First Paragliding Club in Lebanon – Since 1992

See Lebanon from a whole new angle. I like the 750-meter launch from Ghosta and the sweeping flight over Harissa, Jounieh Bay, and the Mediterranean. I also like that the club has operated since 1992, giving this one-hour outing a reassuring sense of experience.

The main drawback is weather dependence. A booked time is not an absolute promise of flight, and the actual airborne portion may last about 20 minutes, depending on conditions. Still, the professional staff, private group format, and excellent views make this a strong choice for a special occasion or a first tandem flight.

Key points to know before you book

• Ghosta gives you Lebanon’s highest paragliding takeoff: The launch sits about 750 meters above sea level in an authentic mountain village.
• The route combines mountains, city, and sea: You fly over lush slopes and Harissa before gliding toward Jounieh Bay.
• The flight is tandem and beginner-friendly: A certified pilot handles the technical work while you take in the view.
• Photos and video add real value: You have time to take selfies, and one booking account mentions a video souvenir after the flight.
• The experience suits private groups: Only your own party participates, making it useful for couples, families, and celebrations.
• Weather controls the schedule: The club flies all year, including winter, but poor conditions can mean a new date or a full refund.

Why this flight is different from a standard Jounieh outing

Jounieh Bay is easy to admire from the shore, the road, or the cable car. Paragliding gives you a completely different view. You begin high in Ghosta, then float above the mountain slopes with the coast opening out below you.

The setting is especially appealing because the route is not only about open sea. You get several distinct views in one short flight: the village and mountain launch, the city of Harissa, the famous Our Lady of Lebanon statue, the curve of Jounieh Bay, and the Mediterranean beyond.

I like that combination. Some aerial activities offer a single dramatic view and then quickly lose their sense of place. Here, the flight connects Lebanon’s mountain and coastal worlds.

The club was founded by Raja Saade, described as the first person to bring paragliding to Lebanon. That local connection matters. You are not simply being lifted into the air in an anonymous resort setting. The activity is tied to a Lebanese flying tradition that has been operating since 1992.

From XJVR+96P to the Ghosta launch site

The stated meeting point is XJVR+96P in Jounieh, Lebanon. You should allow time to find the location and check in before the planned start, since the outing includes preparation and transport to the launch point.

The flight itself begins in Ghosta, a mountain village above Jounieh. The elevation is about 750 meters, making the takeoff point a major part of the experience rather than a minor staging area.

One useful practical detail is that bags can be left at the base station before you go up to launch. That means you do not need to carry a full daypack into the harness. Keep your important items organized, though, and bring only what you can safely manage during the flight.

The route from the meeting point to the launch is part of the overall activity. It is not presented as a long sightseeing transfer, but you should understand that the advertised one-hour duration includes more than time in the air.

What the tandem flight feels like

Your pilot takes care of the equipment, launch, flight path, and landing. You are seated in a tandem harness in front of or alongside the pilot, depending on the setup used that day.

For a first flight, this arrangement removes much of the technical stress. You do not need previous paragliding experience, and the activity is designed for a broad range of participants. The listed information says most people can take part.

The launch is likely to be the most nerve-racking moment for a beginner. You will be asked to follow the pilot’s instructions as the canopy fills and the pair moves forward from the hill. Once airborne, the experience is generally described as a smooth ride rather than a rough, roller-coaster-style thrill.

That distinction is useful. You get an adrenaline rush, but the main reward is the view. If you want a high-speed extreme sport, this may feel gentler than expected. If you want a memorable first flight with a strong sense of place, that gentler style is a plus.

The airborne portion may last around 20 minutes, depending on the weather. The full activity is listed at about one hour, so do not schedule a second commitment immediately afterward.

Ghosta, Harissa, and the full coastal view

The launch from Ghosta gives you a high starting point over the Jounieh area. Below, the mountain slopes provide texture and depth, while the bay opens toward the sea.

As you glide toward Harissa, one of the most recognizable sights is the Our Lady of Lebanon statue. From the air, the statue and surrounding city create a useful point of reference. You are not just looking at a broad patch of coastline. You can follow the route by matching the landmarks below.

The flight then continues toward Jounieh Bay. The bay is the visual payoff, with the coast curving around the water and the Mediterranean extending beyond it. The change from mountain village to coastal city happens in a remarkably compact area.

You will want a camera, but use it sensibly. The activity specifically allows time for selfies and aerial photos, and the equipment or pilot may provide a video souvenir. Still, your first priority should be listening to the pilot and enjoying the view. A small phone is easier to handle than a large camera, and a secure grip is essential.

The club’s strong customer feedback repeatedly points to the scenery as one of the best parts of the outing. That makes sense: the route gives you a view of Lebanon that is difficult to reproduce from the ground.

The people and safety side of the experience

The staff receive particularly strong praise for being friendly, professional, well organized, and reassuring. That mix is important in tandem paragliding. A pilot can be technically skilled but poor at explaining things, or warm and cheerful but disorganized. Here, the comments consistently point to both competence and a welcoming manner.

The pilots are described as certified and experienced. You should still expect a proper briefing and follow instructions closely. The pilot decides when conditions are suitable, and the team can change the timing if the weather is not right.

One especially useful example comes from a participant who became ill and could not fly. The team reportedly rescheduled the person rather than treating the missed flight as a lost booking. That does not guarantee the same outcome in every case, but it suggests a practical approach when a genuine problem arises.

The activity is private, meaning only your own group participates. That can make the experience feel calmer than joining a large mixed party. It also works well for a birthday surprise, proposal, family outing, or group celebration. The company specifically promotes the flight for special events as well as ordinary sightseeing.

Do not confuse a private group with a private pilot for every person. Tandem paragliding still means one pilot flies with one participant at a time, so a larger group may take turns. The supplied details do not specify the maximum group size or exact rotation system, so ask when booking if everyone in your party needs to fly at a particular time.

Timing, seasons, and weather decisions

The club operates all year and throughout the day, including winter, as long as conditions permit. That flexibility is helpful if you are fitting the flight around a busy visit to Lebanon.

The choice of time can affect the mood of the outing. A daytime flight is sensible if you want clear visibility across the bay and mountain slopes. A sunset departure can provide a more atmospheric setting, and one participant described a smooth sunset flight. The exact timing depends on the day’s conditions and available departure slots.

Weather is the key limitation. Wind, cloud, or other poor conditions can make the activity unsafe or impossible. If the club cancels for weather, you are offered another date or a full refund.

For that reason, I would book this activity early in a Jounieh or Beirut stay rather than on your final afternoon. It is booked on average five days ahead, and a little flexibility gives you a better chance of moving the flight if conditions change.

The cancellation terms are straightforward: you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund. The cut-off follows local time.

Is $90 a fair price?

At $90 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see Jounieh Bay. You can admire the coast from ground level for far less. The question is what you are paying for.

The price covers a private tandem activity with an experienced certified pilot, a mountain launch, the flight toward Jounieh Bay, and the support needed to move between the meeting point and launch area. Photos or video may add further value, although you should confirm exactly what is included if the media souvenir matters to you.

I see the price as fair for a once-in-a-trip experience, especially if you are marking a birthday, proposal, anniversary, or another special day. It is also good value for someone who wants a clear aerial view without learning to paraglide independently.

The value is weaker if you are mainly looking for a long flight. The listed activity lasts about one hour, but the flight itself can be around 20 minutes. You are paying for the setting, the equipment, the pilot, preparation, transport, and the memory, not for a full hour in the air.

Who should book this flight?

I would recommend it to solo visitors who want one memorable activity, couples looking for something more personal than a standard city tour, and families or friends who enjoy a little controlled excitement.

It is also a good match for someone nervous about trying paragliding. The team’s reputation for clear communication and professionalism can help, and the smooth nature of the flight may be easier to manage than a more aggressive adventure activity.

You should think twice if you are uncomfortable with heights, prone to motion sickness, or unable to follow pilot instructions. One person was unable to fly because of illness, so it is sensible to be honest with the team about how you feel before launch.

Service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transportation. The activity information says most participants can take part, but it does not provide detailed requirements for mobility limitations, weight, age, or clothing. Contact the club directly if any of those points affect your booking.

Small details that make the day easier

Keep your schedule flexible around the flight. Weather can change the plan, and the one-hour estimate should not be treated as a precise door-to-door appointment.

Wear practical clothing suitable for a mountain launch and an open-air flight. The supplied information does not list a formal dress code, but you should avoid anything loose that could interfere with the harness or distract you while taking photos.

Arrive ready to listen. The pilot’s instructions matter more than getting the perfect selfie. Once you are safely airborne, you can enjoy the coastline and take pictures when the team says it is suitable.

If your plans include a sunset flight, check the timing carefully. It can be beautiful, but your view and flight time remain dependent on weather and daylight conditions.

Should you book Paragliding Club Thermique?

I would book this if you want an active, memorable way to see Jounieh Bay and are comfortable leaving the schedule partly in the hands of the weather. The combination of Ghosta, Harissa, Our Lady of Lebanon, and the Mediterranean gives the flight real geographic character.

The strongest reasons to choose it are the club’s long history since 1992, the highly praised staff, the private format, and the chance to receive aerial photos or video. The main cautions are the $90 price, the short airborne portion, and the possibility of a weather-related change.

For a first tandem flight in Lebanon, this is a sensible choice. Book with at least one spare day in your schedule, confirm the photo or video details, and let the pilot handle the technical work while you enjoy one of the country’s finest coastal views.

FAQ

Where does the paragliding experience begin?

The stated meeting point is XJVR+96P in Jounieh, Lebanon. The actual takeoff is from Ghosta, a mountain village about 750 meters above sea level.

Where does the flight land?

The flight heads toward the center of Jounieh Bay. The activity information states that the experience ends back at the meeting point.

How long does the activity last?

The full activity lasts approximately one hour. The flight itself may last around 20 minutes, depending on weather conditions.

Do I need previous paragliding experience?

No previous experience is stated as necessary. This is a tandem flight with a certified, experienced pilot, and most participants can take part.

Can I take photos during the flight?

Yes. The experience includes time for selfies and photos during the descent. A booking account also describes receiving a video souvenir, but you should confirm the exact media package when booking.

What happens if bad weather cancels the flight?

If poor weather causes the club to cancel, you are offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time.