First Paragliding Club in Lebanon – Since 1992

From the 750-meter launch point in Ghosta, you glide above mountain slopes, Harissa, and Jounieh Bay before landing near the Mediterranean. It is a fine way to see Lebanon’s coast from a completely different angle, with the famous Our Lady of Lebanon statue close to your route.

I like the small private-group setup and the chance to take photos during the flight. I also like that Paragliding Club Thermique has operated since 1992, with founder Raja Saade credited with bringing paragliding to Lebanon. The main drawback is weather: wind and flying conditions control the schedule, and the flight itself may last about 20 minutes rather than the full hour.

Key points to know before you book

• Ghosta gives you Lebanon’s highest takeoff point, at about 750 meters above sea level.
• The route passes Harissa and Our Lady of Lebanon, then opens toward Jounieh Bay and the Mediterranean.
• The flight is tandem, so you fly with a certified, experienced pilot rather than handling the glider alone.
• The total experience takes about one hour, while the airborne portion may be around 20 minutes, depending on conditions.
• Photos and video are part of the appeal, with time to take selfies in the air and a video leave-behind mentioned by the club.
• Weather can change the plan, but a canceled flight due to poor conditions brings a choice of a new date or a full refund.

Taking off above Jounieh Bay from Ghosta

The experience begins at the meeting point in Jounieh, listed as XJVR+96P. From there, the team takes you toward Ghosta, an authentic mountain village with the club’s launch site at about 750 meters.

That change in setting is part of the experience. You begin near the bay, then gain height among the hills before the flight even starts. The launch point gives you a broad view toward the coast, while the slopes below provide the first sense of how high you are.

The club has been operating since 1992. Raja Saade, its founder, is credited with introducing paragliding to Lebanon. That long history matters here because tandem flying depends on more than a pretty view. You want pilots who handle the equipment carefully, explain what is happening, and keep the takeoff calm.

You do not launch alone. A certified pilot manages the glider and the flight, while you follow the instructions for getting into the air. The activity is private to your group, which makes it a better fit for couples, families, and friends who want to share the occasion without being placed with a large crowd.

What the first few minutes feel like

Tandem paragliding is less like jumping from a platform and more like running into the wind until the ground falls away. The exact launch depends on the weather, so the team may ask you to wait if conditions are not right.

That delay is not wasted time. Wind is central to the activity, and a safe launch matters more than keeping to an exact clock. The company flies throughout the year, including winter, as long as the weather allows it.

If you feel nervous, tell your pilot before takeoff. Several details in the experience point to a calm, well-managed operation: pilots are certified and experienced, the team handles the mountain transfer, and one participant who felt unwell was offered a later flight instead of being pushed to continue.

The flight is suitable for most people, according to the activity details, but you should still be comfortable with the basic physical movement required at launch. Service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transportation.

The view toward Harissa and Our Lady of Lebanon

Once airborne, the route takes you above the slopes around Harissa. From this height, the famous Our Lady of Lebanon statue becomes a clear reference point below and nearby. It is one of the most recognizable sights in the area, and seeing it from the air gives the flight a strong sense of place.

You are not simply looking down at a patch of coastline. The route links mountain village, religious landmark, city, bay, and sea in one continuous view. That variety is what gives this flight more character than a short ride over open ground.

The views can also make the duration feel longer than it is. The listed experience lasts about an hour, but the airborne portion may be around 20 minutes, depending on conditions. The rest includes meeting the team, securing belongings, traveling to the launch site, preparing, and returning to the meeting point.

Keep that distinction in mind when comparing this with other adventure activities. The $90 price is paying for a guided tandem flight, experienced pilots, equipment, coordination, and a special route above Jounieh. If you are judging only by minutes in the air, it may seem costly. If you value the view, the private format, and the included photo or video memory, it offers fair value for a one-time Lebanon experience.

Flying over the bay and the Mediterranean

The route continues toward Jounieh Bay, one of the strongest parts of the flight. The bay curves below you, with the city and coastline on one side and the Mediterranean opening out beyond it.

I especially like this part for visitors who have already seen Jounieh from the road or waterfront. From ground level, the bay is a destination. From the air, you see its shape and position within the wider coastal setting.

The descent is intended to be smooth rather than a series of sharp drops. You can take selfies during the flight, and the club provides a video leave-behind according to the practical details shared about the experience. Still, do not let your phone become the main event. The best photographs will come from short bursts, leaving you free to watch the coast.

Ask your pilot when it is a good moment for a photo. They know when the glider is steady and when you should keep both hands focused on the flight. You may also want to decide before takeoff whether you care more about a video record or simply enjoying the view without fussing with a camera.

Landing near the center of Jounieh

The flight ends near the center of Jounieh Bay. The activity information lists the end point as back at the meeting point, so you should plan on returning there rather than arranging a separate finish elsewhere.

The landing is another reason to follow your pilot’s instructions closely. You will be told how to position yourself as the glider comes down. The club’s staff handle the technical side, but your cooperation makes the final approach easier.

One useful practical detail is luggage storage. The team has a base station where you can leave bags before being taken up the mountain. Bring only what you need for the flight, and keep valuables secure rather than carrying a large day bag into the harness.

The landing location also makes it easy to continue with your day in Jounieh. You can plan this as a morning activity before sightseeing or as a later outing, with departure times offered to fit different schedules. Sunset flights are possible when conditions and timing allow, and one participant described a smooth evening flight with the sun dropping behind the coast.

How the timing and weather work

The listed duration is approximately one hour, but you should not read that as one continuous hour in the air. Flight time varies with wind and other conditions, and a flight of about 20 minutes is specifically noted as possible.

That is normal for this kind of activity. The team needs time to move you from the base to Ghosta, check the conditions, prepare the equipment, and bring you back after landing. A short flight can still provide a full view of the bay and the surrounding hills.

The company operates all year, including winter, but flying is never guaranteed on a particular day. If poor weather forces cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel your booking for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time.

Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start are not refunded, and last-minute changes are not accepted. The cut-off follows local Lebanese time, so check the clock carefully if you are booking from abroad.

Why the club’s reputation matters

The activity has a 5 out of 5 rating from 193 ratings and a 99 percent recommendation rate. More important than the numbers is the pattern behind them: professional, friendly staff and a strong sense of safety are repeated themes.

That combination is valuable for a first flight. You want clear communication before the activity, a pilot who gives simple instructions, and a team that can adjust when someone feels sick or the weather shifts.

The club also seems to get the balance right between formal safety and a relaxed mood. The experience is described as exciting, but the flight itself is often characterized as smooth. That makes it suitable for someone who wants an adrenaline rush without signing up for a rough or extreme ride.

You should not confuse a high rating with a promise that every flight will feel identical. Weather, nerves, timing, and your own comfort in the air will shape the day. Still, the long operating history and the consistent praise for organization make this a reassuring option in Lebanon.

Who will enjoy this most

This is a good choice for solo visitors who want a memorable activity, since the private format does not require you to bring a group. It also works well for couples, birthdays, proposals, and other celebrations.

Families and groups of friends can book it too, though each person’s comfort with heights matters. The company describes the experience as suitable for most participants, but the launch still requires attention and cooperation. Anyone unsure should contact the provider before booking rather than assuming.

It also suits visitors who want something beyond standard city sightseeing. You will see Jounieh, Harissa, and the sea in a single outing, with the added thrill of being suspended above the coast.

This is less suitable if you need a fixed, tightly timed schedule. Weather may delay the launch, shift the flight time, or cancel the activity. Leave space in your day, especially if you are connecting this with another tour or a reservation at a precise hour.

Simple ways to get more from the flight

Wear clothing that lets you move comfortably at takeoff and landing. The supplied information does not specify a dress code, so the safest approach is practical clothing and secure footwear.

Keep your phone ready but protected. You may have time for selfies and photos, yet the glider’s movement and wind can make handling a phone awkward. The video leave-behind gives you another way to remember the flight without trying to film every second yourself.

Choose your departure time for the view you want. Daytime gives you the clearest sense of the hills, bay, and sea. A sunset departure can add warm light and a special mood, but it depends on conditions and available timing.

Allow the full hour, even if the flight itself is shorter. The mountain transfer and preparation are part of the outing, not signs that something has gone wrong.

Should you book Paragliding Club Thermique?

Book it if you want a distinctive view of Lebanon’s coast and like the idea of combining a mountain launch with a smooth flight over Jounieh Bay. The $90 cost is reasonable for a private tandem experience with an established club, certified pilots, photo opportunities, and a route that includes Harissa and Our Lady of Lebanon.

I would be more cautious if your schedule is packed or if you dislike uncertainty caused by weather. The flight may last around 20 minutes, and the exact plan can change on the day.

For a first paragliding experience in Lebanon, this is a strong pick. Raja Saade’s long-running club, the private format, the scenic route, and the practical willingness to reschedule when someone feels unwell all work in its favor. Leave your schedule flexible, listen to your pilot, and let the bay be the main souvenir.

FAQ

Where does the paragliding experience begin?

The listed meeting point is XJVR+96P in Jounieh, Lebanon. The activity then takes you to Ghosta for the launch.

Where does the flight take off?

The flight takes off from Ghosta, an authentic mountain village at about 750 meters. This is described as the highest takeoff point in Lebanon.

Where does the flight land?

The route finishes near the center of Jounieh Bay. The activity information says the experience ends back at the meeting point.

How long does the experience last?

The full experience takes approximately one hour. The flight itself may last around 20 minutes, depending on the weather and flying conditions.

Who operates the activity?

Paragliding Club Thermique operates the experience. Its founder, Raja Saade, is credited with bringing paragliding to Lebanon, and the club has operated since 1992.

Can I take photos during the flight?

Yes. The activity allows time for selfies and photos during the descent. A video leave-behind is also mentioned as part of the experience.

Is the activity available all year?

The club flies all year, including winter, as long as the weather permits. Poor weather can lead to a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start are not accepted for a refund.