Take a trip on Saguaro Lake in the Desert Belle and enjoy the exotic wildlife, towering canyon walls and dramatic Sonoran Desert vistas. The Desert Belle is a unique way to enjoy all the beauty that Arizona has to offer including 2,500 species of plants and animals. Saguaro Lake is located within the Tonto National Forest, just 35-40 minutes from Phoenix, Arizona.
Experience the magnificence of both desert beauty and natural wildlife aboard the Desert Belle, the oldest continuous tour-boat service in Arizona which has been operating since 1964. On this 90-minute narrated cruise, you’ll probably see some of all of these things:
• Geological Formations – The beauty created by wind and water over millions of years on the desert landscape
• Flora – Prickly pear, barrel, jumping cholla and majestic Saguaro cacti, mesquite, ironwood and Arizona’s state tree, the Palo Verde
• Desert Fauna – Both predators and prey, including ring-tailed cats, bobcats, mountain lions, coyotes, javalina, bighorn sheep and deer
• Avian Species – Vultures, falcons, eagles, hawks and many others to catch your eye
Private cruises are available for an unforgettable wedding, birthday, anniversary, dinner or office party. In addition, the Desert Belle also offers unique cruise events. For instance, cruise the lake while listening to music — from Jamaican Steele Drums to a Mariachi Band, from a Western Trio or to a Four Guitar Band.
About the Desert Belle
The 143-passenger, state-of-the-art vessel has large picture windows on the lower level, and open air seating on the upper level. The lower level is climate controlled, while the upper level offers awnings overhead to help protect you from the sun. Beer, wine, water and soft drinks are available for purchase aboard, and restroom facilities are available. The boat is handicap accessible.
For full meals, The Lakeshore Restaurant is located at the Saguaro Lake Marina just above the Desert Belle dock. It is open every day at 9 am serving breakfast. Monday and Tuesday the restaurant is open until 3 pm, Wed, Thurs, and Sunday the restaurant is open until 8 pm and Friday and Saturdays it is open until 9 pm.
Directions
From Mesa/Apache Junction, take the Bush Highway, (Power Road), approximately 13 miles from the 202 to the Marina. The entrance to the Marina will be on your right between markers 33 and 32. Just follow the signs to the Desert Belle.
For more information or to purchase tickets visit Desert Belle Cruises.
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