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!
James River Rx
Spending time in nature, especially near water, offers great benefits to our emotional, mental, and physical well being. Take care of yourself and join James River Association staff members on an upcoming program to learn about the river and become a better steward of our natural resources.
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.
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.
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.
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:
Monday, September 9th; 5:30 pm – This trip is full
Monday, October 7th; 5:30 pm
Lynchburg Trips
Take a one-hour trip on our period-accurate replica of a James River Batteau. This large 40 foot long vessel provides ample room for up to 6 passengers to enjoy the local sights on the James River near Lynchburg. On the trip you will see old structures from the days of the Canal along the James, as well as experience the soaring views of the city as we float by. There are a variety of wildlife species to spot on this trip, and you will learn more about environmental conditions of the river as well as ways to protect the river for future generations. The trip starts and ends right at our office located in RiveredgePark in Amherst County which is directly across the river from downtown Lynchburg. A one hour trip is $250, limit of 6 passengers on the boat at one time. Trips are available between June.
1-Hour Trips:
Please contact Rob Campbell at rcampbell@thejamesriver.org to book your trip!
Lynchburg Batteau Trips
Guided 1-Hour Paddle in Lynchburg
Paddle the James River at Riveredge Park in Madison Heights. Our guided trips for up to 10 people last 1 hour and cover birding, local history, or fishing. Learn from an expert guide and enjoy the scenery. Book your trip today!
Trip Dates:
September 11th; 6:30pm
September 19th; 6:30pm; Theme: Birding
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 – 2024 Trips are full!
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.
Thank you for the overwhelming interest in our 2024 sturgeon watching trips! All trips are now fully booked and registration is closed.
2024 Trip Dates:
Saturday, September 14th: 10am; 12pm
Sunday, September 15th: 10am; 12pm
Saturday, September 21st: 10am; 12pm
Sunday, September 22nd: 10am; 12pm
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.
