Lake Tahoe Balloons — Local services in South Lake Tahoe

As a born and raised local I’ve been wanting to do this my whole life, because it seems the balloon has always been stunningly displayed above me in my early morning bus rides to middle school! Today I was finally able to do it and my inner hype lived its full glory on the chilly October water!

Everything about the boat and ballon experience was seamless. Follow the rules and you will have a grand time! Get there early and stay warm in your car. Wear many layers and bring a bag to take layers off over the hours you’re on the water. They have water, coffee and snacks upon arrival and everyone is extremely friendly even so early in the morning! When you get on the water the crew is working constantly to get the ballon ready while also making the experience fun and full of information about the lake!

When you go up (either the first or second balloon) you will have a view that nothing else could provide. Each ride is different but I highly suggest the second balloon ride. Your guide will have a ton of information about the lake (yes even more fun facts!) and make it fun with themed music. It will surprise you how quiet it is at the top (like parasailing if you’ve ever been) and it’s actually warmer than you think!

If you’re afraid of heights not to worry this isn’t the same feeling. Someone would have more of an issue with the smaller basket dividers than how high up you are. That was me, the basket person.

I have to say going in October was probably the best time because you can see the stunning changing trees all over the lake! It makes more more of a view than the blue and green of summer. Not that summer isn’t beautiful but the pops of color are incredible!!! Also don’t be upset if winds cancel your boat, it’s for your own safety and as someone who works on boats believe me be thankful they don’t risk your life!

Now on the way back down take in mind you land ON the barge you took off from. So it’s a very exciting journey back to the water. And when you are out of the basket and the second ride is complete you’ll get a full history lesson on the balloon (through history) and then cheers to some pretty decent sparkling wine!!

I couldn’t recommend this any more than I already do having not really known how great it was except by word of mouth from my friends. Make sure to tip. I’d suggest around $20/person as the captain and crew work very hard for your personal enjoyment and your safety! And then go have a nice hot breakfast somewhere nearby with your little...

Great experience! Awesome crew! Super organized process!

The ballooning activity started right on time, at 6:45am. A crew member was standing in the parking lot of the marina to greet guests and let us know where to go.

We walked across a floating dock to the pontoon boat, and they had some light breakfast waiting for everyone. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and a pastry.

The riders were split into 2 groups. The boat travels out onto the lake and a wind test is performed. Everyone gets to watch the balloon inflate. The wind takes the balloon for a ride, about an hour long. Incredible views! Our flight included some time over land and some time over water. The pilot explains a lot about the balloon and plays some fitting music. The balloon went up to ~10,000ft MSL (the lake is around 6,250’). The balloon lands on the custom pontoon boat, perfect coordination between the pilot and the boat captain!

The hour spent on the boat while the other group took their hour balloon tour was also great! The views from the lake in the morning are very peaceful. The crew are all friendly and engaging with the customers.

After the balloon lands for a 2nd time we all watched it deflate and get packed up, also interesting.

We ended with a champagne toast. Definitely an unforgettable experience, and worth...

This was one of the most epic experiences I've ever had. When you get there you will immediately realize that you are in great hands with the staff. George greeted us warmly, and with a quick signature we were off to the boat. The staff goes out of there way to make you feel safe and it was comforting to be informed of their precautionary measures. The whole staff introduced themselves, and Greg, the Captain of the boat stood out as being really friendly and knowledgeable about the area and balloon. The boat ride itself is beautiful and exciting (knowing you are about to be up in the sky). The main event was unlike anything I'd done before, watching the balloon inflate just added to the anticipation. The pilots name was Sheldon, and he was amazing.... his enthusiasm rubbed off on everyone, and you could tell he was incredibly skilled with the balloon. The tricks he pulled off with the balloon were incredible. He touched down into the water twice, got up to 2500 ft above the lake, and literally grazed the trees! It was absolutely amazing and I want to go up again! If you've never been in a hot air balloon, or even if you have, call up Lake Tahoe Balloons and try this incredible experience out! Shout out to Greg, Sheldon, Blake, George, and the rest of the...