dolly steamboat

Don_Falconer

We did the evening dinner cruise Sat Mar. 15. Spectacular scenery. Bald eagles. Friendly and informative crew. The food was excellent. This was the highlight of our trip to the Phoenix area. 27 year old daughter he'd been skeptical but agreed it was great. Take your camera and binoculars.

I2871FNrichardm

After living in Arizona for years, we still get awed by the beauty that this state has in so many places and the Dolly Steamboat does that. Out of state friends were visiting, so we took them on an early evening cruise. In addition to the "tour" descriptions, the staff were very friendly and accommodating when asking questions. They were also particularly helpful to those that had a hard time seeing some of the wildlife on the upper cliffs. It had been several years since we had gone on the Dolly, and we enjoyed it once again. Our friends were impressed at the sights and the lakes. We would definitely recommend it to residents and particularly Arizona visitors that have the time.

kariandave

We had seen the steamboat on previous drives past Canyon Lake and had always planned to book a trip on the Dolly Steamboat. On this trip to Apache Junction we booked the trip and had a wonderful time. The 90 minute cruise up the lake was perfectly beautiful. The scenery is truly majestic and awesome. We enjoyed ever minute of the journey and will plan to do it again. Next time I would love to take the twilight dinner cruise.

238jerryn

We heard about the steamboat trip from friends. They loved the scenery and the majesty of the granite caverns that surround Canyon Lake. We booked the trip that same week and had a very memorable experience. A friendly staff greeted us as we boarded a clean and well maintained vessel ready for a 90 minute trip around the lake. The views were spectacular. We saw wildlife on the mountain terrain and watched two eagles soar above us. It was great. I highly recommend it.

LandJ06

Just returned home from the twilight dinner cruise. It was absolutely fabulous!!! The scenery was remarkable. The crew was extremely friendly. The food was really good. The narration was not too obtrusive. We saw a few groups of Big Horn sheep high up on the cliffs. They said they don't normally see them on the twilight cruise. The cruise lasts 2 1/2 hours and it went really fast. Bring a light jacket, it gets chilly once the sun goes down.

fuchsiagal

We had a nice 90 minutes on Canyon Lake in Arizona last week. The Dolly Steamboat is piloted by the owner who actually treks in the area. He knows where to find the Big Horned Desert Sheep, all about the Indian tribes, and the geology of the region. There were lots of opportunities to take great photos, complete with a continuing live narrative of what we were seeing. We were fortunate on the day we visited to have a beautiful sunshiny afternoon, despite the quick storm that rolled through just before we boarded.You do need reservations for this trip, so definitely go on line and print out your reservations in advance. You will notice that there are different levels of fares: ours was the senior rate, so came in lower than $20, even with the tax. Also, they like to sell you snacks on the boat, and don't allow food or beverages, other than water to come on board with you.

ThomasE411

On a recent visit to Apache Junction, I had a group of 9 with a Sunday afternoon free. Welcome to the Dolly Steamboat. An hour and a half ride on a replica steamboat of Canyon Lake. Make sure to book your tickets and arrive at the landing early as they pass out vouchers and board by number. You can bring water, refreshments are served onboard. Do bring a good camera, field glasses and your excitement for nature. The staff was super inviting and helpful. During the trip, our guide pointed out interesting things about the rocks, plants, wildlife (we did see sheep, the Captain even stopped). All questions were greeted with an enthusiastic response. We toured in the winter, so bring a jacket. A definite return trip as it can only be better for the longer Astronomy or Dinner cruises.

DaleM642

We saw many big horn sheep on the cliffs along the lake. The boat was comfortable and the staff was friendly and helpful. Views were terrific.

TeresaF159

Didn't see an animal, didn't sit outside (thank goodness because it was chilly), but still had a great time and I would do it again, especially considering the value. The views are fantastic! This was a very relaxing trip. I for one didn't pay one bit of attention to the narrative but I can say the music was cute, coordinated for whatever we were doing or wherever we were at the time. Our tour was to start at 2/2:30 and we stopped in Apache Junction for lunch first. The food offerings on the boat are strickly for snacking and they have delicious popcorn. If you are looking for a nice afternoon activity that won't bust the bank, I would recommend checking this out.

261nancyn

The ride is about two and half hours they serve cocktails pop and popcorn the views are absolutely gorgeous you could see Mountain goats on the rocks there's multiple sheet rocks it's absolutely gorgeous take your 20 bucks and Go for it we've been five times

HOGG00007

We took the Dolly Steamboat on a beautiful hot sunny day. Canyon Lake is where the tour is on and it's like a mini grand canyon. It is about 1 1/2hours. They narrate during the tour about the Eco system, the rock formations and the animals you see. If they see an animal they will slow down and help you to see it. We seen two big horn sheep on the side of a mountain and seen a bald eagle and it's nest on top of a high rock. In between the narration they played some very nice calming music. One thing that would be nice is if they had more outdoor seating. We would have preferred to be outside on a nice day since we go down to Arizona to be in the sun and warmth. We would definitely recommend this to do while in Az. Recommend calling and make a reservation, they book up very fast.

458AnnS

40 people on a bus with prepaid tickets coming from Tucson! We chartered the boat, but arrived 6 minutes late. They left without us!!! Now, they won't even guarantee us a spot on the next tour. To plan and drive for 21/2 hours but they can't hold the boat for forty people? Absolutely cannot recommend this tour!

Soulefulltraveler

It took us about two hours to get there, but it was worth it. On a beautiful day, the views along Canyon Lake were breathtaking. Saw several eagles and a mountain goat. This is a very well run family enterprise. Very professional and friendly. You should book ahead - especially in the busy winter and spring months. We booked a later trip but showed up early and were lucky to get on (they take walk ons if all their reserved spots do not show up). Snacks onboard. Clean, attractive boat. Haven't done the dinner cruise, but not sure I would want to drive back on that road in the dark. I recommend the 12 noon cruise, then go down the road two miles to Tortilla Flat for lunch.

137gandk

We went on the 1.5 hr boat trip on the lake. Even though the weather wasn't the best, we enjoyed it a lot.

Nana211

Our daughter recommended we take this. We are seniors, not in the best shape and although we would LOVE to be kayaking up Canyon Lake, that's not happening so we took this trip and were pleasantly surprised. The weather was beautiful for February. About 75 degrees. The boat was cute, nicely decorated. We chose to eat outside ( you have the option) The food was presented buffet style. Was very tasty. Chicken, steak, salad, mixed vegetables were well prepared, not dry or listless like buffets can be.The staff especially John was friendly and helpful. The music was really beautiful. We saw big horn sheep, nesting bald eagles, and a beautiful sunset. The mountains at sunset are amazing. Love those huge saguaro cactuses too. A boating accident had occured up the canyon just as we were headed out. Our boat staff helped call 911 and helicopters were seen getting the injured out but the crew were helpful and respectful of the situation while tending to our every need too. I was impressed.