Sevilla Hot Air Balloon Rides

Floating high above the rolling hills of Andalucia sounds like the perfect way to see Spain’s diverse landscapes — and, based on available reviews, this hot air balloon experience offers just that. While we haven’t flown with this company ourselves, we’ve gathered enough details and firsthand impressions to give you a balanced, practical look at what you can expect from Sevilla Hot Air Balloon Rides, offered by GREEN AEROSTACION.

What immediately jumps out are the stunning panoramic views, the personalized experience with a dedicated pilot, and the delicious Spanish breakfast that caps off the adventure. However, there are some considerations — notably, the mixed reviews about communication and cancellations — that are worth keeping in mind before booking. This tour seems best suited for travelers craving an authentic, scenic experience over luxury or ultra-smooth logistics.

Good To Know

• Spectacular Views: Fly over Seville, mountains, and countryside at heights of up to 1,500 feet.
• Personalized Service: Private tour with a pilot who boasts over 4,000 flying hours.
• Authentic Experience: Includes a traditional Spanish breakfast and cava toast after landing.
• Booking & Cancellation: Book at least 29 days in advance; free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.
• Possible Downsides: Some reviews mention communication issues and cancellations.
• Best for: Adventure seekers, photography lovers, those wanting a tailored, memorable experience.

What to Expect from Sevilla Hot Air Balloon Rides

The Itinerary and Flight Experience

Starting early at 6:00 am, this tour takes you on a roughly four-hour journey that includes pick-up, your flight, and breakfast. The meeting point is at Virgen de las Nieves, near Sanlúcar la Mayor, a location that’s near public transportation options, making it relatively accessible for travelers staying in Seville or nearby.

Your flight will ascend to about 1,500 feet, providing expansive views of the Grazalema Sierra, Moron Sierra, and Aljarafe. As you gently glide over the terrain, you can expect to see horses, cattle, and other animals, which adds a layer of authenticity and connection to the land. This level of altitude is approved by Civil Aviation, ensuring safety and comfort.

The Pilot and Personal Touch

The guide and pilot, Jesus Gonzalez Green, brings over 4,000 flying hours to the cockpit. According to reviews, he’s experienced, friendly, and makes passengers feel safe and at ease. One reviewer mentioned, “Jesus is a master flyer,” and another appreciated how well he explained the flight, making the whole experience more engaging.

Being a private tour, this experience offers a level of personalization that larger groups can’t match. You won’t be crowded or rushed, and Jesus’s expertise ensures a smooth, confident flight.

Breakfast and Celebration

Once back on solid ground, you’ll be treated to a traditional marismeño breakfast, which typically involves local delicacies that make the experience feel more authentic. The highlight is the air baptismal celebration with cava, a toast to a successful flight, marking the adventure with a festive touch.

Logistics and Practicalities

The tour is priced at $238.10 per person, which is a fair investment given the private nature, the stunning vistas, and the included breakfast. The tour includes round-trip transfers from your hotel—a significant convenience that saves you from navigating unfamiliar roads early in the morning.

While most travelers find the timing and logistics straightforward, it’s worth noting that the early start means waking up quite early — but that’s part of the magic of catching sunrise views.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Scenic Views and Unique Perspectives

What truly makes this balloon ride special are the aerial panoramas of Andalucia’s varied landscapes. From the elevated vantage point, you’ll see the patchwork of farms, mountains, and towns that define the region. This perspective is often described as breathtaking and serene, especially when hovering over the countryside at dawn.

Authentic, Local Experience

The inclusion of a Spanish breakfast and cava toast adds a cultural flavor that many balloon tours lack. It’s not just about the flight — it’s about connecting with Andalucia’s traditions and enjoying a moment of celebration after the flight.

Personalized Service

The private nature of this tour means you receive more attention from your pilot, Jesus, who is noted for being both experienced and friendly. This can make a big difference in how comfortable and memorable the experience feels.

Value for Money

Compared to larger, less personal balloon rides, this experience’s price point is justified by the exclusivity and the included breakfast — a small but meaningful luxury.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

While the tour has many positive aspects, some reviews highlight issues that travelers should consider. One disgruntled customer shared, “It ruined our holiday,” accusing the company of poor communication and lack of duty of care. Another reviewer experienced a last-minute cancellation, with no support or clear explanation about refunds.

It’s clear that cancellations can happen, especially due to weather, but the company does offer full refunds or rescheduling options. Importantly, the experience is best booked well in advance—ideally, about a month ahead—since it is often booked 29 days in advance on average.

Weather Dependence and Cancellations

Hot air balloon flights are heavily dependent on weather conditions. If skies are cloudy, windy, or rainy, your flight could be canceled for safety reasons. The company states that if canceled due to weather, they’ll offer a different date or a full refund. This means flexibility is key when planning your trip.

Communication Issues

A few reviews suggest that once payment is made, communication can become a bit unreliable. Travelers have reported difficulties in confirming times or getting updates, so it’s wise to clarify details beforehand and ensure you have contact information for your pilot, Jesus.

Who Should Book This Experience?

This hot air balloon ride appeals most to adventure lovers and photography enthusiasts eager to capture Andalucia’s landscapes from a unique vantage point. It’s also ideal for those interested in authentic cultural experiences, thanks to the included breakfast and cava toast.

However, travelers should be comfortable with early mornings and understand the potential for weather-related cancellations. If you’re looking for a smooth, low-key experience with guaranteed weather, this might not be your best choice.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For the right traveler, Sevilla Hot Air Balloon Rides offers a memorable, scenic adventure that combines spectacular views, local culture, and personalized service. The pilot’s expertise and the intimate setting make it stand out from larger, generic balloon rides.

The included breakfast and celebratory cava add a special touch that makes this experience feel more genuine and festive. While there are some concerns about communication and cancellations, these are common in ballooning and manageable with proper planning.

If you’re seeking aerial vistas of Andalucia’s countryside, enjoy the idea of a private, personalized journey, and don’t mind early mornings or the possibility of weather-related changes, this tour could be a highlight of your trip.

FAQ

How early do I need to be ready for the tour?
The tour starts at 6:00 am, so you’ll want to be prepared and ready to meet at the designated location early in the morning.

Is pick-up included?
Yes, round-trip transfers from your hotel are included, providing a hassle-free start and end to your day.

What is the flight altitude?
The balloon will reach approximately 1,500 feet, approved by Civil Aviation, offering sweeping views without feeling too high.

How long does the entire experience last?
The whole experience is approximately 4 hours, including pick-up, the flight, and breakfast.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, the company states that if canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers the flight, breakfast, and round-trip transfers. Be aware that animals are not included or part of the package.

Is there a minimum number of participants?
Because it’s a private tour, only your group will participate, so no worries about large crowds.

What should I wear?
Dress comfortably for early morning temperatures, which can be cooler at altitude. Layers are recommended.

To sum it up, Sevilla Hot Air Balloon Rides offers an appealing blend of scenic beauty, cultural authenticity, and personal service. It’s best suited for travelers who cherish unique perspectives and are flexible with weather conditions. With proper planning, this experience can become a highlight of your Andalucia adventure — a peaceful yet exhilarating way to see Spain from a whole new angle.