Gold Coast Hot Air Balloon with 5 Star Champagne Buffet Breakfast
3.5
Gold Coast Hot Air Balloon with 5 Star Champagne Buffet Breakfast
By Balloon Aloft Gold Coast
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About
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 3-99, max of 48 per group
Duration: 3–5 hours
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (All hotels and resorts between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach)
- All hotel pickup times will be advised with each request, times will change throughout the year for sunrise
- Balloon Enthuisists Flight Certificate
- Option to purchase Flight Photo's
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Hotel Buffet Breakfast with Champagne. (With Breakfast Option)
- Start:Multiple pickup locations offered.
- The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Dr, Broadbeach QLD 4218, Australia
Pickup details- Pickup from hotels in Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise & Southport area.
Hotel pickup offeredDuring checkout you will be able to select from the list of included hotels.End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 8112P1- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Children under 3yrs are unable to join the tour
- Pregnant women over 12 weeks are unable to fly
- Most travellers can participate
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 48 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 8112P1
From
$424.50
per adult
Select date and travellers
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- I8028RKsandram0 contributionsLovely flight experience over scenic rimGreat peaceful calm air flight, with very helpful ground staff and pilot. Was long drive inland 1 hour to takeoff and landing sight from Gold costsWritten 4 February 2025
- sonialD674CD0 contributionsMemorable adventure!My Son & I had a fabulous experience today flying with Balloon Aloft. So serene & calming with beautiful scenery. All staff were excellent. Happy, courteous & professional. A special mention to Gary our driver. He had a great attitude and made the journey to the launch area enjoyable.Written 29 April 2023
- PMck230 contributionsAVOID THIS COMPANYIn short, the company admitted to a "system glitch" that resulted in them breaching their own Terms & Conditions and a 3 hour round trip on our part. Despite this they are refusing a full refund. The director is insisting that tickets are non refundable in all circumstances, even when there is error on their side and a terms and conditions breach. We are concerned that they do this to other potential customers and recommended AVOIDING. We have put a complaint on via the QLD Gov Complaints Process as all communication is in writing and so their breach is clear.Written 7 February 2023
- Pete Y0 contributionsNo refundsHi TripAdvisor, My Hot Air Balloon experience never happened due to the weather. Since July 2022, I’ve been seeking a refund from TripAdvisor and as at 2 November, nothing has been refunded. You’ve received my request successfully but I had been ignored. Please make contact with me!Written 1 November 2022
- Debbie A0 contributionsAmazing ExperienceOur first balloon ride and it was an amazing experience. I noticed that safety was a priority which is good. The pilot, Chris gave us a running commentary of what we were looking at as we were cruising. Did not feel unsafe at any time. We are both not fans of heights but feel safe and secure in the basket. The basket holds 24 people and we hade 18 on our trip. You are picked up and dropped off back at the same place. There is parking avail at the pickup and drop off point also. Would highly recommend this company to fly with. The only thing I think would be nice if we had some sort of steps to get in and out of the basket and it is a bit hard for us older persons.Written 14 February 2022
- 942petieg0 contributionsFalse advertisement buyers bewareThis experience has nothing to do with the gold coast. You drive an hour away to take off. Lies lies.Written 6 October 2021
- Inspire283585406030 contributionsGreat fun excellent crewLots of fun, really nice to float above the earth quietly in a Balloon. early Start, great ride and Breakfast included, what more could you ask for.Written 22 July 2021
- 964ricw0 contributionsBallons Aloft Gold CoastWe had a great Balloon Flight with Balloons Aloft Gold Coast The whole arrangements, flight and transfers were carried out professionally and succinctly by very competent and helpful staff. The Pilot who you could see just loved his job talked about what was happening and why, pointed out the highlights below us and engaged with the clients, very positive experience. Breakfast with bubbles at the Italian Club afterwards was a nice ending to an exciting and great morning. Thanks allWritten 20 July 2021
- 502michellet0 contributionsFalse Advertising - not even the Gold Coast!My friend and I went on a morning flight booked through a “Red Balloon” voucher. This voucher was sold as “Hot Air Ballooning over the Gold Coast”, to a cost of almost $500. Red Balloon’s website advertises the following false statements as listed below: - Hot air balloon flight over the Gold Coast - Watch the sun reflect off the myriad of canals and waterways and view the surrounding forest-covered mountains of the Gold Coast hinterland on this spectacular hot air balloon ride. - After the exhilaration of flying effortlessly above the Gold Coast skyline. Having read the above statements online, one could expect to be floating over the Gold Coast during one of their flights, but after experiencing the reality, I am left feeling completely underwhelmed and frankly, defrauded. Upon boarding the bus and finally departing close to 5:00am from the Italian Soccer Club, my friend and I had no idea we were about to embark on an hour plus bus ride out to Beaudesert. After a long bathroom break in Canungra, we continued on the bus ride and managed to catch the 6:18am sunrise, while still sitting on the bus, before eventually reaching a paddock in the country. By the time we got into the air at approximately 6:40am, it was well after the promised “sunrise” flight. I figured once we were up in the air, we must then make our way over to the Gold Coast and waterways (being my first time, obviously I had no indication of how long it would take to reach the coastline in a hot air balloon). After almost 60 minutes of floating above cow paddocks and farmland, it became apparent that we were not going any further, and then came down in a similar paddock shortly after. We landed in grass that was almost up to my chest, where we then had to assist in packing up the entire balloon and load it onto a truck. The pack up process took well over 30 minutes of standing in the long grass (I pitied the 90 year old woman celebrating her birthday at this moment). A glass of bubbly or a refreshment would have been a welcome addition, considering we were expected to stand in a paddock for 1/2 hour. Finally we got back onto the bus, and started to make our way back to the Gold Coast, or so we thought. Our driver Gary, after about 15 minutes of driving, then shouted out that he “didn’t recognise any of these roads and could someone open Google Maps and see where we are”. I thought he must have been joking, but sadly he wasn’t. A few passengers, snickering, opened their phones to see we were headed north towards Jimboomba, and then had to navigate Gary over gravel roads to get us back towards Beaudesert. This added on an extra 30 minutes or so to our bus ride. Our bus was the last one to get back to the Soccer Club at 10:00am, by this time we were absolutely starving and feeling sick from being inside a bus on winding roads. We seated ourselves and then had to chase down a waitress to place our breakfast order which came out, cold and unappetising, at 10:30am. By this stage the whole experience had taken 6 hours (not the 4 as advertised on the website) so we managed a few bites of our meals and left. I can’t express just how disappointed I was after the entire experience. It felt like a complete lie and I don’t think there was ever any intention of flying over the Gold Coast. My friend and I both live in Mudgeeraba, so seeing cows and farmland was hardly an experience for us. The weather was perfect, there was no wind in the morning, so they can’t use weather as an excuse, especially after reading review after review on TripAdvisor and Google, all the negative comments dating as far back as 2015, mentioning the long drive out to Beaudesert, floating over paddocks in the countryside, 2+ Hours travel time. Reading these comments further clarifies for me that this is obviously the reality of the tour.Written 7 July 2021
- Vabeniss0 contributionsA treasured experienceSuch a wonderful experience made even better by amazingly warm, fun, thoughtful and deeply professional staff. Early fog meant we had some delays taking off for understandable safety reasons. Our host Peter was brilliant, kept us informed continually. Our Pilot Simon set a great tone of informative, personal and safety conscious. We took off between Canungra and Beaudesert and flew north for around an hour. So gentle and sensory watching birds glide below us over farms and water. Horses grazing and cantering over lush green fields. Many of us helped ‘pack’ away the balloon after landing, that was also fun and a lovely way to be more involved and share appreciation back with the ground crew and Simon (our pilot). So many positives, these guys have taken such a hit due to no international tourism, do yourself a favour, get onto a balloon flight Balloon Aloft, a wonderful and memorable experience made even better thanks to their excellent team (especially Peter and Simon).Written 4 July 2021
- Daddybanks0 contributionsSky High at 7:00amWe booked with Adrenaline, but the flight operated by Balllon Aloft. Very good experience though we were a bit confused on the Breakfast option. It was at the Italian Club which was OK. But not not the hinterland. The Ballooning itself was great. I have read reviews on folks whinging about helping repack the Ballooon. Well don't wear Reboks and Givenchy in a Balloon expereince is my comment. The whole event was great. We got lucky it seems with the weather. Other folks tried 5 times to get a flight. Wind, Rain, Fog can stop you flying for safety reasons. So book early if you are visting the Gold Coast as you may need a few morning attempts.Written 7 May 2021
- F5009VKnickf0 contributionsOff the bucket listFriendly approachable crew, knowledgeable and answered our questions during our flight. Weather was a bit hazy but that didn't take away from the flight experience. Ticked off the bucket list, and will do this again in future with family.Written 19 November 2020
- denisehN5800DO0 contributionsbad business practicevery disappointed by the poor customer service and bad business practice. I was given a gift certificate for my 60th. with Covid affecting our way of life, like most business owners I moved into survival mode. My certificate was due to expire so I called to make a booking. when asking about social distancing issues in the basket I was lectured about ballons flying under civil aviation laws therefore not being affected by the pandemic rules. Very little effort was made to find my certificate and I was redirected wrongly to Red Ballon.... After a few days I called back and another person easily found my certificate but then proceeded to explain that I should have taken the flight before the expiry and not just make a booking. I now would have to pay an extra $ 100 to be able to redeem my voucher that already cost $ 598. There is no mention of this rule on the certificate I was given. just a certificate number, a phone number and an expiry date. Given the circumstances of this year, extensions on vouchers should be common practice.Written 5 October 2020
- Jaffacake590 contributionsWOW is an understatement :-)Wow - what else can I say? Everything from the knowledgeable driver to the amazing flight over the Gold Coast hinterland where we could see Brisbane and Surfers Paradise in the distance. It was unfortunate that the wind wouldn't allow for us to fly over the Gold Coast itself but you can't help the weather! We would seriously love to do this again and I would do so in a heartbeat. Thankyou for a great trip - it's worth getting up early for.Written 26 August 2020
- Zoe W0 contributionsBoring balloon ride with miserable MervThis was a terrible experience from the get go. The voucher clearly states be at the Mercure in Carrara by 3:30am sharp or we will be left behind with no refund. Didn't leave until 4:15am because of some mishap with another group/bus not showing up and some problem with an ipad. Merv the rude and grumpy driver continued to answer his phone throughout the painful trip to Jimboomba while loudly announcing to the whole bus that something was wrong with the bus and that it wouldn't go up hills, not to mention telling us all how late we were and that we would miss sunrise. The balloon itself was average but that's nothing to do with the pilot, he was fine and did a good job. Just a disappointing view of new housing estates and dry scrubland with the sun well and truly up. Icing on the cake was when the disgruntled Merv rocks up and demands us to help pack up the balloon while giving the Chinese people on the group extremely rude looks for not helping. What did we pay $600 for?... Doesn't say anywhere that you'll be driven by some disorganised and angry old man, flown in some bum f*** no where town and forced to pack up the balloon at the end. We get back into the bus and with no communication driven to Surfers Paradise at 8:30am because we were late to land and meant to drop off some of the group by 8am to Mantra hotel... Finally get back to the Mercure for our champagne breakfast to find out we have to sit at a table with a few others from the group much to the hotel staffs dismay and confusion so we just left. Honestly one of the worst and most expensive 6 hours my partner and I have ever wasted.Written 24 November 2019
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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3.5
21 reviews
Excellent
9
Very good
2
Average
3
Poor
1
Terrible
6
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.
deschn
Airlie Beach, Australia18 contributions
I was really looking forward to it, but I was a bit disappointed.
I had booked the hot air balloon ride on Monday for Thursday ,because my weather app said then was the best weather.
I was called on Tuesday and asked if I wanted to move the date forward to Wednesday because the weather was apparently much better on Wednesday. I stayed with Thursday and was glad when I saw that on Wednesday the weather was not so good.
On Wednesday I was called again and asked how long I will stay because the weather on Thursday is not so good and it would be better to postpone to a sunny day. I agreed-although the weather app had given sun for Thursday. So they postponed me until Saturday because the weather should be very good and this day was the last chance for me to do this hot air balloon ride. As it turned out, the weather was good on Thursday.
On Friday just before 4pm I was called again and asked if I would like to postpone the appointment as it would have reported rain on Saturday. I said no, I couldn't move anymore.
As the weather app predicted, the weather was great on Saturday morning and there was a nice sunrise and no rain in sight.
When I saw that the hot air balloon ride on Thursday had taken place anyway and the weather was also good, I was already a bit annoyed.
There were 23 other people in the basket and it was very tight. In my opinion, it was crowded and I couldn't enjoy it as much as I constantly had some elbow in a rib.
The staff was very friendly, and the breakfast which could be booked for an extra charge was really great. There was a wide selection and it was very delicious.
I was glad I booked the refundable option (+20 dollars ), then I would have gotten the money back if they had cancelled.
I had booked the hot air balloon ride on Monday for Thursday ,because my weather app said then was the best weather.
I was called on Tuesday and asked if I wanted to move the date forward to Wednesday because the weather was apparently much better on Wednesday. I stayed with Thursday and was glad when I saw that on Wednesday the weather was not so good.
On Wednesday I was called again and asked how long I will stay because the weather on Thursday is not so good and it would be better to postpone to a sunny day. I agreed-although the weather app had given sun for Thursday. So they postponed me until Saturday because the weather should be very good and this day was the last chance for me to do this hot air balloon ride. As it turned out, the weather was good on Thursday.
On Friday just before 4pm I was called again and asked if I would like to postpone the appointment as it would have reported rain on Saturday. I said no, I couldn't move anymore.
As the weather app predicted, the weather was great on Saturday morning and there was a nice sunrise and no rain in sight.
When I saw that the hot air balloon ride on Thursday had taken place anyway and the weather was also good, I was already a bit annoyed.
There were 23 other people in the basket and it was very tight. In my opinion, it was crowded and I couldn't enjoy it as much as I constantly had some elbow in a rib.
The staff was very friendly, and the breakfast which could be booked for an extra charge was really great. There was a wide selection and it was very delicious.
I was glad I booked the refundable option (+20 dollars ), then I would have gotten the money back if they had cancelled.
Automatically translated
Written 9 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bruce Francis
2 contributions
Mar 2023
The ride itself was as expected. Knowledgeable staff. Our ride was in the hinterland so we missed sunrise, never saw the Gold Coast as advertised and due to the poor winds we were lucky to have travelled 5km in a straight line. The cost per person included a “FREE” $139 photo package although I am at a loss as to why they advertise this as you are still expected to fork out considerable money to have the images emailed to you. There was four of us so apparently there was $139x4 free photo packages but we got nothing for it! Be prepared to help pack away the balloon at the end. I’ve been lucky to ride in a balloon in Turkey previously so my expectations here were based on that. This ride wasn’t anywhere near as good. Awesome breakfast at the Casino.
Written 30 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Zara M
Brisbane Region, Australia22 contributions
A day to remember. Through minor weather delays the crew were diligent in ensuring our flight experience was incredible. At the end of our flight we were even and able to participate in the pack up of the balloon before driving back to an excellent buffet breakfast.
Written 6 October 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Darryn
1 contribution
Jul 2022
Really disappointed. This was going to be a very special flight for two members of our group of five people. However our flight on 01 July 2022 was cancelled due to weather so we were entitled to a refund. I rang them twice and also e-mails seeking a refund which they finally did, but they took a 5% fee out of our refund. Money for nothing! Check the fine print before you book with Balloon Aloft Gold Coast
Written 22 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura K
17 contributions
The minibus was old and cramped and very full. At 5 ft 10 my legs couldn't fit in my seat. As other reviews state this was not a coastal flight. Before getting on to bus I asked the driver where are we headed and how long will it take. He said he didn't know. I already assumed as per other reviews we would head 60km inland and we did with one stop at dirty public toilets. Peaceful and calm flight but over barren desert farm land nowhere near coast. Pilot and bus driver both evasive when asked how often they fly over the coast. I suspect never and images of coast and advertising statements are just lies.
Upon returning champagne was offered at buffet breakfast but group dining experience in back corner of a crowded buffet was not 5* experience at all. Ballon was packed to maximum capacity. Once in a lifetime experience and if I had read reviews before booking I would have chosen somewhere much more scenic to do it.
Upon returning champagne was offered at buffet breakfast but group dining experience in back corner of a crowded buffet was not 5* experience at all. Ballon was packed to maximum capacity. Once in a lifetime experience and if I had read reviews before booking I would have chosen somewhere much more scenic to do it.
Written 18 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kim A
Brisbane, Australia106 contributions
Feb 2019 • Couples
What a horror trek to celebrate our anniversary. Arrived at the collection point to be "greeted" by a highly disgruntled staff member who was stressed about the morning logistics. After witnessing a number of tourists be "told" how things are going to work and in a manner which was culturally insensitive, the journey only got rockier. The bus driver tried to make up for lost time by thinking the bus was a v8 racecar, and several passengers were unwell. The return trip was even worse and I was so ill I had to miss the breakfast. Tried to email them for a credit or a response but couldn't even get a reply.
Written 24 February 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there, this is a terribly upsetting review. We are so sorry to receive this. We have not heard anything of this day at all, but are definitely keen to investigate this further. It sounds horrible and very much out of alignment of our company operation, values and the character of our team members to behave that way. We have not received any emails at all of this nature and would truly appreciate the opportunity to discuss this further with you and see what we can do to rectify this experience. We would be so grateful if you could take the time to either call us on 55315536 or email us on admin@balloonaloft.net so we can apologise personally for your day and help you out with this further.
Written 24 September 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
brisgirl47
Brisbane, Australia3 contributions
Jul 2018 • Solo
This is a $300 scam booked through Adrenalin. Be warned! All the advertising photos show the balloon flying over the Gold Coast. That is false advertising! Yes, the departure point, by bus, is from the Gold Coast and an hour later you arrive after driving through the country town of Beaudesert over 100ks away. Beaudesert is where the balloon flight takes place which is NOWHERE NEAR the Gold Coast but in the “sticks” of the countryside. Secondly, there is no assistance into a very tall basket. So customers must be youthful and agile. No help if you’re older. And no prior warning of what to expect if you’re older and disabled in any way. What a scam! What a con! Shame on you Balloon Aloft and Adrenalin. I’ve reported you to the watchdogs.
Written 18 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ananta Uprety
Adelaide, Australia2 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
Please don’t book any activities with Balloon Aflot and most importantly don’t book it with Chris, very rude super duper rude bloke. He was super duper rude with all the asian clients including us. It was just a waste of our time and money. On top of that that rude pilot landed over a wet land which ruined our clothes and shoes. Please don’t book. Please. Chris, please retire buddy. It’s not your kind of job.
Written 19 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julie
Gold Coast, Australia9 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
The whole experience was 5 star- breath taking views,got amazing photos. I'm scared of heights so wasn't sure how I'd go but I was fine with this - the basket was high n I felt secure. Definitely recommend this company - hats off to Paco our amazing pilot and crew Gary and Nick. Thankyou guys for the awesome morning !! PS breakfast at the Star was great too - Julie and Ben
Written 25 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kath19602015
Toowoomba, Australia105 contributions
Dec 2017 • Solo
I was so looking forward to this Hot Air Balloon experience, but I have to say that I was bitterly disappointed.
1) We were NOT in the air before sunrise - which is what they prefer to do, so that you can be IN the air when the sun rises - but we were still on their mini bus traveling to the departure spot when the sun rose. :(
2) My daughter had been on two HAB experiences and she had told me that I would love it when you go up past the clouds and come back down through the clouds again. The Yellow balloon that I was on that day - one of 3 Balloons - was the only one that did NOT go up into the clouds. The Purple one did, the Red one did, but not the Yellow one. The Red one also went low (from what I could see from my balloon, it looked like they could touch the tops of the trees, but maybe it just looked that way). I even asked my 'Pilot' why the red balloon was so low and he basically told me it didn't mater - just to focus on my own balloon ride. Both the other balloons went low and up high past the clouds, the yellow balloon reached a certain altitude and remained at that until we descended.
After the breakfast and the Certificates were handed out, I started to leave, but I decided to turn around and ask "why did the Yellow balloon NOT go into the clouds & past the clouds?". I was told that it's actually illegal to do so, that the Pilot has to be able to "see the ground below him at all times". OK, fair enough, but WHY then did the other 2 Pilots - who work for the same company : Balloon Aloft - go into the clouds, why ? That does not seem fair to me. They either should all be allowed to do it, or none of them allowed do it (if it's supposedly illegal to do so) ! I was also told several times that my Pilot was the most experienced Pilot of the 3 - so even more reason to know that he had the 'ability' to go into the clouds if he had of wanted to.
Side note : There were a few people late to the Mercure Hotel, where the mini buses were departing from. This was NOT the actual reason we were late into the air - after sunrise - though. We were late into the air, because the drivers were waiting to hear from the Pilots as to which 'take off' spot we were to head to. In the end, they started driving, and they got word on their two-way whilst we were on our way. My point is, IF everyone had of been there on time, maybe we could have left earlier and maybe that would have put us in the air before sunrise, as the drivers still would have been told which 'take off' spot whilst enroute. So when going on a HAB experience, please make sure to arrive on time, for everyone's sake. Arriving well after the given time is just plain rude.
1) We were NOT in the air before sunrise - which is what they prefer to do, so that you can be IN the air when the sun rises - but we were still on their mini bus traveling to the departure spot when the sun rose. :(
2) My daughter had been on two HAB experiences and she had told me that I would love it when you go up past the clouds and come back down through the clouds again. The Yellow balloon that I was on that day - one of 3 Balloons - was the only one that did NOT go up into the clouds. The Purple one did, the Red one did, but not the Yellow one. The Red one also went low (from what I could see from my balloon, it looked like they could touch the tops of the trees, but maybe it just looked that way). I even asked my 'Pilot' why the red balloon was so low and he basically told me it didn't mater - just to focus on my own balloon ride. Both the other balloons went low and up high past the clouds, the yellow balloon reached a certain altitude and remained at that until we descended.
After the breakfast and the Certificates were handed out, I started to leave, but I decided to turn around and ask "why did the Yellow balloon NOT go into the clouds & past the clouds?". I was told that it's actually illegal to do so, that the Pilot has to be able to "see the ground below him at all times". OK, fair enough, but WHY then did the other 2 Pilots - who work for the same company : Balloon Aloft - go into the clouds, why ? That does not seem fair to me. They either should all be allowed to do it, or none of them allowed do it (if it's supposedly illegal to do so) ! I was also told several times that my Pilot was the most experienced Pilot of the 3 - so even more reason to know that he had the 'ability' to go into the clouds if he had of wanted to.
Side note : There were a few people late to the Mercure Hotel, where the mini buses were departing from. This was NOT the actual reason we were late into the air - after sunrise - though. We were late into the air, because the drivers were waiting to hear from the Pilots as to which 'take off' spot we were to head to. In the end, they started driving, and they got word on their two-way whilst we were on our way. My point is, IF everyone had of been there on time, maybe we could have left earlier and maybe that would have put us in the air before sunrise, as the drivers still would have been told which 'take off' spot whilst enroute. So when going on a HAB experience, please make sure to arrive on time, for everyone's sake. Arriving well after the given time is just plain rude.
Written 19 April 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I'm interested for a flight on 3 Dec fir 2A n 1C. Can check if we get to learn how t balloon fly n land. Do we get to take photo inside the balloon. What is t max number in each ride/ flight.
Thanks
Alan
Written 30 June 2022
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