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Mesa, Arizona Canoe & kayak tours

Our most recommended Mesa, Arizona Canoe & kayak tours

Phoenix and Mesa: Self-Guided Kayak Trip on Saguaro Lake

1. Phoenix and Mesa: Self-Guided Kayak Trip on Saguaro Lake

Experience the spectacular landscapes of the Tonto National Forest on a self-guided kayaking tour around Saguaro Lake. Paddle through canyons, see beautiful desert scenery, and discover the local flora and native wildlife from a unique perspective. Escape the heat and feel refreshed by one of the most stunning lakes of Arizona. Travel at your own pace, giving you the opportunity to truly take in the picturesque views. Start with an orientation of basic safety and paddling instructions. The “sit-on-top”-style kayaks are very stable and easy to maneuver. Before you know it you’ll be paddling below thousand-foot cliffs. Explore the lake's glimmering waters and discover coves and craggy shorelines. Keep your eyes open for the native wildlife native to the Tonto National Forest.

Phoenix & Scottsdale: Saguaro Lake Kayaking Tour

2. Phoenix & Scottsdale: Saguaro Lake Kayaking Tour

Paddle through gorgeous Saguaro Lake on a kayak with this guided desert tour. Enjoy hours on the water with your experienced guide, splashing, relaxing, and viewing unique wildlife. The lake is an indispensable oasis in the vast Sonoran Desert, attracting a multitude of birds and wildlife.   Kayaking in Arizona is a unique experience, which offers you the chance to see desert bighorn sheep and bald eagles. Take time to appreciate the surrounding mountain peaks, giant saguaro cactus, and flora, only found in this distinctive ecosystem. Your guides are always available to teach you the natural history of the area and give you expert paddling instruction. This tour is available for individuals and groups, and is perfect for paddlers of all experience levels.

Saguaro Lake: Guided Kayaking Tour

3. Saguaro Lake: Guided Kayaking Tour

Paddle year round on beautiful Saguaro lake. Whether you enjoy a refreshing day on the water to cool off in the summer months or looking to venture out on one of Arizona's warm winter afternoons, kayaking Saguaro Lake offers an escape stunning scenery and diverse wildlife. Step away from the stress of daily life and enjoy paddling along diverse desert cliff-lined shores and tall canyons on a guided kayaking tour with friends and family. Some of the local wildlife you can expect to see during your paddle may include bald eagles, bighorn sheep and blue heron. The contrast of the blue water against the desert topography is like nowhere else in the world. Meet your guide at Saguaro Lake's Butcher Jones Beach Recreation Site, approximately a 40-minute drive from Scottsdale or Tempe for pre-launch instructions to prepare for a 3-mile (approx. 3 hours) paddle tour to Willow Springs Canyon area and return to Butcher Jones. Your guide will provide all necessary paddle equipment, tips and information for an amazing experience.

Phoenix: Lake Kayaking & Paddle Boarding Tour

4. Phoenix: Lake Kayaking & Paddle Boarding Tour

Enjoy a fun and relaxing tour on Saguaro Lake, situated between the rugged Superstition Mountains and the towering Four Peaks. Try your hand at either paddling an inflatable kayak or balancing and manoeuvring a stand-up paddle board. The lake is an indispensable oasis in the vast Sonoran Desert, attracting a multitude of birds and wildlife.  Take the time to appreciate the surrounding mountain peaks, giant saguaro cactus, and flora unique to this ecosystem. Your guides are always available to teach you the natural history of the area and give you expert paddling instruction. Spot many importance species of wildlife in this diverse desert reservoir, such as bald eagles, desert bighorn sheep, and numerous examples of reptiles and amphibians. As a foraging area of the famous Salt River horses, you can marvel at these beautiful animals as they graze along the shore. This tour is suitable for all ages and ability levels. The inflatable kayaks are stable and easy to manoeuvre, creating the perfect platform for splashing, relaxing, or wildlife viewing. The SUPs offer a more playful technique, and even if you have no prior experience, you'll learn to balance, kneel, or stand on the board within no time. You may opt to trade watercraft with your fellow paddlers mid-tour, or stick with one discipline.

Other Sightseeing Options in Mesa, Arizona

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What people are saying about Mesa, Arizona

Great trip. Beautiful and tranquil day on the river. Had a great intro before we paddled, and the river was easy to navigate even as a beginners. Would do it again.

Well the day turned windy and rainy and cold for Arizona but I had a great time. I will do this again and take some of my relatives with me.