If Lake Mead isn’t yet on your bucket list, it’s time to make an update. As the largest reservoir in the United States, Lake Mead is a wonder to behold. Its dark blue waters and surrounding dramatic desert landscape make it one of the most beautiful national park cruises you will see. Not to mention, it’s also home to the Hoover Dam. And if you’re looking for a different type of adventure, the Las Vegas strip is just a short 30-minute drive away.

Boat Tours on Lake Mead

The best — and maybe the only — way to experience Lake Mead is by boat. On a boat tour, you can see the local sites, take in the colorful landscape, and maybe even catch one of the area’s stunning sunsets.

Every boat tour includes a professional guide who will provide information about local sites and point out historic landmarks, such as:

• Fortification Hill (an extinct volcano)
• Arizona Paint Pots
• Hoover Dam

All you have to do: choose which Lake Mead boat cruise is right for you.

Hoover Dam, Mid-Day Sightseeing Cruise

This cruise, as its name suggests, will take you around Lake Mead in the middle of the day to see the local sites, including Hoover Dam. With plenty of sunshine and a refreshing breeze off the water, you’re sure to have a comfortable cruise and enjoy the sights. Be sure to get your camera ready for Hoover Dam, which is soaring 726 feet high and 660 feet wide at the base.

If you get hungry during your cruise, you can grab a snack at the Paddlewheel Grill, right there on the boat.

The Mid-day Hoover Dam tour runs 7 days a week from February to October. The cruise departs at 2:30 pm and lasts for 90 minutes.

Lake Mead Night Lights Dinner Cruise

This cruise will take you around Lake Mead in the evening so you can revel in the sunset, enjoy the cooler temperatures, and admire the glass-like smooth waters.

And, you’ll get to dine under the stars. There’s plenty to choose from, but we highly recommend the broiled salmon seasoned with lemon pepper and delicately basted with a garlic and dill butter sauce. This dish comes with a side of smashed potatoes, but be sure to save room for the seasonal dessert.

If you want to make the evening truly memorable, consider upgrading to one of our special packages, such as the romance package where you can renew your vows and celebrate with champagne.

Cruises leave at 5:30 pm on Friday and Saturday. This cruise is 2 hours long.

Know Before You Go

Before you arrive in Lake Mead, there are a few things you should know. You’ll want to book your boat cruise ahead of time and learn a little about your tour of choice.

Booking Your Lake Mead Boat Tour

While you’re planning your trip to Lake Mead, book your Lake Mead boat cruise in advance to secure tickets for the cruise you want.

You have three options for booking your cruise. You can book online by going to the Lake Mead Cruises website. In the top right corner you’ll select your date and choose which tour you want to take. The site will then show you the cruise availability.

You can also book your cruise by calling 866-292-9191. And, if you have a group of 20 or more, email emaillakemead@aramark.com to book your ticket.

While reservations are not required, they’re strongly encouraged as tickets do often sell out.

The Desert Princess

No matter what tour you choose, you’ll be riding aboard the Desert Princess, a three-level paddle wheeler. The Desert Princess has space for 275 passengers and 10 crewmembers and is certified by the U.S. Coast Guard.

You can enjoy the two enclosed, climate-controlled decks or walk around the open-air promenade deck with plenty of space to move around and take in the scenery. The Desert Princess provides a smooth ride so you can snap photos and move around freely.

A visit to Lake Mead puts you near the action, without being surrounded by it. The lights and city sounds of the Las Vegas Strip is just a short drive away, but here you’ll find yourself in the center of tranquility. During your visit, you can hop aboard the Desert Princess and tour the amazing sites of Lake Mead.