Float among the cloud like a bird over the endless stretches of golden sand in the desert outside Dubai – that is what the hot air balloon ride in Dubai is about. But there’s more to it. The activity comes as a complete entertainment package, laced with thrill & high doses of fun. Read on to get the complete guide to hot air balloon rides in Dubai: prices, timings & what to expect.
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Why to Go for a Hot Air Balloon Ride in Dubai?
You rise high up in the air in the balloon. It’s early morning & the desert weather is still enjoyably cool. A gentle breeze blows across the sands, providing a calming influence. The rising sun across the horizon bathes the golden sands in deep shades of crimson – creating a hypnotic ambience.
You would rise up to about 4000 feet from the Margham area or the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. You would be enjoying the views of the glistening desert right up to the horizon. With some luck, you may also catch a sight of elusive desert fauna like Arabian oryx & gazelles. And you may also catch a glimpse of the distant skyline of Dubai.
There are different types of balloon rides, from a hot air balloon ride in the Dubai desert to a Dubai balloon Atlantis. While some might offer only the ride, others come with inclusions like in-flight falconry shows. It would also include a delectable gourmet breakfast in a Bedouin-themed deluxe desert camp once you return to ground.
The experience is all about serenity & joy, while also ensuring dollops of thrill & adventure. It’s distinctly different from the fast-paced urban attractions back in the megalopolis of Dubai.
Timings & Other Trip Information
Pickup from hotel – most service providers would do the hotel pickup at anytime between 4:00 a.m. & 5:00 a.m. It would depend on the season (earlier in summer, later in winter) & the location of your hotel in Dubai.
Flight briefing – once you reach the launch site, the experienced crew members would give you a detailed briefing on flight safety & related critical details. Be attentive during the briefing as this is important for your safety & hassle-free flight enjoyment. The balloon would be inflated right in front of your eyes. Watch it as you sip on hot tea/coffee.
Flight duration – the flight normally would last for anything between 45 minutes & 1 hour. Certain packages, however, might include a 60 minutes+ flight time.
After landing – once you are back to the ground, you might be taken back to your hotel if your package doesn’t include breakfast. But if the latter is included, then you would be taken to the wonderfully designed desert camp. Once you have filled yourself with the gourmet breakfast, you would be handed over a flight certificate before being dropped off at your hotel. The total time taken from pickup to drop-off would vary between 4 and 5 hours.
Seasonal variations – the ideal time to enjoy the hot air balloon ride in Dubai is between October and April. During these months, temperatures are quite equitable. The number of rides goes down during the summer months and they also start earlier.
Weather conditions – passenger safety is of the utmost importance to hot air balloon ride service providers. Thus, if the conditions are windier than what is considered safe, the ride may get postponed and in a worst case scenario, cancelled.
Pricing
- This is an important consideration before you confirm the ride. Every operator offers an array of packages, each with a different price and inclusions. A good Hot Air Balloon ticket provides It all depends on which of these inclusions you would want to avail of – and, of course, what your earmarked budget is for this activity. But the range of packages ensures that there is something to fit every pocket!
- Standard rides – include pickup, flight, basic refreshments, and hotel transfer. The package may vary between AED 700 & 900.
- Deluxe packages – include (besides the standard ride offerings) breakfast, in-flight falconry show, camel safari. The package may vary between AED 1000 & 1400.
- Premium packages – includes a private ride where it would only be you and your friends/family. Luxurious breakfast & a wildlife drive are additional inclusions. The package may start from AED 2000 onwards.
What to Expect
As you are soaring over the land, the endless golden-hued desert is below you – with all its splendid treasures of desert flora & fauna. Feel like a bird as vast expanses of the most spectacularly landscape is stretched under you – for miles on end. It’s a purely magical feeling!
Some Tips
- Dress light & wear flat shoes
- Ensure adherence to height & weight restrictions
- Check inclusions carefully before booking
So – go ahead, check out the packages; and book your chosen one. You would be gifting yourself a most enchanting experience.
