Hot Air Balloon Flight Info
Trip duration:
On a typical morning you should plan to spend 4-5 splendid hours with Lake Tahoe Balloons. What makes us truly unique is that we launch and land on boat that floats in Lake Tahoe. On a typical morning, we will leave the dock with two flights of passengers. While one group flies the other remains on the boat taking photos and enjoying the sights and sounds of the world's only hot air balloon aircraft carrier and the beauty of Lake Tahoe in the morning. When it's you turn to fly, you will spend approximately an hour on what will likely be the most amazing balloon ride of your life. Our friendly and personable crew will make sure your entire adventure is a cherished memory for years to come!
Weather check-in:
Priority number one at Lake Tahoe Balloons is ensuring that you enjoy a safe hot air balloon ride and morning with us. A critical component of providing a safe hot air balloon ride is ensuring that the weather is appropariate and safe for hot air ballooning. Both our hot air balloon pilot and boat captain will review the weather each morning and decide whether or not to proceed with the flight that morning. With nearly 20 years of combined Lake Tahoe ballooning under their belts, they know the intricacies of flying a hot air balloon in the Lake Tahoe Basin.
Once the pre-flight weather review has been completed, a voicemail will be left on our pre-flight weather checkin line informing guests of that morning's flight status and if flights will proceed that morning or not. It is important that you call us no more than an hour before your scheduled meeting time to confirm your flight. This will save you an early morning trip to the marina, which at that hour can be a cold and lonely place on a morning that we have canceled.
If we cancel your flight because of weather, you will not be charged and we will make every effort to rebook you if we have space. If you have booked through a third party, contact the third party through whom you have booked and they will provide you with a full refund.
What to wear:
Layers, layers, layers! Be sure to dress in layers and wear comfortable walking shoes. The coldest part of your morning will be on the boat before your flight. Even in the summer, early mornings can dip into the 30's and 40's (0-5 degrees in Celsius) so it's best to dress extra warm and in layers. You can alway remove a layer if you get too warm.
WHAT TO WEAR: Comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing, a windbreaker and bring your camera, sunblock, sunglasses.
WHAT NOT TO WEAR: High heals, flip-flops, designer shoes (they might get wet). We advise against wearing a skirt unless you are also wearing adequate layers underneath, etc. Don't dress for style, dress for comfort.
Last thought when dressing for your hot air balloon ride in Lake Tahoe, did we mention that you should be sure to dress in layers?
2024 Meeting times:
Advanced reservations are required and they can be booked through our website or over the phone by calling 530-544-1221. It is unlikely that we will be able to accommodate day of walk-ins. Upon completion of your booking, we will send you an email confirming your booking and booking details. Please review it closely.
You meet us that the Tahoe Keys Marina before the sun rises. Please make sure to plan ahead and know your route and arrive on time. Arriving late may mean you miss the boat and you will be considered a "No-show." No-shows are always charged in full. Detailed directions to the Tahoe Keys Marina are available on our Map & Directions page but be sure to do your own research as well.
Physical requirements:
A hot air balloon ride over Lake Tahoe is a safe, fun and exhilarating experience for most people however there are some for whom it may not be appropriate. Children must be a minimum of 6 years of age. Ballooning is not appropriate for infants or individuals who have recently had a major surgery, sustained a recent injury, suffer from chronic pain or have been scuba diving in the past few days. Expecting mothers in their third trimester of pregnancy are also not permitted . If you have any physical ailments that could cause discomfort or become aggravated on our vessel or during the flight, please consult your physcian.
Four legged-family members, including emotional support and service animals are not permitted on the Tahoe Flyer and should be rewarded with a spa treatment during your morning with us.
As a result of launching and landing on a boat, unlike most other balloon rides in California we are capable of accommodating some special needs. Those who require assistance when standing for an hour or walking, have trouble climbing stairs, etc. can often be accommodated if special arrangements are made in advance.
Our hot air balloon baskets do not accommodate canes, crutches oxygen tanks, etc.
Have more questions?
If you have more questions or need more info, read through our frequently asked questions or feel free to contact us. Our staff is alway happy to answer all of your questions to help ensure that your morning with us exceeds your expectations.