Connect with the James
James River Guided Paddles
Join us for guided canoe and kayak trip on the James River and its tributaries to ‘Paddle to Protect’.
Pontoon Boat Tours
Join our education team on ‘The Spirit of the James’, for a tour near Richmond, VA.
The Great Return
Celebrate James River Week & the Great Return of the Atlantic Sturgeon with James River Association!
FAQ’s and Paddle/Boat Registration Information
Preregistration is required for all programs. Participants must review and agree to the Essential Eligibility Criteria and the Release and Waiver of Liability to participate. The James River Association will provide canoes and kayaks, paddles, and personal flotation devices to participants. Participants are encouraged to bring sunscreen, a hat, a reusable water bottle, and wear comfortable clothing appropriate for being outdoors and getting wet. All proceeds go directly to our programing and connecting others to our river. Join our mission and ‘Paddle to Protect’.
Cancellation Policy
Registration fees are not refundable, in the event of a cancellation, we will change your fee to a tax deductible donation. Please cancel your trip a minimum of 72 hours in advance so we have ample time to alert our staff. In the event a program is canceled, James River Association staff members will make an effort to reschedule it.
Connect with the James FAQs
I received an email about a trip, but I do not see it listed below. How can I find it?
Some of our trips fill up very quickly. If you received an email about an open trip, but the booking information is not listed below, the trip has been filled. Some trips fill within 12 hours of an announcement.
What ages can participate?
Anyone ages 16 and over may participate on a Connect with the James paddle. We do require a parent or guardian to register and fill out the waiver on the minors behalf.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sign up for notifications
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.
Science on a Saturday Pontoon Boat Trip
Jordan Point Marina 101 Jordan Point Road, Hopewell, Hopewell, United StatesJoin 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 […]
Sketching Cruise
Jordan Point Marina 101 Jordan Point Road, Hopewell, Hopewell, United StatesJoin the staff of JRA and Artspace for a brand new experience on our educational pontoon boat, the Spirit of the James, and spend a couple hours sketching the James just down river of Richmond in Hopewell. Art Journaling is a journey of its own. We are going to explore a section of the James […]
Explore Powhatan Creek by Kayak
James City County Marina 2054 Jamestown Road, Williamsburg, VAJoin the James River Association for a guided tour of Powhatan Creek by kayak. Participants will launch from James City County Marina and learn about the natural and historic resources of Powhatan Creek and the James River. Kayaks, paddles, and personal flotation devices will be provided by James City County. Demand is high, and these […]
Williamsburg Trips
Explore Powhatan Creek by Kayak
Join the James River Association for a guided tour of Powhatan Creek by kayak. Participants will launch from James City County Marina and learn about the natural and historic resources of Powhatan Creek and the James River. Kayaks, paddles, and personal flotation devices will be provided by James City County.
Demand is high and these trips fill up fast. Because these trips are free – registration will open 2 weeks prior to the trip date. If you would like to be notified when trips open, please register for the notifications above.
Trip Dates :
July 21, 2025; 4:00-5:30 pm
August 11, 2025; 4:00-5:30 pm
August 25, 2025; 4:00-5:30 pm
Lynchburg 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. Departs from Riveredge Park. $35 per participant.
1-Hour Trips:
No Dates at this time. Contact Rob Campbell to schedule a private trip for 6 individuals.
In anticipation of the 40th Annual Batteau Festival, join the James River Association for free public batteau rides! Climb on board for a unique educational batteau 30-minute ride and tour of the James River, then enjoy lunch on your own at the food truck on site. Meet at JRA’s Upper James River Center at Riveredge Park in Madison Heights
Walk ups welcome! First come-first served; no registration required
Lynchburg Batteau Trips
Guided 1-Hour Paddle in Lynchburg
Discover the James River on a relaxing 1-hour guided trip in a canoe or kayak. Join our expert guide and choose from three interesting themes: learn about the local birds, uncover the area’s history, or get fishing tips. As you paddle, your guide will point out sights and share information related to your chosen theme. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the James River and gain a new appreciation for its natural environment and historical significance.
Trip Dates:
None at this time.
Hopewell 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. $35 per participant.
Trip Dates:
Living Shorelines – July 12, 2025; 8:00 am – 12: 00 pm
Sketching Cruise
Join the staff of JRA and Artspace for a brand new experience on our educational pontoon boat, the Spirit of the James, and spend a couple hours sketching the James just down river of Richmond in Hopewell. Art Journaling is a journey of its own. We are going to explore a section of the James River discovering the possibilities of mark making in time, place and so much more. There will be instruction as we travel to our destination and the opportunity to explore the scenic James. No matter what your drawing skills, we are going to experience something new, something old, and a connection to a special place. JRA is excited to welcome Paul “Buddy” Terrell aboard the cruise, a local Richmond artist and Artspace Membership VP, as our special guest instructor. $35 per participant.
Trip Dates:
Saturday, July 19, 2025; 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Saturday, August 16, 2025; 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
The Atlantic sturgeon, a living fossil unchanged for millions of years, faces extinction due to overfishing, habitat loss, and human-caused threats. To restore this iconic species, a coalition of agencies is working to rebuild its population in Virginia’s James River through the construction of artificial spawning reefs.
The Great Return of the Atlantic Sturgeon – Registration opens August 1, 2025.
Celebrate James River Week and the Great Return of the Atlantic Sturgeon with the James River Association! Join staff members for an outing on the Spirit of the James launching from Osborne Park and Boat Landing. Participants will learn about the natural resources of the James River and the endangered Atlantic sturgeon, which make their Fall spawning migration up the James River mid-September.
Participants must be 12 years and up. Anyone under 18 must have a registered guardian participant. All trips are 1.5 hours long. Please arrive at least 15 mintues before your trip start time. Feel free to bring snacks or non-alcoholic drinks in a small bag. Large bags or coolers will not be allowed due to space restrictions.
Registration fees are not refundable, in the event of a cancellation, we will change your fee to a tax-deductible donation. Please cancel your trip a minimum of 72 hours in advance so we have ample time to alert our staff. In the event a program is canceled, James River Association staff members will make an effort to reschedule it.
