This holiday season, families can enjoy the beauty of the Sonoran Desert with a serene cruise around Saguaro Lake on The Desert Belle, which offers a one-of-a-kind experience that is both informative and enjoyable for out-of-towners and locals alike.
The Desert Belle operates 700 cruises a year, offering several different cruise options including wine cruises and craft beer cruises. The Desert Belle also offers the top-rated 80-minute narrated cruise, which is led by a coastguard-certified captain describing the history, geology, geography, and wildlife native to the Sonoran Desert.
Cruisers will see a variety of wildlife including bald eagles, wild horses, deer, bobcats, and even bighorn sheep, which are known to appear during the winter.
For those celebrating a special occasion, or wanting to gather family and friends, the Desert Belle also offers private charters — perfect for a memorable event.
“The Desert Belle has been operating for 58 years now and is the longest continuously running tour boat in Arizona,” said president and co-owner David Smith
“It’s so well-loved, and we get the sweetest reviews. We love seeing people walk away saying, ‘Not only did we have a great time, but we also really learned something.’”
Next door to the Desert Belle is the Saguaro Dockside, a docked boat that features a specialty gift shop and deck. “We sell a lot of items that make perfect gifts for the holidays — amethyst, fine jewelry, clothing, and souvenirs,” said David. “Then, guests can head upstairs for beer and wine on the view deck, which is quite nice.”
Additionally, the Desert Belle offers gift cards that make for the perfect gift for the whole family.
For more information on the Desert Belle, or to purchase tickets, visit desertbelle.com. For more information on Saguaro Dockside, visit saguarodockside.com.