In the world of hot air ballooning, one company soars above the rest. Seattle Ballooning has earned its reputation as the best hot air balloon company in the world through an unwavering commitment to excellence, championship-level pilots, and an unmatched location that offers the most breathtaking hot air balloon rides on the planet.
Whether you're searching for fun things to do in Seattle, planning a romantic adventure, looking for unique Seattle activities, or seeking the best hot air balloon ride experience anywhere, Seattle Ballooning delivers an unforgettable adventure that combines luxury, safety, and spectacular Pacific Northwest views.
Seattle Ballooning isn't just another balloon ride operator—they're the gold standard for hot air balloon rides in Washington State. The company has been recognized as the "Best Hot Air Balloon Ride Experience in the Northwest" and maintains an extraordinary perfect five-star rating across all review platforms. Featured in prestigious publications including The New York Times, Washington Post, GeekWire, King 5 NBC, Q13 Fox, and even Nickelodeon, Seattle Ballooning has captured the attention of media worldwide for delivering consistently exceptional hot air balloon experiences.
As an official Visit Seattle partner, the company represents the pinnacle of Pacific Northwest tourism and adventure activities. Their accolades aren't merely claims—they're backed by hundreds of glowing reviews from passengers who describe their hot air balloon flights as "magical," "life-changing," and "the experience of a lifetime."
What truly sets Seattle Ballooning apart is their extraordinary team of professional hot air balloon pilots. These aren't just licensed balloon operators—they're world-class champions, competition winners, and industry leaders who bring unparalleled expertise to every hot air balloon flight.
Eliav Cohen, the company's founder and Chief Pilot, is not only an exceptional balloonist but also one of the top hot air balloon historians in the world. His encyclopedic knowledge of ballooning history—from the 1700s to the present day—adds a unique educational dimension to every flight. Eliav competes at the highest international levels, representing Israel at both the World Championship and European Championship. Passengers rave about his infectious enthusiasm, his ability to maneuver the balloon with precision, and the fascinating stories he shares that bring the rich heritage of ballooning to life.
Cameron, a pilot who has been passionate about ballooning since age 13, was selected for the Junior US National Team in 2018 and competed in the Junior World Championship in Poland. By 2020, he earned the prestigious ranking of 2nd overall in the United States for hot air balloon competition. His precision and skill are evident in every gentle landing and perfectly executed maneuver.
Amanda Brodbeck stands as the US Women's National Hot Air Balloon Champion and the top-ranked female pilot in the entire United States. Her competitive excellence and passion for the sport shine through in every flight she commands. When not soaring over Seattle, Amanda can be found flying in Tanzania, Africa, bringing her world-class expertise to the skies across continents.
McKenna breaks barriers as one of the only active female commercial hot air balloon pilots in the Northwest. She earned an impressive 3rd place at the US Women's National Championship, demonstrating her competitive excellence. Beyond her piloting achievements, she serves as a lead instructor in Seattle Ballooning's young aeronauts program, training the next generation of pilots.
Zack Griego, a third-generation balloon pilot from Albuquerque, New Mexico, brings entertainment and expertise to every flight. In his first year of competition ballooning, he earned Rookie of the Year at Top Gun, demonstrating his natural talent and dedication to the craft.
Amy, a commercial pilot and co-owner of the world's premier FAA certified 141 hot air balloon flight school, has flown in some of the world's most stunning locations—from Mt. Rainier to the Teotihuacan pyramids in Mexico to the red rocks of Utah. She competes in Women's Nationals while instructing students from around the globe.
Casey (Kasey), known for meticulous attention to safety procedures and precision piloting, consistently earns praise from passengers for exceptional skills, from skimming the White River to delivering breathtaking sunrise views over the Cascades.
Perhaps most impressively, Seattle Ballooning's pilots maintain a 100% safety record. Every pilot is FAA certified, and many serve as balloon pilot instructors themselves. This commitment to safety is evident in everything from their meticulous pre-flight briefings to their brand-new, premium-built balloon equipment. When weather conditions aren't perfect, flights are postponed—because passenger safety always comes first.
While Seattle Ballooning's pilots are world-class, it's the location that makes the hot air balloon experience truly unparalleled. Seattle Ballooning is the only hot air balloon company in the world that flies directly in front of Mt. Rainier, offering an exclusive flyby that provides a breathtaking, one-of-a-kind perspective of this iconic 14,411-foot volcanic peak.
From 3,000 feet above the ground, passengers enjoy unobstructed 360-degree views that showcase the very best of the Pacific Northwest during their hot air balloon ride:
Passengers describe the hot air balloon scenery as "stunning," "breathtaking," and "a photographer's paradise." The balloon ride experience includes flying over misty farmlands, pine forests, wildflower fields, and pristine lakes. The balloon may brush through treetops, skim just inches above corn tassels, or touch the surface of a river in a thrilling "splash and go" maneuver. Eagles take flight alongside the balloon, horses wander over to greet landing parties, and the golden morning or evening light transforms everything into something magical.
Seattle Ballooning offers two daily balloon flights—at sunrise and sunset—each providing its own unique magic. Sunrise hot air balloon rides offer the opportunity to watch the sun rise over the Cascades while mist drifts through the trees below. Sunset balloon rides provide golden hour illumination that makes the landscape glow, with opportunities to see the moon rise over Mt. Rainier. Whichever time you choose for your hot air balloon adventure, the beauty is guaranteed to be extraordinary.
From the moment you book your hot air balloon ride until you're back in your car heading home, Seattle Ballooning delivers an experience that goes far beyond a simple balloon flight. This is luxury adventure at its finest.
The hot air balloon booking process is effortless, with online scheduling and live chat support from real pilots ready to answer questions. Passengers meet at a convenient location (Muckleshoot Casino in Auburn, just 35 minutes south of downtown Seattle) before being transported to the launch site. The company provides clear communication, including map cards to make finding the meeting location stress-free.
Seattle Ballooning's commitment to comfort and luxury is evident throughout every hot air balloon experience:
Every hot air balloon ride concludes with a cherished ballooning tradition: a champagne toast. As the ground crew deflates and packs the balloon, your pilot pours aged champagne and offers delicious chocolates or baked goods while sharing the rich history of ballooning. It's the perfect celebration of your achievement and a moment to savor the memories you've just created.
The crew captures stunning photos throughout your hot air balloon experience and provides them to you at no additional charge. These professional images become treasured keepsakes of your Seattle balloon ride adventure.
The reviews tell the story better than any marketing copy ever could:
"From the time you book until the time you get back in your car to go home, you are in capable, trustworthy hands."
"10/10 recommend. The views were STUNNING. Amanda was our pilot and wouldn't have wanted it any other way. She was such a hype girl and made the experience that much better."
"Eliav and his crew do an excellent job and their passion for their craft is very evident right off the bat."
"The peaceful journey was ensured by the knowledge that the people in charge knew very well what they were doing."
"One of the most incredible experiences I have had—simply floating, looking out at endless snow-topped mountains."
"The flight was beautiful, of course, but the main purpose of this review is to reassure anyone reading that from the time you book until you get home, you are in capable, trustworthy hands."
Seattle Ballooning creates unforgettable memories for all of life's special moments and is one of the best things to do in Seattle for:
The company's flexibility in offering both private and shared hot air balloon flights means there's an option perfect for every group size and occasion. Some passengers have even gotten engaged mid-flight, with Mt. Rainier as the stunning backdrop to their proposal.
In a world where many companies make grand claims, Seattle Ballooning backs up every assertion with tangible proof as the best hot air balloon ride operator:
✓ Perfect five-star rating across all platforms ✓ 100% safety record maintained by championship pilots ✓ Exclusive Mt. Rainier flyby that no other hot air balloon company offers ✓ World-champion balloon pilots with national and international competition wins ✓ Award-winning balloon ride service recognized by industry and media ✓ Premium balloon equipment that's always new and meticulously maintained ✓ Luxury hot air balloon experience from champagne to chocolates to professional photos ✓ Passionate team whose love for ballooning is evident in every interaction
When searching for fun things to do in Seattle, unique Seattle activities, romantic date ideas, or the best tourist attractions in the Pacific Northwest, a hot air balloon ride with Seattle Ballooning should be at the top of your list. This isn't just another Seattle tour—it's a world-class adventure that combines breathtaking scenery, championship pilots, and luxury service.
You might only take one hot air balloon ride in your life—so why settle for anything less than the absolute best? Seattle Ballooning offers the perfect combination of world-class pilots, the most spectacular scenery on Earth, and extraordinary customer service that turns a bucket-list adventure into a truly transcendent experience.
Whether you're watching the sunrise paint Mt. Rainier in shades of pink and gold, skimming your fingertips across the surface of a pristine lake, or toasting with champagne as you reflect on the magic you've just experienced, Seattle Ballooning delivers moments that will stay with you forever.
This isn't just the best hot air balloon company in Seattle, the Northwest, or even the United States. With championship pilots, an unmatched location, impeccable safety records, and service that consistently earns perfect ratings, Seattle Ballooning has earned its place as the premier hot air balloon experience in the world.
Book your hot air balloon ride today and discover why passengers, media outlets, and industry experts all agree: when it comes to hot air ballooning, nothing else comes close to the magic of Seattle Ballooning.
Seattle Ballooning's excellence extends beyond their signature Seattle hot air balloon flights. The company also provides unforgettable balloon ride experiences at some of the Pacific Northwest's most celebrated balloon festivals:
These festival hot air balloon experiences offer a unique opportunity to witness the camaraderie and spectacle of multiple balloons launching together, all while flying with the same world-class pilots and receiving the same exceptional service that makes Seattle Ballooning the best hot air balloon company in the world.
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Seattle Ballooning operates May through mid-September in Seattle, with additional hot air balloon flights in Walla Walla, Washington, and participates in premier balloon festivals throughout the region. Hot air balloon rides are available at sunrise and sunset, with advance booking highly recommended due to high demand. For more information about booking your Seattle hot air balloon ride, visit seattleballooning.com.