Our company

Winds Aloft Aviation, Inc. (Dba/ Miami Balloon Rides Dba/ RideABalloon.com) is a locally owned and operated hot air balloon company established in 2004. We offer sunrise hot air balloon flights throughout the year, weather permitting. Winds Aloft Aviation takes pride in offering a high level of customer service and values your patronage. Your safety and enjoyment are our top priorities. Our pilots are highly experienced FAA licensed professional with extensive worldwide ballooning experience and our equipment state-of-the art. Our ground crew personnel is well trained to assist in balloon set up,recovery and customer service contributing to a safe and enjoyable experience for our passengers. We fly in our area frequently and have extensive experience in Southeast Florida hot air balloon operations, a very important safety consideration.

When you book your flight with us you are paying our company directly, there are no hidden costs or fees. Fly here pay here. The price your are quoted is the price you will pay. We are not a third-party ride ticket vendor or an out of state balloon ride broker/operator. Our friendly office staff will be sure to answer any questions you may have regarding your upcoming hot air ballooning adventure with us. Fly with South Florida’s best and enjoy a safe and enjoyable ballooning experience, hundreds of passengers, locals and visitors alike, have done so. When flying with us price equals value and peace of mind. Welcome aboard!

Winds Aloft Aviation, Inc. is part of the Cameron Balloons US dealer network. Cameron Balloons are famous throughout the world for their quality and durability. If you’re interested in a hot air balloon as an advertising medium, we can help. We also offer tethered balloon rides which can provide entertainment for groups during  special occasions or corporate events. Tethered rides can be arranged at any suitable outdoor location.

Click here for tethered rides  or click here for advertising

The Miami Balloon Rides Team

Michelle Erickson-Zuniga took on the difficult but rewarding task of being a mom after a brief career as a flight attendant for a major airline. Michelle handles daily administrative duties for Miami Balloon Rides and coordinates passengers, pilots and ground crew. Chances are when you contact us for information or to make a reservation you will be greeted by her friendly voice and disposition. Michelle is a very experienced balloon crew person; she can answer any questions you may have regarding your upcoming hot air balloon adventure.

Jeff Gilles comes from a family of balloonists and has been flying balloons since his early teens.  Jeff has traveled the world flying balloons and has flown for balloon ride operators in East Africa, Australia, Costa Rica and the United States.

Mark Kersten has been around balloons since his early teens and has a great deal of experience as a hot air balloon pilot. Mark has flown for several ride operators in California,  Nevada, Florida and Michigan. Mark is one of a few rated Gas Balloonists, having obtained his Gas Balloon rating in Germany several years back.

Jean Francois Busque is a very experienced balloon pilot from Montreal Canada. JF has flown balloons throughout Canada, the United States and France. JF also holds  commerciall balloon pilot certificates in the United States, Canada and France.

Harold Graves is from Wisconsin and spends the winter in Miami with his wife Mary. Harold has been a balloon pilot for over 30 years and is well known and regarded in the sport of ballooning. Harold has flown in many competitive ballooning events, winning several of them over the years.      

Ground Crew

This section is being updated

Thanks for visiting our website. We look forward to having you as our guests!

Please feel free to call or e-mail us with any questions

(305) 860-5830

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Balloon flights and tethers are weather dependent. All flights are early morning.Your safety and enjoyment are our top priorities. Restrictions may apply. Policies, procedures and pricing subject to change without notice.