Business Details
Experience Hot Air Balloon Rides in Chester, MD
Delmarva Balloon Rides offers unparalleled hot air balloon experiences over the Eastern Shore of Maryland and Chesapeake Bay. Our flights provide a serene and peaceful way to enjoy panoramic views, with pilots trained to navigate air currents for a smooth journey. With over 20 years of experience, our FAA-certified pilot ensures safety and expertise, making each flight memorable. Passengers receive a certificate from the Balloon Federation of America and a champagne toast upon landing. We cater to individuals, couples, families, and corporate groups, with options for private flights and special occasions. Our commitment to customer satisfaction is reflected in our 100% yes rate for proposal flights and glowing testimonials. Gift certificates are available for those seeking a unique adventure. Safety is our priority, with flights conducted only in optimal weather conditions. Our teams dedication to preserving the tradition of ballooning, combined with modern standards, ensures a one-of-a-kind experience. Whether celebrating an anniversary, birthday, or simply seeking adventure, we provide a service that exceeds expectations. Join us to discover why we are a town favorite and featured in local guides.
Services
Passenger Flights
Private Flights
Proposal Flights
Corporate Events
Tether Operations
Served areas
- Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C., Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania
Highlights and features
- Our pilot has over 20 years of experience with FAA Commercial Certification.
- We offer year-round flights with a 100% yes rate for proposal flights.
- Passengers receive a Balloon Federation of America flight certificate and champagne toast.
- Customizable private flights for two and special occasion packages available.
- Featured in 'The Chesapeake Bay' guide as a top local attraction.
Associations and certifications
- FAA Commercial Pilot Certification
What people say
Peaceful experience
Professional and personable
Champagne toast
Memorable day
Breathtaking views
Services
Passenger Flights
Enjoy scenic hot air balloon rides over Maryland's Eastern Shore and Chesapeake Bay. Flights last approximately one hour, with opportunities to assist in balloon inflation. Land in unique locations and receive a flight certificate and champagne toast upon landing. Ideal for individuals, families, and groups seeking adventure.
Private Flights
Book intimate private flights for two, perfect for romantic occasions or special celebrations. These customized experiences include personalized service, priority scheduling, and dedicated attention from our crew. Available during sunrise or sunset for enhanced views of the landscape below.
Proposal Flights
Plan a memorable proposal with our specialized flights, featuring a 100% yes rate. Services include coordinated timing, photography options, and celebratory amenities. Pilots work closely with clients to ensure the perfect setting for this significant life moment.
Corporate Events
Organize unique corporate outings with hot air balloon rides. Services include group scheduling, branded experiences, and team-building activities. Ideal for company celebrations, client appreciation events, or executive retreats in a distinctive setting.
Tether Operations
Utilize tethered balloon displays for festivals, fairs, and promotional events. This service provides stationary aerial visibility for brand promotion or event enhancement. Includes setup, safety monitoring, and operation by certified crew members.
Questions
What areas do you fly over?
We operate over Maryland's Eastern Shore and Chesapeake Bay, offering scenic views of natural landscapes and coastal areas.
Are flights available year-round?
Yes, we offer hot air balloon rides throughout all seasons, weather permitting.
What should I wear for a balloon ride?
Wear comfortable clothing and flat shoes. Dress appropriately for outdoor conditions, as the flight lasts about an hour.
Can I participate in inflating the balloon?
Passengers are welcome to assist with balloon inflation if they wish to enhance their experience.
Do you offer gift certificates?
Yes, we provide gift cards for hot air balloon rides that never expire and can be emailed instantly.
What happens if weather conditions are unsafe?
Flights are rescheduled if weather conditions don't meet our safety requirements for flying.
Videos
Reviews (18)
Constance Straughn
Jun 12, 2022
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I had the most wonderful experience ever. The owner and his crew were fantastic, informative and professional. They gave my son an awesome birthday experience. They also stayed to help me out with a huge dilemma and put so much time, thought and care into making sure I was ok. First class gentlemen! I also appreciate the other crew and participants that cared to help me as well. I will never forget what a great experience I had. Thanks Delmarva Balloon Rides.
Kenneth Hornfeldt
May 26, 2022
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Purchased a balloon ride from Delmerva Balloons for my wife's birthday, and I couldn't be happier! Todd was extremely communicative and kept us abreast of the uncontrollable weather conditions. The experience was incredible and though we both suffer from a fear of heights not once did I worry at all. I enjoyed getting to help with the set up and loved how quietly we rose into the air and sailed over neighborhoods, farmland, and streams. I recommend Todd and his Team to anyone and everyone. I can't wait to do it again. 5/5!
Pavan Kumar
May 04, 2022
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Had a wonderful experience. Mr. Todd, make sure you have an amazing hot air balloon flight, though it's weather depending flight, just be patient and you will find yourself having a wonderful morning eagerly waiting for a beautiful sunrise happening, which is just magical to watch! Thank you!
Audra Jarman
Jan 08, 2022
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Todd took us out for a balloon ride on Christmas eve. The whole experience was very special and absolutely memorable. Todd communicated wonderfully when trying to schedule around the weather. He is very much "on his game." He and his team are very professional and fun at the same time. Thank you Todd and Ryan! The experience was amazing. Perfect day!
Adam Stone
Nov 09, 2021
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I took my wife and daughters on a balloon ride yesterday and we created a memory they will have for the rest of their lives. Todd and his team were incredibly professional and talented. My youngest daughter was a little scared but once we were in was so happy. There is just nothing like riding in a balloon. You are gently flying through the air out in nature. Thank you Todd for the greatest day of our lives!
Lisa Andrew
Oct 09, 2021
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Professional, passionate about ballooning, great pilot and crew. From initial inquiry to the morning of the flight; Todd was great at communicating. The ride was amazing, relaxing and beautiful! Highly recommend!
Jacob Alzamora
Sep 27, 2021
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We received a private balloon ride as a gift for our anniversary. From the beginning, communication with Todd was excellent! Scheduling was straightforward, and he explained from the get go that due to the nature of ballooning, it is always weather dependent. We were a little nervous as this was our first balloon ride, but Todd's emphasis on safety was obvious from the start and put our minds at ease.
As promised he called the night before to confirm that the weather was good, and followed up again the morning of. Once we arrived things couldn't have been better. It was a calm beautiful ride, with friendly and skilled service from Todd and Ryan. Would recommend to anyone looking for a unique fun experience!
As promised he called the night before to confirm that the weather was good, and followed up again the morning of. Once we arrived things couldn't have been better. It was a calm beautiful ride, with friendly and skilled service from Todd and Ryan. Would recommend to anyone looking for a unique fun experience!
Mary Ann Scott
Sep 06, 2021
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Beautiful morning for a balloon ride. Host let us help fill the ballon with air which was an interesting perspective. Friendly, knowledgeable and fun. Beautiful views and smooth take off and landing!
Shaurya Kumar
Oct 30, 2020
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I proposed to my now fiancee on Todd's balloon ride. He was very communicative ahead of the ride and took care of all the arrangements well in advance to keep it a surprise for my fiancee. He even helped us hire an amazing photographer to capture the precious moments. Todd explained the flight and safety rules really well and put in his best efforts to give us a memorable experience! We really enjoyed the celebrations post-flight and the lovely stories he shared about the history of hot air balloons. Todd is an experienced pilot and we would highly recommend Delmarva Balloon Rides to anyone wanting to do something special for their big day!
Laurie Mohler
May 17, 2019
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Worth waiting for the right conditions! Great communication, beautiful views, massive and majestic balloon. An experience to remember!
Richie Hortelano
Feb 07, 2019
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Gosh- where to begin. Riding a hot air balloon has always been at the top of my bucket list and choosing to fly with Delmarva has helped my dreams become a reality. If you're reading reviews to compare ballooning companies, I strongly consider to stop looking and get in contact with Delmarva Balloon Rides. Words can't describe how pleased I am with the whole experience. Everything; from planning, setting up, landing and the flight itself. Todd, the pilot, was right there with me.
He wanted to make sure that our flight was as comfortable and enjoyable as possible and I honestly don't think it couldn't have been any better. Prior to the flight, getting in contact with him was so easy. I had pretty much every question and or inquiry answered promptly and thoroughly within the first few days of booking! Not only is Todd an excellent, knowledged pilot (over 1000+ hours of flight holy cow) but he's also fun, cool and very nice. A huge thanks to Todd, Brett and the Delmarva crew for everything. This is something I'll hold dearly for the rest of my life and an experience that I'll never forget!
He wanted to make sure that our flight was as comfortable and enjoyable as possible and I honestly don't think it couldn't have been any better. Prior to the flight, getting in contact with him was so easy. I had pretty much every question and or inquiry answered promptly and thoroughly within the first few days of booking! Not only is Todd an excellent, knowledged pilot (over 1000+ hours of flight holy cow) but he's also fun, cool and very nice. A huge thanks to Todd, Brett and the Delmarva crew for everything. This is something I'll hold dearly for the rest of my life and an experience that I'll never forget!
Khizer A.
Dec 01, 2018
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Todd was so great with communication and was very nice. He was great in conversation and made everything go smooth! I highly recommend you try this Hot Air Balloon experience with him you won't regret it! 10/10 everything went amazing from start to finish, from lift off to the camera recording the flight, during the flight, very soft smooth landing and the post flight moment was great!
Tiffany Y.
Jan 06, 2015
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My husband and I went on a hot balloon ride with Delmarva Balloon Rides. We had to schedule the ride twice because the first time had rainy weather. The second time had good weather. We met the business operators at their home in the dark morning. They seemed like nice, good people. We drove out in their car to a field to set up the balloon. We had to hold the balloon open while fans blew air into the balloon.
Then we connected the balloon and basket. We hopped inside the basket and pulled on the cord to produce fire so the balloon lifted off the ground. The operators would go as high up in the air as we felt comfortable with, and they incorporated things such as skimming tree tops so you can pick off leaves. Be aware that if you are tall, condensation might drip on your back. Also, the balloon is dependent on the direction and speed of the wind, but we still got to go high in the sky and see a lot of scenery below us, and the farmer whose field we landed in was nice about the ordeal. I, who am afraid of heights, enjoyed the ride, while my husband, who is not afraid of heights, felt uncomfortable. I have recommended Delmarva Balloon Rides to my friends, family, and colleagues.
Then we connected the balloon and basket. We hopped inside the basket and pulled on the cord to produce fire so the balloon lifted off the ground. The operators would go as high up in the air as we felt comfortable with, and they incorporated things such as skimming tree tops so you can pick off leaves. Be aware that if you are tall, condensation might drip on your back. Also, the balloon is dependent on the direction and speed of the wind, but we still got to go high in the sky and see a lot of scenery below us, and the farmer whose field we landed in was nice about the ordeal. I, who am afraid of heights, enjoyed the ride, while my husband, who is not afraid of heights, felt uncomfortable. I have recommended Delmarva Balloon Rides to my friends, family, and colleagues.
Richard White
Todd is an amazing balloon pilot. Very professional and on point, on time and goes out of his way to make your balloon ride a memory you'll never forget. Fair prices and I must say, absolutely worth every penny, i will be recommending all my friends and family to him. Will most deffently be going again...
Theresa Vincent
A hot air balloon ride should be on everyone's bucket list and Delmarva Balloon Rides is the place to go. Although I was hesitant to try it, the pilot, Todd Davis, put me at ease. He told me I'd go from chicken to eagle in one hour and he wasn't kidding. Once up in the air the views are gorgeous and it's very peaceful and quiet. There is no sensation of height for those of you who are afraid. Maybe it's the high walls of the basket that make you feel secure; I don't know, but I wasn't scared at all. Todd even brushed the top of the trees where I grabbed a handful of leaves to press and save as a souvenir. Once we landed safely we were treated to a champagne toast and the history of hot air ballooning. Very interesting! If you've ever thought about trying this, just do it! It is worth every penny.
Leslie B.
We had an awesome hot air balloon flight today! Booking was easy. We drove in from NJ. Todd and his crew were great. We arrived before sunrise and got to help set up the balloon. The flight was a little less than an hour but we got a great view of the farmland and sunrise. Many great picture opportunities. Todd was a great pilot and guide. Our landing was smooth and we got to help bring down the balloon and pack up before heading back to the launch site for a toast. The balloon and basket were big for our group of 7 people. We were able to order a DVD of the go pro on our flight which is a nice souvenir. We hope to fly again.
Paul J.
We were matched up with Todd and Delmarva Balloon Rides at the NJ Balloon festival and had a blast! He and his crew expertly got us aloft during the mass ascension and we enjoyed about 30 minutes of bliss among dozens of other balloons.
Lexi K.
I took my dad out for Father's Day not too long ago and we had an amazing experience. Todd is very reassuring with all the safety components and talks you through everything. I felt safe and more relaxed than imaginable. It takes time to get a perfect morning but it is worth the safe wait. Great business and great experience!