Riverfront Canal Cruises Begin Their Yearly Float

Boat tours started April 1 and feature 40-minute, historically narrated tours of the James River and Kanawha Canal designed by George Washington, in authentic flat-bottomed boats.

April 6, 2016; 11:01 AM • by Richard Hayes

You can take a boat ride and pretend that Richmond is the New Venice.

Riverfront Canal Cruises kicked off the 2016 season on April 1 featuring 40-minute, historically narrated tours of the James River and Kanawha Canal designed by George Washington, in authentic flat-bottomed boats.

The boat tours travel along downtown Richmond’s historic Canal Walk every hour on the hour and accommodate up to 35 passengers. The schedule varies throughout the season from April to November. Please check the website for details. Tours depart from the Turning Basin at 139 Virginia Street. The tours are operated by Venture Richmond.

In 2015 over 32,000 people enjoyed the tours, and around 200 individual private charters were scheduled. Private charters are favorites for school, church, clubs, and business groups and there are also a number of private parties on the boats each year celebrating birthdays, weddings, engagements and other milestones.

Historic Tours:
Adults: $6.00
Children (5 – 12 years old): $5.00
Children 4 and under: Free
Seniors (65 years and up): $5.00

Private charters:
$100/hour
On-board dining is an option for private charters.
All reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance by calling Venture Richmond at 804-788-6459.

Image: Chris May