easy
2 hours
Suitable for all fitness levels as the cruise involves minimal walking and seated dining.
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.
Select Saturdays | 2 Hours
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.
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.
• Adults: $94.00 • Children 5 to 12: $66.00 • Children 2 and under: $25.00 Does not include tax and gratuity
**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!
- Desert Wildlife – desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, white-tailed deer, coyotes, javalina, ring-tailed cats, bobcats and mountain lions
- Alcohol is not part of the ticket price but may be purchased onboard.
16 miles NE of Apache Junction at Canyon Lake (Canyon Lake, AZ)(Exact meeting location details will be provided immediately upon purchase of tickets.)
Desert nights can get chilly once the sun sets; packing a warm jacket ensures a comfortable evening on the water.
Take advantage of the steamboat’s telescopes to get close-up views of planets and distant stars during the presentation.
This popular cruise fills quickly—book ahead to guarantee your spot, especially on select Saturdays.
Plan to arrive at the meeting point early to get settled and enjoy pre-cruise views of the desert and lake.
Tortilla Flat is a historic settlement along the Apache Trail, preserving the spirit of Arizona's early 20th-century mining communities.
The cruise operator supports desert conservation efforts by promoting wildlife awareness and minimizing environmental impact on Canyon Lake’s fragile ecosystem.
Keeps you comfortable as desert temperatures drop after sunset.
fall specific
Helpful for spotting desert wildlife and enhancing stargazing beyond the telescopes.
Preferred payment method for onboard bar purchases.
Capture the sunset and desert landscapes as the cruise begins.