First Paragliding Club in Lebanon – Since 1992

Lebanon looks different from a paraglider’s seat. This tandem flight rises from Ghosta at 750 meters, then carries you over Harissa and the famous Our Lady of Lebanon statue before landing near Jounieh Bay. I like the route because it gives you mountains, city, shrine, and sea in one smooth ride. I also like the club’s long record, since founder Raja Saade brought paragliding to Lebanon in 1992. The main catch is simple: weather controls the schedule, and your actual flight may last about 20 minutes even though the full activity takes roughly an hour.

This is a private experience for your group, not a large shared outing. You can choose from available departure times, take photos during the flight, and perhaps receive a video keepsake, depending on the arrangement on the day. At $90 per person, it is not a cheap sightseeing stop, but it offers a view of Jounieh that is hard to match from the road or waterfront.

Key points to know before you book

• Ghosta is the launch point: You take off from an authentic mountain village about 750 meters above sea level.
• The flight crosses Lebanon’s most recognizable sights: Look for Harissa, the Our Lady of Lebanon statue, Jounieh Bay, and the Mediterranean coast.
• The total activity lasts about one hour: The flight itself may be around 20 minutes, depending on weather and flying conditions.
• Certified pilots handle the flight: You are paired with an experienced pilot, so no previous paragliding skill is needed.
• Photos are part of the appeal: You have time for selfies in the air, and some departures include a video keepsake.
• Weather is the only real wildcard: Poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund, but last-minute cancellations can affect your plans.

From Ghosta’s 750-meter takeoff to Jounieh Bay

The day begins at the meeting point listed as XJVR+96P in Jounieh. The activity information describes the launch as Ghosta, a mountain village with the highest takeoff point in Lebanon at about 750 meters. That height gives the flight its broad view and helps explain why the route feels much bigger than a simple ride above the coast.

The exact ground routine can vary with conditions, but the club’s usual setup is practical. One account describes leaving bags at the base station before being taken up the mountain to the launch site. That is useful to know, since you should arrive ready to fly and avoid carrying items you do not need in the air.

At the launch point, your pilot prepares the tandem equipment and gives you the instructions needed for takeoff. The supplied information does not spell out every step of the safety briefing, so you should listen closely to the pilot’s directions rather than assume the start will work like a theme-park ride.

The takeoff is one of the more active parts of the experience. You will be attached to your pilot, follow the running or movement instructions given to you, and then leave the hillside together. The pilot manages the paraglider. Your job is to follow directions and enjoy the view.

The route over Harissa and the Mediterranean

Once airborne, the route’s strength becomes clear. You are not simply looking down at one town. You get a changing view of mountain slopes, the Harissa area, Jounieh Bay, and the coast stretching toward the Mediterranean Sea.

Harissa provides the most recognizable landmark. The Our Lady of Lebanon statue is one of the country’s best-known sights, and seeing it from the air gives you a useful sense of its position above the bay. From the ground, you tend to notice the statue as a destination. From the paraglider, you see how the hill, city, and shoreline fit together.

The descent toward Jounieh Bay is the visual payoff. The bay curves below you, with the city gathered around the water and the sea opening beyond it. The flight route makes this a strong choice for someone who has already seen Jounieh from street level and wants a different angle.

You also have time for photos and selfies during the flight. That sounds like a small extra, but it matters. Many short scenic activities leave you with only a few rushed snapshots. Here, the open-air setting gives you a chance to record the moment, provided you can handle a phone safely and follow the pilot’s instructions.

The club has also been praised for providing a video keepsake on some flights. Confirm what is included when you book, since the core information promises photo opportunities but does not clearly guarantee a video for every departure.

How long the experience really takes

The advertised duration is about one hour. That should be understood as the complete activity, including meeting, preparation, transport up to the launch area, the flight, and the return to the meeting point.

The airborne portion can be shorter. One account puts the flight at around 20 minutes, depending on the weather. That is normal for a scenic tandem flight and still gives you time to see the route, take pictures, and enjoy the sensation of silent movement above the bay.

This distinction is important when planning your day. Do not schedule a museum visit or long-distance transfer immediately after the stated end time. Paragliding depends on wind and weather, and the launch process may not move at exactly the same speed as a bus tour.

Departure times are available to fit different sightseeing plans. If you want a sunset flight, ask about the available slot rather than assuming every day offers one. One especially enthusiastic account describes a gentle sunset flight, but sunset timing and weather can change.

The club operates all year, including winter, as long as the weather permits. That makes the experience easier to fit into a Lebanon itinerary, but it does not mean every booked flight will run. A winter booking can work, yet you need a backup plan.

Safety, pilots, and the feel of the ride

Paragliding is an adventure activity, so a little nervousness is reasonable. The strongest feature of this experience is the emphasis on experienced, certified pilots and a professional team. The club’s founder, Raja Saade, introduced paragliding to Lebanon, and the operation has been running since 1992.

You do not need to know how to steer the paraglider. This is a tandem flight, with the pilot controlling the equipment while you sit in the front position and take in the views. You will still need to pay attention during takeoff and landing, but the technical work belongs to the pilot.

The tone appears to be friendly rather than stiff. The team is described as helpful, well organized, and good at communication. That matters for a first flight, when clear instructions and a calm manner can make the difference between enjoying the start and spending it in a panic.

The ride itself is often described as smooth. Still, do not book it expecting a completely fixed or identical experience each time. Weather affects the timing, the route, and how long you remain in the air. A pilot may need to adjust the flight to suit the conditions.

One useful sign of flexibility is the club’s handling of a passenger who felt sick and could not fly. The team reportedly arranged a later time rather than simply ending the matter. That does not replace the stated cancellation rules, but it suggests that direct communication can help when a genuine problem arises.

Is $90 a fair price?

At $90 per person, this is a mid-range adventure expense rather than a low-cost activity. You are paying for the pilot, equipment, preparation, mountain launch, flight, landing, and the chance to see Jounieh Bay from a viewpoint that ordinary sightseeing cannot provide.

The value depends on what you want from your day. If you only want a long flight, the roughly 20-minute airborne time may feel brief. If you value a memorable activity, the route packs several major Lebanese sights into one experience, and the private group format makes it feel more personal than a standard group excursion.

The price is easier to justify for a special occasion. The club specifically presents the flight for birthdays, proposals, and other celebrations. A private tandem flight above the bay is more distinctive than another restaurant meal, though you should discuss any proposal or celebration details with the provider in advance.

Photos can also add value. You are encouraged to take selfies in the air, and the club has been associated with a video leave-behind on some flights. Ask before departure if there is an extra charge or if video is included in your booking.

The 5.0 rating from 193 ratings and a 99 percent recommendation figure suggest a very strong record. Those numbers do not remove the weather risk or guarantee that every flight will feel identical, but they support the idea that the $90 is paying for a well-run activity rather than just a scenic claim.

What to bring and how to prepare

Keep your belongings light. The club can store bags at its base station, according to the practical details available, but you should not rely on taking a large bag to the launch point. A phone for photos is useful, but secure it and follow the pilot’s directions.

Wear practical clothing suited to an outdoor mountain activity. The supplied information does not specify a required dress code, so avoid assuming that special gear is provided beyond the paragliding equipment. You should also allow room in your schedule for weather delays or changes.

Choose a departure time based on your comfort. Morning, afternoon, and sunset conditions can feel different, but the information does not promise a particular type of flight at a specific hour. If photography matters most, ask which time is likely to provide the light you want, while remembering that wind remains the deciding factor.

Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. The activity is near public transportation, though the information does not provide a detailed transit route. If you need a precise pickup or transfer arrangement, confirm it before you go.

You should also tell the club about any health concern that could affect the flight. The operation has shown some flexibility when someone became unwell, but the safest plan is to raise concerns early.

Who will enjoy this most?

This is a good match for a solo visitor who wants one memorable activity without joining a large group. You are paired with a pilot, while the overall booking remains private to your party.

Couples have a strong reason to consider it, especially for a birthday, proposal, or sunset outing. Friends can book together and watch each other take off or land, though the flight itself is experienced in separate tandem setups if the group is larger.

Families may also find it suitable because most people can participate, but you should confirm any specific age, weight, or health requirements before booking. Those details are not provided here, so do not assume every child or adult will be accepted without checking.

This is less suited to someone who needs a rigid schedule. It is also not the best choice if you dislike heights, feel unwell in open-air activities, or want a long, predictable sightseeing tour. The experience is short, weather dependent, and built around the view rather than a detailed guided visit at each landmark.

Booking, cancellations, and weather changes

You receive confirmation at the time of booking, and the ticket is mobile, which keeps the process simple. The activity begins and ends back at the listed meeting point, although the club’s ground routine includes taking you from its base station up to the Ghosta launch area.

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start are not accepted for a refund under the stated policy.

Bad weather is handled differently. If the club cancels the flight because conditions are poor, you will be offered another date or a full refund. Since the club flies all year only when weather allows, this is the key planning issue.

I would book the flight early in a Lebanon itinerary, not on the final afternoon before an international departure. That gives you a chance to move the booking if conditions change.

FAQ

Where does the paragliding experience begin?

The listed meeting point is XJVR+96P in Jounieh, Lebanon. The flight launches from Ghosta, a mountain village.

Where does the flight land?

The flight lands near the centre of Jounieh Bay. The activity then ends back at the meeting point.

How long does the experience last?

The full activity lasts approximately one hour. The airborne portion may be around 20 minutes, depending on weather and flying conditions.

How much does the experience cost?

The listed price is $90 per person.

Is this a tandem paragliding flight?

Yes. You fly with a guide or pilot who controls the paraglider.

Do I need previous paragliding experience?

No previous experience is stated as a requirement. Certified, experienced pilots handle the flight.

Can I take photos during the flight?

Yes. The experience allows time for selfies and photos during the descent.

Does the club provide a video?

A video keepsake is described as part of some flight arrangements, but the provided information does not confirm that it is included on every booking. Check before you fly.

Does the experience operate in winter?

Yes. The club operates throughout the year, including winter, as long as weather conditions permit.

What happens if bad weather cancels my flight?

You can choose a different date or receive a full refund if the club cancels because of poor weather.

Is the activity private?

Yes. Only your group participates in the private activity.

Is public transportation available near the meeting point?

The experience is listed as being near public transportation. A specific route is not provided.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes. Service animals are allowed.

Can most people participate?

The activity states that most people can participate. Specific health, age, or other requirements are not provided, so confirm any personal concerns with the club.

Should you book Paragliding Club Thermique?

I would book this if you want one big view and one strong memory from the Jounieh area. The route from Ghosta to Harissa and Jounieh Bay gives you far more than a generic flight, and the club’s long history, certified pilots, private format, and very strong rating make the $90 easier to defend.

I would skip it if you need a fixed timetable or if a short flight feels poor value. For everyone else, especially couples, first-time flyers, and anyone marking a special occasion, this is one of Lebanon’s most distinctive ways to see the coast. Just leave a weather buffer, confirm the photo or video details, and let the pilot handle the flying.