Arizona may be a desert state, but it is home to some of the most scenic bodies of water, featuring deep canyons, shimmering lakes, and winding rivers that lead to hidden coves. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing cruise, an adrenaline-pumping adventure, or a family-friendly outing, here are three of the coolest boat experiences in Arizona.
Antelope Point Marina Houseboat
Lake Powell
Few things are more iconic to an Arizona adventure than living on and exploring the canyons of Lake Powell from a houseboat. The stunning reservoir on the Colorado River was created by the construction of the Glen Canyon Dam in the 1960s and is now a popular destination for boating, fishing, and exploring slot canyons.
Antelope Point Marina offers a range of houseboat rentals across four classes, catering to different group sizes and budgets. The Explorer Class provides more affordable options sleeping up to 10 guests, with prices ranging from $7,567 to $9,618 for a seven-day rental. The Adventurer Class offers more space for 12 guests, priced between $11,851 and $12,824 for a week. The Luxury Class is designed for larger groups, accommodating 12 to 15 people, and rental rates from $14,840 to $16,135 for seven days. And the Elite Class boasts brand-new 77-ft. houseboats with premium amenities like two full refrigerators and a water slide, sleeping up to 15 guests, with rentals priced at $22,330 for a full week.
The houseboats are designed to be family-friendly, offering a vacation experience suitable for all ages. For pet owners, dogs are welcome aboard for a non-refundable fee of $100 per pet. The marina emphasizes safety by equipping each houseboat with necessary equipment and provides orientation videos covering safety systems and anchoring procedures for renters.
Most houseboat rentals are available for three to seven days year round. Guests must be at least 21 years old and possess a valid automobile driver’s license to rent. Additionally, since Antelope Point Marina is located within the Navajo Nation, there is a $30 entrance fee per vehicle, which covers all passengers and is valid for seven consecutive days. Visitors with a National Park Service Pass, Golden Age Pass, or Senior Pass can enter free of charge.
For more information, visit www.antelopepointlakepowell.com.
The Dolly Steamboat Tour
Canyon Lake
This custom built 80-ft.-long paddlewheel boat offers a unique view of Canyon Lake, located approximately 30 minutes east of Apache Junction. The two-story vessel, family-owned and -operated since 1987, provides a variety of tour options seven days a week and offers opportunities to spot local wildlife such as bighorn sheep and bald eagles.
The Scenic Nature Cruise, a 1.5-hour tour, costs $35 for adults, $21 for seniors, $15 for children (ages 5 to 12), and $6 for children (ages 1 to 4). The Twilight Dinner Cruise, priced at $88 for the Baron of Beef and Champagne Chicken, or $93 for the vegetarian option, provides sunset views along with a meal. The Astronomy Dinner Cruise, priced at $96, includes a stargazing presentation along with dinner. The Game & Fish Bighorn Sheep Cruise, priced at $55, includes a pre-cruise class about local wildlife before embarking on a three-hour tour of the lake.
The boat features comfortable seating on both lower and upper decks, with a climate-controlled lower deck available. Onboard amenities include a snack bar offering beverages and light snacks, as well as restrooms. The Dolly Steamboat is equipped with necessary safety equipment, including life jackets, and the crew is trained to handle emergency situations, making it a safe option for families.
The Dolly Steamboat operates year-round. Daytime cruises depart at noon and 2 p.m.
For more information, visit www.dollysteamboat.com.
Get My Boat
Across Arizona
For boaters looking for a more personalized experience with many options, Get My Boat is a rental platform that offers a wide variety of boat rentals and captained yacht charters across Arizona. The service provides access to numerous lakes, including Saguaro, Pleasant, and Havasu, with options ranging from pontoons to party barges.
One exciting option is the Barbie-themed Pontoon on Lake Pleasant, available for about $280 per hour, including the captain. This accommodates up to 10 passengers and comes with a waterslide for fun for all ages. The boat is available year-round, with the captain able to assist in customizing the itinerary for a personalized experience.
Another unique rental option is the Tiki Boat on Lake Havasu. This 18-passenger, 26-ft.-by-11.6-ft. party bar boat features misters to keep passengers cool and a karaoke machine for entertainment. Starting at $565 for a three-hour rental, the Tiki Boat includes a captain and crew, making it a suitable option for those seeking a lively, fun cruise.
For a larger, more patriotic boat, the USA-Themed Pontoon is available for around $350 per hour on Lake Pleasant. Accommodating up to 20 passengers, this boat features a sound system, waterslide, and a lily pad for floating and is available year-round. Similarly, the Pink Party Barge, priced at around $400 per hour, offers a water slide, sound system, and diving board, holding up to 20 people on Lake Pleasant.
The majority of rentals include a captain, but for those looking to drive their own boat, Arizona’s boating safety laws must be followed, including obtaining a boater safety education card if necessary. Rentals are available year-round, with prices fluctuating depending on the season, especially during busy times like the 4th of July weekend.
For more information, visit www.getmyboat.com.
Boat Rental and Safety Tips: What to Know Before You Go
Before heading out on the water in Arizona, there are a few key things to keep in mind to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Do You Need a Boating License?
Arizona does not require a boating education course for all operators, but anyone aged 12 to 17 must adhere to specific regulations, according to Arizona Game & Fish. Drivers under 12 may not operate a vessel with a motor exceeding 8 horsepower unless there is an emergency, a parent or legal guardian is on board, or another person aged 18 or older is present. While Arizona does not mandate boating education, completing one can be beneficial for reciprocity in other states where boating courses are required.
Safety First
Authorities urge boaters to always wear a life jacket, follow speed limits, and be mindful of other boaters and swimmers. The law requires children under 12 to wear a life jacket while on a moving boat. Be sure to have enough properly fitting life jackets for all passengers, especially if children are part of the crew.
Drinking and Boating
Boating under the influence (BUI) laws in Arizona are just as strict as DUI laws. It is illegal to operate a boat with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or higher. Penalties for BUI can include fines, suspension of boating privileges, and even jail time. If you plan to drink, always designate a sober operator or hire a captain to ensure safety on the water.
Weather and Other Considerations
Always check the weather forecast before heading out, as conditions can change rapidly, especially in desert areas. Ensure the boat is equipped with emergency supplies such as a first aid kit, flares, and a radio. Finally, take note of any local regulations or restrictions that may apply to specific lakes or bodies of water, such as no-wake zones or speed limits.