Phoenix from Lake Pleasant Charters
While cruises are usually thought of as lasting at least several days, there are day cruises available that often just last a few hours or less. Arizona is more associated with dry desert than water or cruising, but you can take a lake cruise there. My husband John took one through Lake Pleasant Cruises on a boat named Phoenix, which he has written about here.
bird in flight
Pleasant Harbor Marina, Arizona
Arizona’s Lake Pleasant Cruises offers locals and tourists a chance to cruise this
freshwater oasis 43 miles from Phoenix Arizona. Lake Pleasant is a man-made
reservoir created by the Carl Pleasant Dam in 1927. The lake covers 10,000 acres
and has 116 miles of shoreline. The lake has several islands that are home to an
odd variety of animals including wild burrows, bald eagles, Blue Herron, Mule
Deer, and a variety of egrets and smaller birds. Lake Pleasant is a great area to bird
watch.
cactus
Lake Pleasant Cruises offers several cruise options including a sunset dinner cruise
that I enjoyed in mid-June. The ship caters to just 120 guests and cruises the vast
shorelines and islands in search of wildlife, scenery and statue-like cactus that
tower above the terrain like giant soldiers guarding the lake. They also offer
private cruises for weddings, parties or corporate events. Mainly though, they
cater to tourists who want to experience a short cruise on this scenic lake.
egret
During my cruise we relished a really tasty barbeque meal as the sun and
temperatures dropped while enjoying pristine views in all directions. On one
island the crew pointed out several nests of egrets. On another island snow white
egrets perched themselves on tree branches searching the water for a meal of
small fish. As the sun sank below the horizon a whole new palate of color bathed
the scenery with a new post card like view. I definitely recommend a sunset cruise
to experience the colorful transition of this area. The wildlife is also very active at
this time of day.
sunset
During our cruise we did not spot any wild burrows but did see them on the drive
to the marina. If you are planning your Lake Pleasant Cruise here’s a guideline for
wildlife.
Bald Eagles: January-June
Blue Herron: February-June
Mule Deer: October-January
Wild Burro: Year Round
Dinner cruises cost $80 to $105 for adults and last 105 minutes. Standard cruises
cost $30 per adult for a 90-minute cruise. Also note, they are closed during July
and August and mid-December through mid-January. Seating is not assigned and
first come, first served, but don’t worry, every seat has a view. In addition to the
inside area, the boat also has a top deck that offers incredible panoramic views.
The Phoenix is wheelchair accessible and has two bathrooms. Boarding begins 30
minutes prior to departure times.
For more information or current prices please visit http://www.lakepleasantcruises.com
info@lakepleasantcruises.com
Pleasant Harbor Marina
8708 W Harbor Blvd, Peoria, AZ 85383
602-456-9955
Lake Pleasant, Arizona
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