We open for 2023 on April 15th. We are open Thursday-Sunday before 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: 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)…….$25
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)…….$25
Location: Darden Towe to Riverview Park (bus pick-up and drop-off at Random Row Brewing Co.)
The perfect way to unwind after work! Get some friends together and come out for a short kayak paddle on the scenic Rivanna River followed by a craft beer at Random Row Brewing Co. Beautiful scenery, a nice swimming hole and a few beginner friendly rapids make for an ideal way to spend a summer evening.A Rivanna River Co. bus will pick you up at Random Row Brewing Co’s convenient downtown location. You will be driven to our shop location on the river at Free Bridge where you will then get in your kayak and have a short leisurely paddle down to Riverview Park. We will then pick you up and return you to Random Row to enjoy a delicious craft beer and food truck grub!! Bus leaves from Random Row at 5:30pm sharp (so plan to arrive at least 20 min ahead of time) and returns you to Random Row around 7:30 pm. Total roundtrip time is roughly 2 hours.
Pricing per Person:
Solo Kayak….. .$35
SUP:………$35
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