They now call Mesa, Arizona, home. There is seating out on deck, and we found a seat at a table to take in the view. */ Walking through the desert and learning about the different cacti. Very interesting and the staff was very friendly. Had a great time. Ive been really really good for days. Use Google for directions and input Canyon Lake Marina and Campground. Before I tell you about my other five picks, let me tell you about the fun dinner we had on a steamboat. The pics are really nice, as usual. I just thought it was a little more interesting and cool looking (as in neato, not cold). Apache Trail with Dolly Steamboat, City Highlights with Arizona Capitol Museum, and Verde Canyon Railroad with Jerome and the . Copper Mines, NOT CAMPING, in Tonto National Forest Why? Fantastic views offered at a fairly affordable price. The Dolly Steamboat is a family run business that provides outstanding cruise experiences on Canyon Lake in Arizona. Where: The Dolly Steamboat, 16802 Arizona 88, Tortilla Flat. There are also two glass-enclosed wine vaults with more than 600 wine bottles, including many rare South American varieties. Required fields are marked *. Copy, reproduction or use of text or images is not permitted without written permission from the author or photographer. Peach Faced Lovebirds in Phoenix, AZ Parrots in Cactus! var paramsArr = []; Many households had cooks in Manila, where I grew up, so I never really learned how to cook there. 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. for(key in params) { paramsArr.push(key + '=' + encodeURIComponent(params[key])) }; 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. Best Western Gold Canyon Inn & Suites. Bald eagles, desert bighorn sheep, wild horses, deer, and bobcats are all known to make Saguaro Lake their home. From this base, they embark on great road trips to meet family at reunions in picturesque resorts around the U.S. . The tour was amazing despite of the rain. var defaultParams = {"vid":"tou"}; 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. Is Phoenix too hot to visit during the summer months? Unfortunately, the brutal summer months often make outdoor activities like hiking impossible. Mine pick was the smaller lobster, but my husband stuck to his usual New York strip. This is the perfect spot for local residents and out-of-town guests of all ages. We have been on the Dolly steamboat twice. Selections come from Hawaii, Alaska, the Gulf of Mexico, Chesapeake Bay, Boston, Georges Bank, and even New Zealand. document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]).appendChild(pl); We have a coupon for both so we might just try the Desert Belle this time. Continuing a tradition of cruising since 1925, the Dolly Steamboat now cruises the secluded inner waterways of this beautiful lake. They are only open for dinner and are closed on Tuesdays. How does the Desert Belle compare? You are turning around at Tortilla Flats if you're going soon, right? " The Skies were dark! My favorite is the steamboat - Desert Belle which plies around Saguaro Lake sounds perfect. The boat has an open-air upper deck. Our goal, to share the worlds unique, hidden and once in a lifetime locations with you to create unforgettable memories. Fully refundable Reserve now, pay when you stay. Thanks! Here are six places we recommend. Take a Mark Twain voyage and admire the breathtaking scenery as you enjoy a presentation on the solar system with Dr. Sky. Fabulous band onboard, "Southwest Surfers (but I understand they use different bands on different days). Tour Itinerary Tours to the Apache Trail and Dolly Steamboat run on Tuesdays and Thursdays. We did the Desert Belle this past Sat. As the Desert Belle boat cruises leisurely, guides point out various flora, fauna, and extraterrestrials disguised as Arizona wildlife dotting the landscape. Snow in the Arizona Desert A Beautiful Fairy Dusting! 8.6/10 Excellent! 4. Look out for wildlife like long horn sheep and eagles along the way. One of the best tours we took while visiting Phoenix. 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). Certainly Canyon Lake would be more convenient for you since you are already planning to go on Apache Trail. 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. Whatever you choose, The Desert Belle is a unique way to enjoy all the beauty that Arizona has to offer. 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. My husband thought it was good enough for our 11th-anniversary dinner. 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. The Desert Belle operates Under Permit From the USDA Tonto National Forest. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. Wine cruises are offered Wednesdays in the months October-June. Our dinner cruises offer all of the grandeur of the daily cruise plus the ambiance of the twilight. Alternatively, you may use, JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, GreenTree Inn & Suites Phoenix Sky Harbor. Great afternoon and well worth the money. 55 talking about this. var cidParams = []; Frank was a knowledgeable and accommodating tour guide and the group was fun! There were always more views around the next bend. 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. "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. Desert Belle Cruises. I really enjoyed this post. Definitely I recommend this tour. pl.async = true; Originally launched in 1964, the Desert Belle has been cruising the waters of Saguaro Lake for over fifty years. I agree. Janet & Steve. 51 helpful votes Dolly steamboat or Desert belle? Cress is a fine dining restaurant with a price range to match. 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. This is the perfect spot for both Arizona residents and out-of-town guests. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. params.cid = cid.join('|'); A tour of fresh fish and seafood from around the world begins with the whole Maine lobster (both 1.5- and 3-pound options), which they reputedly never run out of. ): More of our Latest Posts are in the MENU. 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! Hear the roar of the dinosaurs at the Arizona Museum of Natural History. At first we were very dissapointed with our obstructed view. 528. Desert Belle Vs Dolly Steamboat - Web up to 9.6% cash back dolly steamboat and apache trail tour from phoenix area. The guide was excellent!! Your email address will not be published. Thanks, Renee. Were visiting our family again this weekend, and Buddy now smells like the flowery perfume young teenage girls like to wear. The many beaches come alive around these lakes, especially the great Lake Havasu where the UK's London Bridge was . The Dolly boat ride was quite relaxing. **The Dolly Steamboat is open. One such cruise is the Desert Belle that plies around Saguaro Lake. The views on this tour are amazing! 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. The Dolly Steamboat . Dolly Steamboat - Canyon Lake. Today, the Wrigley Mansion is a premier fine dining and special event venue. This past week we took a ride on the Dolly Steamboat on Canyon Lake. Ride a van through the Sonora Desert, a rare desert environment found in the American Southwest and Mexico. Experience the magnificent desert beauty by boat! The sunset and waterfall views also look awesome. Snap photos of Tonto National Forest, and look for local wildlife such as bald eagles, coyotes and bobcats. " Disgusted " 03/07/2022. A great way to see beautiful rock formations, wildlife, and a gorgeous lake. This thread is great. I agree. Click here to email customerservice@dollysteamboat.net, Click here to view location 16802 AZ-88, Tortilla Flat, AZ 85117. The cost was $25.00 for a 90-minute tour. Tour boat near mesa, az. All this beauty inspired us to have an anniversary photoshoot. Desert Belle Cruises 2019 All Rights Reserved. They have starlit dinner cruises too! 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. 04-02-2013, 09:32 AM Ponderosa : Location: Sonoran Desert. 1. 16802 Highway 88, Tortilla Flat, AZ 85290 Directions. I hope you have a chance to do one or the other or both! Seen from our truck window on the Apache Trail (Route 88), Canyon Lake doesnt look all that big. Then, in 1987 the Grimh family purchased the steamboat. About. You know that the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Thanks! Awesome tip on the Groupon. 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. You will love it! Bob. There is so much to do at Saguaro Lake! Your email address will not be published. And we loved the cruise! Throughout the tour he would point out animals and we were able to see a few bald eagles! On this cruise you will see towering canyon walls, dramatic desert vistas and desert wildlife. While underway, the captain gives a live narration discussing the natural history of Arizona. 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. She has a BS in math, MBA, and DPA. for(key in defaultParams) { params[key] = defaultParams[key]; }; Expect to be treated with outstanding service and personal attention to your every need. And the seafood menu was indeed outstanding. Beat the heat on our climate controlled lower and upper decks. We had a choice of grilled steaks or chicken with plenty of vegetables, potatoes, bread, and fruits. Enjoy an 80 minute nature cruise narrated by a coastguard certified captain describing the history, geology, geography and wildlife native to the Sonoran Desert! I've heard of this tour a few times before I decided to try it. Here's some of the GEAR we use and great IDEAS for you! 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! Nestled in the heart of the Superstition Mountains lies the spectacular Canyon Lake, home of the Dolly Steamboat. If you love to try new things, head to Tortilla Flat's Dolly Steamboat, AZ and experience something new and exciting. Hop on board the Desert Belle, a restored sightseeing vessel with spectacular views of the desert landscape. Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews. We thought this was a very nice thing to do and enjoyed our cruise. 280. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. /* Please do not modify the below code. Enjoyed it! Enjoyed it very much. 14 years ago Save Any opinions on which is the better tour, Dolly Steamboat on Canyon Lake, or Desert Belle on Saguaro? Great post and informative. We may be in your neck of the woods late this summer. . And the dinner, served buffet-style, is always bountiful. I've been on both these boats. Replies. And it is not just about food. Catalina State Park & Roosevelt Lake: RV Camping in AZ, Spring Has Sprung! The trip isn't too long, and we were very comfortable the entire time. Great lunch at tortilla flat. If anyone is interested, there is a Groupon for the Dolly Steamboat. probably every time we are in Mesa. It is a steal at this price. Worth it. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. The day was relaxing and the views in Canyon Lake were spectacular! For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experiences start time. The spacious, 6,500-square-foot restaurant has a 1,000-pound door crafted from African and South American stones. Enjoy 90 Minute Narrated Cruises or Live Music Cruises aboard The Desert Belle Tour Boat on Saguaro Lake in Mesa, AZ. The boat ride was peaceful and accentuated the unusual landscape. Board the Dolly Steamboat for sightseeing & dinner cruises on Canyon Lake in Tortilla Flat, Arizona. You will be amazed at its grand, sweeping staircase, fabulous first-class decor, and even a vintage telephone system. One of the best ways to take in the beauty of Southern Arizonas gorgeous landscapes during the hot summer season is by taking a relaxing, scenic cruise around gorgeous Canyon Lake. Learned lots & saw lots! Tour Boat near Mesa, AZ. Starting April 17th there will be road construction on Highway 88. May 1 - May 2. The menu is so extensive that no one with a seafood craving will go away dissatisfied. Be alert on the way in, have a sumptuous dinner, and allow romance to fill the air on the way back. Try this quick fix! more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. It was only approx an hour drive from Phoenix and well worth it. AZ Great Adventure Fishing. Cut-off times are based on the experiences local time. I bought one - we are going next week. Mt. *Please confirm with local operator. At the heart of the restaurant are a wood-fired grill and wood-burning oven. Great pics, Em. And Chef Dahl creates a unique South American-inspired cuisine thats informed by her travels to Argentina, Uruguay, and Chile. 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. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. All Rights Reserved, Worldwide. Driving from Phoenix to Las Vegas (Scenic or Boring? 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. Click here to Learn more about scenic nature cruise, Click here to Learn more about twilight dinner cruise, Click here to Learn more about astronomy dinner cruise, Click here to Learn more about game & fish bighorn sheep cruise, Click here to Learn more about all cruises, Click here to Learn more about directions, Click here to Learn more about area attractions, Click here to Learn more about private charters, Click here to Learn more about gift certificates, View the majestic desert bighorn sheep, bald eagles and a host of other wildlife, waterfowl. We just had to make sure that even with the 30-minute trip from our home we could get a table on the row closest to the unique scene. Expect to be treated with outstanding service and personal attention to your every need. Experience the unique ambiance that is created by the sounds of plying through the waters of Canyon Lake. Also note that creekside dining may not be available during the winter months. Planning a boat ride along with visits to Lost Dutchman SP, Tortilla Flat. the Dolly Steamboat: No consideration for guests - See 1,477 traveller reviews, 849 candid photos, and great deals for Tortilla Flat, AZ, at Tripadvisor. Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list. We were appropriately dressed but we preferred to sit on the beautiful expansive patio that leads right into the wide, well-manicured grass lawn in a huge garden that looks out to the red rocks unobstructed. The steamboat tour was amazing, beautiful scenery and Rock formations. Great for all ages. var params = {}; My sister even said that she enjoyed this tour more than our visit to the Grand Canyon! (It expires on Sept 25. But seeing a lake from the shore isnt the same as seeing it from the water. The perfect spot to bring out-of-town guests. Explore Saguaro Lake on a tour boat cruise. Get Deal. We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. Fossil Creek Waterfall A Pretty Hike to a Scenic Cascade. He slept right through the enormous rising full moon! 8:30 am to 5 pm. The drive is quiet and very beautiful with unending views of cacti and mountains. The Dolly Steamboat heads into the canyon where it will disappear from view. . My sister was visiting Arizona so I wanted to show her around and this was a great idea . 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. Pro Tip: Make it a whole day experience at The Buttes. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experiences start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded. However, we decided just to stand outside the entire journey, which provided us with the best views. Feel free to ask questions, move about and mingle with the crew. It would be a mistake to visit the Phoenix area and not take time to enjoy the amazing Sonoran desert, home to the beautifully unique Saguaro Cactus. Both are very pleasant scenic boat rides. Dolly Steamboat Gliding Through the Arizona Desert on Canyon Lake. Canyon Lake is a big blue expanse of water in the middle of the desert. Would thoroughly recommend! 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 tour guide did an excellent job in guiding us (only one more customer) and he is very personable. 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. Please allow extra time to get to the lake. Before we leave Sedona, let me tell you about the other dining place we consider a must-visit. It was very informative and so beautiful. Burrowing owls in Gilbert, Arizona Theyre a Hoot! Guests are seated accordingly to order of arrival, so if you get there last you may be stuck with more views of the staircase than the beautiful lake (as in our case). That is, until she met her travel partner on the internet! The Dolly Steamboat, Tortilla Flat Dolly is a steamboat that sails the Canyon Lake in the heart of Superstition Mountains. Enjoyed it very much. ), http://www.groupon.com/deals/dolly-steamboat-3. We really enjoyed our drive on the Apache Trail. pl.type = 'text/javascript'; $140. Active now! What would the pup think of a boat ride?! From pop to jazz to classic rock, these popular cruises sell-out quickly. Thank you!! He liked to show us how fast he could zip between the legs of our tripods. 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. Fall Color in Arizonas Sonoran Desert near Roosevelt Lake, Arizonas Stunning Apache Trail Scenic Drive, A Majestic Scenic Drive in Arizona The Bush Highway.