Lake Mead Boat Tours and Cruises
Cruise boats on the lake
- 275Passengers the Desert Princess is certified to carry
- over 900Camping and RV sites in the recreation area
- 1,071.55 feetLake Mead record low elevation
The Desert Princess is a cruise vessel run by Lake Mead Cruises. It is a three-level paddle wheeler, and the U.S. Coast Guard has certified it to carry 275 passengers.
- Operator: Lake Mead Cruises
- Vessel type: three-level paddle wheeler
- Certification: U.S. Coast Guard, 275 passengers
Boulder Basin is the large body of the lake that lies at the Hoover Dam end of the water.
Jagged mountain ranges surround the lake and give it a scenic backdrop, and the sunset hours show this most clearly.
Marinas, access and visitor information
In 2008, Lake Mead Marina was relocated to Hemenway Harbor, a move the facts link to falling water levels.
The marina at Las Vegas Bay is inoperable under low water, and its operations have moved to Hemenway Boat Harbor.
| Marina | Status |
|---|---|
| Las Vegas Boat Harbor | Open |
| Lake Mead Marina at Hemenway Harbor/Horsepower Cove | Open |
| Callville Bay marina | Open |
| Temple Bar marina | Open |
| Marina at Las Vegas Bay | Inoperable; operations moved to Hemenway Boat Harbor |
No public transportation serves the park, though tour buses run from many Las Vegas resorts and attractions.
The older road through Boulder City still carries tourist traffic to Lake Mead and the dam, while the new bridge carries through traffic.
For overnight stays, the recreation area offers over 900 camping and RV sites, with desert and lakeside views.
Bighorn sheep can be spotted at most areas of the recreation area.
For visitor and recreation information, call 702-293-8990. In an emergency, dial 911.
Water conditions, season and safety
The recreation area is listed as year-round and spans 1.5 million acres.
Boating, hiking and fishing are among the activities listed for the recreation area, which is described as year-round.
Water temperatures in the recreation area range from about 45 °F to 85 °F, depending on the time of year.
Lake Mead dropped to its lowest recorded elevation, 1,071.55 feet (326.61 m), on June 10, 2021.
Between 2007 and 2015, the lake recorded 317 deaths, and drownings made up most of them.
Over the same 2007 to 2015 span, Lake Mead logged more deaths than any other national park.
National Park Service safety programs at Lake Mead emphasize three points:
- Life jackets
- Hydration
- Heat preparedness
Lake Mead boat tours
Lake Mead boat tours and cruises
Questions about Lake Mead boat tours
Frequently asked questions
How many passengers does the Desert Princess carry?
The Desert Princess, a three-level paddle wheeler run by Lake Mead Cruises, is certified by the U.S. Coast Guard to carry 275 passengers.
Which marinas on the lake remain open?
Las Vegas Boat Harbor, the Lake Mead Marina at Hemenway Harbor/Horsepower Cove, and the Callville Bay and Temple Bar marinas are listed as open.
Is public transportation available to the park?
No public transportation serves the park. Tour buses run from many Las Vegas resorts and attractions.
How many deaths were recorded at Lake Mead between 2007 and 2015?
Lake Mead recorded 317 deaths in that period, and drownings accounted for most of them.
Did Lake Mead record more deaths than other national parks?
Between 2007 and 2015, Lake Mead logged the most deaths of any national park, with 317 recorded, mostly drownings.
What is the record low elevation of Lake Mead?
Its record low elevation is 1,071.55 feet (326.61 m).
On what date did the lake reach that low?
The low was reached on June 10, 2021, when the water stood at 1,071.55 feet.
Is the recreation area open all year?
Lake Mead National Recreation Area, which spans 1.5 million acres, is a year-round recreation area, and boating, hiking and fishing are listed among its activities.