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!
Bonfire Fundraiser
Connect with the James is a guided river trip program provided by James River Association that fosters a deep and profound relationship between river lovers and Virginia’s most precious natural resource. Through Connect with the James, participants have the opportunity to relax with a beautiful journey on the water while learning about the fascinating history, wildlife, culture, and natural resources of the James River and its tributaries. They also get an inside look at how we all play a critical role in preserving the river’s health.
By supporting Connect with the James, you are helping to ensure that we have a swimmable, fishable, and drinkable river to share, protect, and enjoy now and throughout future generations.
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.
Celebrate James River Week and the Great Return of the Atlantic Sturgeon with the James River Association! Join staff members on an outing on the Spirit of the James, the James River Association’s pontoon boat. Participants will learn about the natural resources of the James River and the endangered Atlantic sturgeon, which make an annual migration up the James River in late summer where they often can be seen breaching out of the water!
Booking is closed – all 2023 Great Return of the Atlantic Sturgeon trips are full!
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.
On these trips 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.
The Great Return of the Atlantic Sturgeon – Registration is closed
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 Rocketts Landing Marina. Participants will learn about the natural resources of the James River and the endangered Atlantic sturgeon, which make their annual spawning migration up the James River in late summer. Ages 16 and up with a participating guardian are welcome.
Booking is closed – all 2023 Great Return of the Atlantic Sturgeon trips are full!
2023 Great Return Trip Dates
Sat. Sept.9th; 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm
Sun. Sept. 10th; 9am, 11am, 1pm, 3pm
Sat. Sept. 16th; 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm
Sun. Sept. 17th; 9am, 11am, 1pm, 3pm
Cartersville Trips
Explore Nature and History along the Willis and James Rivers
Join local conservationists, students from Cumberland High School, river lovers, and history buffs to get to know the Willis River! This hidden gem flows through Cumberland County, Virginia, and is surrounded by beautiful streamside forests and a unique history. The cost is $10 per person.
Trip Dates:
September 16, 2023
9:00 am-4:00 pm
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:
Thursday, August 17th; 5:30
(This trip is now full)
Lynchburg Trips
We offer a one or three-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. Max Participants – 6; 1-hour trip $35. Private group trips available. Please contact Rob Campbell at rcampbell@thejamesriver.org for more information.
1-Hour Trip Dates:
Trips every Tuesday through August.
Registration is now open.
Lynchburg Batteau Trips
Guided 1-Hour Paddle in Lynchburg
Take an hour out of your day to enjoy the James River in Lynchburg’s urban setting. Paddlers can travel upstream for a view of downtown Lynchburg and an opportunity to check out a historic dam. There’s a sandy beach nearby that offers great swimming and fishing. This is a relaxing out-and-back paddle trip launching from James River Adventures. Since you are returning to the launch point after your trip, no shuttles are needed. This is a guided trip.
Private group rates. Please contact Rob Campbell at rcampbell@thejamesriver.org for more information.
Trip Dates:
Trips every Friday through August.
Registration is now open.
Hopewell Trips
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 Exhibition Committee Chair, as our special guest instructor. $35 per participant.
Trip Dates:
Saturday, August 19th; 9:00 am Registration Open
Sunrise Sketching Cruise
Photography Cruise
Join JRA and Artspace for a brand new experience on our educational pontoon boat, the Spirit of the James, and spend a couple hours photographing the James just down river of Richmond in Hopewell.
Come learn the basics of photography skills or hone your existing skills while traversing the mighty James River. Our photography instructor, Ed Tepper, will dive into everything you will need to know to get your creativity rolling! From majestic ospreys and eagles to natural landscapes and historic homes, participants will have the opportunity to capture the sites and memories of the James River.
All types of cameras as well as camera phones and tablets can be used to capture the majesty of the James. $35 per participant.
Trip Dates:
None at this time.
Enjoy a sunset cruise departing from Jordan Point Marina in Hopewell, VA on our 40-foot pontoon boat. Join fellow river enthusiasts and learn about the natural and historic resources of the James River. $35 per participant.
Trip Dates:
None at this time.
Sunset Cruise
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:
Saturday, October 14th; 9am
Trip Subject: Living Shorelines
Registration Open
