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Community

Go cruisin’ on our desert lakes

by Dawn Abbey January 31, 2013
written by Dawn Abbey January 31, 2013

marinaWhen looking for that unique experience to share with your Valentine, your out-of-town visitors or for a family outing, consider a cruise—but not on an ocean liner.

Instead, book a sightseeing cruise on one of our desert lake boats, Saguaro Lake’s Desert Belle or The Dolly Steamboat on Canyon Lake.

Both boats offer a variety of cruises, with basic 90-minute narrated tours starting at $20 for adults, $19 for seniors and children from $10. Tours run from morning to twilight, and some offer entertainment venues. The Dolly Steamboat also specializes in on-board buffet dinner cruises, and themed cruises at various prices, like the Astronomy Cruise. Both are available for group charters and events, such as weddings and parties.

I recently shared a cruise on The Desert Belle with family from back East. From the Las Sendas/Red Mountain area, the trip to Saguaro Lake is a mere 20 minutes or so.

It’s a great way to experience our amazing desert environment, canyon walls and mountain views. Wildlife is abundant around water. We were lucky enough to see some bighorn sheep cavorting on top of a high cliff. Birdwatchers can catch a glimpse of many species nesting in the reeds. Evening cruises offer spectacular star shows. And if you want music, entertainment or dinner, some cruises offer that, too.

Kids of all ages exude excitement as the double-decker boat lowers its gangplank and the captain welcomes you aboard.

The Desert Belle’s on-board snack bar sells soft drinks, water, beer and wine. However, make time before or after your cruise to grab a bite or enjoy dinner at the Lakeshore Restaurant at the Saguaro Lake Marina. The restaurant sits on a knoll overlooking the lake, with great views all around, especially from the patio. And you must try their fish and chips, a huge, delicious, crunchy platter, with a side of interestingly different slaw, enough for two nibblers or one filling meal. Because large crowds gather before and after every scheduled tour, come early, as service can be slow.

It’s best to make cruise reservations online or by phone, since they fill up fast. You also must exchange your online voucher for a ticket on the dock before boarding, so get in line about 20 to 30 minutes before cast off. Seating is first-come, first-serve, but you can move around the boat once it is under way, on either deck and inside in air-conditioned or heated comfort. Both have special needs restroom facilities on board and at the dock. Tonto Forest passes are not required for boat tours or restaurant patrons.

The Dolly Steamboat dock at Canyon Lake Marina is about 35 minutes from U.S. 60 and Idaho Road in Apache Junction. The Dolly also has snacks and drinks for sale on board, and you can try the Lakeshore Restaurant and Cantina, which sits overlooking the lake, serving lunch, dinner, appetizers and libations.

For videos, photos and complete information, contact: DesertBelle.com, (480) 984-2425; www.SaguaroLakeRestaurant.com,  (480) 984-5311; www.SaguaroLakeMarina.com,  (480) 986-5546; www.DollySteamboat.com, (480) 827-9144; www.CanyonLakeRestaurant.com, (480) 288-8290; www.CanyonLakeMarina.com, (480) 288-9233.

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