Everything You Need to Know About Hot Air Balloon Cappadocia

What comes to mind when we say hot air balloon Cappadocia?

Fairy chimneys, cave churches, underground cities and many more mysterious activities are not as popular as the Cappadocia balloon tour.

The most memorable things to do in Cappadocia is to fly over fairy chimneys with air hot balloons at sunrise. One of Turkey’s most special experiences you can do during a tour of Turkey. In this article, we will talk about what is a hot air balloon tour, Cappadocia hot air balloon price 2021 or is the balloon tour safe, how it is done, who is it suitable for, when and with which company.

First Question: Is it safe to take a balloon in Cappadocia?

It is said to be the safest aircraft to take a tour with a balloon. Statistics show that balloon accidents are very, very rare cases. Let’s put this aside. If you are concerned about piloting, we hope you will sprinkle yourself knowing that balloon pilots are those who have received professional training from Civil Aviation and that they must have special certification.

cappadocia hot air baloons

As for the material quality, all hot air balloon companies in Cappadocia and their materials are under strict and regular inspections. The hot air balloon Turkey in Cappadocia is safe because no company can fly without a license here. But if you have an extreme fear of heights or panic attacks, have recently had surgery, or are pregnant, experts don’t recommend the balloon tour.

Best Season and Weather Conditions for Hot Air Balloon

All four seasons are beautiful in Cappadocia. There is a balloon flights Cappadocia in every season depending on the weather and the wind. Because whether the balloons take off or not is more dependent on the wind rather than the weather conditions. For example, it is possible for balloons to take off on rainy days, the main criterion is that the wind conditions are not variable.

Likewise, the fact that the weather is clear and sunny does not mean that the balloon will definitely take off. The important thing is the wind. Of course, if it rains, flights will be canceled. However, as weather forecasts are predetermined compared to wind forecasts, you can make your adjustments according to weather conditions. But if the wind blows at the last minute, there is nothing to do. The most important advantage of summer is that you are unlikely to be bothered by the weather.

How to Check The Weather for Balloon Tour

Don’t worry about what the weather is like. The only thing to worry about is the wind. Balloon tours in Cappadocia depend on wind conditions. There is a green, yellow and red flag application to minimize the accident rate and ensure safety. Civil Aviation decides whether the balloons can take off or not and notifies the availability on their website every half hour.

cappadocia ballons morning

If there is a green flag, it means the weather is suitable for flight. If there is a yellow flag, all balloons have to wait. If there is a red flag, it means that all flights are canceled for that day. All companies must comply with the descriptions on this website. In other words, no company can act on its own.

What’s Included in the Hot Air Balloon Tour?

When you decide to take a hot air balloon ride Cappadocia, no matter which company you choose, you need to make a reservation before the tour day. You can both book your place early and catch the early booking discount. The balloon tour program you will do is the same in all balloon tour companies. The hot air balloon tour daily plan is as follows:

– The shuttles of the companies take you from your hotel to their offices when it is darker between 04.50 – 05.30. Here you have your breakfast.

– After receiving flight approval from Civil Aviation, you will drive to the area where the balloons will take off. A pre-flight briefing is given. Then the balloons are prepared and you get on the balloon basket. Your belts are fastened, then you take flight.

cappa-ballon-couple

– When you land, champagne and snacks are served and photos are taken. If you do not use alcohol, they also open non-alcoholic champagne. After you give your certificate of participation, they drop you off to your hotel with shuttles.

If you’re wondering how many hours the balloon tour takes, let’s answer. So this whole process; Pick up from the hotel, preparation, 1 hour flight, landing, celebration and drop off back to your hotel, you need to spend an average of 3 hours for the balloon ride Cappadocia.

Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Price

Cappadocia balloon prices are also high, as the expenses of balloon companies are high. End of season prices are almost halved. Cappadocia balloon ride prices may vary depending on the season, special days, luxury needs, number of people and foreign tourists.

If you want to make a Cappadocia balloon ride at the end of the season, even if you cannot see balloons as much as in the season, the most important advantage is that the basket you ride is not fully full. This gives you the freedom to move more comfortably. You may find their prices high, but the cost of balloons they use is very high and they can fly for a certain hour. Once used, each balloon is refreshed. Prices in the hot air balloon tour vary between 200 Euro – 250 Euro per person, and the balloon tour duration is an hour on average.

Which Company Should I Choose for Hot Air Balloon Tours?

There are about 25 companies that have balloon tours in Cappadocia. If you want to fly with an experienced company, you can check Kapadokya Balloons, which founded the first Cappadocia hot air balloon ride company, or the second option Butterfly Baloons.

In the first stage, 100 balloons are allowed to fly simultaneously in the first hours of the morning. However, if there is a demand later in the day and the weather conditions are suitable, 50 more balloons can fly.

Tips for Hot Air Balloon

– Of course, weather conditions determine the time you will take a balloon tour. Check the weather before you go to Cappadocia. We even recommend you to call the balloon tour company and ask if they anticipate a problem in weather conditions.

– Generally, companies take their guests to the balloon after the balloon preparations are finished, but we think it was fun to watch the preparations.

– Take care of your accessories like hat and glasses.

– Remember, the first hours of the morning are cool even in summer.

– The balloon tour lasts at least 1 hour.

– Depending on the size of the balloon, 12-16 passengers can enter the baskets of the hot air balloons.

– Insurance, Transfer and Breakfast are included in the price. Between 6-12 ages 50 % discount. Under 6 is not accepted.

– Champagne, a ritual, is popped up at the end of each journey.