Hot Air Balloon Rides

Our ride begins at sunrise, when flight conditions are best, so this package allows you to spend the night before your flight nearby - one night lodging at Rancho Caymus, split level suites with fireplace, plus your morning flight the next day, champagne, and breakfast for 2 persons.

The Napa Valley Wine Country is one of the most perfect places on earth, not only for growing premium grapes, but also for soaring peacefully in colorful balloons. The gentle sensation of ballooning seems to put the world below into perspective. Lush vineyards and world-famous wineries drift into view, giving you an unmatched feeling of being above it all.

PLEASE NOTE: Some weekends and holidays require a multiple night stay at Rancho Caymus. Please call us before booking this package for any weekend (Friday or Saturday night) or holiday.

Enter the date of your balloon flight as the Tour Date on the Order Form. You will check in at the hotel the afternoon/evening preceding your balloon flight.

We provide ballooning excursions par excellence over the most scenic Upper Valley. We limit reservations to allow personalized attention, a single magnificent flight per morning with each balloon, and quality instead of volume. A complimentary Champagne Celebration to toast your accomplishment and breakfast options follow flights. Most excursions last 3 to 4 hours, including preflight and post-flight activities.

We offer a unique, exhilarating adventure for a few hours or more: unparalleled experiences in a legendary place, for those who are adventurous and those who simply want to relax with the world at their feet!

Flights begin at sunrise in the most scenic "Heart of the Upper Napa Valley" (Oakville, Rutherford, St. Helena, Calistoga, depending on winds). Altitude, distance, and timing vary according to the weather, and every flight is always a voyage of discovery! Most flights span about an hour. You'll be spellbound as we chart a new course, together with nature and your skilled pilot. The feeling of being as free as the wind. . . that is what ballooning is about!

Our pilots are all experienced, professional, and FAA commercially rated. They are familiar with the valley and dedicated to ensuring that your ballooning experience is safe, informative, memorable and fun! Our balloons are FAA certified, beautiful, and colorful and have been featured on covers of many magazines, from Touring & Tasting to Victoria's Secret!

Our guests may participate in the dramatic inflation if you wish, or watch and photograph! We choose to keep our groups small, usually from four to six persons per balloon or occasionally eight persons in our largest balloons. We celebrate each flight with an award and complimentary fine local champagne.

IMPORTANT - PLEASE NOTE

Some weekends and holidays require a multiple night stay at Rancho Caymus. Please call us before booking this package for any weekend (Friday or Saturday night) or holiday.

Due to weather always being a factor in ballooning, it is possible that your balloon flight may be canceled. Sometimes, this decision cannot be made until the morning of the flight. Should we have to cancel your balloon flight, you will have the option of rescheduling the balloon flight portion of your tour only for a future date or being refunded for the balloon flight portion of the tour only. There are no refunds for the hotel stay.

More Information

What time do we meet?
-We meet about thirty minutes before sunrise. Therefore, times do vary throughout the year. Ranging from 5:30 am to 7:00 am. Please call us with the date you are inquiring about, and we will let you know the meeting time.

Why do we meet so early?
-Just before sunrise is when the weather is the coolest and the winds are the calmest. This is the best time for ballooning.

How high will we go?
-Generally between 1,000 to 3,000 feet depending on the winds.

What should we wear?
-You should wear casual clothing along with comfortable shoes. We suggest wearing light layers so that you can easily adjust to the temperature as the sun comes up. The coolest you will be is on the ground. Once you're in flight, the burners tend to keep the baskets nice and warm.

Where do we launch from?
-Typically we launch from one of the wineries in the Napa Valley. Winds and fog can sometimes force us to find alternate launch sites.

Why do you ask for each passenger's weight?
-Weight distribution and total weight in the basket is a critical factor on balloon flights. Any adult over 210 pounds is required to pay a weight surcharge - $1.00 per pound over 210 pounds.

Can we bring cameras and video cameras?
-Yes! Bring lots and lots of film!

How do you get the balloon inflated?
-A fan is used to blow cool air into the balloon. Later the burners are used to heat the air as the balloon lies on the ground. Gradually the balloon will rise to an upright position.

Is it quiet in the balloon?
-When the burner is off, it is extremely quiet. Quiet is one of the most enjoyable aspects of ballooning.

What fabric is used for the balloon? -Most common is Dacron or rip-stop nylon.

Does the basket sway when flying?
-The baskets do not sway since the balloon moves with the wind.

Where do we meet?
-We will send you the departure point when we confirm your reservation.

Price is for 2 people and includes overnight stay at Rancho Caymus, balloon ride the morning after your hotel stay, and champagne. This tour does not provide hotel pick-up or drop-off. Enter the date of your balloon flight as the Tour Date on the Order Form. Your balloon flight will be the morning after your overnight at the hotel. Please provide each passenger's body weight on the order form. Weight surcharge must be paid for any passenger weighing over 210 pounds. Please reserve online, or call us toll-free at 800-409-2191.