Adventure Collective
Experience the Magic of the Night Sky on the Astronomy Dinner Cruise at Canyon Lake, Arizona - Apache Junction

Experience the Magic of the Night Sky on the Astronomy Dinner Cruise at Canyon Lake, Arizona

Tortilla Flateasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

2 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for all fitness levels as the cruise involves minimal walking and seated dining.

Overview

Board the Dolly steamboat near Apache Junction for a two-hour twilight cruise featuring a gourmet buffet and live astronomy insights from Dr. Sky. Discover the desert’s wildlife and unlock the secrets of the night sky on this unique Canyon Lake adventure.

Tortilla Flat, Arizona

Astronomy Dinner Cruise

Select Saturdays | 2 Hours

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Adventure Photos

Astronomy Dinner Cruise photo 1

About This Adventure

Embark on a unique 2-hour Twilight Astronomy Dinner Cruise aboard the Dolly, where you'll enjoy a delicious buffet while renowned astronomy expert Dr. Sky guides you through the wonders of the night sky. Experience breathtaking desert views and uncover the secrets of the universe in an unforgettable evening of education and entertainment.

Cruise Details

2- Hour Twilight Astronomy Dinner Cruise

Our astronomy dinner cruises offer all of the magnificence of the dinner cruise plus the knowledge and insight provided by our Astronomy expert, Dr. Sky, Steve Kates. Dr. Sky breaks down the solar system as you view the night sky aboard the Dolly. His mission is to encourage people to look up to the heavens with awe and curiosity. Dr. Sky will be available for questions throughout the evening as he interprets the constellations in a way that all can understand.

Dinner Buffet Includes: Mixed Field Green Salad, Fresh Artisan Dinner Rolls, Sautéed Seasonal Vegetables, Rosemary Roasted Potatoes or Confetti Rice and Chef’s Seasonal Dessert.


Rates

• Adults: $94.00 • Children 5 to 12: $66.00 • Children 2 and under: $25.00 Does not include tax and gratuity


Additional Information

**A vegetarian option is also available. Any meal changes will be charged an additional $5

Join us for an astronomy dinner cruise aboard the Dolly steamboat. Take a "Mark Twain" voyage and admire the breathtaking scenery as you enjoy a presentation on the solar system complete with on-board telescopes!

Discover the beauty of the lower Sonoran Desert as you watch an unforgettable presentation. Dr. Sky, radio personality and astronomy expert, plays host to these memorable cruises. Dr. Sky has worked with CNN as a special correspondent, Superstition WWOR, and a variety of radio shows including the weekly radio update on WBAI in New York, Skywatch.

Dr. Sky is an "edutainer", an educator and an entertainer, focusing on the field of "sky science", which covers the four realms of astronomy, weather, aviation and space! Dr. Sky's mission is to encourage people to look up to the heavens with curiosity. Watch while Dr. Sky reveals the secrets of our galaxy and universe.

Every dinner is served with Mixed Field Green Salad, Fresh Artisan Dinner Rolls, Sautéed Seasonal Vegetables, Rosemary Roasted Potatoes or Confetti Rice and Chef’s Seasonal Dessert! We always have a vegetarian option available!


Be on the lookout for:

  • Desert Wildlife – desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, white-tailed deer, coyotes, javalina, ring-tailed cats, bobcats and mountain lions
  • Flora and Fauna – Saguaro, cholla, barrell, and prickly pear cacti One menu served per night. All meals served buffet style (not all-you-can-eat).

What Is Not Included?

  • Alcohol is not part of the ticket price but may be purchased onboard.
  • We prefer it if you bring cash or check if you plan on utilizing the bar.

Meeting Location

16 miles NE of Apache Junction at Canyon Lake (Canyon Lake, AZ)(Exact meeting location details will be provided immediately upon purchase of tickets.)

Adventure Tips

Bring Layers for Evening Chill

Desert nights can get chilly once the sun sets; packing a warm jacket ensures a comfortable evening on the water.

Use Onboard Telescopes

Take advantage of the steamboat’s telescopes to get close-up views of planets and distant stars during the presentation.

Reserve in Advance

This popular cruise fills quickly—book ahead to guarantee your spot, especially on select Saturdays.

Arrive Early for Boarding

Plan to arrive at the meeting point early to get settled and enjoy pre-cruise views of the desert and lake.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Desert bighorn sheep
  • Javelina

History

Tortilla Flat is a historic settlement along the Apache Trail, preserving the spirit of Arizona's early 20th-century mining communities.

Conservation

The cruise operator supports desert conservation efforts by promoting wildlife awareness and minimizing environmental impact on Canyon Lake’s fragile ecosystem.

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Adventure Hotspots in Apache Junction

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Warm Jacket

Essential

Keeps you comfortable as desert temperatures drop after sunset.

fall specific

Binoculars

Helpful for spotting desert wildlife and enhancing stargazing beyond the telescopes.

Cash or Check

Essential

Preferred payment method for onboard bar purchases.

Camera

Capture the sunset and desert landscapes as the cruise begins.