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.
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Interested in a paddle that hasn’t opened for registration? Our guided Connect with the James paddles fill up quickly, sign up here to receive a notification when trip registration open.
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 leanring about local history.
Location
James A. Buzzaed River Education Center in Richmond, Virginia.
To Book
Use the booking button below and follow the prompts. if no date is hilighted in the booking calendar, there are no open seats.
2026 Lectures
Currents of History: Bob Deans
June 13, 2026
6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
James A. Buzzard River Education Center, Dock Street, Richmond, VA
Join us on June 13, 2026 for fireworks, cocktails, and the launch of our Currents of History lecture series, a new Connect with the James program that explores the James River from its historic past to its modern renewal. Celebrate with us as we commemorate a dual milestone—America’s 250th and JRA’s 50th! Thank you to Presenting Sponsor E. Claiborne Robins Jr. for making this series possible!
Bob Deans, author of The River Where America Began: A Journey Along the James, will offer fresh perspectives on a cherished story and answer audience questions. “Bob Deans started out in the news business when he was ten years old, delivering his hometown paper, the Richmond Times-Dispatch. He spent three decades as a reporter for The Post & Courier of Charleston, S.C., and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, including four years as Chief Asia Correspondent, based in Tokyo, and eight years covering the White House. He’s a former president of the White House Correspondents’ Association and author of the nonfiction book, The River Where America Began: A Journey Along the James. His debut novel is The Bicycle Man. Bob is married to the artist and children’s book author Karen Deans. They live in Bethesda, Maryland, and have three grown children.”
The lecture will be followed by a cocktail reception, hors d’oeuvres, and a spectacular view of the SailFest 250 Richmond fireworks from our riverfront location, 9:00 to 9:30 p.m.
Tickets are $76 per attendee ($80.56 with fees). Tickets close June 5th. Register Now!
This event includes a shuttle service to the James A. Buzzard River Education Center. Please meet at 4300 Williamsburg Ave, Richmond, VA 23231 for the shuttle service.
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.
Pontoon Boat Trips
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
20 passengers per tour
Location
Departing from Jordan Point Marina, Hopewell, VA.
Ages
12+ (Under 18 must have a guardian).
Cost
$35 per participant.
To Book
See booking button below for upcoming trips. (No trips available at this time)
2026 Trips
Science on a Saturday Pontoon Boat Trip
Join the JRA program or education staff for a new ‘Science on a Saturday’ experience on our 40-foot educational pontoon boat, the Spirit of the James! Each trip will feature a different in-depth ‘science lesson’ sharing the current health of our river, how our work impacts the river and what you can do yourself to help! Spend a couple of hours with friends and fellow river lovers just down from Richmond in Hopewell.
Sessions could include: Birding, Species of the James, & Eagles of the James.
Celebrate James River Week and the Great Return of the Atlantic Sturgeon with JRA staff aboard our 40-foot educational boat, the Spirit of the James! Witness prehistoric, endangered giants as they make their incredible fall spawning migration up the river. Learn about the natural resources they rely on, the progress of our restoration work, and how you can help. Spend a unique outing with fellow river lovers launching from Jordan Point Marina in Hopewell!
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?
Anyone ages 16 and over may participate on a Connect with the James paddle trip and ages 12 and up for a pontoon boat trip. We do require a parent or guardian to register and fill out the waiver on the minors behalf.
What to Bring (and What Not to Bring)
Feel free to bring snacks and non-alcoholic drinks in a small bag. To ensure a comfortable experience for everyone, large bags, coolers, and pets are not permitted on board.
Can I get a refund?
In the event of a weather cancellation, we will do everything we can to rebook you to a new trip date. If you are unable to make your trip, please let us know at least three days in advance and we can move you to a different trip. Registration fees are not refundable, in the event of a cancellation that can not be rescheduled, we will change your fee to a tax deductible donation.
Can I move to a different trip?
We can possibly move your trip registration to a later date, if spots are available. Please contact info@thejamesriver.org to inquire about a rebooking, at least one week in advance of your scheduled trip.
Do you supply all the equipment?
Yes, JRA supplies the vessel, life jacket, paddle and shuttling of equipment. Participants are required to wear closed toe shoes, and are encouraged to wear sunscreen lotion, a hat and attire appropriate for the weather and bring a water bottle.
Where do I meet the trip guide?
Each paddle below has a google map to the location site. Please use those directions to guide you to the appropriate location.
