A 90-to-120-minute paddlewheeler cruise on Lake Mead from Hemenway Harbor, with views of the desert canyons and the upstream face of Hoover Dam and its intake towers.
Lake Mead is the reservoir formed behind Hoover Dam, and a cruise on it gives you the dam from a viewpoint most visitors never see: the upstream side, from the water. The Desert Princess is a three-deck paddlewheeler certified for 275 passengers. It leaves from the Lake Mead Cruises landing at Hemenway Harbor, inside Lake Mead National Recreation Area, about 40 to 45 minutes from the Strip via Boulder City. Cruises last about 90 to 120 minutes.
The boat heads across Boulder Basin towards the dam. On the way you pass rugged volcanic hills and desert canyons, and the pale "bathtub ring" on the shoreline that shows how far the water level has dropped. Near the dam you see its upstream face, the curve of the concrete and the four tall intake towers that feed water to the turbines. Note that this is not a trip through Black Canyon. That stretch of the Colorado River lies below the dam and is reached by separate river rafting and kayak tours.
There are three main types of cruise. The Mid-Day Sightseeing Cruise is the simplest and suits families. The Champagne Brunch Cruise adds a meal and drinks, and the Dinner Cruise times the trip for the evening light. Two decks are climate-controlled and one is an open promenade deck. That matters in summer, when you will want the air-conditioning for most of the trip and the open deck only for photos. A photographer takes pictures before boarding, and you can buy them afterwards if you like.
Getting there takes a little planning. Lake Mead National Recreation Area charges a vehicle entry fee at its entrance stations, separate from the cruise ticket. Follow Lakeshore Road and the signs to Hemenway Harbor and the cruise landing. If you are not driving, look for a package with transport. The cruise combines naturally with a Hoover Dam visit and lunch in Boulder City, so the three together make an easy day out.
What to expect
The experience
The Desert Princess is a three-level paddlewheeler with two climate-controlled decks and an open promenade deck. It is certified for 275 passengers, so it feels spacious even when busy.
Best time
The midday sightseeing cruise is best for views; brunch and dinner cruises turn it into an occasion. In summer, stay on the air-conditioned decks.
How long
90 to 120 minutes on the water.
Tips
Cruises leave Hemenway Harbor and cross Boulder Basin towards Hoover Dam. You get views of the desert hills and the lake's low-water bathtub ring. The trip lasts about 90 to 120 minutes. The highlight is seeing Hoover Dam's upstream face and its four intake towers from the water. It is a different perspective from the walkway on top of the dam or the bypass bridge. Choose from the Mid-Day Sightseeing Cruise, the Champagne Brunch Cruise and the Dinner Cruise. Check which meals and drinks are included in your ticket. Drive through Boulder City towards Hoover Dam, turn onto Lakeshore Road into Lake Mead National Recreation Area, pay the park entry fee and follow signs to Hemenway Harbor. Allow 40 to 45 minutes from the Strip. Book the brunch or dinner cruise if you want to turn it into an occasion. The midday sightseeing cruise is best for children. In the hottest months, stay in the air-conditioned decks and step out onto the promenade deck only for photos near the dam. Pair it with a Hoover Dam tour and lunch in Boulder City for a full, easy day.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Couples, families and anyone who wants a relaxed few hours on the water with a view of Hoover Dam.
- Families
- Relaxed for families; air-conditioned decks keep younger children comfortable in summer.
- Couples
- Book the dinner cruise for a relaxed evening on the water.
- Pair with
- Pairs well with Hoover Dam Tour and Valley of Fire.
- Time needed
- 90 to 120 minutes on the water.
Good questions
Where does the Lake Mead cruise depart from?+
From the Lake Mead Cruises landing at Hemenway Harbor, inside Lake Mead National Recreation Area near Boulder City. It is about 40 to 45 minutes by car from the Strip.
How long is the cruise?+
About 90 to 120 minutes, depending on the cruise type.
Does the cruise go through Black Canyon?+
No. The cruise stays on Lake Mead, upstream of Hoover Dam. Black Canyon is below the dam and is visited on separate rafting and kayak tours.
Can you see Hoover Dam from the boat?+
Yes. The cruise approaches the upstream face of the dam and its intake towers, a view you cannot get from land.
Is there a park entry fee?+
Yes. Lake Mead National Recreation Area charges a vehicle entry fee at its entrance stations, separate from your cruise ticket.
