First Paragliding Club in Lebanon – Since 1992

The best part of this experience is the route: you launch from the mountain village of Ghosta, pass above Harissa and the Our Lady of Lebanon statue, then glide toward Jounieh Bay and the Mediterranean. It is a rare chance to see Lebanon’s coast and mountains in one quiet, open-air ride.

I like the high launch point at 750 meters and the chance to choose a departure time. I also like the club’s practical touch of storing bags at its base before taking you uphill. The main consideration is weather. A flight can be delayed or moved if conditions are not safe, so do not build your whole day around a fixed landing time.

Key points at a glance

• Ghosta launch point: Begin in an authentic mountain village at Lebanon’s highest paragliding takeoff point.
• Harissa views: Fly beside the famous Our Lady of Lebanon statue before heading toward the bay.
• Private group activity: Only your group participates, with a certified, experienced pilot handling the flight.
• About 20 minutes in the air: The total experience lasts about an hour, while actual flight time depends on conditions.
• Photos and video: You have time for selfies, and a video may be available as a keepsake.
• Flexible weather policy: Poor conditions mean a new date or a full refund, subject to the cancellation rules.

From Ghosta to Jounieh Bay in one smooth flight

Paragliding Club Thermique begins this outing in the hills above Jounieh. Your meeting point is listed at XJVR+96P in Jounieh, and the activity returns to that meeting point at the end.

The first important change in scenery comes before takeoff. You leave the coastal setting and head to Ghosta, a mountain village with a 750-meter launch point. That height gives the flight its shape. You are not simply making a short hop above the shoreline. You start high over the slopes, with room to look down toward the city and out toward the sea.

Your pilot prepares the tandem paraglider and explains what to do during takeoff. The exact launch routine is not described in detail, but the setup is handled by the club’s trained team. The pilot flies the canopy, so you do not need previous paragliding experience.

Once airborne, the ride takes you over mountain greenery and toward Harissa. The famous Our Lady of Lebanon statue is one of the clearest landmarks along the way. From this height, the statue is not just a sightseeing stop. It helps you understand where you are in relation to Jounieh, the hills, and the coast.

The flight then continues toward Jounieh Bay. The route gives you changing views rather than one repeated panorama. Look inland for the slopes and settlements, then turn toward the bay and the Mediterranean. That mix is what makes the location especially appealing for a first tandem flight.

What the one-hour schedule really means

The advertised duration is about one hour, but that does not mean you will spend the full hour in the air. One detailed account puts the actual flight at roughly 20 minutes, depending on weather.

That is still a useful amount of time for a tandem flight. You have enough room to settle into the harness, enjoy the views, and take photos without feeling rushed. The rest of the time covers meeting the team, securing belongings, getting to the launch point, preparing to fly, and returning to the meeting point.

The club’s base station is used to store bags before you go uphill. That is a small but important detail. You can keep loose items out of the harness and avoid worrying about a phone, backpack, or camera falling during the flight. Bring only what you need for the ride itself, and follow the pilot’s instructions about anything you carry.

Timing can shift with the wind. You can choose from departure times, which makes the activity easier to fit around sightseeing in Beirut or Jounieh. Still, keep some space in your schedule. The club flies all day and throughout the year when weather permits, but safe conditions come first.

A sunset flight may be possible at the right departure time. One account describes a smooth evening ride with sunset views. That option can be memorable, but it depends on the day and the weather, so treat it as a possibility rather than a guarantee.

The view from 750 meters above Ghosta

Ghosta is more than a launch platform. It gives the experience a local setting before the adrenaline begins. You start in a mountain village rather than at a crowded seaside attraction, then move through several layers of Lebanon’s geography in a short time.

At takeoff, the view reaches over the slopes toward Jounieh. As the paraglider gains a steady line, you can watch the built-up areas below give way to hills and open air. The height also makes the bay easier to read. You see the curve of Jounieh Bay, the city beside it, and the sea beyond.

Harissa adds a strong sense of place. The flight passes near the Our Lady of Lebanon statue, one of the area’s most recognizable sights. If you have visited the statue from the ground, seeing it from above gives you a different sense of its position on the mountain.

The coast is the main visual reward, but do not focus only on the sea. The best views come from looking in several directions. Watch the pilot’s route over the slopes, glance toward Harissa, then turn outward to the Mediterranean. The ride works because the scene changes as you descend.

You also have time to take selfies and photos during the flight. Ask the pilot when it is safe and practical to use your phone. The club may also provide a flight video, which is especially useful if you want a record without holding your own device throughout the ride.

A calm ride with an adrenaline edge

Paragliding sounds more extreme than it often feels once the canopy is open. The start can bring a burst of nerves, especially if this is your first flight. After that, the experience may feel more like a quiet glide than a fast thrill ride.

That does not make it dull. You are suspended above the coast, with no engine noise and no cabin window between you and the view. The height supplies the excitement, while the steady pace gives you time to look around.

The club’s founder, Raja Saade, brought paragliding to Lebanon and established the club in 1992. That long local connection matters because this is not a one-off activity added to a sightseeing program. The company has built its work around this particular launch area and route.

The pilots are described as certified and experienced. The team’s approach is also suited to special occasions. The club handles birthday surprises, proposals, and other events, though the core experience remains a tandem flight for fun.

You should still be honest about your comfort level. If heights make you very uneasy, the launch may feel intense even if the ride itself is smooth. One useful example from the available feedback involved a participant who felt sick and could not fly. The team rescheduled the flight rather than forcing the issue. That is a good reason to speak up if you feel unwell.

Safety, supervision, and the private format

This is a private activity, so only your group takes part. That gives the outing a more personal feel than a large batch of passengers waiting together. It also makes the experience a good fit for couples, families, and small groups of friends who want to share the same flight day.

The pilot manages the paraglider, while you follow instructions for takeoff, seating, and landing. You do not need to know how to control the canopy. Most people can participate, according to the activity information, and service animals are allowed.

The strongest praise for the club centers on professionalism, communication, and a feeling of confidence in the team. Those qualities matter more here than flashy extras. You want clear instructions, proper preparation, and a pilot who keeps the ride controlled.

Weather is the key safety limit. The club operates in winter as well as summer, but only when conditions allow. If poor weather cancels the flight, you are offered another date or a full refund. That policy protects you from trying to force a flight into unsuitable conditions.

I would avoid scheduling this immediately before a flight, wedding, or other fixed commitment. Even with a selected departure time, mountain weather can affect the plan. Give yourself room for a change.

Is $90 a fair price?

At $90 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see Jounieh Bay. It is also not just a viewpoint visit. The price covers a guided tandem flight from a high mountain launch point, the preparation and transport involved in reaching Ghosta, and the work of a certified pilot.

For me, the value depends on how you like to travel. If you want a quick photograph from a lookout, this will feel expensive. If you want a memorable activity that combines mountain, city, landmark, and sea views, the price is easier to justify.

The private format helps. You are not being folded into a large public group, and you can plan the experience for a time that suits your day. The possible photo or video keepsake adds value, though you should confirm exactly what media is included when booking.

The location also saves you from choosing between a mountain outing and a coastal one. In roughly an hour, you move from Ghosta to the air above Harissa and then toward Jounieh Bay. That makes it a useful choice for a short stay in Lebanon.

The high satisfaction level, listed at 99 percent recommended with a five-star rating from 193 reviews, suggests strong consistency. Still, ratings cannot remove the main uncertainty: the flight depends on weather, and the time in the air may be closer to 20 minutes than the full one-hour activity duration.

Who should book this flight?

I would recommend it to solo visitors who want a story beyond standard sightseeing. A tandem flight is also a natural fit for couples, especially if you want a birthday surprise, proposal setting, or sunset outing.

Families and friend groups can join as a private activity, though each participant should be comfortable with the height and the takeoff. Since most people can participate, previous experience is not presented as a requirement.

This is a strong choice if you are staying near Beirut or Jounieh and want to see the area from a completely different angle. It works best for people who enjoy scenery as much as excitement. The ride is not described as a high-speed stunt. Its appeal is the combination of air, silence, landmarks, and coast.

You may want to skip it if your schedule is packed with fixed appointments or if poor weather would cause serious problems. You should also think twice if you strongly dislike heights or feel prone to motion sickness. The club can reschedule when someone is unwell, but it is better to consider that risk before booking.

Practical tips before you go

Book ahead if your dates are limited. The experience is booked about five days in advance on average, which suggests you should not always expect a last-minute opening.

Keep the cancellation deadline in mind. 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.

Choose a departure time that leaves space around the activity. You need time for the meeting, the ride to Ghosta, preparation, flight, landing, and return to the meeting point. Exact flight length can change with weather.

Plan your clothing for an outdoor mountain activity rather than a formal sightseeing stop. The supplied information does not specify a dress code, so practical clothing is the sensible choice. Keep loose belongings to a minimum, since bags are stored at the base station before you go up.

If you want a sunset flight, ask about suitable times when you book. Sunset conditions and availability can change, and the club’s priority is always a safe flight.

Should you book Paragliding Club Thermique?

Book it if you want a memorable view of Lebanon that links Ghosta, Harissa, Jounieh Bay, and the Mediterranean in one ride. The certified pilots, private format, local founder, flexible departure times, and strong record of customer satisfaction make this a sound choice for a first tandem flight.

Go in with realistic expectations. The total activity lasts about an hour, but the flight itself may be around 20 minutes. Weather can also change the plan. If you accept those limits, $90 buys more than an adrenaline hit. It gives you a fresh view of one of Lebanon’s most scenic coastal areas, with a professional team handling the difficult part.

FAQ

Where does the paragliding experience begin?

The listed meeting point is XJVR+96P in Jounieh, Lebanon. From there, the flight takes off from Ghosta.

Where does the flight take off?

The launch point is in Ghosta, an authentic mountain village with Lebanon’s highest paragliding takeoff point at 750 meters.

Where does the flight land?

The route ends near Jounieh Bay, and the activity returns to the meeting point afterward.

How long does the experience last?

The total activity lasts about one hour. Actual flight time can be around 20 minutes, depending on weather.

Is this a private activity?

Yes. Only your group participates in the activity.

Do I need previous paragliding experience?

No previous experience is stated as necessary. A certified pilot handles the tandem flight, and most people can participate.

Does the club operate in winter?

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

What happens if bad weather cancels the flight?

You can be offered another date or a full refund if the experience is canceled because of poor weather.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the experience are not accepted for a refund.