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Desert Belle Cruises

14011 N Bush Hwy · Mesa, AZ

Why you should go…

The Desert Belle has cruised Saguaro Lake since 1964, making it the oldest continuously running tour boat in Arizona, and carries up to 146 passengers on two levels. A Coast Guard certified captain narrates the 80-minute cruise, covering the history, geology and wildlife of the Sonoran Desert, including bald eagles, coyotes and bobcats seen along the shoreline. Saguaro Lake sits inside Tonto National Forest about 30 miles from Phoenix and Mesa, and the company also runs themed cruises with live music, wine or craft beer.

  • #boat tour
  • #wildlife
  • #lake
  • #scenic

Good to know

General tours guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Confirm the meeting point

    It is often a corner, a lobby, or a dock rather than the address you searched for. Check it the night before.

  • Small groups fill first

    In high season the intimate departures sell out well before the big-bus options do.

  • Ask how much is on foot

    Knowing how much of the route is walking, standing, or outdoors tells you what to wear and carry.

  • Read the weather policy

    Cancellation windows and rain rules vary by operator, and they are easier to find before you pay than after.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Desert Belle Cruises, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Yak N Sup

    $25–$50

    Kayak and paddleboard rentals on Canyon Lake near Phoenix, including sunrise and full moon paddles.

    9.1 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor

  • Tours
    Local Gem

    Dolly Steamboat

    $25–$50

    Narrated steamboat cruises on Canyon Lake through the Sonoran Desert, with wildlife and dinner cruise options.

    10 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Fountain Hills

    Free

    Arizona town known for its landmark fountain, public art walk and desert hiking trails near Phoenix.

    11 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Tours
    Outdoor Adventure

    Apache Trail Tours

    $50+

    Guided open-air Jeep tours through the Sonoran Desert and Superstition Mountains along the historic Apache Trail.

    11 mi awayMore like this

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    Goldfield Ghost Town

    Under $25

    A rebuilt 1890s gold-mining town near Apache Junction with mine tours, a narrow gauge train and staged Old West gunfights.

    11 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Tours
    Iconic

    Taliesin West

    $25–$50

    Frank Lloyd Wright's winter home and architecture studio, built into the desert foothills he loved.

    18 mi awayMore like this