High Over Miami
Seeing Miami from new heights has never been easier. While driving down Biscayne Boulevard yesterday, we noticed a huge hot air balloon tethered to the Claude Pepper Fountain. Turns out the folks at SkyLift Holding have enlisted world-famous balloonist Per Lindstrand to construct a tethered helium balloon ride in Downtown Miami.
Balloon buffs may recall that Per Lindstrand partnered with English Billionaire and Rocket Man Richard Branson to fly a 2.3 million cubic foot balloon across the Atlantic Ocean in 1987. Together, these two eccentrics covered 2,900 miles in a world record 33 hour flight. At that time, their balloon was the largest ever flown! Richard Branson currently makes his fortune with the Virgin Atlantic brand and invites you to join him in space on Virgin Galactic.
If you’re not ready to explore the cosmos, know that a high tenacity steel cable holds the Miami balloon safely to the docking station while passengers drift about 500 feet up in the air. From this vantage point, a balloon operating tour guide will point out all of the sights, give a brief history of the city and answer any questions. The ride lasts about 15 minutes.
The balloon has a large steel gondola; a round aerial walkway which holds up to 30 people and is wheelchair accessible. On clear day, guests can see for miles! As an added attraction, night rides, private rentals and balloon weddings are also available.
If you want to see the balloon, it’s docked just south of Bayside Marketplace in Bayfront Park. Rides are just $15 for adults and $8.50 for kids from 10am to 10pm. Metered parking is available on Biscayne Boulevard or at the garages of Bayside Marketplace.
For more information:
miamiskylift.com
301 North Biscayne Boulevard
Miami, FL
305-444-0422
800-995-5815
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