phoenix arizona boat tour

Phoenix Boat Tours & Cruises

By AZ Leisure Staff Writers

Yep, Phoenix has scenic lakes in close proximity including Saguaro, Lake Pleasant, Canyon and Bartlett Lakes. Take a leisurely tour of the lakes, a cruise on a paddle-wheel or a romantic dinner cruise. Choose among these boat tour operators.

Tempe Town Lake Boat Tours. Enjoy the unique experience of touring Tempe Town Lake in the comfort of a Rio Lago Cruise Company 18passenger electric boat. Learn about the history of the Rio Salado Project.

Desert Belle - Saguaro Lake . Desert Belle has been plowing the waters of Saguaro Lake for over forty years. Relax on one of her 90 minute narrated public cruises.

Dolly Steamboat - Canyon Lake . Cruise secluded waterways and relax while you admire the breathtaking flora and fauna of the lower Sonoran desert.

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THE 10 BEST Phoenix Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in phoenix.

• Waterskiing & Jetskiing
• River Rafting & Tubing
• Scuba & Snorkeling
• Water Sports
• Speed Boats Tours
• Kayaking & Canoeing
• Fishing Charters & Tours
• Stand-Up Paddleboarding
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• North Mountain
• South Scottsdale
• Good for Kids
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Couples
• Budget-friendly
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Adventurous
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Mild to Wild Rafting and Jeep Tours

2. Salt River Rafting

3. Westside Recreation

4. AZ Xtreme Jet Ski Rentals

5. Phoenix Scuba

6. Desert Breeze Kayaking Tours

8. PHX Boat Rentals

9. MAX CONSULTZ

10. Luv 2 Stand Up Paddle

11. Dive N Ride Adventures LLC

What travellers are saying.

The Desert Belle operates Under Permit From the USDA Tonto National Forest. All prices subject to change.

Desert Belle Cruises © 2019 All Rights Reserved

The snack bar onboard is cash only and there are no atm's at the lake.

Sightseeing and Dinner Steamboat Cruises on Canyon Lake

• Most Popular
• Clock 1.5 Hours

Scenic Nature Cruise on Canyon Lake

**The Dolly Steamboat is open. All road closures are passed Tortilla Flat to Apache Lake. Please use Highway 88 from Apache Junction to access Canyon Lake Marina.**

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! Beat the heat on our climate controlled lower and upper decks.

• Clock 2.5 hours

Twilight Dinner Cruise on Canyon Lake

*Price does not include tax and gratuity.

Our dinner cruises offer all of the grandeur of the daily cruise plus the ambiance of the twilight. Beat the heat on our air conditioned lower and upper decks!

Astronomy Dinner Cruise on Canyon Lake

The Dolly Steamboat is open. All road closures are passed Tortilla Flat to Apache Lake. Please use Highway 88 from Apache Junction to access Canyon Lake Marina.

Take a “Mark Twain” voyage and admire the breathtaking scenery as you enjoy a presentation on the solar system with Dr. Sky.

• Clock 3 hours

Game & Fish Bighorn Sheep Cruise

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.

~  NARRATION CRUISES ~

MOST POPULAR CRUISE

90-Minute Afternoon Cruise

Commentary by the Captain on the History of Lake Pleasant, Flora & Fauna

Wildlife Viewing Opportunities

Full-Service Bar with Drinks & Snacks Available for Purchase

All Ages Welcome

Reservations Recommended

SENIOR (60+) $27

MILITARY $27

CHILD (4-17) $15

CHILD (0-3) $FREE

Group rates available for 15+ adults.

Please call Kate at 602-456-9955 ext.2 for all group reservations of 15+ adults.

Wildlife is unpredictable and we cannot guarantee you will see any on your trip. However, these are the best times to see the following birds and animals.

Bald Eagles: January-June

Blue Herron: Febr uary-June

Mule Deer:  October -January

Wild Burro: Year Round

UPCOMING DATES & TIMES

Wednesday through Sunday

Cruise departs at 2:00pm

1st, 2nd, 7th, 8th, 9th

14th, 15th, 16th

Cruise departs at 3:00pm

** Closed June 17th to Sept. 12th **

13th, 14th, 20th, 21st, 27th, 28th

Wednesday-Sunday

Thursday-Sunday

(No Narration Cruise November 28th)

8th, 15th, 22nd

Cruise departs at 1:30pm

** Closed Dec. 23rd  to Jan. 17th **

All dates and times are subject to change at any time.

READ BEFORE BOOKING

Purchasing Tickets

Reservations are strongly recommended, and are required on meal cruises. Tickets can be purchased online, over the phone or by visiting our ticket office at Pleasant Harbor Marina. If you are planning to purchase your tickets at our ticket office, please call ahead to confirm office hours.

Arriving at Pleasant Harbor

Please plan to arrive at least 1 hour prior to cruise departure, to allow for sufficient travel time from the parking lot to the marina. Pleasant Harbor charges a $9.00 per vehicle ($2.00 per person on chartered buses) entry fee. Active-Duty Military, Veterans, Firefighters, and Police Officers receive FREE gate entry with ID. Shuttle golf carts are available to pick you up in the parking lot at the blue canopy, and bring you down to the floating marina. The shuttle ride is FREE, but tips are appreciated and encouraged. The shuttle service is provided by Pleasant Harbor Marina, not Lake Pleasant Cruises. It is provided to all guest visiting the property, not only cruise guests, and is available on a first come, first served basis. If preferred, it is a 10-15 minute walk to the marina.

Boarding ‘The Phoenix’

Boarding begins 30 minutes prior to scheduled cruise departure. We will check you in by your last name. Seating is first come, first served. No outside food or beverages allowed on board. No hydro flasks, water bottles or coolers allowed. Bottled water in clear, factory-sealed bottles is okay. All bags and purses will be searched by our staff, prior to boarding. Cash only on board for snacks and beverages. All children 12 and under are required to wear a life jacket (provided).

Cruise Cancellations & Rescheduling

No refunds. A minimum of 24 hours notice is required to reschedule any pre-paid cruise. No refunds or credits will be given for no shows, late arrivals, traffic delays, or any other reason. Please plan to arrive early so you do not miss your cruise due to unforeseen delays. Coupons and discounts cannot be applied after booking your reservation. Our cruises may be cancelled by the Captain if extreme weather conditions (strong winds/thunder/ lightning) are present. We do not cancel for rain. In the extremely rare case that we have to cancel a cruise last-minute due to weather, or any other reason, we will contact you immediately at the phone number you provided.

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The BEST 10 Things To Do in Phoenix, Arizona in 2024

Jessica Nemire Last Updated: May 22, 2024

Steeped in history and full of stunning nature, Phoenix, Arizona truly has something for everyone. Known as the “Valley of the Sun,” Phoenix is warm and sunny almost year-round! This means there’s never a “bad” time to visit. Read on to learn about our favorite things to do in Arizona’s capital city!

• Overwhelmed by planning? We got you! Make sure to check out the excellent tours we offer around Phoenix .
• Looking for a place to stay in Phoenix? Have a look at our favorite hotels !
• Bookmark this post in your browser so you can easily find it before your trip to Phoenix, Arizona!

The 10 Top Activities To Do In Phoenix

Phoenix, Arizona is the largest city in the scenic Sonoran Desert. Given Phoenix’s desert surroundings, it’s full of epic hikes and gorgeous views! In addition, Phoenix is around 3 hours away from the beautiful Grand Canyon. When hiking in Arizona, you’ll see the beautiful red rock formations the state is known for, as well as the gigantic saguaro cactus. Because of Arizona’s climate, this state is the only place in the world the saguaro cactus can grow! This cactus can grow to up to 40 feet – we told you it was gigantic! If you see one, take photos, but let it be – it’s illegal to cut down a Saguaro cactus, and if anyone does so, they could face jail time. Please note that Phoenix can get very hot, and is frequently more than 105 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius) in the summer! Because of this, make sure to bring plenty of water, and limit your hiking activities to the cooler months, like November and December. Despite being located in the desert, Phoenix boats many activities aside from hiking. For starters, the city is rich with Native American history and culture. Additionally, Phoenix is one of the top wellness destinations in the US. In short, there is something to do for everyone in this vibrant city! Keep reading for some of our favorite activities to do while in Phoenix, Arizona!

1. Hike Through One of the Biggest Municipal Parks in the U.S.

South Mountain Park and Preserve is one of the largest municipal parks in the U.S. Spanning for more than 16,000 acres, South Mountain Park is home to more than 50 miles of hiking trails! In addition, the park is free to enter, and is open from 5 a.m. until 7 p.m. when the park gates close. What’s more, South Mountain Park is also a great place to see saguaro cacti! With 50 miles of hiking trails, we know it might be hard to pick which one. We like Holbert Trail, because it’s a great place to see petroglyphs, or ancient artistic rock carvings. However, Holbert Tail is a big tricky to hike. Therefore, for less advanced hikers, we recommend hiking Telegraph Pass. This trail spans around 1.5 miles and is a great place to see wildflowers in the spring. Address: South Mountain Park and Preserve

2. Take a Tour of Arizona’s Amazing Natural Wonders

While you’re visiting Phoenix, you can’t miss Horseshoe Bend (pictured) and Antelope Canyon! Although both of these natural wonders are located around 4.5 hours from Phoenix, they are easy to reach with a guided tour. Located near Page, Arizona, the stunning Horseshoe Bend was formed more than six million years ago by erosion caused by the Colorado River. Isn’t nature amazing?! Horseshoe Bend is an awesome place for one-of-a-kind views. Don’t forget your camera! Less than 10 minutes away from Horseshoe Bend lies Antelope Canyon. Made from Navajo Sandstone, this famous slot canyon was also formed by erosion. Caused by flash floods, the eroded sandstone has a wave-like appearance which looks absolutely amazing when hit by light beams from the hot Arizona sun! Normally, you can only visit Antelope Canyon with a licensed guide. What’s more, you’ll need a reservation. However, when you book our tour of Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, we take care of reservations and scheduling for you. In addition, we also pick you up from your hotel in Phoenix. Therefore, all you have to do is book the tour and then be ready for pickup at your hotel! Address: Horseshoe Bend

3.  See More Than 50,000 Plants at the Desert Botanical Garden

The stunning Desert Botanical Garden spans for 140 acres and features 50,000 plant displays. When visiting the Desert Botanical Garden, you can even more than 544 rare and endangered plant species! In addition, the garden also hosts events, such as yoga classes . Admission to the Desert Botanical Garden costs between $24.95 and $29.95 for adults and between 14.95 and $16.95 for kids ages 3 to 17. Because of long lines, we recommend getting tickets ahead of time! Address: Desert Botanical Garden

4. Take a Tour of the Grand Canyon South Rim and Sedona

Known for its beautiful red rocks and stunning scenery, the town of Sedona is a must-see on your trip to Arizona. Once you see Sedona, you’ll understand why so many people have created artwork inspired by its beauty! On this tour, you’ll stop in downtown Sedona for about 90 minutes to see awesome views and peruse local artwork in nearby shops. Then, you’ll move onto the Grand Canyon South Rim. Once you are there, you will immediately see why roughly 5 million people visit the Grand Canyon every year!  Please note that Sedona is around a two hour drive from Phoenix. In addition, the Grand Canyon South Rim is around 2 hours away from Sedona. However, with a guided tour , you can see both of them in one day! We take care of the planning and transportation for you, as well as provide lunch with a stunning view of the Grand Canyon. In addition, admission to the Grand Canyon is included in the tour price. All you have to do is meet us at your hotel in the morning for pickup!

Address: Grand Canyon South Rim

Not ready to book a tour? Learn about what not to miss at the Grand Canyon !

5. Stay in the Iconic Arizona Biltmore Hotel

Since its grand opening in 1929, the Arizona Biltmore Hote l has been a favorite place to stay among the elite. A Waldorf Astoria property, the Biltmore has allegedly hosted guests such as Frank Sinatra and Elton John in the past. These days, you still never know who you might see while staying here! Set in over 2 acres of beautiful gardens, the Biltmore Hotel is a true desert oasis. This iconic hotel is loved for its amazing location, comfortable beds, and top notch amenities. For example, it boasts 2 18-hole golf courses and 8 different pools. What’s more, one of the pools even has a water slide! In addition, Arizona is known for its spas. What’s more, the Biltmore features one of the most luxurious ones in the state, Tierra Luna Spa. Treat yourself in style  – you deserve it. The architecture of the Biltmore is stunning as well! Guests have reported feeling like royalty during their stay. And we can see why!

Book your stay here. Address: Arizona Biltmore Hotel

6. Eat Fry Bread

Fry bread is not only delicious, but also an important part of Arizona history. In the mid 1800s, the United States government forced thousands of Navajo people to leave their homelands and walk more than 300 miles to the Bosque Redondo reservation, which is located in what is now Arizona. This is referred to as the “Long Walk.” During this event, the government gave the Navajo tribes food rations to attempt to prevent starvation. The tribes used some of the rations – specifically water, salt and lard – to create what is now called “fry bread.” The result is crispy fried deliciousness that’s still widely eaten around Arizona and is considered pivotal to the state’s history because of its origin.

In Phoenix, one of the best places to try fry bread is the James Beard Award Winning Fry Bread House . You can try it by itself, or in “taco” form, with an assortment of toppings to choose from, like beans, cheese, and more!

Address: Fry Bread House

7. Treat Yourself to a Spa Day

Because Arizona is a top wellness destination, there are lots of spas throughout the state – with a twist! Not only do spas in Phoenix overlook the beautiful surrounding Sonoran desert, but many spas use resources from the desert as well. In keeping with Arizona history, lots of spas in Arizona also take inspiration from Native American traditions, such as some of the treatments found at the Aji Spa. Located at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort and Spa, Aji Spa features rejuvenating treatments using sacred prickly pear red clay, among other resources you will likely only find at a spa in Arizona.

We also mentioned Tierra Luna above, located in the Biltmore Hotel. This spa features luxury treatments such as a magnesium sugar scrub and a quartz massage, and also includes a wellness bar serving upscale healthy snacks. No matter which spa you decide to go to, definitely don’t miss out on pampering yourself Arizona-style while you’re in Phoenix!

8. Tee Up At One of Phoenix’s Many Golf Courses

Arizona is one of the most popular golf destinations in the world. Therefore, Phoenix and its surrounding areas feature roughly 200 golf courses! In addition, the famous golf tournament WM PHX Open is held at the beginning of every year in Scottsdale, which neighbors Phoenix. One big reason that golf is so popular in Arizona is that the state is warm and sunny most of the year, as we stated earlier. Because golf is played outside, warm weather is ideal. Many hotels in Phoenix feature golf courses on the property. One example is the Arizona Biltmore Hotel, mentioned above. In addition, the Arizona Grand Resort and Spa has a golf course as well. Of course, there are many golf courses throughout the city if you want to try your hand at this sport. Please note that some golf clubs will be private, meaning you can only visit if you are a member of the club. This is something to check when you are selecting where to go!

9. Check out Native American Artwork at the Renowned Heard Museum

The highly acclaimed Heard Museum showcases Native American artwork and artifacts that originated in Arizona and other nearby places in the Southwest. This museum has artwork displayed both inside and outside! Inside, you can browse the museum’s 11 exhibit galleries, and outdoors, there are beautiful courtyards displaying art as well.

The Heard Museum features artwork from several different tribes. If you’re interested in learning more Native American history, definitely don’t miss this museum when you’re in Phoenix. Tickets to the museum range between $18 and $22.50, but admission for children and students is $9, and indigenous people always get free admission, according to their website !

Address: Heard Museum

10. Dine in Style With Sunset Views

If you’re looking for dinner with a view, we have just the spot! Different Pointe of View is one of the best spots in the city to watch the sunset. Perched on a knoll, the restaurant features a large patio you can sit out on while you enjoy your meal. Even if you opt to eat inside, its floor to ceiling windows provide scenic views while you indulge in their delicious Mediterranean dishes. We especially like their balsamic-infused bistro steak. Yum! What’s more, the restaurant also earned a AAA Four-Diamond rating, which is only given to the most upscale restaurants. Enjoy a sunset in style! Address: Different Pointe of View 

Where to Stay in Phoenix

Discover some of the most iconic and best places to stay in PHOENIX to make this trip the most memorable of all your trips

About Jessica Nemire

Jessica Nemire has been writing about about travel since 2011. She graduated from San Francisco State University in 2016 with a BA in journalism. She loves the ocean, Mission District burritos, and amazing sunsets.

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From beaches to water parks, these fun summer activities will help you beat Arizona's heat

When the heat rises, Phoenicians know it's time to stay cool. And Arizona has a lot to offer to help you enjoy your summer.

From tubing on the Salt River to boat rentals and water sports at Tempe Town Lake and Park, there are plenty of options for Arizonians to get outside and have fun during the summer. Discounts are also available at some of these popular attractions.

The Republic's podcast team surveyed some of the best spots to beat the heat. We came up with five must-visit water attractions in the Valley.

Here are our top recommendations for where you can keep cool this summer.

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Salt River Tubing

The river is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, with tube rentals ending at 2 p.m.

Salt River Tubing offers fast passes and online reservations through September. You can purchase your Salt River Tubing tickets online or in person. Here's the cost breakdown:

• Tube rental and shuttle: $25.
• Shuttle pass for those with their own tubes: $18.
• Bucket/cooler tube, to hold your cooler: $20.
• Season passes (includes one tube rental per day): $199.
• VIP group passes (for groups of 20 or more; includes tube, private shuttle and skip-the-line privileges): $30 per person.

Discounts are available for military members and first responders when purchased in person only.

More summer fun: Arizonans love Disneyland. So why don't we have more theme parks near Phoenix?

Lake Pleasant Regional Park

Park hours from May 1 to Oct. 31 are 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Then from Nov. 1 to April 30, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. 

Lake Pleasant Regional Park is anticipating temporary closures into the summer. The decision to temporarily close sections of the park will be based on:

• Increased holiday/weekend traffic.
• Parking lot and shoreline limits exceeding capacity and/or high water levels seasonally limiting shoreline availability.

Keep up to date with any changes on the Park Updates page. Ticket prices vary depending on which activity you plan to do at the park. See all the ticket prices .

Tempe Town Lake and Beach Park

Get out on the water with these boating options.

Vintage Phoenix: Pools for public lured residents in the good old summertime

Boat Rentals of America

Located on the south shore at Tempe Beach Park. This rental offers all kinds of watercraft for rent. Boats of all types can be rented here for one-hour or two-hour segments. Watercraft options available to rent include donut boats, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, pontoon boats, pedal boats and electric boats. Find pricing, hours and availability on  Boats 4 Rent.

Northshore Watersport Rentals  

Northshore Watersport Rentals is located on the north shore of Tempe Town Lake, near the Tempe Town Lake Marina Boat Launch. Available watercraft options to rent include kayaks, double kayaks or paddle boards to explore the water. Find pricing, hours and availability on their  website .

Tempe Beach Park is open daily from 5 a.m. to 12 a.m.

Make sure to check out all the amenities and their locations .

Mesa Golfland Sunsplash

Sunsplash hours are 11 a.m.-5 p.m., with Night Splash from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Ticket prices vary on age and on the day and time. For adults, general admission tickets are $55 with discounts if you buy online. Junior tickets are for children ages 3 to kids who are under 48 inches in height and cost $52. Parking is free. Take a glimpse at ticket and package prices .

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor

Park hours are 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. most days. Check their website for the most current hours.

Ticket prices vary depending on age and the day and time of your visit. Single-day general passes can be as low as $35 if purchased online. Season passes start at $55.

Parking is $20 for general and $30 for premium. Passholders can get free parking. Check out all of the ticket pricing .

New attractions: Biggest hotel openings and renos in Arizona in 2023: VAI Resort, a Sam Fox hotel and more

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