by Diane Quinn

Created on: August 16, 2008   Last Updated: August 18, 2008

Lake Mead, and the surrounding recreational area, was formed after the construction of The Hoover Dam. The dam itself is still considered by experts to be one of the top ten, engineering wonders of the world.

An overview of Lake Mead boat tours is relatively simple; because since 1987, only one company was chosen by the National Park Service to operate this concession on the lake. Lake Mead Cruises offers a variety of daytime, nighttime and even meal tour options without any competition.

Tourists arrive at the "Desert Princess" dock on the shore of Lake Mead. This is 300-passenger Paddlewheel boat with two climate controlled enclosed decks. The one open sun deck is perfect for taking in the cool, clean air and for better viewing of the sights. The Desert Princess is an authentic, three-level, Mississippi-style Paddlewheel. For the two-hour cruise, guests are served a complimentary glass of champagne as they relax and enjoy the deep, blue waters of the lake.

Winding around high canyon formations, the Desert Princess eventually arrives at the top of the waters beside the Hoover Dam. Comprehending that the top of the dam is 726 feet tall, and is the only thing holding back the incredible body of water on which they sit, many people feel a rush of excitement.

The roadway across the dam is visible and the hum of generators often heard in the distance. Along the way, points of interest are explained including Boulder Island, Sentinel Island, Arizona Paint Pots and when sighted, even herds of big horned sheep.

Costs for the two-hour trip, not including any meals, is approximately $22/adult - $20/child, all year round, leaving at noon and 2 p.m. There is a full service snack bar and grill on board.

Costs for meal cruises vary, depending upon the type of meal and time of year. Meal cruises start at $36.50/adult ($18/child) and go up to $58/adult for the dinner/evening/dancing cruise that is not recommended for children.

Weddings and special events can also be reserved in advance.

The night cruises are especially enjoyable as the sun sets and the surrounding mountains glow in shades of red, pink and gold. Guests relax and enjoy the knowledge that they are floating on one of the most famous bodies of water in the United States.

This Lake Mead boat tour is an easy 30-minute drive from the city of Las Vegas. If you do not have your own car, hotel guests can arrange transportation through the concierge, who will also book their reservation on the Desert Princess if they haven't already done so prior to arrival. There are a variety of land tours that can be arranged in conjunction with the Lake Mead boat tour that also include a tour of the Hoover Dam.

A Lake Mead boat tour and the Hoover Dam are a "must see" for any traveler to Las Vegas. Both are monuments to man's creative vision of the future and his ability to tame the environment.

Additional Sources
www.lakemeadcruises.com
www.lasvegas.com

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