We offer various ways to book our cruises based on your preferences.

Public Cruises

Small Party - If you are a small party we welcome you to join one of our ‘public cruises’. In this setting you will be seated with other passengers. Our public cruises often promote discussion and community, the social atmosphere might leave you with new friends after the experience concludes.

Large Party - If you have a party that would prefer to book your own boat you are welcome to do so. We have two batteaux that can accommodate up to 6 people per boat (per US Coast Guard regulations) for a maximum 12 passengers per trip. If your group size is larger than 6 people, we will board you on two different batteaux. We often float as a flotilla, which means you’ll be in close proximity to the other boat and you will absolutely be able to converse and share in the experience together.

Private Cruises

If you have a large party and would like ensure an intimate experience with only your group or family we recommend booking a ‘private cruise’. This option works great for special occasions and can be upgraded to include a private chef for a “Farm to Batteau” style meal cooked over the fire onboard. (Call for Availability)

Our Private Cruise includes availability for up to 12 people. Per US Coast Guard regulations we can accommodate up to 6 people per boat. This experience always floats as a flotilla, which means you’ll be in close proximity to the other boat and you will absolutely be able to converse and share in the experience together.

Per US Coast Guard regulations, our batteaux can comfortably accommodate up to 6 people. We have two batteaux and can accommodate up to 12 people on two boats.

If your group size is larger than 6 the group will be boarded on two boats, but don’t worry. The batteaux will remain very close to each other and allow for conversation between boats. Multi-batteaux flotillas are a festive experience on the James River!

Yes! You are welcome to book a full boat for just your group. On public tours there may be another boat close by, we often travel in flotillas which is unique experience on the James River!

Private cruises are also available if you want to be the only group on our batteaux. These are booked separately from our public cruises and can accommodate up to 12 people as of June 2023.

The tour meets at Canal Basin Square, in Scottsville. (A public park.) This is located across the street from the Scottsville United Methodist Church and the Scottsville Museum.

249 Main St, Scottsville, VA 24590

There is parking on Main Street or on the righthand side of the parking lot next to the square.

After all guests arrive you will drive down to the Scottsville boat ramp where you will board.

After approximately 2hrs you will arrive back to where your vehicle is parked.

Our tours are rain or shine! Being on the river during a rainy day can be a magical experience. We do have a large canopy that provides good shelter from the elements. That said, we are still outside so we suggest you bring your own raincoat.

When severe weather is anticipated and we determine our guests safety is in question, the tour will be postponed, rescheduled, or refunded.

We welcome children 8 and over. Due to our insurance policy we unfortunately can’t accept children under the age of 8.

Shoes: Shoes are required at all times during the tour. Water appropriate footwear is highly recommended and required if you wish to swim.

Hat: Keeps the sun off your face

Sunglasses: Reduces glare from the water

Sunscreen: The Virginia sun can be brutal

Water bottle: Refill your reusable water bottle from our cooler

Rain gear: Bring a rain jacket or a poncho to guard against surprise showers

Yes! Taking a refreshing dip in the James can be a highlight of the tour. Just make sure you bring appropriate shoes for getting in the river.

If mother nature provides very high water levels we cannot allow our guests to swim.

Yes! Our batteaumen know how a refreshing beverage pairs well with a day on the river. It’s important though to keep things family friendly, drunkenness will not be tolerated.

We provide ice buckets. You are welcome to bring a small personal cooler.

We make a bathroom stop at the beginning of every tour and encourage all of our guests to use the facilities. Once on board there are no formal bathroom stops along the river.

Our river tour is very safe. The section of river we float is mostly flat with occasional class 1-2 rapids, nothing to be concerned about. We do provide life jackets, wearing them is optional.

If you feel at the end of the tour the service you received was exceptional, a personal “thank you” in the form of gratuity is greatly appreciated.