World Balloon
World Balloon
5
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Full view

About
World Balloon is Albuquerque's original balloon ride! We pride ourselves on providing World Class Balloon Rides in the Albuquerque area year round. Please join us for the experience of a lifetime!
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2022
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(75 reviews)

(190 reviews)

(102 reviews)
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
1,284 reviews
Excellent
1,245
Very good
23
Average
12
Poor
3
Terrible
1
jackieab2018
Seattle, WA2 contributions
Oct 2022 • Friends
Pilot Murray and his team gave us a morning of simply outstanding experiences! We laughed all through the flight and will never forget it. From watching the balloon unfold, to the inflation, to the ride, to the landing (which according to Murray was perfect—just the right amount of bumping, not too tame but not scary at all)— to helping pack up the balloon at the end. Everyone on the team was funny, friendly, helpful and competent, from Leslie in reservations to the flight crew and especially Murray. Murray is incredibly experienced as he flies approximately 300 days every year. His good-natured answers to our questions were a hoot and very informative at the same time. We had only 10 people in our balloon which was a great size for a group outing like this. Everyone could hear and ask questions. I’d give this 100 stars if I could! Thanks, World Balloons!
Written October 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
We'll take your 100 star review! I'm glad your ballooning experience was great and thanks for flying with us!!
Written October 18, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Usha Tumuluri
Mackinaw City5 contributions
Jan 2022
We went on a Sunday afternnon ride on a hot air balloon. The weather could not have better and our pilot, Mike Heffron was the best. With his years of experience, he surely made us feel very comfortable and is very knowledgable about the area too. He made sure all of us had a great time and gave us the total benefit of the hour on the ride. The owners Murray and Julie are super friendly and were there at the takeoff and landing too along with their great Dane, Lulu. The whole team with Ferdinand and Sam were totally on top of making it all happen with ease. We got to see the whole process of unloading it off their van, setting it up, firing it up, taking the ride and after landing taking it all apart and putting it back on the van. It was amazing how Lulu also helps in jumping on the bag that accomodates the balloon to remove any air so it can be compactly packed. Starting from Leslie who did the booking and followed through till we were ready for the day, the entire team is awesome.
We loved every bit of it and would definitely recommend it to anyone for a lifetime experience and would do it ourselves the next time we visit Albuquerque.
We loved every bit of it and would definitely recommend it to anyone for a lifetime experience and would do it ourselves the next time we visit Albuquerque.
Written January 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thanks for the great review Usha! We love what we do and the entire team works hard to make sure sure your flight is fun and safe.
Written January 20, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Joseph Y
San Francisco, CA376 contributions
Aug 2022
My wife and I visited ABQ again this year and made another stop at World Balloon. It was another excellent trip. The pilot was very professional and made it look effortless. We all arrived at the appointed location at 6:15 AM, and the balloon set up was on its way. It took about 15 minutes to get all ready, and off we went. All 12 of us in one basket. The 6' separation for Covid was nowhere to be found. You got to know your other passengers real quickly. The ride lasted about 1 hour, and the max elevation about the ground was approx 1,100 ft ... the views were very nice. It was all professionally conducted and at the end, you receive a certificate of flight. And you do not pay until you have finished the flight and back to the original starting location on Coors Blvd. We Would recommend this company if you are in ABQ and have the tenacity to get up ear;y and ride.
Written August 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thanks for your review. Ballooning is considered an "outside activity" but we do our best to make sure our passengers are not stacked on top of each other. Thanks for flying with us!!
Written August 20, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Brent B
Clarkston, MI1 contribution
Oct 2022
We LOVED our balloon ride! The entire experience, from watching the balloon being setup and filled to landing it, deflating it and putting it all away, to the social time at the end, was just great. Our pilot Murray was super, very knowledgeable and funny as well. The whole World Balloon crew were engaging. We attended the annual Albuquerque balloon festival for the first time and liked it so much we decided to book our first ever ride a couple days later, and it was a really good decision!
Written October 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
scubasiren54
South Carolina98 contributions
May 2022
My husband and I booked a private hot air balloon ride for our 25th anniversary. We thoroughly enjoyed the ride and out pilot Heff. Heff was great…knowledgeable, informative safety conscious, and humorous. We referred to this as “balloon humor.”
In all honesty we were surprised by the length in air.
The website and emails said 6am-10am. We arrived at 6:10 and we set up, took off, landed, packed up the balloon then pulled out of their parking lot after champagne and snacks at 8:15. At best out in air time was an hour so this is why I am rating them a 4, not a 5.
In all honesty we were surprised by the length in air.
The website and emails said 6am-10am. We arrived at 6:10 and we set up, took off, landed, packed up the balloon then pulled out of their parking lot after champagne and snacks at 8:15. At best out in air time was an hour so this is why I am rating them a 4, not a 5.
Written May 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
I'm sorry we didn't rate a 5 star review. We advise our passengers to be prepared to be with us up to four hours. That covers anything that might happen like having to move launch sites or problems recovering the balloon. The actual flying time is between 45 minutes and one hour. We appreciate you sharing your 25th anniversary with us!
Written May 15, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
David B
3 contributions
Oct 2022
World Balloon, definitely the group to go with. From booking to putting the balloon away afterwards, the group was professional, funny and the trip was most enjoyable. We'll be back again for another adventure.
Written October 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Megin
4 contributions
Jul 2022
What a wonderful trip! The staff was amazing. Pilot Murray (and Ed, I think) were great. Murray was super informative and entertaining on our ride. We felt safe and in awe of the beauty of both the balloon itself and the views from the balloon. My 7 y/o LOVED it and we've decided to incorporate a balloon ride into an annual mommy/daughter trip!
Written July 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
I think an annual mommy/daughter flight is an amazing idea! We love what we do and New Mexico supplies the unique beauty. Thanks for flying with us!!
Written July 30, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Patricia R
2 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
Words cannot explain how much I enjoyed the whole ride Murray and the rest of the crew were the most AWESOME individual to fly away with.
I would definitely give them a 100% rating.
I almost wanted to stay longer but my time had come for me to exit the Balloon.
However I would truly recommend World balloon and we will be returning for another fly in the sky with
WORLD BALLOON.
I would definitely give them a 100% rating.
I almost wanted to stay longer but my time had come for me to exit the Balloon.
However I would truly recommend World balloon and we will be returning for another fly in the sky with
WORLD BALLOON.
Written February 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Roberta
Menominee, MI2 contributions
Oct 2021 • Couples
This truly was a trip of a lifetime!!
Murray and all his staff were AMAZING! They were friendly, and very professional. We got to watch up close how they prepared and told down the balloon and celebrated a successful flight with Mimosas and snacks while Murray regalled us with the story of how hot air balloons got started. If you want a experience, I highly recommend them.
Murray and all his staff were AMAZING! They were friendly, and very professional. We got to watch up close how they prepared and told down the balloon and celebrated a successful flight with Mimosas and snacks while Murray regalled us with the story of how hot air balloons got started. If you want a experience, I highly recommend them.
Written October 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
We make sure our flights are safe and FUN! I'm glad we didn't disappoint. Thanks for flying with us!!
Written October 4, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
stasee000
Houston, TX275 contributions
Oct 2022
World Balloon deserves more than 5 stars!!! Everything about this company and our flight was top notch! The entire team was so friendly and helpful. Our pilot, Scott, was able to answer all of our questions and put everyone at ease. Even those in our group who were worried about heights had a great time. It was so fun to see the entire process from inflating the balloons to taking them back down at the end. The flight itself was absolutely amazing! If you've been thinking about a balloon flight, DO IT!!!!
Written October 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
We agree, DO IT! We love what we do and Albuquerque's the perfect place to fly. Thanks for flying with us!!
Written October 18, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Being 4 miles away from the festival, do you still get good views/photos of the ascension? I really want a picture of all the balloons in the air.
Marizze Lexa M
United States12 contributions
Can we book later than 630 am?
719cromero
Ocoee, FL3,085 contributions
No, the time is very important to sunshine view! Sorry my delay to answer!
How many persons are in the balloon?
BalloonRideOwner
3 contributions
Hi Maria,
We can carry up to 12 guests at a time, per balloon.
We look forward to having you join us for the adventure of a lifetime!
Sincerely,
World Balloon
James P
1 contribution
How long in the air? Do you “skim” the Rio Grande?
Your entire adventure will last about 3 to 3.5 hours from the time we meet till the time we get back to the launch site and have our post flight ceremony and champagne toast. The actual flight time will be about 1 hour. Our pilots will always try to skim the water in the Rio Grande if winds allow them to. We cannot guarantee that but they can most days.
Quanto custa Organizar Viagens???
Vilhena, RO257 contributions
How much is the ride at balloon fiesta for 10.07 in the morning or 10.06 in the evening??? It’s my Birthday.
BalloonRideOwner
3 contributions
I am very sorry but all of our flights are completely booked during Balloon Fiesta and our waiting list is growing with names.
If you would like, I can add you to the list in the event of any cancellations? I wish you a happy early birthday and apologize for not being able to accommodate you on this day. Thank you for contacting us, I hope we will have another opportunity to provide you a flight.
Because we’d be launching from 4 miles away of balloon fiesta park, while up in flight would we have the same feeling of that festival experience or are the other balloons to far away? Hope to hear from you soon, Thank you.
BalloonRideOwner
3 contributions
Hi Jordan, You are 4 miles away, but most of the time we are in the same prevailing wind pattern so we are all generally moving the same direction. It isn't the same as launching within a group of 500 balloons for sure, but neither is it that way when you take a balloon ride from the festival. Even there all the ride balloons launch first and have to clear the field before the rest can launch. While it certainly isn't exactly the same, it is still an awesome experience and it is certainly substantially less expensive than flying from the event. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to call us. We are happy to help any way we can.
Hello- do you offer private balloon rides during balloon fiesta? If so, how much is it per person? If not, how many people are in each balloon? Thanks!
BalloonRideOwner
3 contributions
Unfortunately not during Balloon Fiesta. We can carry up to 14 people per balloon. We actually adjust capacity per balloon based on everyones weight so we know it stays comfortable for everyone. If we can help in any other way, please let us know!
We are glad to help!
Sincerely,
-Keith
Richard W
25 contributions
Are the height and weight restrictions?
BalloonRideOwner
3 contributions
Yes there are. For height, we want anyone going to be at least 48" tall. this is so that kids can see over the side of the basket without climbing, and to ensure they are safe when landing. Anyone shorter than that, or small children simply won't be safe during a landing. We also have a weight limit of 290 pounds. This number can vary a little bit if someone is real tall. We want everyone to be able to be comfortable and safe when they fly.
If there are any other questions we can answer, please feel free to give us a call or visit our website.
We hope to see you soon on your adventure of a lifetime!
Sincerely,
- Keith
Dreamer067
Sydney, Nova Scotia10 contributions
My husband and I are looking at taking a hot air balloon ride on our upcoming New Mexico trip...I am worried about the landing part - is it very scary? Has anyone been hurt? Reading the disclaimer has made me very anxious as New Mexico is only the beginning of our vacation and we will be doing a lot of other driving/sightseeing in other states.
BalloonRideOwner
3 contributions
Good morning!
This is an awesome question!
We always want to make sure you have all the information you need to make your decision to fly or not fly. First, please know that we have never hurt a passenger, including on landing. We are able to maintain this safety record because we are very picky about the weather conditions we fly in. If we think the weather may make for a really rough landing, then we cancel. We just aren't willing to take those kinds of risks. That doesn't mean that sometimes we don't have fast landings, or even lay the basket over on landing. That does happen occasionally. Even then though, the basket contains the energy and everyone gets out laughing and giggling.
We do still recommend everyone be in good general physical health with no hip or knee replacements in the prior two years and that no one is pregnant or had recent surgeries or broken bones. It is still considered an outdoor adventure activity. As long as there are no health issues, I think you will have a wonderful time flying with us and it will be very safe and will create memories you will have forever!
See you soon!
- Keith