 of 7: We have been on the Dolly steamboat twice. He slept right through the enormous rising full moon! Dolly Steamboat - Old Town Scottsdale They're both 90 minute tours and almost the same distance. . Listen as your captain recounts the legends and lore of the mysterious Superstition Mountains. 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. A very pleasant way to see the sites. We did the Desert Belle this past Sat. Restaurant stop was good too, cute place and good food. Bob. Wine cruises are offered Wednesdays in the months October-June. If anyone is interested, there is a Groupon for the Dolly Steamboat. When he wasnt busy doing that, he was sprinting across the lakeside lawn carrying his favorite pink rope toy. In addition, it gets pretty breezy once you start moving, so as long as you stay out of direct sunlight you should be fine. My favorite is the steamboat - Desert Belle which plies around Saguaro Lake sounds perfect. My husband was so happy we made it in time to get the lone table for two beside the mini-waterfall. 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. Cruise Canyon Lake for 90-minutes aboard Dolly Steamboat. Fabulous band onboard, "Southwest Surfers (but I understand they use different bands on different days). Desert Belle Cruises | Mesa AZ - Facebook Our guide, Hon was a knowledgeable, considerate, fun guide who drove like a limo driver. Copyright 2008-2023 Emily FaganAll rights reserved. The Desert Belle is a locally owned tour boat offering graceful sightseeing cruises on spectacular Saguaro Lake. Luckily, he got a reservation at one that has made best of seafood lists in the Phoenix Metropolitan area since 1971. The boat ride was fun and beautiful as well. Best Western Gold Canyon Inn & Suites. 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! Desert Belle Cruises 2019 All Rights Reserved. 13 mi from Dolly Steamboat. Shrink-wrap your screen door for winter! It was very informative and so beautiful. Please use Highway 88 from Apache Junction to access Canyon Lake Marina.**. TRAVEL AWAITS: 6 Unique Dining Experiences In Arizona - Blogger They have starlit dinner cruises too! 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! Top 10 Best Booze Cruise in Apache Junction, AZ - Yelp Learned lots & saw lots! Canyon Lake Cruises in Arizona | Dolly's Steamboat It is full of hairpin turns and sweeping views, and there are serious drop-offs too! Toy Hauler Life Whats It Like Living in a Toy Hauler? Originally launched in 1964, the Desert Belle has been plowing the waters of Saguaro Lake for over fifty years. 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. Get Directions As we wound up the tree-lined private road to the secluded resort, we began to feel assured we were going to have a great start for his special day. Click here for directions and maps of Saguaro Lake and the area. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. If anyone is interested, there is a Groupon for the Dolly Steamboat. Was informative and interesting The views are fantastic. Click here to email customerservice@dollysteamboat.net, Click here to view location 16802 AZ-88, Tortilla Flat, AZ 85117. 12,944 were here. 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. This thread is great. Ride in your choice of an air-conditioned cabin or shaded open-air top deck, with great . We thought this was a very nice thing to do and enjoyed our cruise. This experience requires good weather. Inspired by architectural elements from Spain; Monterey, California; and the Mediterranean, the original tiles that were shipped from the Wrigley familys tile factory on Catalina Island are still there. Be alert on the way in, have a sumptuous dinner, and allow romance to fill the air on the way back. But Salt Cellars offerings also change, featuring seasonal fish throughout the year. Waterton Shoreline Cruise A Classy Tour of Waterton-Glacier NP. Our newsletter is sent out quarterly to provide things to do for each season! 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. We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. . This is the perfect spot for local residents and out-of-town guests of all ages. 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. Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experiences start time will not be accepted. 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. 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. 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. Not sure if that one is still available. 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! Im a professional in my 50s and my kids are young adults. Dolly Steamboat | Dining & Sightseeing Tours on Canyon Lake, AZ Salt Cellar is the only underground restaurant in Arizona. Here's some of the GEAR we use and great IDEAS for you! He liked to show us how fast he could zip between the legs of our tripods. Lost Dutchman State Park Campground Arizona Gold in the Superstitions, Fall Colors and Wildlife on the Sonoran Desert Rivers in Arizona. The Dolly Steamboat was patiently waiting to take her first group of passengers out for a nature tour on Canyon Lake. This was a great boat ride. --Emily & Mark Fagan, traveling by land and sea since 2007. Both are very pleasant scenic boat rides. Cut-off times are based on the experiences local time. ), http://www.groupon.com/deals/dolly-steamboat-3. DOLLY STEAMBOAT - 656 Photos & 602 Reviews - 16802 AZ 88, Apache - Yelp A very memorable experience. The only downside is the cramped seating. If you love to try new things, head to Tortilla Flat's Dolly Steamboat, AZ and experience something new and exciting. Well gosh, hes wriggled his sweet little furry self right into the center of our lives!! Replies. "I fished Bartlett yesterday with Larry and we caught 21 largemouth by 10am." more. 6 Unique Dining Experiences In Arizona | TravelAwaits And we loved the cruise! 9 years ago Save We have been on the Dolly steamboat twice. Both are very pleasant scenic boat rides. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Take a Mark Twain voyage and admire the breathtaking scenery as you enjoy a presentation on the solar system with Dr. Sky. Continuing a tradition of cruising since 1925, the Dolly Steamboat now cruises the secluded inner waterways of this beautiful lake. You will be amazed at its grand, sweeping staircase, fabulous first-class decor, and even a vintage telephone system. Enjoyed it very much. The food on the windstar was incredible. . Craft Beer cruises are offered Fridays in the months of October-June. 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. Feel free to ask questions, move about and mingle with the crew. Buddy found a cool spot of his own down a narrow passageway on deck. for(key in cidParams) { cid.push(params[cidParams[key]]); }; Photo credit: Carol Colborn Lakes. That is, until she met her travel partner on the internet! 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. 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. . Feel free to ask questions, move about and mingle with the crew. While we marveled at the scenery, Buddy enjoyed the new smells. In terms of scenic outdoor adventures in the Phoenix area, hiking is the way to go. */ Both the van driver and boat captain were very interesting narrators. Awesome tip on the Groupon. |, 50 Mesmerizing Attractions in the Southwest, 8 Great Daytrips to Escape the Phoenix Heat, Visiting the Countrys Newest Aquarium: The OdySea in Scottsdale, AZ, 10 Interesting Day Trips Less than 2 Hours from Tucson, 10 Western National Parks to Add to your Bucket List. Planning a boat ride along with visits to Lost Dutchman SP, Tortilla Flat. Canyon Lake | Visit Arizona Web up to 4% cash back the mammoth steak house. Top 10 Best Fishing Charter in Scottsdale, AZ - Yelp 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. Have also done both and equally liked them. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Before I tell you about my other five picks, let me tell you about the fun dinner we had on a steamboat. Explore Saguaro Lake on a tour boat cruise. AZ Great Adventure Fishing. Tour Boat near Mesa, AZ. The breakfast was exceptional! Best boat trip in the Apache trail lakes? (Mesa, Steamboat: rental car Bald eagles, desert bighorn sheep, wild horses, deer, and bobcats are all known to make Saguaro Lake their home. The Dolly Steamboat, Tortilla Flat Dolly is a steamboat that sails the Canyon Lake in the heart of Superstition Mountains. The Desert Belle Tour Boat offers 80 minute cruises describing the history, geography, geology and w Desert Belle Cruises | Mesa AZ Please let this guide know of these positive comments. 4. Dolly Steamboat Promo Code | 50% Off on April 2023 As the Desert Belle boat cruises leisurely, guides point out various flora, fauna, and extraterrestrials disguised as Arizona wildlife dotting the landscape. RV Keyless Entry Door Lock Problems? I would highly recommend this trip as a way to learn about the beautiful area. View the majestic desert bighorn sheep, bald eagles and a host of other wildlife, waterfowl, and birds. 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. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); While we were out walking the next morning I was busy snapping pics of our shadows on the ground when we looked up and noticed the Dolly Steamboat moored at the dock. Would definitely recommend this tour! Apache Trail & Dolly Steamboat Van Tours | Across Arizona Tours Definitely I recommend this tour. Finally, she appeared, and we made our way down the dock and onto the boat. If you do Dolly, then you can stop at Tortilla Flat for lunch or ever a quick look at Goldfield. We talked about doing a boat ride on the Dolly Steamboat over dinner. var paramsArr = []; Enjoy an 80 minute cruise describing the History, Geology, Geography and Wildlife native to the Sonoran Desert narrated live by a coastguard certified captain! I also loved the Dolly Steamboat tour of the lake. Originally launched in 1964, the Desert Belle has been cruising the waters of Saguaro Lake for over fifty years. pl.type = 'text/javascript'; 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. Boat Tours & Cruises Near Scottsdale Arizona (az) New to this site? Were still working out our plans but will definitely let you know if we head your way. 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. Cruise secluded waterways and relax while you admire the breathtaking flora and fauna of the lower Sonoran desert. Dolly Steamboat Cruise- The Best Way To Experience Canyon Lake If its too hot on deck, theres a cool spot in the cabin with big picture windows. Do you have meal plans or are you taking a picnic? The sunset and waterfall views also look awesome. About this activity Free cancellation Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund Duration 7 hours Check availability to see starting times. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. A definite must do on your trip. He hit the jackpot when he ended up with you. Where to See WILDFLOWERS (especially POPPIES) in Arizona 2023! Thanks again for a wonderful post. **The Dolly Steamboat is open. We absolutely loved our excursion on the Dolly Steamboat. +14808279144. It didnt matter, though, the scenery was so stunning. I highly recommend this tour. I've heard of this tour a few times before I decided to try it. We had such a peaceful day on the Lake. 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! Loved the tour guide and his explanations of the plants. Our goal, to share the worlds unique, hidden and once in a lifetime locations with you to create unforgettable memories. The Desert Belle operates Under Permit From the USDA Tonto National Forest. (It expires on Sept 25. Worth trying if you live here or if you're visiting from another state. When we settled in Arizona after our many years on the road, the food scene did not disappoint. She has a BS in math, MBA, and DPA. The Dolly Steamboat was better than expected, great views. Our tour guide (Kim) was very knowledgeable and considerate of everyone in the group. (function () { 9 years ago Save We have been on the Dolly steamboat twice. Fossil Creek Waterfall A Pretty Hike to a Scenic Cascade. Expect to be treated with outstanding service and personal attention to your every need. Wonderful time. We are using the Groupon for Gold Canyon Resort also in two weeks. var defaultParams = {"vid":"tou"}; 51 helpful votes Dolly steamboat or Desert belle? 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. Desert Belle - Saguaro Lake. One of the best tours we took while visiting Phoenix. The many beaches come alive around these lakes, especially the great Lake Havasu where the UK's London Bridge was . #8 of 61 restaurants in apache junction. The guide was excellent!! 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). Both sit atop hills, commanding dramatic views of the mountains and the city (or island). We drove down the Apache rail and took a tour on the Desert Belle on the Saguaro Lake instead and had a GREAT experience. Carol maintains a blog, Carolina: Cruising Past 70, and has published two travel books: Carolina: Cruising to an American Dream about her RVing years and Cruising Past Seventy: It's Not Only About Outer Journeys. How does the Desert Belle compare? 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! (document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] || They were actually replaced by wine cruises with live . Dolly Steamboat floats through the Sonoran Desert on Canyon Lake in Arizona. Phoenix on the Wing Waterbirds of Arizona! May 1 - May 2. params.cid = cid.join('|'); Eric was good guide, helpful and informative. Janet & Steve. Our dinner cruises offer all of the grandeur of the daily cruise plus the ambiance of the twilight. Dolly Steamboat offers sightseeing and dinner cruises on Canyon Lake, just outside the greater Phoenix area. 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. Dead Horse Ranch State Park + Tuzigoot and Clarkdale. var cidParams = []; *Please confirm with local operator. Narration Cruise - Desert Belle Cruises At the heart of the restaurant are a wood-fired grill and wood-burning oven. He did a great job explaining the history of the lake, Arizona, and the animals that live there. Bring binoculars and cash for boat amenities. All Rights Reserved, Worldwide. Had a great time. Desert Belle Cruises. A Picturesque Ride along Southern Arizona's Dolly Steamboat 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. With stunning floor-to-ceiling windows, Mariposa is perched atop a scenic bluff giving panoramic views of the majestic rocks to every table. Copyright 20042023 Yelp Inc. Yelp, , and related marks are registered trademarks of Yelp. You know that the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Never miss a post -- it's free! The Desert Belle operates Under Permit From the USDA Tonto National Forest. Let me know when the beach cruiser booze cruise happens. 20 Best Boat Tours in Arizona - triumphboats.com Also note that creekside dining may not be available during the winter months. Depends on what you plan to do with the rest of your day. Desert Belle Vs Dolly Steamboat Rent a pontoon boat, or take a relaxing Desert Belle tour boat ride around the lake, then eat at the ShipRock Restaurant. (509 reviews) "The property is well maintained and very clean. The boat has an open-air upper deck. My sister was visiting Arizona so I wanted to show her around and this was a great idea . We will try the sunset cruise next time! . 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. He was very friendly, knowledgeable and great personality. "The captain was very informative and answered everyone's questions, including what kinds of fish ." more. The Desert Belle is a locally owned tour boat offering graceful sightseeing cruises on spectacular Saguaro Lake. Carolina Esguerra Colborn April 14, 2022 at 3:44 AM. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Decorated as a snug seaside hideaway, this dining place is located below ground on the posh side of the valley, in upscale Scottsdale. 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. Frank was very informative and made our trip memorable! Saguaro Lake Cruises. Enjoyed it very much. . Dolly Steamboat. What would the pup think of a boat ride?! RV Life is FUN and EASYGood EQUIPMENT makes it even better!! Tonto National Monument AZ Lower Cliff Dwellings. All Cruises start from $30. What a wonderful day trip! This narrated cruise explores a slot canyon. Great for all ages. My husband thought it was good enough for our 11th-anniversary dinner. Cost: Scenic Nature Cruise is $22 adults and teens 13 and older, $20 seniors, $12 children 5-12, free . You just cannot go wrong. The Lakeshore Restaurant offers tasty cuisine and . From pop to jazz to classic rock, these popular cruises sell-out quickly. Can I go on that boat ride now?. On the other hand, I chose to have a great plate of white eggs spinach frittata with a side bowl of fresh fruit. Buddy sure looks like a good boy and seems to really be enjoying his new life. Get answers to your questions about Phoenix. Our tour guide was Captain John and he was fantastic. Web enjoy an 80 minute cruise describing the history, geology, geography and wildlife native to the sonoran desert . They only served hotel guests during COVID times. There is so much to do at Saguaro Lake! It frowns on hats, tank tops, shorts, flip-flops, and branded sportswear. 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. 945 E Scenic St 1535 E Old West Hwy. 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. Fully refundable Reserve now, pay when you stay. We have been to Arizona quite a lot, and didn't even know about this tour! It was a great tour we would do it again. Happy Trails!! Our driver, Eric, was very knowledgeable and pleasant. Enjoy 90 Minute Narrated Cruises or Live Music Cruises aboard The Desert Belle Tour Boat on Saguaro Lake in Mesa, AZ.