Phoenix & Scottsdale: Saguaro Lake Kayaking Tour

Exploring the stunning natural beauty of Saguaro Lake near Phoenix and Scottsdale has never been easier. This 3-hour guided kayaking tour offers visitors a chance to enjoy the region’s dramatic desert landscapes, spotting local wildlife along the way. With round-trip transportation, top-notch equipment, and a safety-certified guide, adventurers of all skill levels can enjoy a memorable day of scenic paddling, swimming, and connecting with the rugged Superstition Mountains. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking an unforgettable outdoor experience, this tour promises to leave you captivated by the serene wonders of Saguaro Lake.

This experience made our list of the 8 Best Canoe And Kayak Experiences In Phoenix.

Key Points

• A 3-hour kayaking tour of Saguaro Lake near Phoenix, Arizona, offering scenic views of the Superstition Mountains and opportunities to spot wildlife like bald eagles and bighorn sheep.
• The tour includes roundtrip transportation, equipment, and a safety-certified guide, with a cost of $140 per person and a full refund for cancellations made at least 24 hours in advance.
• Participants can enjoy scenic kayaking, swimming in the lake’s cool waters, and guided instruction on kayaking techniques, suitable for all experience levels.
• The tour provides refreshments, national forest entry fees, and hassle-free logistics, with a meeting point at the Butcher Jones Recreation Site in Fort McDowell, Arizona.
• The tour has received a perfect 5-star rating from previous customers, who praised the guide’s knowledge, instruction quality, and the overall scenic and wildlife-viewing experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Saguaro Lake Kayaking Tour takes place at Saguaro Lake, a scenic desert oasis located near Phoenix, Arizona.

The 3-hour tour costs $140 per person and includes roundtrip transportation, all necessary equipment, and an experienced, safety-certified guide.

Advance reservations are required, and there’s a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the tour.

The tour’s highlights include wildlife viewing, swimming in the lake’s cool waters, and paddling a double kayak against the backdrop of the Superstition Mountains and Four Peaks.

The tour is suitable for all experience levels, and the guides provide instruction and guidance throughout the journey.

Experience Highlights

Kayakers can expect to explore Saguaro Lake, a desert oasis surrounded by the majestic Superstition Mountains and Four Peaks.

The guided tour offers opportunities to spot diverse wildlife, including bald eagles and bighorn sheep. Plus, adventurers will have the chance to swim in the cool desert waters, providing a refreshing respite from the Arizona heat.

The experienced, safety-certified guide will lead the way, sharing their knowledge of the local history and guiding participants through kayaking techniques, making the tour suitable for all experience levels.

The key experience highlights include:

1. Kayaking on Saguaro Lake amid stunning desert landscapes.
2. Wildlife viewing opportunities, such as bald eagles and bighorn sheep.
3. The chance to swim in the lake’s cool waters.

Included in the Tour

The guided tour package includes a professional, safety-certified guide who’ll lead the way.

They’ll provide bottled water and snacks to keep you refreshed throughout the journey.

You’ll be outfitted with an inflatable double kayak, paddles, a life jacket, and dry bags to keep your belongings safe.

Roundtrip transportation is included, taking the hassle out of getting to the meeting point.

The national forest entry fees are also covered, so you can fully learn about the natural beauty.

Gratuities for the guide are included, ensuring a stress-free experience from start to finish.

Preparation and Requirements

Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and a sun hat are recommended for participants.

The tour operator requires that guests avoid wearing sandals or flip-flops for safety reasons. Participants should also bring a change of clothes, sunscreen, and a valid ID card (a copy is accepted).

Regarding payment, the final payment must be made in advance of the tour.

The tour operator has a flexible cancellation policy, with no charge for cancellations made more than 48 hours before the departure, but a full charge for cancellations less than 48 hours prior.

1. Wear comfortable shoes
2. Bring a change of clothes
3. Provide a copy of your ID

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Customer Reviews

Based on the positive reviews, it seems that the Saguaro Lake Kayaking Tour has consistently impressed its participants.

The tour earned a perfect 5 out of 5 rating based on 3 reviews, with customers praising the guide’s knowledge and friendliness.

Novice kayakers appreciated the guide’s instructions on proper techniques, while everyone enjoyed learning about the local history and wildlife.

Reviewers recommend the tour for first-timers, highlighting the scenic desert landscape and opportunity to spot bald eagles and bighorn sheep.

Meeting Point and Transportation

Participants for the Saguaro Lake Kayaking Tour meet at the Butcher Jones Recreation Site in Fort McDowell, Arizona. This location serves as the designated meeting point, ensuring a smooth and organized start to the adventure.

Once gathered, the tour includes roundtrip transportation, taking guests directly to the lake. The included transportation not only provides convenience but also allows participants to fully enjoy the experience without the worry of driving.

The tour’s transportation features:

1. Comfortable and reliable vehicles to transport guests to and from the lake.
2. Experienced drivers familiar with the local area and routes.
3. Hassle-free logistics, allowing participants to focus on the kayaking adventure.

Pricing and Cancellation Policy

The tour’s pricing model offers flexibility, with packages starting from $140.00 per person.

Full refunds are available for cancellations made at least 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind for those planning their trip. Final payment is required before the tour, ensuring a smooth and organized experience.

For those who need to cancel closer to the departure date, a full charge applies for cancellations less than 48 hours prior. This policy balances the operator’s needs with customer convenience, making the Saguaro Lake Kayaking Tour an accessible and reliable adventure.

Wildlife Viewing Opportunities

One of the key highlights of the Saguaro Lake Kayaking Tour is the opportunity for wildlife viewing.

Paddling along the tranquil waters, you may spot a variety of desert creatures:

1. Bald eagles soaring overhead, their majestic wingspan showcasing their power and grace.
2. Bighorn sheep scaling the rugged Superstition Mountains, their agile movements a testament to their adaptability.
3. A diverse array of birds, from vibrant hummingbirds to the reclusive great blue herons, adding a symphony of chirps and calls to the serene environment.

With an experienced guide leading the way, you’ll gain insights into the local wildlife and their thriving habitat within this desert oasis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Minimum or Maximum Group Size?

There’s no mention of a minimum or maximum group size in the tour overview. The tour seems to accommodate individual bookings as well as larger groups, though the exact capacity is not specified.

Can I Bring My Own Kayak?

The tour provides all necessary kayaking equipment, so participants are not allowed to bring their own kayaks. This ensures consistency, safety, and convenience for all guests on the guided tour.

Do I Need to Know How to Swim?

You don’t need to know how to swim to join the Saguaro Lake kayaking tour. The tour provider supplies personal flotation devices, and the guide will provide instruction on basic kayaking techniques. However, comfort being on the water is recommended.

Are Photos and Videos Allowed During the Tour?

Photos and videos are generally allowed during the Saguaro Lake kayaking tour. Guests are encouraged to capture the scenic desert landscape, wildlife, and their kayaking experience. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator for any specific guidelines or restrictions.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Snacks Provided?

The tour provider doesn’t specify any dietary restrictions for the snacks provided. Guests with special dietary needs should contact the tour operator in advance to inquire about accommodations.

Recap

Saguaro Lake’s kayak tour near Phoenix and Scottsdale offers a breathtaking adventure. With stunning desert landscapes, wildlife spotting, and the majestic Superstition Mountains as a backdrop, this 3-hour excursion is suitable for all skill levels. Priced at $140 per person, the tour includes transportation, equipment, and a safety-certified guide, promising a memorable day of scenic exploration and connection with nature.

You can check if your dates are available here: