Arizona lakes near Phoenix for scenic boat tours cruises fishing and recreation

Phoenix Boat Tours & Lake Cruises Near Phoenix Arizona

Originally written by Tony Subia

Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on August 25, 2026.

Phoenix may be surrounded by Sonoran Desert, but several nearby lakes offer scenic sightseeing cruises and memorable experiences on the water. Visitors can choose narrated cruises on Saguaro Lake, sightseeing and dinner cruises on Canyon Lake, cruises aboard The Phoenix at Lake Pleasant, and professionally captained urban cruises on Tempe Town Lake.

Each location offers a different experience, from canyon scenery and desert wildlife to sunset dining, live music and city views. Cruise schedules, seasonal availability and special events change throughout the year, so check directly with the operator before traveling.

Boat Tour Quick Facts
Best Phoenix Boat Tours
Desert Belle - Saguaro Lake
Dolly Steamboat - Canyon Lake
Lake Pleasant Cruises
Tempe Town Lake Cruises
Best Time For A Cruise
Boat Tour Tips
FAQ

Phoenix Boat Tour Quick Facts

Saguaro Lake: Desert Belle narrated and live-music cruises
Canyon Lake: Dolly Steamboat sightseeing and dinner cruises
Lake Pleasant: Sightseeing, music, dinner and special-event cruises aboard The Phoenix
Tempe Town Lake: Professionally captained electric cycle-boat cruises
Desert Belle narrated cruise: Approximately 80 minutes
Dolly scenic cruise: Approximately 90 minutes
Tempe Boat Cruisin': Up to 26 guests per cycle boat
Reservations: Recommended, especially for weekends and special cruises
Seasonal changes: Cruise schedules vary by lake and time of year
Before traveling: Confirm current departures and lake conditions directly with the operator

Canyon Lake Arizona scenery and Dolly Steamboat cruise area near Phoenix

Best Boat Tours & Lake Cruises Near Phoenix

The Phoenix area offers several distinct ways to enjoy the water without renting or operating your own boat. Saguaro and Canyon lakes provide dramatic Sonoran Desert and canyon scenery, Lake Pleasant offers a larger open-water cruise experience, and Tempe Town Lake provides an urban cruise close to downtown Phoenix and Tempe.

Best narrated desert cruise: Desert Belle at Saguaro Lake
Best canyon and wildlife cruise: Dolly Steamboat at Canyon Lake
Best Lake Pleasant cruise: The Phoenix at Pleasant Harbor
Best urban group cruise: Tempe Boat Cruisin' at Tempe Town Lake

Desert Belle Cruises On Saguaro Lake

Desert Belle Cruises has operated on Saguaro Lake since 1964 and offers a relaxing way to see canyon walls, desert scenery and wildlife from the water. Its narrated sightseeing cruise lasts approximately 80 minutes and covers the area's history, geology, geography and Sonoran Desert wildlife.

Additional offerings can include live-music cruises and Sunday mimosa and live-music cruises. Cruise types and departure schedules change seasonally, so check the current calendar before visiting.

Dolly Steamboat Cruises On Canyon Lake

Dolly Steamboat cruises through the dramatic canyon scenery of Canyon Lake east of Phoenix. Its approximately 90-minute Scenic Nature Cruise travels about six miles and may provide opportunities to see desert bighorn sheep, bald eagles and other wildlife while learning about the surrounding Sonoran Desert.

Dolly also offers selected twilight dinner, astronomy dinner and specialty cruises. Because Canyon Lake will be lowered for dam inspection and maintenance, Dolly Steamboat plans to temporarily suspend operations beginning August 30, 2026 and currently expects to resume cruises around January 2027.

Lake Pleasant Cruises Aboard The Phoenix

Lake Pleasant offers another scenic cruise option northwest of Phoenix. Pleasant Harbor is home to The Phoenix, a large cruise boat used for sightseeing and special events on Lake Pleasant.

Current offerings can include sightseeing cruises, live-music cruises, sunset dinner cruises, holiday brunch cruises and private charters. Schedules vary throughout the year, so check Pleasant Harbor for current departures and reservations.

Tempe Town Lake Boat Cruises

Tempe Town Lake now offers a distinctive urban boating experience through Tempe Boat Cruisin'. Launched in 2026, the professionally captained cycle boats combine pedal stations with quiet electric propulsion and accommodate groups of up to 26 guests.

Cruises are designed for sightseeing and social outings such as birthdays, family gatherings, company events and sunset cruises. Guests can pedal if they wish, but the electric motor keeps the boat moving without requiring passengers to pedal.

Best Time For Phoenix Boat Tours

Winter: Mild daytime temperatures make sightseeing cruises especially comfortable.
Spring: Popular weather for lake cruises, wildlife viewing and outdoor recreation.
Summer: Cruises can provide relief from the desert heat, but bring sun protection and check weather conditions.
Fall: Moderating temperatures make sunset, music and sightseeing cruises especially enjoyable.

Phoenix Boat Tour & Cruise Tips

Reserve cruises in advance for weekends, holidays and dinner departures.
Confirm the departure location before leaving Phoenix.
Arrive early enough for parking and boarding procedures.
Bring sun protection even when covered or climate-controlled seating is available.
Carry drinking water during hot-weather outings.
Bring binoculars for wildlife-viewing cruises.
Check cancellation and weather policies before booking.
Confirm accessibility directly with the cruise operator when needed.
Check current lake levels and temporary closures before traveling.
Verify departure times directly because schedules change seasonally.

Phoenix Boat Tours FAQ

Are There Boat Tours Near Phoenix Arizona?

Yes. Guided cruises are available at Saguaro Lake, Canyon Lake, Lake Pleasant and Tempe Town Lake, although schedules and seasonal availability vary.

What Is The Best Scenic Boat Tour Near Phoenix?

Desert Belle on Saguaro Lake and Dolly Steamboat on Canyon Lake are two of the best-known scenic desert cruises near Phoenix.

How Long Is The Desert Belle Cruise?

The standard narrated Desert Belle sightseeing cruise on Saguaro Lake is approximately 80 minutes.

How Long Is The Dolly Steamboat Cruise?

The standard Dolly Steamboat Scenic Nature Cruise on Canyon Lake is approximately 90 minutes and covers about six miles.

Does Lake Pleasant Have Boat Cruises?

Yes. The Phoenix cruise boat at Pleasant Harbor offers sightseeing and selected music, dinner, holiday and special-event cruises.

Are There Boat Tours On Tempe Town Lake?

Yes. Tempe Boat Cruisin' operates professionally captained electric cycle-boat cruises on Tempe Town Lake for sightseeing, social outings and private groups.

Is Dolly Steamboat Open In 2026?

Dolly Steamboat is operating through August 29, 2026 but plans to suspend Canyon Lake cruises beginning August 30 because of the reservoir drawdown. Current plans call for cruises to resume around January 2027.