Connect with the James
Connect to the River as We Work to Restore It
Whether you are seeking a peaceful afternoon on the water or an in-depth look at our local ecosystem, our seasonal programs offer unique ways to engage with the James River. Join our experts and educators for guided excursions and lectures designed to deepen your connection to our watershed’s ongoing recovery.
Sign up for notifications
Our guided Connect with the James trips and events fill up quickly, sign up here to receive a notification when registration opens.
As our nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, the James River Association (JRA) is marking its 50th anniversary. To commemorate this dual milestone, JRA is launching a new lecture series, “Currents of History,” to explore the enduring connection between the James River and the American experiment.
From the river’s role in our nation’s founding to its modern story of civic action and environmental renewal, join us for an evening of expert-led discussion and community.
Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, E. Claiborne Robins Jr. for making this lecture series possible!
Perfect For
Adults interested in learning about history.
Location
James A. Buzzard River Education Center in Richmond, Virginia.
To Book
Use the booking button below and follow the prompts. If a date is not highlighted in the booking calendar, there are no open seats.
2026 Lectures
2026 Currents of History Events
September 24, 2026 – Tim Roberts
Tim Roberts, MA, RPA, Founder and Principal Investigator of Black Star Cultural Resources, and former Project Archaeologist and Community Outreach Coordinator with the Virginia Department of Historic Resources. Anthropologist and archaeologist Tim Roberts presented findings from site-specific research on the Dock Street location of the James River Association’s James A. Buzzard River Education Center.
June 13, 2026 – Bob Deans
Acclaimed author and former White House Correspondents’ Association President Bob Deans shared fresh perspectives from his book, The River Where America Began: A Journey Along the James, followed by an audience Q&A.
Historic Batteau Trips
Step aboard our James River Batteau replica for a unique 1-hour trip! Discover the historic design of this flat-bottomed cargo boat. See local sights near Lynchburg, including canal remnants and city views. Learn about the river’s ecology.
Perfect For
Family outings, birthday celebrations, small reunions, or a unique afternoon with friends.
Capacity
Private groups of up to 6 passengers
Location
Departing from Riveredge Park, Lynchburg.
To Book
Contact Rob Campbell at rcampbell@thejamesriver.org to schedule your private tour.
Climb into a 13-person canoe with friends, family, and fellow river lovers, and explore Richmond’s riverfront with a guided tour led by our river educators. You’ll learn about the wildlife, ecology, and history of the James, and no experience is needed. We provide the canoe, paddle, and life jacket, and we’ll give you a quick lesson before launch.
Perfect For
Nature photographers, history buffs, and those looking for a relaxing, educational outing.
Capacity
24 passengers per tour
Ages & Cost
- Adult Tickets: 16 & up ($25)
- Child Tickets: 5 -15 ($15 – must be accompanied by a responsible party 18 and over)
- We ask that participating minors age 15 and under are accompanied by an adult at a 1:1 ratio.
- Participants under 18 must have a waiver signed by a parent or guardian.
- Children under age 5 are not permitted to participate on board pontoon trips or paddle craft trips.
To Book
See booking button below for upcoming trips.
Upcoming Date
- October: 20, 21, 26, 27 (10 AM – 12 PM) and 30 (3 – 5 PM)
- 🎃 Halloween Family Paddle: Saturday, Oct 31, 10 AM – 12 PM
- November: 5, 12, 13 (10 AM – 12 PM)
(If trips are not showing on the booking link, they are canceled or full.)
Join our education team on the Spirit of the James for a stable and informative tour of the riverfront. These tours offer a unique vantage point for observing the wildlife and changing landscape of the watershed.
Perfect For
Nature photographers, history buffs, and those looking for a relaxing, educational outing.
Capacity
25 passengers per tour
Ages & Cost
- Adult Tickets: 16 & up ($45)
- Child Tickets: 5 -15 ($30 – must be accompanied by a responsible party 18 and over)
- We ask that participating minors age 15 and under are accompanied by an adult at a 1:1 ratio.
- Participants under 18 must have a waiver signed by a parent or guardian.
- Children under age 5 are not permitted to participate on board pontoon trips or paddle craft trips.
To Book
See booking button below for upcoming trips.
Species of the James! Pontoon Boat Tour and Wildlife Hike
Join James River Association educators aboard the Spirit of the James for an exciting tour of the wildlife that call the tidal James River home. We’ll ride to Presquile National Wildlife Refuge, a 1,329-acre island and the home of our James River Ecology School. After a guided stroll along the island’s trails in search of wildlife, we’ll return to the boat for a fish trawl survey of aquatic species in the tidal river.
- Cost: $45.00 adults (16+) · $30.00 children (5–15)
- Duration: 3 hours
- Group size: 25
- What to bring: Closed-toe shoes, a water bottle, sunscreen, and extra layers. Wind chill and splashing can make it cooler on the water.
- We provide: Safety equipment including emergency life vests and first aid, plus an instructional review from one of our guides
- Accessibility: Trails include tread obstacles up to 6 inches and steep slopes.
- Important: You must sign the online waiver before the trip day.
- Cancellations: Fees are non-refundable for personal cancellations. If you cancel at least 24 hours in advance, your fee converts to a tax-deductible donation to the James River Association. If we cancel for weather or other reasons, we’ll offer a reschedule or a full refund.
2027 James River Atlantic Sturgeon Watching Tours
Every late summer, endangered Atlantic sturgeon return to the tidal James River for their annual spawning run. These prehistoric fish can grow up to eight feet long and are known for occasionally launching their entire bodies out of the water—a dramatic behavior known as breaching.
Join James River Association staff aboard our open-air pontoon boat, the Spirit of the James, for a guided search along active sturgeon habitat. As we navigate the river, you will learn about the history, ecosystem, and ongoing conservation efforts working to restore these ancient giants in Central Virginia.
Because we are exploring a wild river ecosystem, sturgeon sightings can never be guaranteed. However, every trip offers a front-row seat to local wildlife, river views, and a memorable educational experience on the water.
Booking for 2027 trips opens on or around August 1, 2027
Frequently Asked Questions
I received an email announcement about a trip, but I do not see it listed on this page. How can I find it?
Some of our trips fill up very quickly. If you received an email about an open trip, but there are no dates circled in blue in the booking software, the trips are full. Some trips fill within 12 hours of an announcement.
What time should I arrive?
Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time so we can get everyone settled and start our trips on time.
What ages can participate?
- Adult Tickets: 16 & up
- Child Tickets: 5 -15 (must be accompanied by a responsible party 18 and over)
- We ask that participating minors age 15 and under are accompanied by an adult at a 1:1 ratio.
- Participants under 18 must have a waiver signed by a parent or guardian.
- Children under age 5 are not permitted to participate on board pontoon trips or paddle craft trips.
What to Bring (and What Not to Bring)
- Wear closed toe shoes. (No sandals, crocs, flip-flops etc.)
- Wear clothes appropriate for the weather and wind conditions. Extra layers for pontoon trips in the Fall and Spring are recommended.
- Paddle activities involve the chance of getting wet. Wear clothes and shoes that you are comfortable getting wet and/or muddy.
- Small bags are permitted on all trips. Non-alcoholic beverages and snacks are allowed. Water bottles are encouraged
- Large bags, coolers, and pets are not permitted on trips.
- Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are recommended depending on season.
Can I get a refund?
Registration fees are non-refundable for personal cancellations. If you need to cancel your booking your fee will be converted to a tax deductible donation to The James River Association. Please cancel your trip a minimum of 24 hours in advance so we have ample time to alert our staff.
In the event we cancel a program due to inclement weather or otherwise, James River Association staff will do our best to offer a rescheduled trip or refund your registration fee in full.
Can I move to a different trip?
If spots are available on future trips we can transfer your booking. Please contact experiences@thejamesriver.org for more details. Transfers are not guaranteed.
Do you supply all the equipment?
Yes, JRA will provide all relevant equipment and instruction to participate in the program. This includes lifejackets, paddles, paddlecraft and other relevant equipment. Comfort items like sunscreen, hats, extra layers and snacks are the responsibility of the participant.
