River
Cruise
Our cruises merge history and community to create unforgettable experiences.
Duration: 2 Hours
Price: $105 + 6% Online Booking Fee
Ages: 8+
Max Capacity: 12 people
Meet: 249 E Main St., Scottsville
What’s Included: Historical Storytelling, Live Music, Charcuterie, Beverage Accessories
What to Bring: Shoes, Beverages, Sunscreen, Sunglasses, Hat.
What to Expect
The Experience
We begin traveling upriver sharing the story of the batteau and batteaumen’s legacy in Virginia. At the halfway point we serve our signature charcuterie boards, allow for swimming and celebrate the long history of community on the James River.
History
The James River is the most important river in American History. Among its many forgotten tales is the story of how boats built specifically to ply its shallow waters were crewed by brave men who transformed Virginia and the early American nation.
Food
No community gathering is complete without the sharing of food! All our cruises come with complementary charcuterie boards complete with a variety of dried meats, cheeses and assorted accompaniments.
Live Music
Enjoy light live acoustic music at our anchor point while we serve charcuterie and you bask in the shade of the towering sycamores.
We are extremely proud of our reviews!
Looking for a place to stay?
Skip the drive home by staying at Belle Meade on the James, a guesthouse where thoughtful hosts and a peaceful setting make it easy to extend your time along the river.
FAQs
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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.
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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!
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Our cancellation/rescheduling policy is that outside of 7 days before the scheduled tour, guests can cancel for a full refund, no questions asked. Within 7 days, cancellations/rescheduling are only triggered by the operators due to hazardous conditions. In that case, you can be rescheduled or refunded.
We are a small, seasonal business that specializes in intimate experiences. Our business model cannot handle last minute rescheduling which has led us to this policy.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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We welcome children 8 and over. Due to our insurance policy we unfortunately can’t accept children under the age of 8.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Why book with us?
Batteauing on the James River has forever been a part of our lives. Born in central Virginia, our founders have been lucky enough to spend countless hours navigating these boats along the James. It was inevitable as the days wore on that conversation would move towards our privilege of being a part of a tiny group of people able to experience this.
James River Batteau Company was founded with the idea to spread the joy that we experience on the boats and along this river with the public. You can rest easy knowing that you are riding with batteaumen who have been navigating this river for over 25 years and have over a decade’s worth of experience in hospitality and tourism.
We take enormous pride in welcoming you aboard.
