Dubai Ballooning Reviews: An Unforgettable Adventure

Getting the bird’s eye view of the beautiful city of Dubai, particularly over the golden dunes of the city at dusk when the sky is painted all over in shades of pink and orange, literally traduces this experience. For me, it was the first time I flew in the basket of a hot air balloon, and I can still recall the stillness of the dawn, the noise of the burner, and the fantastic feeling of being airborne with no effort at all. The sight that met the eye was exotic beyond belief, endless seas of sand below us, the occasional sighting of the graceful Arabian oryx and the gazelles prancing in the wilderness. It was like entering into another world, a world that I did not want to come out of.

As far as I am concerned, for anyone who loves to travel, particularly those who wish to have an out-of-the-world experience, the hot air ballooning in Dubai will be something to look forward to. Every trip is unique and designed to provide you with the beauty of the desert and gastronomic experiences like exquisite breakfasts, flight demonstrations of falcons, and historical recitals. Whether it is a personal ride to mark a particular occasion or a shared one to create excitement, the ride guarantees thrill and desire for more. Let me walk you through hot air ballooning experiences in Dubai, including reviews and advice on choosing the ideal one.

Dubai’s Most Famous Hot Air Balloon Companies

1. Shepherd Balloon 

Shepherd Balloon is more famous for its excellent service and carefully selected offers. Its customers especially appreciate the easy booking process and outstanding friendly services from airport transfers to in-flight meals and other refreshments. The most popular option with the readers is the Sunrise Desert Safari Package, which includes ballooning and wildlife viewing. Customers shared their experience of seeing local animals in Dubai from a bird’s point of view, which is charming.

Although Shepherd offers slightly more expensive packages, consumers highlight unique services such as an excellent breakfast and a falconry demonstration onboard. According to many customers, spending every dirham is a wise decision, considering the exclusivity of the services and customizations added to the event.

TripAdvisor Reviews for Shepherd Hot Air Balloon Dubai

Rated: ★★★★★ (4.8/5)
TripAdvisor travelers have claimed that Shepherd Balloon is one of the best providers of hot air balloon services because of their exemplary professionalism and efficient management of balloon rides. Others present great emphasis on the efficient guides who make the tour even more interesting with fact-filled observations about the desert and animals. Both families and couples have expressed their appreciation to the company for the good services provided to them, which made every passenger feel valued. Another reviewer described it as ‘the trip of a lifetime,’ still, another pointed to the precise control of its motion and the thrilling sight of the sunrise.

Shepherd Hot Air Balloon Dubai / reservation

2. Hero Balloon Flights

Hero Balloon Flights is considered one of the favorite companies for hot air balloon rides in Dubai that combines affordable prices with high quality and relative exclusivity. In terms of packages, Hero Balloon Flights is aimed at families, couples, and individuals traveling alone. Their flights are more comfortable and less crowded compared to other carriers, and this is because the baskets are comparatively small. It is a wholesome and memorable event, and usual packages are available that would offer such things as witnessing the sunrise, watching wildlife, particularly birds, and breakfas,t usually gourmet prepared for the return.

Hero Balloon Flights has also elated its customers with the fact that luxury ballooning is not entirely a preserve for the ultra-rich since they offer their services at reasonable prices. As for the basic offer, it provides comfortable flights, a competent pilot, and beautiful scenery; additional services include a falconry demonstration and, as part of the Premium package, a luxurious breakfast. Hero Balloon Flights offers a fairly standard rate of AED 1099 for an average balloon ride, while the extravagant experience costs AED 1399, thus placing it between low-cost and luxury deals.

TripAdvisor Reviews for Hero Balloon Flights

Rated: ★★★★★ (4.9/5)
Hero Balloon Flights has many happy and satisfied customers who write good comments on TripAdvisor and highlight the great value of the service. The people always note the professional and courteous personnel who pay attention to the details of a trip right from pick-up to disembarkation. Some of the most common comments from the reviewers relate to knowledgeable pilots, who also provide interesting information about the area of the desert in Dubai.

Hot Air Balloon by Hero Experience ticket / best offers

3. Action Flight 

For those willing with a slight detour outside of Dubai, Action Flight can provide a different view. Their ballooning expeditions depict the beauty of the UAE, just as they feature greenery and rocky mountains in addition to the desert.

The reviews described it as a peaceful break with gorgeous flights, which should appeal to anyone interested in the natural world. Meals are also offered in the package, sometimes along with breakfast at another resort near the specific location. A few point out that sightseeing in Ras Al Khaimah could take a bit more effort but the overall landscapes are quite unique.

TripAdvisor Reviews for Action Flight Ras Al Khaimah

Rated: ★★★★★ (4.6/5)

Traveling slightly further from Dubai, Action Flight is also quite popular as it offers flights through the lesser-known parts of the desert. People mostly note experienced pilots and beautiful sceneries, including dunes and mountains, in many of the reviews. It also contributes to comfort, having fewer people on board thus making it a serene means of transport, according to some reviewers. One traveler said, “It felt like we had the whole sky to ourselves.” 

Hot Air Balloon by Action Flight/ reservation

4. Sindbad Gulf Balloons

Sindbad Balloons’ trips add a bit of tradition to the sky. Their cultural-themed attractive tours include the Arabian Nights Balloon Ride with storytelling based on Arabian nights and consists of a carefully crafted traditional breakfast that makes many visitors feel amazed.

People were impressed with the friendliness of the crew and the pilot, who was also a history teacher, making the flight not only a flight but an entertaining and informative experience. A largely praised aspect of Sindbad is its fairly low prices combined with a highly individualized approach.

TripAdvisor Reviews for Sindbad Gulf Balloons

Rated: ★★★★★ (4.8/5)

Sindbad is exceptionally famous for its most luxurious packages and professional services. Most of the comments are about the good behavior of the staff or the easy process of making a reservation. The tourists appreciate that the rides are private and are usually accompanied by a professionally selected route that includes an opportunity to spot wild animals and witness the sunrise. A reviewer wrote, “The entire experience was like a fairy tale,” while others highlighted that one could take classy photos during the voyage.

Sindbad Hot Air Balloon/ best offers

5. Maha Balloons

Maha Balloons is steadily becoming popular in the ballooning industry in Dubai, and it is usually selected due to its creative packages that are friendly for kids as well. Their service named Eco-Adventure Ride, can inspire those guests who pay a lot of attention to the ecological situation.

Critics often note the stunning views and the efforts made by the pilot to capture the most beautiful scenery. Some parents appreciate the availability of child-friendly choices and, in some cases, an option or discount for children.

TripAdvisor Reviews for Maha Hot Air Balloons

Rated: ★★★★★ (4.9/5)

Maha is rated highly by customers all the time for its service delivery and premium services. In their comments, travelers tend to point to highly qualified pilots who ensure the trip is comfortable and secure. Unique aspects that have been appreciated the most include the gourmet breakfast and some cultural activities, including the falconry show. One of the reviewers commented about the value: “The sunrise was worth every penny,” other people praised the crew for treating guests as VIPs.

Maha Hot Air Balloons/ reservation

Visitor Insights: What Makes Each Company Special?

• Luxury seekers: Shepherd has a collection of luxury hot air balloon services, offering an exhilarating and magical experience. 
• Budget-conscious travelers: Action Flight and Sindbad are two of the best regarding value for money.
• Unique experiences: Flying over Ras Al Khaimah is characterized by a wide variation in the environment, whereas Sindbad provides cultural narratives in the sky.
• Family favorites: Maha Balloons targets families with children in particular.

Price and Package Comparisons

Tips for Choosing Your Hot Air Balloon Adventure

• Book early: Sunrise flights are very popular and get fully booked.
• Consider the extras: Some tour packages usually operate under the budget constraint of offering tourists the bare basic amenities. Check what each package covers in terms of breakfast, transfers, and other services.
• Dress warmly:  It is worth noting that even in hot Dubai, the early morning in the desert could be relatively cold.
• Bring a camera: Enjoy breathtaking aerial shots of the desert along with traditional spots and wild animals.

Conclusion

The Hot Air Balloon ride in Dubai is not just a tour; it is a trip that cannot be described merely by words or pictures. From the lavish Shepherd Balloon to the historical oriental Sindbad, to even playful and educational tours with Maha, there is something for everyone. Decide and choose your destination and proceed to travel in the clouds for an experience of a lifetime.

Read More:

Top 10 Dubai City Tour Full Day

Best Half-Day Dubai City Tours

List of Dubai Tourist Attractions 2025