Lake Mead Cruises Desert Princess
Cruise Lake Mead aboard the Desert Princess, a Mississippi-style riverboat offering scenic views of Hoover Dam and the desert landscape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, better seating
Lake Mead Cruises Desert Princess
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better seating
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.
"A nice 90-minute cruise to see Hoover Dam from the water, with friendly staff and great scenery."
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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
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!
Scenic Lake Mead Views
Lake Mead
Enjoy the vast, beautiful desert landscape meeting the blue waters of Lake Mead. Perfect for photography and relaxation.
Desert Princess Riverboat
Marina
Experience a traditional Mississippi-style riverboat cruise with comfortable seating and onboard amenities.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Sun Protection is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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.
Enjoy Onboard Amenities
Food and drinks are available for purchase, with reasonably priced options.
Learn Fun Facts
The cruise offers interesting information and fun facts about the area.
Launching A Boat At Lake Mead. Best Location For A 22’ Pontoon?
Tips
from all over the internet
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.
Enjoy Onboard Amenities
Food and drinks are available for purchase, with reasonably priced options.
Learn Fun Facts
The cruise offers interesting information and fun facts about the area.
What Travellers Say
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.
"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
What People Dislike
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.
Yes, there is parking available at the Lake Mead Marina. It's recommended to arrive a bit early, especially for afternoon cruises.
Public transportation options directly to Lake Mead Marina are limited. Renting a car or booking a tour that includes transportation is generally recommended.
Las Vegas, Nevada, is the closest major city to Lake Mead, approximately a 45-minute to 1-hour drive away.
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.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The standard cruise duration is approximately 90 minutes, offering a scenic tour of Lake Mead and views of the Hoover Dam.
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.
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.
Yes, the cruise operators do offer local discounts, so be sure to ask about them when purchasing your tickets.
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.
🎫 🧭 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.
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.
There are ample seating spots on the upper deck, but be aware that there is no shade. Indoor seating is also available.
Yes, the cruise is generally suitable for families and children. It offers a relaxed way to see the scenery and learn about the area.
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.
📸 📸 Photography
The Hoover Dam from the water offers dramatic photo opportunities. The desert landscapes and sunsets over Lake Mead are also stunning.
Yes, with open decks and unobstructed views, it's easy to capture great photos. Just be mindful of the sun's glare.
Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer light and more dramatic colors for photography.
Yes, you can bring your camera. There are no restrictions mentioned regarding professional camera equipment.
The approach to the Hoover Dam provides the most iconic photo opportunities. The open deck offers panoramic views of the lake.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While not a high-thrill activity, it's a great way to introduce children to the natural beauty of the desert and the engineering marvel of the Hoover Dam in a comfortable setting. The crew is known for being friendly and accommodating, which is always a plus when traveling with kids.
💰 Budget Travelers
To maximize value, consider combining your cruise with other free or low-cost activities in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, such as visiting viewpoints or short hikes. The cruise provides a different vantage point than land-based tours, making it a distinct experience.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Be prepared for bright sunlight, especially on the open upper deck, so polarized sunglasses and a lens hood can be beneficial. The slow speed of the boat is ideal for steady shots, allowing you to capture clear images of the dam and the expansive lake.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Desert Princess Experience
While the cruise is designed for scenic enjoyment at a leisurely pace, some guests have expressed a desire for faster speeds to cover more of Lake Mead. However, the slow speed is ideal for appreciating the grandeur of the Hoover Dam from the water and soaking in the vast desert vistas. The experience is often described as a 'no frills' but enjoyable outing, perfect for those seeking a relaxing way to see the sights.
Key features include comfortable seating on both indoor and upper decks, though the upper deck lacks shade. This makes sun protection essential for those who prefer to stay topside. The crew is consistently noted for being friendly and professional, enhancing the overall positive experience.
Navigating Lake Mead's Water Levels
For those with personal watercraft, areas like Cottonwood Cove on Lake Mojave have reportedly seen less impact on water levels compared to other parts of Lake Mead.
Despite the challenges with water levels, the beauty of Lake Mead and its surrounding desert landscape remains a major draw. The contrast of dry land, vegetation, and blue water creates a unique visual appeal, especially during sunset.
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