pl.type = 'text/javascript'; Depends on what you plan to do with the rest of your day. The Dolly Steamboat heads into the canyon where it will disappear from view. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. (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. Fantastic views offered at a fairly affordable price. The guide/captain was very informative, and it's a wonderful cruise. Thank you!! for(key in defaultParams) { params[key] = defaultParams[key]; }; The lower level is partially air-conditioned and has a snack bar and two restrooms. The Dolly Steamboat has indoor seating down below, as well as snacks and goodies for sale. var cid = []; 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! One such cruise is the Desert Belle that plies around Saguaro Lake. The big horned sheep were well represented. 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. Let me know when the beach cruiser booze cruise happens. You'll be entertained by our captains on the narrated cruises learning about the history, geology, geography and wildlife native to the Sonoran Desert. 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. Stehekin Ferry Cruise to a Hidden Gem in the North Cascades! 14 years ago Save Any opinions on which is the better tour, Dolly Steamboat on Canyon Lake, or Desert Belle on Saguaro? Peach Faced Lovebirds in Phoenix, AZ Parrots in Cactus! About. Beat the heat on our climate controlled lower and upper decks. Book online or by calling us at 480-827-9144! Continuing a tradition of cruising since 1925, the Dolly Steamboat now cruises the secluded inner waterways of this beautiful lake. 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. Enjoy an 80 minute cruise describing the History, Geology, Geography and Wildlife native to the Sonoran Desert narrated live by a coastguard certified captain! My husband saw an ad mentioning dining by a waterfall in the desert that is Phoenix. Buddy sure looks like a good boy and seems to really be enjoying his new life. Desert Belle Cruises 2019 All Rights Reserved. Our guide, Hon was a knowledgeable, considerate, fun guide who drove like a limo driver. Well worth the money for this tour, the views alone are breathtaking! View the majestic desert bighorn sheep, bald eagles and a host of other wildlife, waterfowl, and birds. Selections come from Hawaii, Alaska, the Gulf of Mexico, Chesapeake Bay, Boston, Georges Bank, and even New Zealand. Kudos to our tour guide, Han despite the weather was not cooperating we still have wonderful tour. 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. The drive itself to the Dolly Steamboat along the gorgeous Apache Trail Scenic Drive (the entire drive is pretty long, however, you will get to enjoy about 16 miles of great scenery) is as beautiful as the cruise itself. May 1 - May 2. 16802 Highway 88, Tortilla Flat, AZ 85290 Directions. 52 reviews. On Holland. We have been on the Dolly steamboat twice. The Desert Belle Tour Boat offers 80 minute cruises describing the history, geography, geology and w Desert Belle Cruises | Mesa AZ Many households had cooks in Manila, where I grew up, so I never really learned how to cook there. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Not sure if that one is still available. 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. Toy Hauler Life Whats It Like Living in a Toy Hauler? Dolly Steamboat. Continuing a tradition of cruising since 1925, the Dolly Steamboat now cruises the secluded inner waterways of this beautiful lake. Superstition Skies Bar and Grill. Quote: Originally Posted by DetroitN8V. Saguaro Lake is located within the Tonto National Forest just 20 minutes from Mesa, Arizona. 55 talking about this. Listen as your captain recounts the legends and lore of the mysterious Superstition Mountains. Buddy found a cool spot of his own down a narrow passageway on deck. 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. At first we were very dissapointed with our obstructed view. A must do on any adventure. What a wonderful day trip! How does the Desert Belle compare? Washington Cog Railway The Little Engine That Could! There is seating out on deck, and we found a seat at a table to take in the view. This thread is great. Phoenix on the Wing Waterbirds of Arizona! But Buddys favorite spot was a place in the shade up on deck where he got a dogs eye view. Bring binoculars and cash for boat amenities. Enjoyed it! 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. Luckily, he got a reservation at one that has made best of seafood lists in the Phoenix Metropolitan area since 1971. 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. We did the Desert Belle this past Sat. 1 hour 30 minutes Admission Ticket Included. The explanation about the canals and water was very interesting. The Dolly Steamboat was better than expected, great views. 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. 9 years ago Save We have been on the Dolly steamboat twice. Our tour guide (Kim) was very knowledgeable and considerate of everyone in the group. Eric was good guide, helpful and informative. Burrowing owls in Gilbert, Arizona Theyre a Hoot! 13 mi from Dolly Steamboat. And we also had a fun group! Wonderful time. We saw bach on the steamboat ride. The Dolly boat ride was quite relaxing. ): More of our Latest Posts are in the MENU. var paramsArr = []; You know that the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? He hit the jackpot when he ended up with you. All prices subject to change. . 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. Experience the unique ambiance that is created by the sounds of plying through the waters of Canyon Lake. Canyon Lake Marina & Campground rents watercraft and equipment everything from pontoons and runabouts to canoes, kayaks and water skis. PS- Will yall be coming back this way anytime this year? 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. This is the perfect spot for local residents and out-of-town guests of all ages. Have also done both and equally liked them. 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. Thanks! Our driver, Eric, was very knowledgeable and pleasant. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Great job and well done! But it is the other one, Dolly Steamboat on Canyon Lake, which offers dinners onboard the boat. Pro Tip: Wrigley Mansion also offers tours of the elegant house. Here are six places we recommend. Craft Beer cruises are offered Fridays in the months of October-June. 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. While Dolly Steamboat is not the best cruise option in Southern Arizona (the Desert Belle offers better narration, scenery, and seating), it's still an enjoyable ride. Definitely I recommend this tour. The following year, my husband brought me back for a magical 10th-anniversary lunch. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in United Kingdom. **The Dolly Steamboat is open. Neither one stands out above the other IMO. 51 helpful votes Dolly steamboat or Desert belle? They were actually replaced by wine cruises with live . At the heart of the restaurant are a wood-fired grill and wood-burning oven. Enjoy award-winning wines and great live music while cruising the beautiful waters of Saguaro Lake. Desert Belle - Saguaro Lake. We had a choice of grilled steaks or chicken with plenty of vegetables, potatoes, bread, and fruits. Phoenix Tourism Phoenix Hotels Bed and Breakfast Phoenix Phoenix Holiday Rentals Phoenix Holiday Packages Flights to Phoenix Phoenix Restaurants Is Phoenix too hot to visit during the summer months? 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. Enjoyed it very much. Wrigley Mansion is a renowned Phoenix landmark built by the chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Jr. in 1932 as a 50th-anniversary gift to his beloved wife. The steamboat tour was amazing, beautiful scenery and Rock formations. 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. A stop for out of towners. We had observed the booze cruisemore, addition, the so called sunset cruise was a booze cruise, and he did not warn anyone that theremore. Great tour and good to get away from the city and to learn more about the areas history and people. Saguaro Lake Cruises. #8 of 61 restaurants in apache junction. Copyright 2012-23 top-ten-travel-list.com. How does the Desert Belle compare? Feel free to ask questions, move about and mingle with the crew. Desert Belle Vs Dolly Steamboat - Web up to 9.6% cash back dolly steamboat and apache trail tour from phoenix area. The rocky canyon is extremely craggy and rugged with saguaro cacti poking up all over the place. Cruise secluded waterways and relax while you admire the breathtaking flora and fauna of the lower Sonoran desert. I love the desert walk, not too long for older people. Along the way, your captain will recount the legends and lore of the Superstition Mountains. The boat ride was peaceful and accentuated the unusual landscape. You just cannot go wrong. When we settled in Arizona after our many years on the road, the food scene did not disappoint. We have been on the Dolly steamboat twice. Great afternoon and well worth the money. Depends on what you plan to do with the rest of your day. Overview. One such cruise is the Desert Belle that plies around Saguaro Lake. Dolly Steamboat and Apache Trail tour from Phoenix area. Answer 1 of 7: We have been on the Dolly steamboat twice. 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. 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 so happy to know Buddy is making you smile. When we do, it is to celebrate a special occasion. We could eat him up too. Frank was very informative and made our trip memorable! Eric our guide was very good! (It expires on Sept 25. Copyright 2008-2023 Emily FaganAll rights reserved. After your narrated cruise, visit the small town of Tortilla Flat, taking in views of the rare desert landscape along the way. Nestled in the heart of the Superstition Mountains lie spectacular Canyon Lake, home of the Dolly Steamboat. We drove down the Apache rail and took a tour on the Desert Belle on the Saguaro Lake instead and had a GREAT experience. 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. 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. How does the Desert Belle compare? Apache Trail with Dolly Steamboat, City Highlights with Arizona Capitol Museum, and Verde Canyon Railroad with Jerome and the . |, 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. Mine pick was the smaller lobster, but my husband stuck to his usual New York strip. And it is not just about food. The perfect spot to bring out-of-town guests. 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 may be in your neck of the woods late this summer. 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. The boat has an open-air upper deck. The Lakeshore Restaurant offers tasty cuisine and . Snap photos of Tonto National Forest, and look for local wildlife such as bald eagles, coyotes and bobcats. . 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. The Southwest and northern Mexico are the only places on earth where this lush desert exists. The pics are really nice, as usual. After the wedding ceremony, they honeymooned for eight years in an RV to 49 states, nine Canadian provinces, and six Mexican states. They have starlit dinner cruises too! I highly recommend this tour. The Desert Belle is a locally owned tour boat offering graceful sightseeing cruises on spectacular Saguaro Lake. Dolly Steamboat & Saguaro Lake Ranch: January 26: Allied Tours: Verde Canyon & Grand Canyon Railraods: February 2-3: Free Spirit Vacations: Dolly Steamboat: February 8 . 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. We absolutely loved our excursion on the Dolly Steamboat. This was a great boat ride. My sister was visiting Arizona so I wanted to show her around and this was a great idea . Once aboard the Dolly you may view the majestic desert big horn sheep, bald eagles and a host of . Bald eagles, desert bighorn sheep, wild horses, deer, and bobcats are all known to make Saguaro Lake their home. Salt Cellar is the only underground restaurant in Arizona. 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. 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. Hop on board the Desert Belle, a restored sightseeing vessel with spectacular views of the desert landscape. The Desert Belle operates Under Permit From the USDA Tonto National Forest. Expect to be treated with outstanding service and personal attention to your every need. 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! Pro Tips: Please visit their website or call to find out if they are welcoming dining-only guests. 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. Use Google for directions and input Canyon Lake Marina and Campground. A group of kids in front of us eagerly waited for Dolly to come in from her last excursion. 9 years ago Save We have been on the Dolly steamboat twice. $140. var pl = document.createElement('script'); Planning a boat ride along with visits to Lost Dutchman SP, Tortilla Flat. Both are nice relaxing scenic boat rides that you will enjoy. Get Directions Loved the tour guide and his explanations of the plants. We have come to define a good dining experience as something unique, not just because of the food but also because of the place. */ Copyright 20042023 Yelp Inc. Yelp, , and related marks are registered trademarks of Yelp. The only downside is the cramped seating. Climb on board for a trip around the secluded inner waterways. We really enjoyed our drive on the Apache Trail. I enjoyed both equally. 12,944 were here. Certainly Canyon Lake would be more convenient for you since you are already planning to go on Apache Trail. There are also two glass-enclosed wine vaults with more than 600 wine bottles, including many rare South American varieties. , and birds. For our ninth anniversary, my husband looked hard for a seafood place because that is my favorite, having grown up on the Philippine islands. Desert Belle Cruises. 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. Thanks, Renee. Desert Belle Cruises. . Frank, our guide, did a great job with some interesting stories about the history of the area. All Rights Reserved, Worldwide. We depart from hotels and resorts in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe and Mesa. Canyon Lake Marina & Campground has a big open grassy area thats great for playing fetch. 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 Both the van driver and boat captain were very interesting narrators. var cidParams = []; This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. This level is also handicap accessible. If you love to try new things, head to Tortilla Flat's Dolly Steamboat, AZ and experience something new and exciting. If you're looking for things to do outdoors, look no further. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Welcome to our siteand enjoy!! The Desert Belle operates Under Permit From the USDA Tonto National Forest. The Desert Belle is a unique way to enjoy all the beauty that Arizona has to offer. Our tour guide was very helpful and friendly, and the food at tortilla flats was very good. 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. Unfortunately, the brutal summer months often make outdoor activities like hiking impossible. The spacious, 6,500-square-foot restaurant has a 1,000-pound door crafted from African and South American stones. Great guide. Also note that creekside dining may not be available during the winter months. Ive been really really good for days. " 29/03/2022. Planning a boat ride along with visits to Lost Dutchman SP, Tortilla Flat. He slept right through the enormous rising full moon! . Monte Vista RV Resort in AZ Arts, Crafts and Sports Fun! Fully refundable Reserve now, pay when you stay. Dolly Steamboat - Canyon Lake. Our newsletter is sent out quarterly to provide things to do for each season! New to this site? Absolutely loved it. . Sweet Days at Roosevelt Lake, Arizona. Fabulous band onboard, "Southwest Surfers (but I understand they use different bands on different days). Your email address will not be published. Taking the Mail Boat Ferry to Maines Cranberry Islands. Tonto National Monument AZ Lower Cliff Dwellings. 1. Listen as your captain recounts the legends and lore of the mysterious Superstition Mountains. 8.6/10 Excellent! Highly recommend! We thought this was a very nice thing to do and enjoyed our cruise. 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. Enjoy an 80 minute nature cruise narrated by a coastguard certified captain describing the history, geology, geography and wildlife native to the Sonoran Desert! There were always more views around the next bend. I also loved the Dolly Steamboat tour of the lake. 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. Our dinner cruises offer all of the grandeur of the daily cruise plus the ambiance of the twilight. The staff is delightful. *Please confirm with local operator. 257. As the Desert Belle boat cruises leisurely, guides point out various flora, fauna, and extraterrestrials disguised as Arizona wildlife dotting the landscape. If anyone is interested, there is a Groupon for the Dolly Steamboat. 04-02-2013, 09:32 AM Ponderosa : Location: Sonoran Desert. Finally, she appeared, and we made our way down the dock and onto the boat. Had a great time. The large windows and open aft decks provide great vantage points for viewing the wildlife and scenery. Pro Tip: Salt Cellar has also pioneered the twin happy hour concept, serving discounted cocktails and classic appetizers that include shrimps, oysters, clams, mussels, and crab cakes. Great lunch at tortilla flat. The tour was amazing despite of the rain. Reasonably priced Favorite for those who like water in the desert The guide is very engaging. The landscape is so unique and beautiful that made me proud of this country. Thanks for the additional excursion idea for the area and knowing that dogs can take the river cruise is a bonus. But it is the other one, Dolly Steamboat on Canyon Lake, which offers dinners onboard the boat. Be alert on the way in, have a sumptuous dinner, and allow romance to fill the air on the way back. This past week we took a ride on the Dolly Steamboat on Canyon Lake. Canyon Lake is a big blue expanse of water in the middle of the desert. Great post and informative. The Real Arizona - Canyon Lake Nestled in the heart of the Superstition Mountains lies Canyon Lake, Throughout the tour he would point out animals and we were able to see a few bald eagles! 37,518 posts, read 47,846,144 times Reputation: 26227. Please use Highway 88 from Apache Junction to access Canyon Lake Marina.**. Learned lots & saw lots! That is, until she met her travel partner on the internet! Pro Tip: Availability is tight for months in advance, and COVID capacity restrictions may still be in place, so call for reservations. 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. There are wonderful seats on the deck that offer a great view. 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! There is so much to do at Saguaro Lake!