Great cruise! Amazing views! We were unable to cut or chew our roast beef. The chicken was delicious. read more

Dolly Steamboat - Boat Charters Near Me - Apache Junction, Arizona

One of the best boat cruises! I winter in AZ so I take all my company on Dolly the steamboat! I have always seen wildlife. The staff is great. read more

Celebrated our anniversary with my brother and his wife celebrating theirs as well. Evening dinner cruise was enjoyed very much. Bbq chicken and ribs dinner was tasty. The cruise was enjoyable with good narration by the captain, describing the scenery and history. The crew was friendly, the conditions very comfortable. If the passengers would all follow directions the dinner service would have been seamless, but my party enjoyed the two hour cruise very much. read more

Dolly Steamboat - Four peaks from the boat! - Boat Charters Near Me - Apache Junction, Arizona

Took my mother here while she was visiting from the West Coast, and we had such a great experience. They use a number system for boarding, so I'd recommend arriving early to get on first. The boat is double-decker there's a covered top level and a lower deck with windows that slide open, which was really nice. They also have a bar on board with alcohol, chips, soda, and water. The views were absolutely beautiful, and the staff was friendly and welcoming. Overall, I'd definitely say this ride is well worth the money! read more

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love this trip. well worth the money! the crew is exceptiomal! the popcorn was good ! all in all a great deal and a great trip read more

It is touristy but not cheesy. Full marks to the Management of this Operation. And aye aye Captain on a job well done. It was a magnificent experience cruising between the majestic mountains on Canyon Lake, viewing the long-horn rams (sheep) surefootedly climbing the gigantic mountain face. Magnificent. Arizonan mountains, gorges, canyons, vistas ... I never tire of them. read more

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I went back and forth on my rating here: three stars or four? Pros: It's a cruise around beautiful Canyon Lake. The captain will come on from time to time giving you facts about the area. There is the "chance" you may see wildlife like bighorn sheep. (We did not, so I was bummed.) They have a snack bar on board selling soda, popcorn, water etc. Cons: Our captain affected a game show host voice which was grating, and made it hard to hear what he was saying at times. We did not see any wildlife. That's not anyone's fault but it was definitely disappointing since it's advertised as a possible perk. We arrived 30 minutes prior as recommended on their site and that was apparently poor advice. We were the last to board. Everyone else seemed to know to get there well before that and scooped up all the primo seats. Live and learn, I guess. For $35 per person I'm not sure it's worth that price. In closing, I gave them four stars because they run the cruise professionally. It's not their fault that we didn't see wildlife. As for the price, I don't own a boat - so cruising around Canyon Lake is something I'm willing to pay to do. I'd just recommend arriving far earlier than 30 minutes before your cruise if you'd like to choose the best seats. read more

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My family had an absolutely wonderful time cruising on the Dolly Steamboat! I received tickets for my birthday and we decided to go on February 1st. My 7 year old daughter loved it! It was the perfect amount of time, it was beautiful out and the caption was very informative. There were snacks and concessions available for purchase (cash only) and bathrooms on board. Our cruise was sold out from 2-3:30 pm! It never felt overcrowded but it was definitely full onboard. As people who have lived in Arizona for almost 30 years this was the first time we have done this and were bummed we waited so long to enjoy it! We highly recommend the Dolly Steamboat!! read more

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It's a twisty turny path to get here but it's worth the trip. The tour is about and hour and a half and narrated by Captain Ron (yes, that's really his name) you may get to see some wildlife on the cruise (we didn't) but that's the chance you take. The snakes on board are reasonably priced and our trip wasn't overly crowded. We left at 2:00 pm on a 83 degree February day, but the earlier you go, you may want to bring a sweater at least. (It also could be a little windy). There are port-a-John's in the parking lot, and the parking lot is just gravel so if you're wearing sandals like I did, just be advised. All in all it was a good cruise and you learn a little about the area. read more

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Everything about this 2 hour cruise was excellent! The captain was informative, humorous, engaging and soothing all at the same time... he had a velvet voice... the boatride was smooth and pleasant and beautiful... our Captain gave us tidbits of information, pointed out fascinating rock formations and searched for the wildlife indigenous to the area... he spotted bighorn sheep and bald eagles with his eagle eyes and came out of his booth several times to assist passengers who couldn't locate them. He really seemed to love the joy he gave us when we spotted it and he delighted when we laughed at his jokes. He even made fun of my friend who couldn't tell the difference between a rock and a bighorn!!! "No,that's a rock" He said in a true Charlie Brown voice... This was well worth the money as it was peaceful, beautiful, fun, magnificent and soothing... read more

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We did the twilight dinner cruise on the Dolly, and it was nice. Lake was calm and the boat was clean and staff outstanding. This two decker has both decks enclosed so if you are sitting on seats away from the windows you only have a limited view of the canyon walls which were beautiful, you do have a chance of spotting wildlife although we did not see anything this time. The buffet dinner was solid--better than expected for onboard: generous portions of carved meats (like beef or chicken), veggies, salad, rolls, and a nice dessert. Nothing super gourmet, but tasty. Crew were friendly, attentive, and fun, checked on everyone and kept things smooth, Due to the noise level inside the decks, the captain's commentary was hard to hear at times. The boat itself is charming with a small outdoor spot for better views. Overall, a fair value for a unique outing. Minor nitpick meals can feel a bit basic so if you do not expect fine dining. While I recommend this for a special occasion, I am not sure I would go again. read more

The views are breath taking and amazing. It's very calming slow boat riding down the canyon. There are some wild life if you're lucky. There is also boaters, kayaks, jet ski sharing the water. But makes it for exciting ride. Cons - cash only or preferred. Bring a couple $20s if you want drinks and snacks. They do have freshly popped popcorn which I thought was cute touch for the boat ride. Best advice - If you want a good seat you need to get there at least an hour before if not more. It's first come first serve but by the number system. When you check in for your tickets you receive a number. That's how you board. Limited outside deck seating. Imma guess 4 -6 top tier ones and 4 bottom. If you don't get one of those you will be sitting inside. I think that is a down fall. They have wide windows that are open but not the same. But there is a lot of people that know about the seating and basically run to them. It's a free for all at the beginning. I do agree with others that price is a little high. Once you get past that initial boarding - it's nice cruise if your from out of town. read more

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Great time, highly recommend! Parking: plenty! Staff: efficiency at checking in and boarding. They allow disabilities, wheelchairs etc first boarding. Cruise: beautiful w/Capt narrating occasionally and Jan his 'first mate' scouring hills for wildlife. We did see a Bighorn Sheep and an Eagle from afar. Plenty of seating inside and out with inside fully covered. Snacks/drinks, both alcohol and non available for sale on boat as you cannot bring any food aboard, only water. A Med popcorn was $7, lg $10. We didn't buy anything. Was it worth $35 p/p eh, no. We did have a 1 free coupon from Entertainment via AARP. read more

What an amazing experience! Scenery is beautiful, the boat ride was very relaxing. The captain does a great job of highlighting the areas of interest along the way. The boarding process to get your tickets could use some tweaking though. Is a cluster of people in large groups to get to the window and people cutting in front of each other as there is no actual line formation. read more

We had as a group of six an awesome time plus we had so much wildlife! I think because of the recent rain shower, the big horns were grazing like crazy. Plus it wasn't hot. Great time. read more

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Beautiful cruise! Great employees! Terrific service and experience! Will certainly do the cruise again!! Love Arizona! read more

We had a group of 9 go for a fun boat ride. It went seamlessly. Recommend to locals and visitors alike. read more

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A must do while visiting Arizona - the Dolly Steamboat tour on Canyon Lake. The staff were fantastic, and we got great views of the rock formations, a wall of spectacular fossil ammonites, and wild animals. We got lucky and saw a large group of Bighorn Sheep coming down for water. The weather was nice and had seats at the back main covered deck. The Captain provided great history and stories and maneuvered the boat to give us great photo shoots. Washrooms on board as well as drinks and food. Most people had the popcorn - freshly popped. About an hour drive from Phoenix. Buy your tickets on-line. Suggest you also add the Goldmine Ghost Town and Mine Tour with the Dolly Steamboat tour as you can do both easily. If Leaving Goldmine Ghost Town, give yourself an extra 10 mins and make a stop the Canyon Lake Vista for photos. The drive to the Dolly Steamboat will be a winding road but not hard. read more

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Had an awesome morning ride with my family in April. Perfect weather! Because there was rain in the forecast there was a super light turnout. We got lucky on all counts! Lots of space and no rain!!! Great driver/guide who pointed out birds & animals and talked about the area. Beautiful lake! Worth the ticket and time spent!!! read more

We loved the boat ride. Beautiful scenery.. we loved the tour guide/captain. We even saw some longhorn goats read more

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If you looking for a nice boat ride for cheap Ill say go for Dolly steamboat. It was great hour and half boat ride and nice views of the mountains and lake together. 10/10 will go back. Also bring cash since they are cash only. read more

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The workers were so kind and polite. Embarking and disembarking was done in a very orderly manner. The ride was and the announcements regarding the animals, cactus, eagles, goats etc was very educational. It was a very rewarding and relaxing experience, read more

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Perfect night for a dinner cruise. The Captain and Crew were lovely and the dinner was good too. Beautiful views. Highly recommend the Dolly! read more

Very nice cruise with tremendous views of the canyon. Snacks and drinks available while you sit back and enjoy the history and scenery. read more

Dolly Steamboat - Boat Charters Near Me - Apache Junction, Arizona

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My 2nd time on the Dolly Steamboat. We brought our friends along this time because we had raved about how beautiful Canyon Lake is and how great it is to be on the lake. We all had a great time. I recommend getting a reservation online. That way you know you have a seat on the boat. Our cruise was sold out, no walk ins allowed. It's a wonderful way to see a piece of Arizona. read more

Staff was great. Very friendly and kept everything running on time. My first cruise was 30 years ago. Took my 6 year old grandson on his first this time. He loved it. Will be back​ read more

What a wonderful way to start off my trip! The drive was slightly over an hour from Phoenix. The scenic views on the way there made the drive easy until I noticed the speed decreasing first to 25 then to 15. Before I knew it, I was driving on a mountain to get down to Dolly Steamboat. I almost freaked out because I wasn't prepared for this. My palms were sweating and I was doing control breathing exercises and before I knew it, four cars were behind me wanting to go around me as I'm driving the speed limit, but cars were easily flying around these curves. Anyway, just be prepared to drive on a mountain. The tour itself was relaxing, lovely, and beautiful!! We saw bald eagles and a few animals on the mountains. The tour guide was informative and knowledgeable. Despite the drive on the mountain, overall I had a wonderful experience and would definitely come back. read more

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Beautiful scenery and awesome ride for a great price! We booked our tour after seeing an advertisement on tv and are so happy we bought tickets. What an enjoyable day exploring this beautiful lake and canyon by steamboat. I highly recommend this tour and will definitely bring family and friends when they visit. read more

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We had a beautiful day. The boat ride was fun and peaceful. There was 9 in our group and we all loved the ride. Overall nice family time.

My husband and I enjoyed this steamboat trip. We did the 12oclock tour, the sun was out and it was a little windy. The captain was very knowledgeable and pointed out many different things. We saw multiple big horn sheep. Would definitely recommend. read more

This was a perfect way to spend an afternoon with my visitor from Wisconsin. The scenery was spectacular and the captain gave informative commentary along with easy listening music when he was not speaking. Tip is best inside seating is on the right side of the boat. Thank you! read more

We took our visiting family on the sunset dinner cruise. We all had a wonderful time, saw many bighorn sheep, and enjoyed the commentary of the captain. The canyon lake is very pretty, especially as the sun sets. The food was surprisingly good! Service was excellent. Despite the winding road to get to the lake, it was a very enjoyable time! read more

Wonderful evening. The astronomy talk from Dr. Sky was outstanding. Would highly recommen.

The boat crew was professional, accommodating, friendly and knowledgeable about the lakes formation and history. The food was great and the atmosphere was relaxing. Seeing the lake with its massive rock walls making a perfect silhouette against the sapphire sky at sunset was very romantic and will forever remain in our memories. read more

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What a beautiful boat trip! We were just looking for something to do on a winter day. I was so surprised by how much I enjoyed this little cruise. Beautiful scenery and nature. Calm and relaxing. Good narration and a delicious margarita. read more

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I have taken the Dolly about 10 times. Every time I have a friend or family member visit for the first time to AZ I take them on this tour. Really showcases the beauty of Arizona. I find the Dolly cruise so relaxing. Highly recommend! read more

First the good. Captain and staff were very nice and accommodating. Now the not so good. The sunset Cruise is more of a night cruise, only about maybe a half hour you could see the landscape etc. We did see a couple big horn and a bald eagle. Right after that it got dark and we couldn't see anything. I would recommend starting an hour earlier. Additionally for dinner the meat the beef specifically, was horrible. I don't know why I didn't return it for the chicken which was better (my wife ate that). Dessert was frozen cheesecake not good either. So overall I'd give it a three out of five I would definitely not recommend the sunset Cruise unless they make some changes... read more

An amazing cruise to celebrate our 24th anniversary. We enjoyed the dinner and scenery. read more

Dolly Steamboat - View from top deck. - Boat Charters Near Me - Apache Junction, Arizona

What fun and great views. We have taken the cruise twice and see different wildlife each time. Well worth the money. We were in a group of 4 both times - perfect group size for this cruise. read more

We took this cruise in august. It was fabulous all the way around. Enjoyed so much we couldn't wait to go again. We booked the dinner cruise for Valentines evening cruise. It was horrible all the way around. raining and cold, our fault for not dressing warmer. The dinner was the worst meal ever. Beef was so tough could not chew. We brought the meat back home to our dog, she would not eat it either. Green beans over cooked and tasteless, potatoes were ok some burnt overcooked. Had no spot lights in the rock walls, very dark could not see anything but the water. Best part of the whole trip was the delicious popcorn. Very fresh and tasty. Very disappointed in the trip, and it was our last we will be going on. read more