Stunning views of the Hoover Dam and its bridge
1 / 10

Lake Mead Cruises Desert Princess

4.5
·823 reviews·Boulder City, United States

Cruise Lake Mead aboard the Desert Princess, a Mississippi-style riverboat offering scenic views of Hoover Dam and the desert landscape.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early morning cruises

Fewer crowds, better seating

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Stunning views of the Hoover Dam and its bridge

Lake Mead Cruises Desert Princess

Best Time

Early morning cruises

Fewer crowds, better seating

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Cruise Lake Mead aboard the Desert Princess, a Mississippi-style riverboat offering scenic views of Hoover Dam and the desert landscape.

4.5
(823 reviews)

"A nice 90-minute cruise to see Hoover Dam from the water, with friendly staff and great scenery."

Vertical photo
TIP

Ask for Local Discounts

Inquire about local discounts when purchasing tickets for potential savings.

Pack Sun Protection

Bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses for the unshaded upper deck.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 823 reviews

Type

Tour Agency

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Hoover Dam from the Water

Hoover Dam from the Water

Lake Mead

Witness the immense scale of the Hoover Dam from a unique perspective on the water. A truly breathtaking sight!

Reddit
Scenic Lake Mead Views

Scenic Lake Mead Views

Lake Mead

Enjoy the vast, beautiful desert landscape meeting the blue waters of Lake Mead. Perfect for photography and relaxation.

TikTok
Desert Princess Riverboat

Desert Princess Riverboat

Marina

Experience a traditional Mississippi-style riverboat cruise with comfortable seating and onboard amenities.

Reddit
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Book your Lake Mead Cruises Desert Princess tickets in advance, especially for afternoon tours, as they tend to be more crowded. Consider an early morning cruise for a more relaxed experience and better seating on the upper deck. Reddit

Sun Protection is Key

The upper deck of the Desert Princess offers stunning views but no shade. Pack plenty of sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to stay comfortable during your 90-minute cruise. Reddit

Best Times

When
Early morning cruises
Why
Fewer crowds, better seating
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon cruises
Why
Warm desert sun
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Would you pay for a private houseboat tour of lake mead ? Or if i did a free tour woukd you take it ? 4 hour, lunch included, stop for a beach swim,etc etc for up to 10 people, i am looking for level of interest. #lakemeaddrought #lakemead #lasvegastour #lasvegas
@mentorempire
291 likes • 5.4K views

Ask for Local Discounts

Inquire about local discounts when purchasing tickets for potential savings. Reddit

Pack Sun Protection

Bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses for the unshaded upper deck. Reddit

I use to jet ski out at Lake Mead back in the 90's. It's amazing how much the water has receded.
@ladydibutterfly
113 likes • 2.3K views
No rush here 🥰 Camping at Lake Mead was incredible. The sunset was so vibrant, surprising us with a small glimpse of a rainbow, and lighting up the mountains in the background. Nothing beats the desert contrast of dry land, green vegetation and blue water in the background! Highly recommend Boulder Beach Campground! #lakemead #Nevada #Arizona #sunset #camping
@whatbreesees
99 likes • 789 views

Enjoy Onboard Amenities

Food and drinks are available for purchase, with reasonably priced options. Reddit

Learn Fun Facts

The cruise offers interesting information and fun facts about the area. Reddit

reddit.com

Launching A Boat At Lake Mead. Best Location For A 22’ Pontoon?

We’re in the process of buying a 22’ pontoon boat and we’re planning a test drive this weekend. Seller is saying last time they tried to launch it last year, the water was too low… anyone have advise on best place to launch a boat?

Tips

from all over the internet

Ask for Local Discounts

Inquire about local discounts when purchasing tickets for potential savings. Reddit

Pack Sun Protection

Bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses for the unshaded upper deck. Reddit

Enjoy Onboard Amenities

Food and drinks are available for purchase, with reasonably priced options. Reddit

Learn Fun Facts

The cruise offers interesting information and fun facts about the area. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(823 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors generally find the Lake Mead Cruises Desert Princess to be an enjoyable and scenic experience, particularly for its unique views of the Hoover Dam from the water. The clean boat, friendly crew, and reasonable onboard prices are frequently praised. Some guests wished for a faster pace to see more of Lake Mead, and the lack of shade on the upper deck is a common point of consideration. Reddit

"This was a very enjoyable trip and worth the cost of a 1 1/2 hour tour of Lake Mead. The Desert Princess was very clean with ample crew to guest ratio and all of whom were pleasant and professional. The Captain was very clear in his introductions and commands; he also conducted a man overboard training exercise which was interesting. We enjoyed the pre-recorded narration, fully stocked bar and food available for purchase all reasonably priced."

christine hoffmann

"This was such a nice boat tour of the Lake Mead and Hoover Dam!

Super friendly staff, very accommodating. During the 90 minute ride, there is a bar and food service on the cruise. We had nachos, the order arrived quickly and the food was great!

Such great scenery to float down the Lake, towards Hoover Dam. Was nice to see so many other boats and seadoos around.

During the cruise, they provide you with a lot of info and fun facts. Learned a lot from this tour.

They do offer locals discounts, so please ask them.

This was really nice, the marina is nice and clean and lots of fish to see in the lake too!"

Adrenaline Junkies

"A nice 90-minute cruise to see Hoover Dam. The speed was awfully slow, however, I would like to see a faster speed so that more of Lake Mead could be viewed than just Hoover Dam. All employees were friendly and helpful."

Lucas Wall

What People Like

Unique Hoover Dam views
Friendly and professional crew
Clean and comfortable boat

What People Dislike

Slow boat speed
Lack of upper deck shade

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Desert Princess departs from the Lake Mead Marina. It's accessible by car, and parking is available. Many visitors combine this cruise with a visit to the Hoover Dam. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available at the Lake Mead Marina. It's recommended to arrive a bit early, especially for afternoon cruises. Reddit

Public transportation options directly to Lake Mead Marina are limited. Renting a car or booking a tour that includes transportation is generally recommended. TikTok

Las Vegas, Nevada, is the closest major city to Lake Mead, approximately a 45-minute to 1-hour drive away. TikTok

While the Desert Princess is a tour boat, there are boat launch facilities at Lake Mead. However, water levels can fluctuate, so it's wise to check current conditions. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The standard cruise duration is approximately 90 minutes, offering a scenic tour of Lake Mead and views of the Hoover Dam. Reddit

Ticket prices can vary, but reviews suggest they are around $40-$50 per person for the 90-minute tour. It's always best to check their official website for current pricing. Reddit

While same-day tickets may be available, it's highly recommended to book in advance, especially for popular times like afternoon cruises, to secure your spot. Reddit

Yes, the cruise operators do offer local discounts, so be sure to ask about them when purchasing your tickets. Reddit

Policies can vary, so it's advisable to review the specific terms and conditions when booking or contact the cruise operator directly for information on cancellations or rescheduling. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You'll see the vast expanse of Lake Mead, the surrounding desert landscape, and get impressive views of the Hoover Dam from the water. Reddit

Yes, the Desert Princess has a fully stocked bar and offers food for purchase, such as nachos, which are reported to be reasonably priced and arrive quickly. Reddit

There are ample seating spots on the upper deck, but be aware that there is no shade. Indoor seating is also available. Reddit

Yes, the cruise is generally suitable for families and children. It offers a relaxed way to see the scenery and learn about the area. TikTok

The boat travels at a slow speed to allow for scenic viewing. Some reviewers wished for a faster speed to cover more of Lake Mead. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The Hoover Dam from the water offers dramatic photo opportunities. The desert landscapes and sunsets over Lake Mead are also stunning. TikTokReddit

Yes, with open decks and unobstructed views, it's easy to capture great photos. Just be mindful of the sun's glare. Reddit

Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer light and more dramatic colors for photography. TikTok

Yes, you can bring your camera. There are no restrictions mentioned regarding professional camera equipment. Reddit

The approach to the Hoover Dam provides the most iconic photo opportunities. The open deck offers panoramic views of the lake. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2
Lake Mead Cruises Desert Princess (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide