Paragliding in Goa: Costs, Sites & Flight Guide

Paragliding in Goa operates in the northern coastal belt of Pernem taluka. Tandem non-motorised paragliding launches from the cliff edge above Arambol Beach and Kalacha Beach, while motorised paragliding (paramotoring) operates from flat beach corridors including Mandrem Beach, Morjim Beach, and Querim (Keri) Beach. Flights reach altitudes between 500 and 1,000 feet above sea level, providing views of the Arabian Sea coastline, Sweet Water Lake (Vagacolam), coconut groves, and the Tiracol River estuary.

Commercial tandem flights cost between ₹2,500 and ₹4,500 per person depending on flight duration and camera add-ons. Paramotoring rides range from ₹3,000 to ₹6,500 per passenger. The operational season runs strictly from October 1 through May 31, closing completely during the monsoon months.

This guide details the launch locations, ticket costs, daily flight timings, passenger physical restrictions, pilot qualifications, and government regulations under the Goa Aero Sports Rules.

Types of Paragliding Available in Goa

Two distinct forms of paragliding operate along the North Goa coast: non-motorised foot-launched paragliding and motorised paramotoring. Both options are conducted as tandem joyrides where a certified commercial pilot controls the wing while the passenger is secured in a separate flight harness.

Non-motorised paragliding relies entirely on aerodynamic ridge lift generated by coastal sea breezes hitting the cliff face. The certified pilot and passenger foot-launch by running off an elevated coastal headland, glide across the shoreline updrafts, and touch down directly on the beach sand below. In contrast, motorised paragliding (paramotoring) uses a certified paraglider wing attached to an open, two-seater wheeled trike fitted with a rear engine and propeller. This motorised propulsion enables the aircraft to take off directly from flat beach sands without requiring a cliff elevation.

Paragliding differs fundamentally from parasailing in Goa. In parasailing, a canopy is towed through the air behind a speeding motorboat, whereas paragliding involves self-contained flight controlled aerodynamically or through an onboard engine. For visitors interested in other aerial and adventure thrills in North Goa, options include bungee jumping in Goa and adventure activities in Goa.

Paragliding and Paramotoring Launch Sites

All commercial paragliding activities in Goa are concentrated within Pernem taluka in northern North Goa.

Access to the launch areas and public beaches at Arambol and Querim is free, with no government pedestrian entry fee charged at the gates.

Paliem (Harmal) Plateau (Arambol): The primary launch headland for foot-launched paragliding. Situated above Arambol Beach and Kalacha Beach, the cliff edge overlooks Sweet Water Lake. Takeoff requires a 10- to 15-minute uphill trek on foot from northern Arambol along the coastal trail past the lake.
Querim (Keri) Beach: A secondary cliff takeoff point situated on the coastal hills bordering Querim Beach, approximately 6 km north of Arambol and 40 km north of Panaji.
Mandrem Beach: The designated open beach sector for GTDC-authorized paramotoring flights. Motorised trikes take off and land on wide, hard-packed sand corridors.
Morjim Beach: An alternate flat beach corridor used for paramotoring operations in Pernem taluka.
Paliyem Hilltop: A coastal plateau sector used for paramotor staging and operations overlooking the Pernem coast.

Flight Costs and Pricing Structure

Paragliding prices in Goa are structured by flight duration and aircraft type. Non-motorised tandem paragliding flights typically last between 8 and 15 minutes, depending on the dynamic sea-breeze lift against the cliff. Motorised paramotoring is divided into short flights and long adventure flights.

Pilots offer high-definition GoPro photo and video recordings during the flight as an optional add-on for ₹500.

Flight Costs and Pricing Structure
Flight Category	Aircraft Type	Duration	Price (₹)
Tandem Paragliding (Basic)	Foot-launched wing	8–15 minutes	₹2,500–₹3,500
Tandem Paragliding + GoPro	Foot-launched wing	8–15 minutes	₹3,500–₹4,500
Paramotoring Short Ride	Engine-driven wheeled trike	5–6 minutes	₹3,000–₹3,500
Paramotoring GTDC Standard	Engine-driven wheeled trike	6–10 minutes	₹3,500
Paramotoring Long Flight	Engine-driven wheeled trike	10–15 minutes	₹4,500–₹6,500

Flight Timings and Seasonal Schedule

Commercial paragliding and paramotoring operate seven days a week between October 1 and May 31, aligning with the operational period sanctioned by the Goa Department of Tourism. All flight operations are suspended annually from June through September due to the southwest monsoon, heavy rain, and turbulent coastal winds. For seasonal travel planning, review the best time to visit Goa.

Daily flights are conducted during two specific operating windows to ensure calm winds and avoid turbulent midday thermal updrafts:

• Morning Window: 6:30 AM / 7:00 AM to 10:30 AM / 11:00 AM • Afternoon Window: 2:30 PM / 3:30 PM until sunset

Under the Goa Aero Sports Rules, all commercial aero sports must operate strictly under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC). Flights must conclude at least one hour before sunset or by 6:00 PM, whichever is earlier. Operators immediately suspend flights whenever wind speeds or local weather conditions move outside safe operational limits.

Passenger Weight, Age, and Medical Rules

Because flight safety depends on precise wing-loading limits, commercial operators enforce strict physical eligibility rules before boarding.

Passenger Weight: Minimum weight is 35 kilograms; maximum weight limit is 95 to 100 kilograms.
Age for Non-Motorised Paragliding: Minimum age is 14 to 15 years for foot-launched cliff flights. Minors require the physical presence and signed consent of a parent or guardian.
Age for Paramotoring: Children as young as 6 years old may fly on motorised trikes with parental consent.
Physical Fitness: Non-motorised paragliding requires running off an uneven cliff edge during launch and landing on beach sand on foot. Participants must be mobile enough to execute a brief sprint on takeoff.

Goa Aero Sports Rules and Safety Standards

Commercial flight operations are regulated by the Goa Department of Tourism under the Goa Registration of Tourist Trade Act, 1982, and the Goa Aero Sports Rules notified on October 30, 2025. In 2015, paragliding activities in Goa faced state police scrutiny and temporary suspensions after an arrested terror operative received unauthorized instruction at the Keri plateau in 2013, prompting comprehensive state safety and registration controls.

Key regulatory and safety mandates enforced across Goa include:

Mandatory Insurance: Operators must maintain active personal accident insurance cover of at least ₹15 lakh per passenger and pilot.
Pilot Qualifications: Commercial tandem pilots must be at least 21 years old, hold First Aid and CPR certifications, and possess a minimum of 100 solo flying hours plus 50 non-commercial tandem flights.
Solo Pilots: Independent solo pilots must be at least 18 years old, hold P3-level pilot training recognized by aero sports governing bodies, and obtain written clearance from the Department of Tourism prior to flight.
Safety Equipment: Operators must provide certified paragliding harnesses, protective helmets, and emergency reserve parachutes to every participant prior to the pre-flight safety briefing.
Operator Licensing: Commercial operators must pay a seasonal registration fee of ₹1,00,000 per aircraft and ₹10,000 per tandem pilot. Mid-season registration between October and May is prohibited.
Enforcement Penalties: Operating without an approved licence or violating safety guidelines carries fines up to ₹2,00,000, equipment confiscation, and operator blacklisting.

How to Reach Arambol and Pernem Launch Sites

The primary cliff launch area at Paliem plateau is reached by heading to Arambol Beach in Pernem taluka. Read our transport and transit guide for broader state transit details.

From northern Arambol Beach, passengers take a 10- to 15-minute uphill trail on foot past the freshwater Sweet Water Lake (Vagacolam) and Kalacha Beach to reach the Paliem takeoff ridge.

How to Reach Arambol and Pernem Launch Sites
Transit Origin	Distance to Arambol	Estimated Travel Time	Route Details
Manohar International Airport (Mopa)	27 km	35–45 minutes	Drive southwest via local Pernem roads
Dabolim Airport (GOI)	60 km	90–120 minutes	Drive north across the state via NH 66
Panaji (State Capital)	35.5 km	50–60 minutes	Drive north via NH 66 and the Siolim–Chopdem bridge
Mapusa KTC Bus Stand	23 km	35–45 minutes	Northbound state highways via Siolim
Pernem Railway Station	17 km	30 minutes	Drive west across Pernem taluka
Thivim Railway Station	27 km	45–50 minutes	Drive northwest via Mapusa/Siolim

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Frequently asked questions

Where does paragliding take place in Goa?

Non-motorised paragliding launches from the Paliem plateau cliff above Arambol Beach and Kalacha Beach, as well as hills near Querim Beach. Motorised paramotoring operates from open beach sands at Mandrem and Morjim.

How much does paragliding cost in Goa?

Tandem paragliding joyrides cost between ₹2,500 and ₹3,500 for basic flights, or ₹3,500 to ₹4,500 with GoPro video. Motorised paramotor joyrides cost ₹3,000 to ₹3,500 for short rides and ₹4,500 to ₹6,500 for 10-to-15-minute flights.

What is the best season for paragliding in Goa?

The paragliding season runs from October 1 to May 31. All flight operations are legally suspended during the monsoon from June through September due to rain and strong winds.

What are the weight and age limits for flying?

Passenger weight must fall between 35 kg and 95–100 kg. For foot-launched tandem paragliding, participants must be at least 14 years old, while paramotoring allows children aged 6 and above with parental consent.

How long does a tandem paragliding flight last?

Tandem paragliding joyrides generally last between 8 and 15 minutes, depending on dynamic wind lift conditions along the cliff face.

Is paragliding in Goa regulated by the government?

Yes. Commercial aero sports are regulated under the Goa Aero Sports Rules by the Department of Tourism, requiring operator registration, certified pilots with at least 100 solo hours, and mandatory ₹15 lakh passenger accident insurance.

Sources

Last checked 6 October 2026

Paragliding in Goa: Sites, Prices, Timings, and Safety Rules.