The Dubai Balloon at Atlantis Tickets with options

The Dubai Balloon at Atlantis is a tethered balloon ride that lifts passengers high above the Palm Jumeirah for a wide look at the city. It suits families, friends and couples who want a short, easygoing way to see Dubai from the air without planning a full excursion. The ride starts at Atlantis, the Palm, on the crescent of the island, and the ticket gives you a seat in the basket with a professional pilot.

The visit begins at the meeting point, where you gather with the other passengers. There is no hotel pickup, so you make your own way to Atlantis, and public transport options are available nearby. Before the balloon leaves the ground, a safety briefing explains how the flight works and what to expect once you are aloft. Your e-ticket is sent by email before the tour time or within 24 hours of it, and it can also be found in the Viator app chat. Showing it on your phone is enough, so nothing needs printing.

Once the briefing is done, the balloon rises smoothly to a height of up to 300 meters, and the view opens out in every direction. Below you, the Palm Jumeirah shows its distinctive shape, with its trunk and fronds reaching into the sea. Beyond it sits the skyline of Dubai, where the record-setting landmarks stand out: Atlantis the Royal, Burj Al Arab, Burj Khalifa and the Ain Dubai observation wheel, along with many other towers along the coast. It is more than a static viewing platform, because you are floating in the open air with a pilot at the controls.

The ride is short, and when it ends the balloon returns to the ground at the same spot where you boarded. From there you are free to carry on exploring the resort area, since Atlantis, the Palm and the Aquaventure Waterpark are all part of the same destination. The flight fits easily into a busy day of sightseeing, so it works well before or after other plans nearby.

Your booking includes the admission ticket, the balloon flight with a professional pilot and the safety briefing given before takeoff. Food, drinks and souvenirs are not part of the price, so anything you would like to eat, sip or take home is bought separately. Infants are looked after generously: for every adult ticket, one infant receives a complimentary ticket, which helps families with very young children plan the outing.

The balloon stands at Atlantis, the Palm, on the outer rim of Palm Jumeirah, the man-made island that has become one of the best-known shapes on the Dubai coastline. The resort sits beside the Aquaventure Waterpark and looks across the Arabian Gulf toward the mainland. From the air, you can pick out the coast running toward Dubai Marina, the towers of the city centre and, on a clear day, the sweep of the Gulf. Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world, and Burj Al Arab is recognizable by its sail-like silhouette.

This is a shared experience for up to 15 travelers, and the guide speaks English. Meet at the starting point yourself, as no pickup is offered. Tickets are valid only for the date and time you select, and valid identity proof is required. Be on time, because late arrivals count as a no-show. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or over, and a medical fitness declaration has to be signed. Moderate fitness is expected. The flight is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health or for pregnant travelers. If authorities issue a weather warning, the flight can be moved to the next available slot.