#8 of 61 restaurants in apache junction. probably every time we are in Mesa. 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. They now call Mesa, Arizona, home. Beat the heat on our air conditioned lower and upper decks! 51 helpful votes Dolly steamboat or Desert belle? Hes been getting lots of hugs and love from a whole host of beautiful young girls and he doesnt seem to mind one bit that he now smells like a 13 year old girl. for(key in defaultParams) { params[key] = defaultParams[key]; }; We absolutely loved our excursion on the Dolly Steamboat. 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! We also touch on the beautiful flora from the stately Saguaro cacti to the microscopic organism called desert varnish. Years ago we rode on the Desert Belle on Saguaro Lake and absolutely loved it. pl.async = true; Our newsletter is sent out quarterly to provide things to do for each season! Here's some of the GEAR we use and great IDEAS for you! Had a great time. The boat ride was fun and beautiful as well. Use Google for directions and input Canyon Lake Marina and Campground. 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. Where: The Dolly Steamboat, 16802 Arizona 88, Tortilla Flat. Thank you for letting us know you enjoy seeing Buddys little mug and antics!!! The 2 deck boat features a covered upper deck, air conditioned lower deck, and a cash snack and drink bar. Web enjoy an 80 minute cruise describing the history, geology, geography and wildlife native to the sonoran desert . At the heart of the restaurant are a wood-fired grill and wood-burning oven. Whatever you choose, The Desert Belle is a unique way to enjoy all the beauty that Arizona has to offer. I agree. Here in America, I have learned to prepare many dishes well, so my husband and I rarely go out to eat. This place is sure to be a fun experience for the whole family! Learn about Arizona's local culture on this fun, informative tour. Im a professional in my 50s and my kids are young adults. Luckily, her schoolmate pediatrician friend was a member, and he invited her for dinner there and the invite was extended to include us, her hosts! 1. Driving from Phoenix to Las Vegas (Scenic or Boring? " Disgusted " 03/07/2022. Hes a very quiet little pooch, but he does know how to express himself and let us know what he wants. var cidParams = []; I enjoyed both equally. Like you said, the lake seems small but when you get down in it, its much bigger. 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. We depart from hotels and resorts in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe and Mesa. Great guide. Our dinner cruises offer all of the grandeur of the daily cruise plus the ambiance of the twilight. Because recent reports say the unpaved portion of the Apache Trail is in poor condition. (It expires on Sept 25. The guide was excellent!! Exp:Apr 30, 2023. We drove down the Apache rail and took a tour on the Desert Belle on the Saguaro Lake instead and had a GREAT experience. We have been on the Dolly steamboat twice. |, 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. 9 years ago Save We have been on the Dolly steamboat twice. We saw bach on the steamboat ride. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Visit RVers Start Here to find where we keep all the good stuff and check out our GEAR STORE!! 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. (509 reviews) "The property is well maintained and very clean. All prices subject to change. Im so happy to know Buddy is making you smile. Great pics, Em. Ride in your choice of an air-conditioned cabin or shaded open-air top deck, with great . Stay in the loop and travel with us! 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. And the seafood menu was indeed outstanding. I just thought it was a little more interesting and cool looking (as in neato, not cold). Beat the heat on our climate controlled lower and upper decks. Our guide, Hon was a knowledgeable, considerate, fun guide who drove like a limo driver. Desert Belle Cruises. Dolly Steamboat. "I fished Bartlett yesterday with Larry and we caught 21 largemouth by 10am." more. Oh, those beautiful mountains and cactus! Our tour guide (Kim) was very knowledgeable and considerate of everyone in the group. If anyone is interested, there is a Groupon for the Dolly Steamboat. . Would definitely recommend this tour! Originally launched in 1964, the Desert Belle has been cruising the waters of Saguaro Lake for over fifty years. When we do, it is to celebrate a special occasion. 12,944 were here. While hiking is the best way to get up close to the various forms of desert plant life, a cruise is a nice alternative when the temps soar well into the 100s. As I suspected, Puppy Chow is taking over the blog! How does the Desert Belle compare? Nothing like dining and feasting your eyes too! Desert Belle Cruises 2019 All Rights Reserved. The only downside is the cramped seating. Experience the magnificence of both desert beauty and natural wildlife of one of the Valley's hidden treasures . Our tour guide was Captain John and he was fantastic. Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list. 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. 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. 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 drive is quiet and very beautiful with unending views of cacti and mountains. 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). 04-02-2013, 09:32 AM Ponderosa : Location: Sonoran Desert. 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. Enjoyed it very much. He liked to show us how fast he could zip between the legs of our tripods. Saguaro Lake Cruises. All you need is. If you do Dolly, then you can stop at Tortilla Flat for lunch or ever a quick look at Goldfield. When we settled in Arizona after our many years on the road, the food scene did not disappoint. And we loved the cruise! Great afternoon and well worth the money. The Dolly Steamboat was patiently waiting to take her first group of passengers out for a nature tour on Canyon Lake. Enjoy an 80 minute cruise describing the History, Geology, Geography and Wildlife native to the Sonoran Desert narrated live by a coastguard certified captain! Copyright 2008-2023 Emily FaganAll rights reserved. Loved the tour guide and his explanations of the plants. Planning a boat ride along with visits to Lost Dutchman SP, Tortilla Flat. Dead Horse Ranch State Park + Tuzigoot and Clarkdale. Click here to email customerservice@dollysteamboat.net, Click here to view location 16802 AZ-88, Tortilla Flat, AZ 85117. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. "The captain was very informative and answered everyone's questions, including what kinds of fish ." more. We really enjoyed our drive on the Apache Trail. We are using the Groupon for Gold Canyon Resort also in two weeks. The Desert Belle operates Under Permit From the USDA Tonto National Forest. Bald eagles, desert bighorn sheep, wild horses, deer, and bobcats are all known to make Saguaro Lake their home. All road closures are passed Tortilla Flat to Apache Lake. Burrowing owls in Gilbert, Arizona Theyre a Hoot! Dolly Steamboat or Desert Belle? This past week we took a ride on the Dolly Steamboat on Canyon Lake. But to our surprise, we traveled three miles into the hinterlands, winding our way through fabulous rock canyons that were studded with saguaro cactus. A very memorable experience. Great post and informative. But seeing a lake from the shore isnt the same as seeing it from the water. document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]).appendChild(pl); Fabulous band onboard, "Southwest Surfers (but I understand they use different bands on different days). Active now! Planning a boat ride along with visits to Lost Dutchman SP, Tortilla Flat. 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! Executive Chef Christopher Gross leads a strong culinary team, and CEO and Sommelier Paola Embry directs the wine program that consistently wins prestigious wine awards. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. ), JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, GreenTree Inn & Suites Phoenix Sky Harbor. All this beauty inspired us to have an anniversary photoshoot. And we also had a fun group! This is a placeholder "Excellent ride, it's kind of a mix between a social booze cruise and Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom . Kids wait for the Dolly Steamboat to arrive at the dock. Thanks! Do you have meal plans or are you taking a picnic? Before I tell you about my other five picks, let me tell you about the fun dinner we had on a steamboat. View the majestic desert bighorn sheep, bald eagles and a host of other wildlife, waterfowl, and birds. The lower level is partially air-conditioned and has a snack bar and two restrooms. It's Also about Inner Ones, is a collection of her most widely-read blog posts and articles. Pro Tip: Availability is tight for months in advance, and COVID capacity restrictions may still be in place, so call for reservations. As a premium dining experience, they advise a resort casual dress code for the main dining room. I also loved the Dolly Steamboat tour of the lake. The Southwest and northern Mexico are the only places on earth where this lush desert exists. New to this site? Years ago we rode on the Desert Belle on Saguaro Lake and absolutely loved it. After your narrated cruise, visit the small town of Tortilla Flat, taking in views of the rare desert landscape along the way. 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. ), http://www.groupon.com/deals/dolly-steamboat-3. Report inappropriate content 1-7 of 7 replies Sorted by 1 Janss Sedona, AZ Destination Expert for Sedona Level Contributor 3,391 posts 8 reviews 10 helpful votes 1. Exp:May 14, 2023. If you're looking for things to do outdoors, look no further. Snow in the Arizona Desert A Beautiful Fairy Dusting! The rocky canyon is extremely craggy and rugged with saguaro cacti poking up all over the place. Peach Faced Lovebirds in Phoenix, AZ Parrots in Cactus! If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experiences start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded. more. We are for sure going again . Lost Dutchman State Park Campground Arizona Gold in the Superstitions, Fall Colors and Wildlife on the Sonoran Desert Rivers in Arizona. There are wonderful seats on the deck that offer a great view. Many households had cooks in Manila, where I grew up, so I never really learned how to cook there. Expect to be treated with outstanding service and personal attention to your every need. 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. The Dolly boat ride was quite relaxing. 13 mi from Dolly Steamboat. The Desert Belle Tour Boat offers 80 minute cruises describing the history, geography, geology and w Desert Belle Cruises | Mesa AZ Where to See WILDFLOWERS (especially POPPIES) in Arizona 2023! There is seating out on deck, and we found a seat at a table to take in the view. Air conditioned lower and upper cabin during summer months. Relax in comfort and see exotic Arizona wildlife, towering canyon walls and dramatic desert vistas. RV Solar Upgrade with Renogy and Go Power ! Nature walk was fun and interesting. When he wasnt busy doing that, he was sprinting across the lakeside lawn carrying his favorite pink rope toy. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund. I agree. *Price does not include tax and gratuity. The Dolly Steamboat is a family run business that provides outstanding cruise experiences on Canyon Lake in Arizona. . RV Keyless Entry Door Lock Problems? #16 of 59 Restaurants in Apache Junction. (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. My sister was visiting Arizona so I wanted to show her around and this was a great idea . In terms of scenic outdoor adventures in the Phoenix area, hiking is the way to go. The guide/captain was very informative, and it's a wonderful cruise. Apache Trail and Dolly Steamboat One-Day Van Tour from Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe or Mesa . Be alert on the way in, have a sumptuous dinner, and allow romance to fill the air on the way back. Dolly Steamboat. The Dolly Steamboat heads into the canyon where it will disappear from view. Desert Belle Vs Dolly Steamboat - Web up to 9.6% cash back dolly steamboat and apache trail tour from phoenix area. Eric our guide was very good! A very pleasant way to see the sites. Also note that creekside dining may not be available during the winter months. RV Life is FUN and EASYGood EQUIPMENT makes it even better!! Take up to 10% off on Amazon Dolly Steamboat sales. 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! This simple little boat ride is a definite must do if you like the desert and want a scenic outing. 52 reviews. The day was relaxing and the views in Canyon Lake were spectacular! Dolly Steamboat offers sightseeing and dinner cruises on Canyon Lake, just outside the greater Phoenix area. I could just eat him up! The trip isn't too long, and we were very comfortable the entire time. Was informative and interesting Desert Belle - Saguaro Lake. With stunning floor-to-ceiling windows, Mariposa is perched atop a scenic bluff giving panoramic views of the majestic rocks to every table. I've been on both these boats. 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. Both the Dolly and Desert Belle are lovely boating excursions on Arizonas desert lakes. Cruise secluded waterways and relax while you admire the breathtaking flora and fauna of the lower Sonoran desert. Dolly steamboat or Desert belle? Enjoyed it! Absolutely loved it. Hop on board the Desert Belle, a restored sightseeing vessel with spectacular views of the desert landscape. Tonto National Monument AZ Lower Cliff Dwellings. 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. Look out for wildlife like long horn sheep and eagles along the way. It was only approx an hour drive from Phoenix and well worth it. There are several cruise companies in the area, Dolly Steamboat being one of your options. The menu is so extensive that no one with a seafood craving will go away dissatisfied. There are also two glass-enclosed wine vaults with more than 600 wine bottles, including many rare South American varieties. The actual boat part of it is similar enough to me that is doesn't make any difference. I've heard of this tour a few times before I decided to try it. Tonto National Monument AZ Workamping with the Ancients! . But I preferred the scenery in Saguaro Lake. 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. Experience the unique ambiance that is created by the sounds of plying through the waters of Canyon Lake. Bob. Definitely I recommend this tour. Depends on what you plan to do with the rest of your day. We had a choice of grilled steaks or chicken with plenty of vegetables, potatoes, bread, and fruits. Beautiful sightseeing tours. Stehekin Ferry Cruise to a Hidden Gem in the North Cascades! We even saw lambs! 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. A great way to see beautiful rock formations, wildlife, and a gorgeous lake. Buddy found a cool spot of his own down a narrow passageway on deck. Party & Event Planning. 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. Enjoy award-winning wines and great live music while cruising the beautiful waters of Saguaro Lake. Beat the heat on our climate controlled lower and upper decks. Great for all ages. pl.src = 'https://beacon.sojern.com/pixel/p/216662?f_v=v6_js&p_v=1&' + paramsArr.join('&'); Mine pick was the smaller lobster, but my husband stuck to his usual New York strip. Thanks! Worth trying if you live here or if you're visiting from another state. Highly recommend! 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. Is Phoenix too hot to visit during the summer months? This experience requires good weather. On this cruise you will see towering canyon walls, dramatic desert vistas and desert wildlife. . --Emily & Mark Fagan, traveling by land and sea since 2007. If anyone is interested, there is a Groupon for the Dolly Steamboat. The Wind Cave Hike in Phoenix AZ The Hills are Alive! Snap photos of Tonto National Forest, and look for local wildlife such as bald eagles, coyotes and bobcats. Hear the roar of the dinosaurs at the Arizona Museum of Natural History. Try this quick fix! Canyon Lake is a big blue expanse of water in the middle of the desert. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experiences start time. They were actually replaced by wine cruises with live music during the days of COVID, but the Twilight Dinner Cruise has since resumed at 5 p.m. every day. Well worth the money for this tour, the views alone are breathtaking! My sister even said that she enjoyed this tour more than our visit to the Grand Canyon! 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! Worth it. The big horned sheep were well represented. Restaurant stop was good too, cute place and good food. We may be in your neck of the woods late this summer. But it is the other one, Dolly Steamboat on Canyon Lake, which offers dinners onboard the boat. Have also done both and equally liked them. Dolly Steamboat & Saguaro Lake Ranch: January 26: Allied Tours: Verde Canyon & Grand Canyon Railraods: February 2-3: Free Spirit Vacations: Dolly Steamboat: February 8 . The food on the windstar was incredible. Across Arizona Tours, LLC is not responsible for viewing conditions at the sites visited and reserves the right to alter tour itineraries due to road or weather conditions. Enjoy an 80 minute nature cruise narrated by a coastguard certified captain describing the history, geology, geography and wildlife native to the Sonoran Desert! Tours depart between 8:00 am and 9:00 am and . We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. Adding a business to Yelp is always free. Canyon Lake turns out to be a lot bigger than it seems from the Apache Trail. My husband thought it was good enough for our 11th-anniversary dinner. Great tour and good to get away from the city and to learn more about the areas history and people. Fantastic views offered at a fairly affordable price. var params = {}; 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. View the majestic desert bighorn sheep, bald eagles and a host of other wildlife, waterfowl, and birds. per night. Buddy sure looks like a good boy and seems to really be enjoying his new life. It was a great tour we would do it again. Janet & Steve. Desert Belle Cruises 2019 All Rights Reserved. var cid = []; Alternatively, you may use, JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, GreenTree Inn & Suites Phoenix Sky Harbor. We offer narrated nature cruises, twilight dinner cruises and astronomy cruises. . *Please confirm with local operator. Live music is offered every weekend and features some of the most talented musicians in Arizona. One such cruise is the Desert Belle that plies around Saguaro Lake. 55 talking about this. Saguaro Lake On the Waterfront in Phoenix. How does the Desert Belle compare? 16 km from the Dolly Steamboat. for(key in cidParams) { cid.push(params[cidParams[key]]); }; Save Any opinions on which is the better tour, Dolly Steamboat on Canyon Lake, or Desert Belle on Saguaro? 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.

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