My family and I spent a morning hosted by Scorpion Bay Marina at Lake Pleasant. Please see policies for more information.

Did you know you can rent boats at Scorpion Bay Marina at Lake Pleasant? You can rent private charters, pontoons, sport boats, kayaks, and water toys. Last weekend, we spent Sunday morning on a 24′ Pontoon and it was a much needed mini vacation!

Scorpion Bay is an easy drive from Scottsdale or Phoenix. Just northwest of Phoenix is Lake Pleasant Regional Park. After accessing Lake Pleasant through the Parks and Rec, you simply follow the signs to Scorpion Bay. (There is a $7.00 fee to enter the park.) Within 45 minutes we were parked and grabbing our cooler. We walked down the steps at the marina and right up to the rental office. The little ones were fascinated that a boat was an office!

The staff helped us get fitted with life jackets, went over signs and regulations, taught Brian how to drive the pontoon and we were off!

20 years ago, you could find me on a boat most Sunday afternoons. My high school best friend, Jen, and I would spend Sunday afternoons on her father’s boat. We’d listen to oldies, eat our share of snacks, and tube around Lake Lewisville in Texas. Those afternoons are some of my very favorite memories. But, as soon as I stepped onto the boat, it all came rushing back to me. I remember that it felt like you were the only people in the world and your cares melted off of your shoulders. I remember the sound of the water and how relaxing it was to drift off to sleep for a quick nap. I remember the freedom of being silent for hours, not having to come up with conversation, but just enjoying the view.

Julia, my oldest, flew in from college the day before and we couldn’t wait to spend the day with her! We wanted to hear every detail about her classes and her friends. I was worried about Mary Alice’s broken arm and if she would be disappointed that she would not be allowed to swim, but the staff at the rental office gave her a very important job. She was to be the flag waver anytime anyone on the boat was in the water. They were so fantastic with her and she took her role so seriously. I love when staff is great with kids. It makes the day even better!

What is a Pontoon?

A pontoon boat is a flattish boat that relies on floats to remain buoyant. These pontoons contain a lot of reserve buoyancy and allow designers to create deck plans fitted with all sorts of accommodations.

The boat felt huge! It was plenty of room for the 7 of us. We could have easily fit double that amount. There were two benches on the front of the boat that faced each other and two benches on the back of the boat. The captain’s chair was located on the right middle of the boat, making it where they were in the center of all the action and visiting. It was the perfect configuration for catching up with each other and relaxing.

What did we spend the morning doing?

The kids took turns swimming and tubing and singing and laughing. I kinda want to move out to the lake because I’m pretty sure there was not one fight all morning. After a few turns around the lake, everyone had the hang of it and was having a blast!

Julia, Riley, and Nate took turns on the tube. Mary Alice was in charge of the flag, and Sebastian snuggled with me all morning, just laughing at his siblings. I offered to switch and drive for a while, but Brian was having a blast pulling the kids on the tube.

There was a ladder at the back of the boat, so after they gave us the signal that they wanted a little break, the sibling on board would pull them in using the rope and they would climb up the ladder.

Everyone would switch places and we would be off again!

Was there a place to eat at Scorpion Bay Marina?

After spending the morning on the water, the kids were starving!

Scorpion Bay Grill

The restaurant is enclosed by a plexiglass wall. You can see the beautiful water, and the adorable mascot Charlie, but you don’t have to worry about the kids.

After we pulled into the dock, we walked over to Scorpion Bay Grill. It was incredibly family friendly and so delicious! Boats were pulling up, families were cheering for their favorite teams and watching the games, and my kids were wandering back and forth between their meals and the giant Jenga game in the corner. There is no additional fee to eat at the grill. You are welcome to enjoy the food and the view anytime!

I hope you have the opportunity to check them out!

Thank you, Scorpion Bay Marina for this incredible opportunity!