Hot Air Balloon Ride in Tampa: Everything You Need to Know

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Obviously taking a hot air balloon ride in places like New Mexico and Arizona is pretty popular, but did you know you can take a hot air balloon ride in Tampa?! Honestly, I had no idea myself until I was writing my date ideas for Tampa post and thinking about unique ideas in the area.

Of course, my mind immediately went to a hot air balloon ride. It had been a long-time bucket list item for me, and once I realized you could do it near Tampa, I was fully invested.

If you are curious about the cost, timing, what to wear, whether it feels safe, and what the experience is actually like, here is everything I wish I knew before my sunrise hot air balloon ride near Tampa with Big Red Balloon!

Where Can You Ride a Hot Air Balloon in Tampa?

Big Red Balloon typically has guests meet in the Tampa/Temple Terrace area, and the exact meeting spot can depend on weather and flight conditions. For our ride, they told us the night before which Bob Evans location to meet at, then transported everyone to the launch field from there.

This is one of those experiences where you do need to stay flexible. Hot air ballooning is very weather-dependent, so the launch site, timing, or even the flight itself can change if conditions are not right.

When do the Hot Air Balloon Rides Take Place in Tampa?

Flights are usually scheduled around sunrise, and you will need to arrive early. For us, that meant meeting about an hour before sunrise, filling out waivers, loading up, and heading to the launch spot before the balloon was inflated.

While rides may be offered throughout the year, I personally loved doing it after daylight savings because the weather was nice and we did not have to wake up quite as painfully early. Just keep in mind that Florida weather can be dramatic, so build a little wiggle room into your plans in case your flight has to be rescheduled.

Related read: Check out my ULTIMATE Tampa guide for the best things to do, restaurants, and places to stay

How Long Does the Hot Air Balloon Ride Last?

The flight itself lasts approximately one hour, but plan for around 4-5 hours total for the full experience. That includes transportation to the launch field, watching and helping with the balloon inflation, flight time, landing, the champagne toast, and breakfast afterward.

How Much Does a Hot Air Balloon Ride in Tampa Cost?

There are a few factors that determine price, including age and whether you choose a shared Adventure Flight or a private Sweetheart Flight. Since pricing and policies can change, I would check Big Red Balloon’s pricing and policies page before booking.

This is definitely a splurge experience, which is why I think it makes the most sense for a special occasion, bucket list moment, birthday, anniversary, or a really memorable Tampa date.

What’s Included?

Our experience included:

• Approximately 1 hour of flight time
• Ground transportation between the launch and landing sites
• A champagne toast after the flight
• Breakfast at Bob Evans following the ride
• The chance to watch the balloon being inflated before takeoff (which was honestly part of the experience!)

Tips for Your Hot Air Balloon Ride in Tampa

• Book with some flexibility. Balloon rides are completely weather-dependent, so it’s helpful to have a backup date just in case.
• Be prepared for an early morning. You’ll be meeting before sunrise, but watching the sun come up from the balloon is absolutely worth the early wake-up!
• Wear comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes. You’ll be walking through grassy fields and climbing in and out of the basket, so keep that in mind when choosing your outfit.
• Arrive a little early. Watching the crew inflate the balloon is part of the experience, and you won’t want to miss it.
• Pay attention during the safety briefing. The landing instructions are simple, but it’s important to know what to expect.
• Don’t worry if your flight gets rescheduled. The pilot is looking out for your safety, and the best flights happen when the weather cooperates.
• Relax and enjoy the quiet. One of the most surprising parts of the experience was how peaceful it felt once we were floating above the ground.

My Experience with Big Red Balloon in Tampa

We had an amazing experience with Big Red Balloon and would absolutely recommend them!

Dave, the owner and one of the pilots, was one of those people who you can immediately tell loves what he does. He made everyone feel comfortable, answered questions throughout the morning, and shared so much about hot air ballooning that it made the experience even more interesting.

The ride itself was everything I hoped it would be. It was peaceful, surprisingly quiet, and watching the sunrise from the balloon made the whole experience feel even more special.

From the crew to the flight itself, everything felt professional, well-organized, and focused on safety. If you’re considering a hot air balloon ride in Tampa, I don’t think you can go wrong with Big Red Balloon.

Are you ready to enjoy a hot air balloon ride in Tampa?!

If you’ve been looking for a fun thing to do in Tampa, a unique date idea, or just want to cross something off of your bucket list, I can’t recommend a hot air balloon ride enough! It was such a peaceful experience, and seeing the sunrise from up in the air is something I’ll never forget. You can also watch the video of our experience here!

Before you go, be sure to follow me on Insta @guidedbydestiny and check out some of my other Florida blog posts:

Where to Stay in Tampa

Free Things to Do in Tampa

Stunning Beaches Near Tampa