Dolly Steamboat or Desert Belle? - Apache Junction Forum I think we all hit the jackpot when our paths crossed, and were very happy to be together. If anyone is interested, there is a Groupon for the Dolly Steamboat. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Subscribe 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. All prices subject to change. Ive been really really good for days. 8.6/10 Excellent! 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 boat has an open-air upper deck. Because recent reports say the unpaved portion of the Apache Trail is in poor condition. Loved the tour guide and his explanations of the plants. the Dolly Steamboat (Tortilla Flat) - All You Need to - Tripadvisor It's geared for college kids. Dolly Steamboat offers sightseeing and dinner cruises on Canyon Lake, just outside the greater Phoenix area. . A must do on any adventure. 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. Look out for wildlife like long horn sheep and eagles along the way. 528. 16 km from the Dolly Steamboat. On Holland. Thanks for the additional excursion idea for the area and knowing that dogs can take the river cruise is a bonus. AZ Great Adventure Fishing. ), JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, GreenTree Inn & Suites Phoenix Sky Harbor. She was part of Le Galerie, an art program package of lodging, food, and painting experiences offered by LAuberge, a group of cottages nestled under a canopy of sycamore treesas distinct as they are serene in Sedona, Arizona. #16 of 59 Restaurants in Apache Junction. 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! RV Solar Upgrade with Renogy and Go Power ! The first one is from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., and then a second one happens from 10 p.m. to closing. 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 tour was amazing despite of the rain. Photo credit: Carol Colborn Lakes. If you love to try new things, head to Tortilla Flat's Dolly Steamboat, AZ and experience something new and exciting. Many households had cooks in Manila, where I grew up, so I never really learned how to cook there. 4. The rocky canyon is extremely craggy and rugged with saguaro cacti poking up all over the place. Also note that creekside dining may not be available during the winter months. Bald eagles, desert bighorn sheep, wild horses, deer, and bobcats are all known to make Saguaro Lake their home. 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. 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 per night. Desert Belle Cruises 2019 All Rights Reserved. Fantastic views offered at a fairly affordable price. (It expires on Sept 25. The Desert Belle is a locally owned tour boat offering graceful sightseeing cruises on spectacular Saguaro Lake. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Enjoy 90 Minute Narrated Cruises or Live Music Cruises aboard The Desert Belle Tour Boat on Saguaro Lake in Mesa, AZ. Copy, reproduction or use of text or images is not permitted without written permission from the author or photographer. Learn about Arizona's local culture on this fun, informative tour. Copyright 20042023 Yelp Inc. Yelp, , and related marks are registered trademarks of Yelp. Alternatively, you may use, JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, GreenTree Inn & Suites Phoenix Sky Harbor. Where: The Dolly Steamboat, 16802 Arizona 88, Tortilla Flat. Fantastic views offered at a fairly affordable price. How does the Desert Belle compare? Keep your eyes open for long horn sheep and eagles. Luckily, they also have a la carte menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner that our budget could accommodate. We even saw lambs! But Salt Cellars offerings also change, featuring seasonal fish throughout the year. Dolly Steamboat. She has a BS in math, MBA, and DPA. 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. 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. Get Deal. 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. It frowns on hats, tank tops, shorts, flip-flops, and branded sportswear. Peach Faced Lovebirds in Phoenix, AZ Parrots in Cactus! Saguaro Lake is located within the Tonto National Forest just 20 minutes from Mesa, Arizona. Click here to email customerservice@dollysteamboat.net, Click here to view location 16802 AZ-88, Tortilla Flat, AZ 85117. Here in America, I have learned to prepare many dishes well, so my husband and I rarely go out to eat. 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. 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. 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. for(key in params) { paramsArr.push(key + '=' + encodeURIComponent(params[key])) }; Nature walk was fun and interesting. Dolly Steamboat Gliding Through the Arizona Desert on Canyon Lake. Listen as your captain recounts the legends and lore of the mysterious Superstition Mountains. Ive added this to our list for Arizona! 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. He liked to show us how fast he could zip between the legs of our tripods. 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. It didnt matter, though, the scenery was so stunning. Wonderful time. Originally launched in 1964, the Desert Belle has been plowing the waters of Saguaro Lake for over fifty years. 9 years ago Save We have been on the Dolly steamboat twice. *Price does not include tax and gratuity. Past Tours - DFishTours.com We may be in your neck of the woods late this summer. We did the Desert Belle this past Sat. Enjoyed it very much. I just thought it was a little more interesting and cool looking (as in neato, not cold). Would definitely recommend this tour! Along the way, your captain will recount the legends and lore of the Superstition Mountains. Thanks again for a wonderful post. Cruise scenic Canyon Lake aboard The Dolly Steamboat Stay in the loop and travel with us! 14 years ago Save Any opinions on which is the better tour, Dolly Steamboat on Canyon Lake, or Desert Belle on Saguaro? The actual boat part of it is similar enough to me that is doesn't make any difference. 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. Worth trying if you live here or if you're visiting from another state. 04-02-2013, 09:32 AM Ponderosa : Location: Sonoran Desert. All road closures are passed Tortilla Flat to Apache Lake. The lower level is partially air-conditioned and has a snack bar and two restrooms. A definite must do on your trip. The 2 deck boat features a covered upper deck, air conditioned lower deck, and a cash snack and drink bar. They're both 90 minute tours and almost the same distance. I bought one - we are going next week. Our tour guide was very helpful and friendly, and the food at tortilla flats was very good. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. When you descend the antique wooden three flights of stairs to the select tables below, you will be welcomed into a world far removed from the desert. Before I tell you about my other five picks, let me tell you about the fun dinner we had on a steamboat. Desert Belle Vs Dolly Steamboat - Web up to 9.6% cash back dolly steamboat and apache trail tour from phoenix area. more. They now call Mesa, Arizona, home. 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. Our dinner cruises offer all of the grandeur of the daily cruise plus the ambiance of the twilight. . $140. The explanation about the canals and water was very interesting. If you do Dolly, then you can stop at Tortilla Flat for lunch or ever a quick look at Goldfield. 945 E Scenic St 1535 E Old West Hwy. The Dolly Steamboat . The Dolly Steamboat heads into the canyon where it will disappear from view. Inspired by architectural elements from Spain; Monterey, California; and the Mediterranean, the original tiles that were shipped from the Wrigley familys tile factory on Catalina Island are still there. Shrink-wrap your screen door for winter! The Desert Belle is a unique way to enjoy all the beauty that Arizona has to offer. Toy Hauler Life Whats It Like Living in a Toy Hauler? While we marveled at the scenery, Buddy enjoyed the new smells. 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. Neither one stands out above the other IMO. 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. We thought this was a very nice thing to do and enjoyed our cruise. 1. Take a Mark Twain voyage and admire the breathtaking scenery as you enjoy a presentation on the solar system with Dr. Sky. Dolly Steamboat or Desert Belle? - Apache Junction Forum There were always more views around the next bend. Originally launched in 1964, the Desert Belle has been cruising the waters of Saguaro Lake for over fifty years. It was a great tour we would do it again. The trip isn't too long, and we were very comfortable the entire time. Party & Event Planning. Desert Belle Cruises | Mesa AZ - Facebook I love the desert walk, not too long for older people. A visit from a Filipino psychiatrist friend brought us to dine at the elegant Wrigley Mansion. Have lunch poolside and dinner at the Top of the Rock with panoramic views of the city below. 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. " Disgusted " 03/07/2022. I've heard of this tour a few times before I decided to try it. 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. This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers. ): More of our Latest Posts are in the MENU. Snap photos of Tonto National Forest, and look for local wildlife such as bald eagles, coyotes and bobcats. Try this quick fix! We also touch on the beautiful flora from the stately Saguaro cacti to the microscopic organism called desert varnish. Great post and informative. In addition, it gets pretty breezy once you start moving, so as long as you stay out of direct sunlight you should be fine. The views are fantastic. One of our family is a horticulture major and found the plant discussion right on and really interesting. params.cid = cid.join('|'); Desert Belle, 14011 N Bush Hwy, Mesa, AZ - Groupon Fully refundable Reserve now, pay when you stay. The large windows and open aft decks provide great vantage points for viewing the wildlife and scenery. Happy Trails!! Planning a boat ride along with visits to Lost Dutchman SP, Tortilla Flat. Both are very pleasant scenic boat rides. (It expires on Sept 25. 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. Dolly steamboat or Desert belle? - Phoenix Forum - Tripadvisor Canyon Lake is a big blue expanse of water in the middle of the desert. Pro Tip: Availability is tight for months in advance, and COVID capacity restrictions may still be in place, so call for reservations. Rent a pontoon boat, or take a relaxing Desert Belle tour boat ride around the lake, then eat at the ShipRock Restaurant. Thanks! Tour Boat near Mesa, AZ. Tours depart between 8:00 am and 9:00 am and . Have also done both and equally liked them. Would thoroughly recommend! Quote: Originally Posted by DetroitN8V. 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. If this happens, we will direct you to a different pick up location. The perfect spot to bring out-of-town guests. The tour guide did an excellent job in guiding us (only one more customer) and he is very personable. Active now! This is the perfect spot for both Arizona residents and out-of-town guests. Desert Belle Vs Dolly Steamboat There are two free boat-in campgrounds too! Depends on what you plan to do with the rest of your day. DESERT BELLE CRUISES - 447 Photos & 258 Reviews - Yelp Our guide Frank was excellent. And it is not just about food. Both are very pleasant scenic boat rides. With that said, Desert Belle or Dolly Steamboat? Report inappropriate content 1-3 of 3 replies Apache Trail and Dolly Steamboat Van Tour - Cool Destinations Dolly Steamboat or Desert Belle? (document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] || The Dolly Steamboat was patiently waiting to take her first group of passengers out for a nature tour on Canyon Lake. Oh, those beautiful mountains and cactus! Thanks! Ride in your choice of an air-conditioned cabin or shaded open-air top deck, with great . Nothing like dining and feasting your eyes too! Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Im a professional in my 50s and my kids are young adults. DOLLY STEAMBOAT - 656 Photos & 602 Reviews - 16802 AZ 88, Apache - Yelp The lake boasts more than 22 miles of shoreline and plenty of on-the-water-fun, including power boating, water skiing, sailing, kayaking and fishing. Apache Trail with Dolly Steamboat, City Highlights with Arizona Capitol Museum, and Verde Canyon Railroad with Jerome and the . . Craft Beer cruises are offered Fridays in the months of October-June. 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. Feel free to ask questions, move about and mingle with the crew. The boat ride was fun and beautiful as well. But it is the other one, Dolly Steamboat on Canyon Lake, which offers dinners onboard the boat. Any opinions on which is the better tour, Dolly Steamboat on Canyon Lake, or Desert Belle on Saguaro? Best Western Gold Canyon Inn & Suites. Desert Belle Cruises 2019 All Rights Reserved. The Dolly boat ride was quite relaxing. Was informative and interesting Pro Tip: Make it a whole day experience at The Buttes. Climb on board for a trip around the secluded inner waterways. 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. Catalina State Park & Roosevelt Lake: RV Camping in AZ, Spring Has Sprung! Click here for directions and maps of Saguaro Lake and the area. Boat Tours & Cruises Near Scottsdale Arizona (az) Rec -Kid-friendly breakfast stop near Target/WalMart (north). Dolly Steamboat and Apache Trail tour from Phoenix area. 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. Buddy found a cool spot of his own down a narrow passageway on deck. Had a great time. 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. Our driver, Eric, was very knowledgeable and pleasant. There are several cruise companies in the area, Dolly Steamboat being one of your options. Thanks, Renee. A Savory Creekside Sunday Brunch is also popular with special beverages like mimosas and Bloody Marys. Definitely I recommend this tour. Were visiting our family again this weekend, and Buddy now smells like the flowery perfume young teenage girls like to wear. Hear the roar of the dinosaurs at the Arizona Museum of Natural History. The Southwest and northern Mexico are the only places on earth where this lush desert exists. Tour Boat near Mesa, AZ. I really enjoyed this post. Continuing a tradition of cruising since 1925, the Dolly Steamboat now cruises the secluded inner waterways of this beautiful lake. 16802 Highway 88, Tortilla Flat, AZ 85290 Directions. I bought one - we are going next week. Pro Tip: Wrigley Mansion also offers tours of the elegant house. Like you said, the lake seems small but when you get down in it, its much bigger. I've been on both these boats. Not sure if that one is still available. We offer narrated nature cruises, twilight dinner cruises and astronomy cruises. 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! 51 helpful votes Dolly steamboat or Desert belle? Never miss a post -- it's free! But I preferred the scenery in Saguaro Lake. The Best Hotels Closest to Dolly Steamboat in Phoenix for 2023 - Expedia 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. Seen from our truck window on the Apache Trail (Route 88), Canyon Lake doesnt look all that big. 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! 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. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experiences start time. Tour boat near mesa, az. Thank you for letting us know you enjoy seeing Buddys little mug and antics!!! If you are traveling through the eastern side of Phoenix, Arizona, and have an afternoon or evening to spare, take a ride on the Dolly Steamboat. var params = {}; The Desert Belle operates Under Permit From the USDA Tonto National Forest. From this base, they embark on great road trips to meet family at reunions in picturesque resorts around the U.S. Experience the unique ambiance that is created by the sounds of plying through the waters of Canyon Lake. Enjoyed it very much. Dolly Steamboat - Old Town Scottsdale RV Life is FUN and EASYGood EQUIPMENT makes it even better!! Luckily, he got a reservation at one that has made best of seafood lists in the Phoenix Metropolitan area since 1971. We have been on the Dolly steamboat twice. Top 10 Best Fishing Charter in Scottsdale, AZ - Yelp +14808279144. The sunset and waterfall views also look awesome. var defaultParams = {"vid":"tou"}; 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. Open 7 Days A Week! - Desert Belle Cruises Enjoyed it very much. Planning a boat ride along with visits to Lost Dutchman SP, Tortilla Flat. Get answers to your questions about Phoenix. Get Directions They were actually replaced by wine cruises with live . You are turning around at Tortilla Flats if you're going soon, right? Saguaro Lake Cruises. Taking the Mail Boat Ferry to Maines Cranberry Islands. Cruise Canyon Lake for 90-minutes aboard Dolly Steamboat. (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. Our guide, Hon was a knowledgeable, considerate, fun guide who drove like a limo driver. 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. 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. 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. Can I go on that boat ride now?. Kids wait for the Dolly Steamboat to arrive at the dock. Thanks! Dolly first began in 1983 with Dolly and Paul Kennedy as the original owners. pl.async = true; If its too hot on deck, theres a cool spot in the cabin with big picture windows. Frank was a knowledgeable and accommodating tour guide and the group was fun! Experience the magnificence of both desert beauty and natural wildlife of one of the Valley's hidden treasures . Offering tours to all of the "must see" destinations in Arizona. 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! That is, until she met her travel partner on the internet! The food on the windstar was incredible. The spacious, 6,500-square-foot restaurant has a 1,000-pound door crafted from African and South American stones. Hes a very quiet little pooch, but he does know how to express himself and let us know what he wants.