View the majestic desert bighorn sheep, bald eagles and a host of other wildlife, waterfowl, and birds. The explanation about the canals and water was very interesting. That is, until she met her travel partner on the internet! As music by Enya played softly over the loudspeaker, we floated past exquisite desert landscapes. ), http://www.groupon.com/deals/dolly-steamboat-3. Desert Belle Vs Dolly Steamboat This experience requires good weather. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Finally, after about an hour and a half of gliding through the desert on glassy water, it was time to head back in to shore. Walking through the desert and learning about the different cacti. 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). Desert Belle - Saguaro Lake. 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. Dolly Steamboat - Canyon Lake. Dolly Steamboat | Dining & Sightseeing Tours on Canyon Lake, AZ If this happens, we will direct you to a different pick up location. How does the Desert Belle compare? Definitely I recommend this tour. Dolly steamboat or Desert belle? - Phoenix Forum - Tripadvisor The Dolly Steamboat: Sightseeing and Dinner Steamboat Cruises in Tortilla Flat, Arizona. Desert Belle Sightseeing Cruise on Saguaro Lake The trip isn't too long, and we were very comfortable the entire time. At the heart of the restaurant are a wood-fired grill and wood-burning oven. 9 years ago Save We have been on the Dolly steamboat twice. This offer will be removed in 60s. View Website. var defaultParams = {"vid":"tou"}; Copyright 20042023 Yelp Inc. Yelp, , and related marks are registered trademarks of Yelp. Fantastic views offered at a fairly affordable price. There are also two glass-enclosed wine vaults with more than 600 wine bottles, including many rare South American varieties. Would definitely recommend this tour! Click here for directions and maps of Saguaro Lake and the area. " The Skies were dark! ), http://www.groupon.com/deals/dolly-steamboat-3. Dead Horse Ranch State Park + Tuzigoot and Clarkdale. Feel free to ask questions, move about and mingle with the crew. Absolutely loved it. I enjoyed both equally. DESERT BELLE CRUISES - 447 Photos & 258 Reviews - Yelp Finally, she appeared, and we made our way down the dock and onto the boat. Fossil Creek Waterfall A Pretty Hike to a Scenic Cascade. I could just eat him up! 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. Nature walk was fun and interesting. While we marveled at the scenery, Buddy enjoyed the new smells. A definite must do on your trip. We also touch on the beautiful flora from the stately Saguaro cacti to the microscopic organism called desert varnish. 280. Before we leave Sedona, let me tell you about the other dining place we consider a must-visit. The day was relaxing and the views in Canyon Lake were spectacular! 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. Get Deal. params.cid = cid.join('|'); All you need is. You will be amazed at its grand, sweeping staircase, fabulous first-class decor, and even a vintage telephone system. Enjoyed it very much. They only served hotel guests during COVID times. And we also had a fun group! Report inappropriate content 1-7 of 7 replies Sorted by 1 Janss Sedona, AZ Destination Expert for Sedona Level Contributor 3,374 posts 8 reviews 10 helpful votes 1. Group Tours and Team Bonding in Tempe, AZ | Tempe Tourism We have a coupon for both so we might just try the Desert Belle this time. Tour Boat near Mesa, AZ. (509 reviews) "The property is well maintained and very clean. There were always more views around the next bend. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experiences start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded. 4. We have come to define a good dining experience as something unique, not just because of the food but also because of the place. 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. This is the perfect spot for local residents and out-of-town guests of all ages. But there is another draw to this place. Hop on board the Desert Belle, a restored sightseeing vessel with spectacular views of the desert landscape. If anyone is interested, there is a Groupon for the Dolly Steamboat. Agent Patricia at Fox Car Rental Phoenix airport best place to stay in Phoenix without breaking the bank. Overview. Copyright 2008-2023 Emily FaganAll rights reserved. The Desert Belle is a locally owned tour boat offering graceful sightseeing cruises on spectacular Saguaro Lake. I've been on both these boats. Where: The Dolly Steamboat, 16802 Arizona 88, Tortilla Flat. Reasonably priced Favorite for those who like water in the desert The guide is very engaging. Lost Dutchman State Park Campground Arizona Gold in the Superstitions, Fall Colors and Wildlife on the Sonoran Desert Rivers in Arizona. This past week we took a ride on the Dolly Steamboat on Canyon Lake. The cost was $25.00 for a 90-minute tour. Kudos to our tour guide, Han despite the weather was not cooperating we still have wonderful tour. Originally launched in 1964, the Desert Belle has been plowing the waters of Saguaro Lake for over fifty years. This level is also handicap accessible. Depends on what you plan to do with the rest of your day. Because recent reports say the unpaved portion of the Apache Trail is in poor condition. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Great afternoon and well worth the money. There is seating out on deck, and we found a seat at a table to take in the view. Beautiful sightseeing tours. The Lakeshore Restaurant offers tasty cuisine and . From pop to jazz to classic rock, these popular cruises sell-out quickly. I bought one - we are going next week. Our goal, to share the worlds unique, hidden and once in a lifetime locations with you to create unforgettable memories. Saguaro Lake Cruises. The first one is from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., and then a second one happens from 10 p.m. to closing. Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews. Luckily, they also have a la carte menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner that our budget could accommodate. The views are fantastic. The Dolly Steamboat - Facebook Learned lots & saw lots! When we do, it is to celebrate a special occasion. 8:30 am to 5 pm. You'll be entertained by our captains on the narrated cruises learning about the history, geology, geography and wildlife native to the Sonoran Desert. for(key in params) { paramsArr.push(key + '=' + encodeURIComponent(params[key])) }; The Southwest and northern Mexico are the only places on earth where this lush desert exists. Desert Belle Cruises 2019 All Rights Reserved. All prices subject to change. Dolly Boat trip 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 one-day trip takes you deep into the Sonora Desert loaded with Saguaro cactus and beautiful desert landscapes. It was only approx an hour drive from Phoenix and well worth it. Decorated as a snug seaside hideaway, this dining place is located below ground on the posh side of the valley, in upscale Scottsdale. We did the Desert Belle this past Sat. 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. 37,518 posts, read 47,846,144 times Reputation: 26227. And the seafood menu was indeed outstanding. Desert Belle, 14011 N Bush Hwy, Mesa, AZ - Groupon But to our surprise, we traveled three miles into the hinterlands, winding our way through fabulous rock canyons that were studded with saguaro cactus. Enjoyed it very much. Learn about Arizona's local culture on this fun, informative tour. The Dolly Steamboat has indoor seating down below, as well as snacks and goodies for sale. Report inappropriate content 1-3 of 3 replies The steamboat tour was amazing, beautiful scenery and Rock formations. Pro Tip: Wrigley Mansion also offers tours of the elegant house. They do not scrimp on the dessert either, and you can even go for seconds! Eric our guide was very good! Let me know when the beach cruiser booze cruise happens. Mine pick was the smaller lobster, but my husband stuck to his usual New York strip. , and birds. He liked to show us how fast he could zip between the legs of our tripods. 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. The spacious, 6,500-square-foot restaurant has a 1,000-pound door crafted from African and South American stones. But it is the other one, Dolly Steamboat on Canyon Lake, which offers dinners onboard the boat. 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. How does the Desert Belle compare? Beat the heat on our air conditioned lower and upper decks! Frank, our guide, did a great job with some interesting stories about the history of the area. We have been on the Dolly steamboat twice. var paramsArr = []; One such cruise is the Desert Belle that plies around Saguaro Lake. If we are doing a UYE I say booze cruise (chartered of course since majority rules), The cruise to ensenada from long beach is just a booze cruise. Apache Trail and Dolly Steamboat One-Day Van Tour from Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe or Mesa . Answer 1 of 7: We have been on the Dolly steamboat twice. We even saw lambs! The lower level is partially air-conditioned and has a snack bar and two restrooms. The following year, my husband brought me back for a magical 10th-anniversary lunch. Throughout the tour he would point out animals and we were able to see a few bald eagles! */ The 2 deck boat features a covered upper deck, air conditioned lower deck, and a cash snack and drink bar. ), JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, GreenTree Inn & Suites Phoenix Sky Harbor. Frank was a knowledgeable and accommodating tour guide and the group was fun! 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. Get Deal. Canyon Lake turns out to be a lot bigger than it seems from the Apache Trail. One of our family is a horticulture major and found the plant discussion right on and really interesting. Beat the heat on our climate controlled lower and upper decks. Washington Cog Railway The Little Engine That Could! 6 Unique Dining Experiences In Arizona | TravelAwaits Live music is offered every weekend and features some of the most talented musicians in Arizona. ): More of our Latest Posts are in the MENU. We offer narrated nature cruises, twilight dinner cruises and astronomy cruises. But I preferred the scenery in Saguaro Lake. Depends on what you plan to do with the rest of your day. 04-02-2013, 09:32 AM Ponderosa : Location: Sonoran Desert. 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. Seen from our truck window on the Apache Trail (Route 88), Canyon Lake doesnt look all that big. Well worth the money for this tour, the views alone are breathtaking! This was a great boat ride. My 5 Favorite Springtime Experiences In The Arizona Desert We have been to Arizona quite a lot, and didn't even know about this tour! Take a Mark Twain voyage and admire the breathtaking scenery as you enjoy a presentation on the solar system with Dr. Sky. Wonderful time. document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]).appendChild(pl); 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. About. It is full of hairpin turns and sweeping views, and there are serious drop-offs too! Bring binoculars and cash for boat amenities. The Dolly Steamboat heads into the canyon where it will disappear from view. As the Desert Belle boat cruises leisurely, guides point out various flora, fauna, and extraterrestrials disguised as Arizona wildlife dotting the landscape. Thanks again for a wonderful post. Cress is a fine dining restaurant with a price range to match. The Dolly Steamboat, Tortilla Flat Dolly is a steamboat that sails the Canyon Lake in the heart of Superstition Mountains. 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 next day we went to stand in line at the Dolly Steamboat dock. Visit RVers Start Here to find where we keep all the good stuff and check out our GEAR STORE!! Phoenix Tourism Phoenix Hotels Bed and Breakfast Phoenix Phoenix Holiday Rentals Phoenix Holiday Packages Flights to Phoenix Phoenix Restaurants If you do Dolly, then you can stop at Tortilla Flat for lunch or ever a quick look at Goldfield. /* Please do not modify the below code. Originally launched in 1964, the Desert Belle has been cruising the waters of Saguaro Lake for over fifty years. Quote: Originally Posted by DetroitN8V. 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. 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. 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. He was very friendly, knowledgeable and great personality. Salt Cellar is the only underground restaurant in Arizona. Desert Belle Vs Dolly Steamboat - Web up to 9.6% cash back dolly steamboat and apache trail tour from phoenix area. Great for all ages. Both sit atop hills, commanding dramatic views of the mountains and the city (or island). 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. You'll often see Bighorn Sheep, Bald Eagles and other wildlife as you cruise the waters of Canyon Lake. +14808279144. Board the Dolly Steamboat for sightseeing & dinner cruises on Canyon Lake in Tortilla Flat, Arizona. Ride the old fashioned Dolly Steamboat through the slot canyon at Canyon Lake and then hit the Apache Trail through the Sonora Desert on this tour from the Phoenix area. It was a great tour we would do it again. ViewPoint RV & Golf Resort RVers and Golfers Delight! Relax in air-conditioned comfort on one of her 80 minute narrated cruises and see exotic Arizona wildlife, towering canyon walls and dramatic desert vistas. Then, in 1987 the Grimh family purchased the steamboat. Lakes and Rivers Near Scottsdale - Experience Scottsdale for(key in defaultParams) { params[key] = defaultParams[key]; }; The drive is quiet and very beautiful with unending views of cacti and mountains. Ive been really really good for days. 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. This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers. 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. :-) Reply Delete. Enjoy a narrated 90-minute cruise on Saguaro Lake, an easy drive from Phoenix and Mesa. He slept right through the enormous rising full moon! Have also done both and equally liked them. Your email address will not be published. I bought one - we are going next week. Dolly steamboat or Desert belle? - Phoenix Forum - Tripadvisor Very knowledgeable tour guide. 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. The Dolly Steamboat was patiently waiting to take her first group of passengers out for a nature tour on Canyon Lake. We are using the Groupon for Gold Canyon Resort also in two weeks. 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. *Price does not include tax and gratuity. You just cannot go wrong. . Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. . Years ago we rode on the Desert Belle on Saguaro Lake and absolutely loved it. We are for sure going again . Since then, Jeff and Cindi have been running operations with the crew they've hired. How does the Desert Belle compare? Ive added this to our list for Arizona! Restaurants Near the Dolly Steamboat, Tortilla Flat, AZ - Tripadvisor What would the pup think of a boat ride?! Tour Itinerary Tours to the Apache Trail and Dolly Steamboat run on Tuesdays and Thursdays. If its too hot on deck, theres a cool spot in the cabin with big picture windows. Enjoy some of Arizonas finest craft beers while listening to great live music aboard the Desert Belle. A very memorable experience. When he wasnt busy doing that, he was sprinting across the lakeside lawn carrying his favorite pink rope toy. The choice of places to go and the overall plan of the tour is good. Wine cruises are offered Wednesdays in the months October-June. Carolina Esguerra Colborn April 14, 2022 at 3:44 AM. 528. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund. Dolly Steamboat. Save Any opinions on which is the better tour, Dolly Steamboat on Canyon Lake, or Desert Belle on Saguaro? They have starlit dinner cruises too! We absolutely loved our excursion on the Dolly Steamboat. Experience the unique ambiance that is created by the sounds of plying through the waters of Canyon Lake. Im a professional in my 50s and my kids are young adults. Enjoy award-winning wines and great live music while cruising the beautiful waters of Saguaro Lake. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Well gosh, hes wriggled his sweet little furry self right into the center of our lives!! 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. You are turning around at Tortilla Flats if you're going soon, right? Was informative and interesting Experience the unique ambiance that is created by the sounds of plying through the waters of Canyon Lake. About - Desert Belle Cruises My husband thought it was good enough for our 11th-anniversary dinner. Use Google for directions and input Canyon Lake Marina and Campground. You will love it! It didnt matter, though, the scenery was so stunning. There are several cruise companies in the area, Dolly Steamboat being one of your options. " Disgusted " 03/07/2022. There are two free boat-in campgrounds too! . Experience the magnificence of both desert beauty and natural wildlife of one of the Valley's hidden treasures . They now call Mesa, Arizona, home. My favorite is the steamboat - Desert Belle which plies around Saguaro Lake sounds perfect. A very pleasant way to see the sites. This narrated cruise explores a slot canyon. 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. 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. Rent a pontoon boat, or take a relaxing Desert Belle tour boat ride around the lake, then eat at the ShipRock Restaurant. The boat has an open-air upper deck. Best boat trip in the Apache trail lakes? (Mesa, Steamboat: rental car 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. Dolly Steamboat Cruise- The Best Way To Experience Canyon Lake Desert Belle Cruises. 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. more. They were actually replaced by wine cruises with live . Listen as your captain recounts the legends and lore of the mysterious Superstition Mountains. Both the van driver and boat captain were very interesting narrators. I agree. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. . 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. Hmmmm a boat ride might be pretty fun! The landscape is so unique and beautiful that made me proud of this country. Planning a boat ride along with visits to Lost Dutchman SP, Tortilla Flat. Fully refundable Reserve now, pay when you stay. Great guide. Air conditioned lower and upper cabin during summer months. Canyon Lake Marina & Campground has a big open grassy area thats great for playing fetch. Rec -Kid-friendly breakfast stop near Target/WalMart (north). 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. No consideration for guests - Review of the Dolly Steamboat, Tortilla Unfortunately, the brutal summer months often make outdoor activities like hiking impossible. Restaurant stop was good too, cute place and good food. Snow in the Arizona Desert A Beautiful Fairy Dusting! And we loved the cruise! Dolly Steamboat, 16802 Highway 88, Tortilla Flat, AZ - Groupon There is so much to do at Saguaro Lake! If its canceled due to poor weather, youll be offered a different date or a full refund. Cost: Scenic Nature Cruise is $22 adults and teens 13 and older, $20 seniors, $12 children 5-12, free . 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.
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