Operating Locations

Zion Paragliding operates tandem paragliding tours in multiple locations in Costa Rica, including the Dominical and Jacó regions. These terms and conditions apply to all Zion Paragliding tours regardless of operating location.

1. The Activity

Zion Paragliding offers tandem paragliding tours where a passenger flies together with a certified pilot using a tandem paraglider. Tandem paragliding is a non-motorised form of free flight.

Each flight carries one passenger and one pilot only.

The tandem paragliding flight itself typically lasts approximately 15–20 minutes, although flight duration may vary depending on weather conditions and atmospheric activity. Flights may be shorter or longer than estimated. Variations in flight duration do not qualify for refunds or additional charges.

The full tour generally lasts approximately 2–3 hours, including transportation to the launch site, preparation for flight, and return transport after landing.

Total tour duration may vary depending on factors including but not limited to:

• weather conditions
• traffic when travelling to the launch site
• the number of passengers booked
• waiting time for suitable flying conditions
• other pilots launching before take-off

Zion Paragliding does not provide refunds or compensation if the tour duration differs from the estimated time.

Clients are responsible for allowing sufficient time after the tour for other commitments.

2. Participant Requirements and Safety

For safety reasons, participation in tandem paragliding is subject to certain requirements.

Passengers must be in reasonable physical condition and able to follow the pilot’s instructions during take-off, flight, and landing.

Passengers may be required to run a few steps during take-off and landing depending on conditions.

Zion Paragliding reserves the right to refuse participation or cancel a flight if a passenger is deemed unable to safely participate due to factors including but not limited to:

• excessive body weight beyond safe equipment limits
• physical limitations that prevent safe take-off or landing
• medical conditions that may affect flight safety
• intoxication due to alcohol or drugs
• refusal to follow pilot instructions
• behaviour that may compromise safety

Passengers who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be permitted to fly.

Passengers should inform Zion Paragliding of any medical conditions, injuries, or mobility limitations that may affect their ability to participate safely.

If participation is refused for safety reasons, the booking may be rescheduled where possible, but refunds are not guaranteed.

3. Take-Off and Landing

Zion Paragliding operates tandem paragliding tours from launch sites located in the Dominical and Jacó regions.

Common launch areas include:

• Cerro Escalares above Dominicalito Beach (Dominical area)
• Launch sites in the Jacó region

The launch site used on the day of the tour depends on weather conditions, safety considerations, and operational requirements.

Take-off is considered successful once the paraglider becomes airborne and leaves the launch area. This marks the official start of the tandem flight.

Multiple launch attempts may occasionally be required depending on wind conditions.

Landing marks the end of the paragliding portion of the tour and occurs when the pilot safely lands the paraglider and both pilot and passenger are no longer airborne.

Landing locations may include official landing zones, beaches, or other safe areas depending on weather conditions and flight safety. Zion Paragliding cannot guarantee landing at a specific location.

In rare circumstances, an alternative or precautionary landing may be required. Pilots will always select the safest available landing area.

4. Weather Conditions

Paragliding is highly dependent on weather conditions. Flights will only take place when conditions are deemed safe by Zion Susanno or the pilot in charge.

If weather forecasts indicate unsuitable flying conditions, Zion Paragliding may cancel the tour with as much notice as possible.

If the tour group arrives at the launch site and conditions are temporarily unsuitable, clients may be asked to wait up to one hour or longer to see if conditions improve.

If conditions improve, flights will proceed.

If conditions do not improve, the tour will be cancelled and clients will be returned to the meeting point.

Passengers who have already flown are not eligible for refunds.

Passengers who have not yet flown will be offered rescheduling or refunds where applicable.

Zion Paragliding may decide not to fly even if other pilots choose to do so. These decisions are made solely in the interest of safety.

5. Meeting Point

The meeting point depends on the location of the booked tour.

Meeting points are typically located in Dominical or Jacó, depending on where the tour is scheduled to take place. The exact meeting point will be confirmed at the time of booking.

Clients must arrive at the meeting point at the confirmed tour time, typically 10:00 AM or 1:00 PM, unless otherwise arranged.

The shuttle may wait up to 15 minutes for late arrivals when possible.

If a client arrives too late for the tour to operate, the booking may be treated as a no-show.

After the tour, Zion Paragliding will return clients to the original meeting point or another nearby location within the same town.

6. Shuttle Service

The shuttle service includes:

• transportation from the meeting point to the launch site
• transportation from the landing zone back to the meeting point

Space in the shuttle for spectators or additional luggage cannot be guaranteed.

Clients are advised to bring only a small day pack.

Clients may follow the shuttle to the launch site in their own 4×4 vehicle, but Zion Paragliding assumes no responsibility for personal vehicles.

7. Group Bookings

Zion Paragliding accepts group bookings of up to 20 passengers.

Group bookings of 8 or more passengers require at least 48 hours notice.

Groups larger than 6 passengers may be divided across multiple tours due to vehicle capacity.

A deposit is required to confirm group bookings.

8. Liability Waiver

All clients must sign a liability waiver before participating in a tandem paragliding tour.

Paragliding is an adventure activity that carries inherent risks, including but not limited to:

• changing weather conditions
• equipment malfunction
• uneven terrain during take-off or landing
• unforeseen circumstances

By signing the waiver and participating in the activity, clients acknowledge and accept these risks.

A separate waiver may also be required by the landowner of the launch site.

9. Bookings and Payments

The price of a tandem paragliding tour is $150 USD per person + 13% IVA tax.

A $20 USD + IVA deposit per person is required to reserve a tour date and time.

Bookings are not confirmed until the deposit has been received.

The remaining balance is payable on the day of the tour.

10. Cancellations

The $20 USD + IVA deposit is non-refundable.

Cancellations made more than 48 hours before the scheduled tour time will receive a refund of any payments made minus the non-refundable deposit.

Cancellations made within 48 hours of the scheduled tour time are not eligible for refunds, but the tour may be rescheduled subject to availability.

Cancellations made on the same day as the scheduled tour are treated as no-shows and cannot be rescheduled.

11. Rescheduling

Tours may be rescheduled more than 48 hours before the scheduled tour time at no cost.

Rescheduling within 48 hours of the tour time may be possible depending on availability but cannot be guaranteed.

Same-day cancellations or no-shows cannot be rescheduled.

12. No-Shows

A no-show occurs when a client:

• fails to arrive at the meeting point at the scheduled time
• cancels on the same day as the scheduled tour

No-shows are not eligible for refunds or rescheduling.

13. Refunds

Refunds will be issued only through the original payment method.

Card payments will be refunded to the same card used during booking. Online payments will be refunded to the same payment method used at the time of booking.

14. If Zion Paragliding Cancels

If Zion Paragliding cancels a tour due to weather conditions, safety concerns, or operational reasons, clients will be offered either:

• the option to reschedule the tour, or
• a full refund of any payments made, including the deposit.

Zion Paragliding will provide as much notice as possible when cancellations are necessary.

15. Photos & Videos

All photos and videos taken during the tandem paragliding tour are the property of Zion Paragliding.

Clients acknowledge and agree that:

• Media may be sold to clients.

• Media may be used by Zion Paragliding for marketing, promotion, and social media purposes.

• By signing the waiver, clients grant Zion Paragliding full rights to use and distribute their images, and cannot opt out.