We are open Thursday-Sunday from mid-April through Memorial Day, and 7 days a week from Memorial Day through September. We do not take reservations for dates in August and September until we get close to those dates and can evaluate river conditions. Spring and early summer are fantastic times to experience the Rivanna! We highly encourage everyone to plan their Rivanna River trip between April and late June if possible.
Reservations are required for all trips and rentals.
Pricing includes boat, paddle, and life jacket rental, all necessary shuttles, a safety orientation, and a quick equipment lesson if desired. Reservations are required for all trips...book online today!
Location: Crofton Boat Landing to Palmyra Boat Landing
Please Note: CUSTOMERS DRIVE TO MEET THE RRC CREW IN PALMYRA, VA FOR THIS TRIP. Meet-up point is EW Thomas Grocery Store, just across from the Palmyra Boat Ramp at 13027 James Madison Highway. This rendezvous location allows customers to pick up snacks or lunch from the store deli, before or after their trip.
The RRC bus departs from EW Thomas at the trip start time. A 12-minute shuttle ride brings ends at the Crofton Boat Ramp, where customers launch for their 6 mile paddling trip. Whenever customers finish their river trip, they simply check in their equipment with our staff at the boat ramp, walk across the road to their car, and they are on their way.
The 6.5-mile trip from Crofton to Palmyra on the Rivanna is a peaceful paddle through rural Virginia Piedmont countryside. Beautiful scenery, wildlife watching, and rich river history make this an enjoyable trip for everyone.
This is the most beginner-friendly half-day trip that we offer. While there are numerous riffles and a few very small Class 1 rapids, the majority of the trip is placid water over pebble, rock and sand bottom. In the summer, the water is low and clear, and inviting for swimming, snorkeling, wading, and fish watching. Numerous pebble beaches and sunny rocks make good places to break, swim and snack.
At typical summer water levels, expect the trip to take from 3-3.5 hours at a leisurely pace.
Pricing per Person:
Tandem Kayak/Canoe Paddler under 12 years of age……$35
Tandem Kayak/Canoe Paddler over 12 ……$42
Solo Kayak Paddler….. .$45
Shuttle Only (Bring your own boat)…….$23
Location: Free Bridge to Milton Landing
This trip is limited to paddlers with enough experience to control their boat because of several exciting rapids along the route. Beginning in Charlottesville, this trip follows the Rivanna as it cuts through the Southwest Mountains. The rocky terrain and remains of historic dams make for interesting paddling and a history lesson on “Jefferson’s River.” Several Class II ledges require the ability to read rapids and control the boat. Just outside of town, the river enters an area that is surprisingly untouched, with excellent wildlife watching and scenery. Minimum age is 6. Novice paddlers or those new to rivers with rapids are encouraged to take a Guided Trip as their first introduction to this section of the Rivanna.
Pricing per Person:
Tandem Kayak/Canoe Paddler under 12 years of age……$35
Tandem Kayak/Canoe Paddler over 12 ……$42
Solo Kayak Paddler….. .$45
Shuttle Only (Bring your own boat)…….$23
Location: Darden Towe Park to Riverview Park
This shorter trip is a great introduction to paddling and the Rivanna. Paddlers have a nice slow pool to get familiar with their equipment before a beach on river left signals the entry into the first challenging rapid of the trip. The beach provides a great stopping and picnicking spot before hitting the rapids. The remainder of the float is a variety of calm water and interesting “rock garden” rapids. A classic Cville view of the historic water tower and Mt. Alto greet paddlers as they round the final bend of the trip. Minimum age is 6. Beginning paddlers will enjoy this stretch as an introduction to the interest and challenge of river trips.
Pricing per Person:
Tandem Kayak/Canoe Paddler under 12 years of age……$25
Tandem Kayak/Canoe Paddler over 12 ……$32
Solo Kayak Paddler….. .$35
SUP:………$39 (SUP rental includes helmet)
Location: South Fork Dam to Free Bridge
Beginning on the South Fork of the Rivanna downstream of the reservoir dam, this trip follows the winding river through its confluence with the North Fork. This is a interesting trip suitable for participants who are comfortable with paddling. There are plenty of serene pools broken up by several Class I rapids and three Class II rapids which add some challenge and excitement to the South Fork portion of the trip. The woods and fields bordering the river make for excellent scenery and wildlife watching. Minimum age is 6. Novice paddlers or those new to river trips are encouraged to take a Guided Trip as their first introduction to this section of the Rivanna.
Pricing per Person:
Tandem Kayak/Canoe Paddler under 12 years of age……$35
Tandem Kayak/Canoe Paddler over 12 ……$42
Solo Kayak Paddler….. .$45
Shuttle Only (Bring your own boat)…….$23
Location: Free Bridge to Riverview
This trip is offered beginning on Memorial Day and through September, weather permitting. Our vinyl river tubes are designed for your comfort and relaxation on the river. Kick back and enjoy a day with friends and family on the water. Maximum group size on each shuttle is 14. Minimum age is 6.
Pricing per Person:
Participants over 12 years of age……$28
Participants under 12 years of age….$22