Riverfront Canal Cruises
139 Virginia Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219
About the Riverfront Canal Cruises
Embark on a captivating journey through history with Riverfront Canal Cruises, located in the heart of Downtown Richmond at 139 Virginia St. Our 40-minute, historically narrated boat tours offer a unique way to explore the James River and Kanawha Canal, all while cruising along Richmond's storied Canal Walk.
Experience Richmond’s Rich History:
Join us for a delightful canal cruise that unveils centuries of Richmond’s history, from the era of Powhatan’s Chiefdom to the advent of the world’s first commercially successful electric streetcar. As you glide through the canal in our authentically styled boats, you’ll witness the remarkable Triple Crossing railroad, historic tobacco warehouses now transformed into chic lofts, the scenic Virginia Capital Trail, the serene Low Line gardens, and the vibrant wildlife of the James River.
Seasonal Operations:
Our tours operate seven days a week from May through September, with varying hours in April, October, and November. Even if online tickets appear to be sold out, we reserve a number of walk-up tickets at our ticket kiosk for each tour. We recommend arriving early or calling us at 804-649-2800 for availability.
Private Charters:
Riverfront Canal Cruises also offers one- or two-hour private boat tours, perfect for family reunions, birthdays, engagements, corporate retreats, and other group outings. Private charters can be scheduled any day and time during the season, with a minimum reservation requirement of two weeks in advance. Choose between a historically narrated tour or a leisurely ride with light music or conversation. Our 32-foot-long boats, covered with canopies for weather protection, can be outfitted with tables for refreshments or catered meals (catering not provided).
Accessibility and Comfort:
Our boats are handicapped accessible and can accommodate up to two wheelchairs. We recommend checking the weather on the day of your cruise and dressing accordingly.
Booking and Regulations:
Charters must be booked online at least two weeks in advance and can be canceled up to 7 days prior without penalty. Guests may bring their own food and beverages, complying with Virginia ABC laws for alcohol. For private charters serving alcohol, a banquet license may be required, which can be obtained via the Virginia ABC website.
Educational Resources:
Riverfront Canal Cruises has launched a new 360° video featuring a virtual canal boat tour with historical narration. This engaging resource aligns with the Standards of Learning (SOLs) for Virginia Studies and U.S. History to 1865, making it an excellent tool for 4th and 5th graders.
Discover the charm of Richmond’s waterways with Riverfront Canal Cruises and immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant history. Book your tour today and create unforgettable memories on the James River and Kanawha Canal.
Photos of Riverfront Canal Cruises
139 Virginia St, Richmond, VA 23219, United States
Opening hours of Riverfront Canal Cruises
Monday:
12:00 - 19:00
Tuesday:
12:00 - 19:00
Wednesday:
12:00 - 19:00
Thursday:
12:00 - 19:00
Friday:
12:00 - 19:00
Saturday:
11:00 - 20:00
Sunday:
11:00 - 19:00
Reviews of Riverfront Canal Cruises
"Our guide was funny and informative; a win win for us because some people think History can be dry. We both love History and looked forward to a beautiful evening of facts, so it made it enjoyable having a funny guide. We truly have nothing to complain about and we would definitely recommend to locals or visitors."
"Our guide was very informative. The ride was tight. The water was gross. The sights were pretty cool tho"
"This tour was lovely, and the time really flew by! We learned a lot about Richmond trade history and had a lot of fun. We (2) didn't buy tickets ahead of time and were told to wait for those who had already bought (to be sure there was room), but we were able to board last-minute with no problems."
"I'm from Richmond, so I'll start with that. The guide was knowledgeable and shared some facts I had not heard before. Overall, the guide did a good job. The actual canal is pretty lack luster. You get about a 40 minute ride, but you don't really see much that you can't see from elsewhere. Add to that the train noise going overhead and it limited the enjoyment. For $12 a person, it's a good way to spend an hour and learn some history. We saw a sign that you get 10% off at Southern Rail Tap House with your ticket, so went there for lunch. Highly recommend this after the ride."
"The Riverfront Canal Cruise is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy learning a bit of history while taking in serene and natural surroundings. Admittedly this is not the most glamorous experience, the boats are older and worn in and the boat is packed tight with passengers. What made this a great experience for me was hearing the history of the city and the canal from a guide who was equally passionate and sensitive to the complexity of Richmond’s background. Tickets were only $12 per adult, it was a beautiful 30-40 minute excursion and I recommend it to anyone who has an appreciation for story telling and taking the slow paced scenic view in life."
-
Hardee’s
1901 W Hundred Rd, Chester, VA 23836, United States
-
I got Keto
7275 Jackson Ave Suite K, Mechanicsville, VA 23111, United States
-
Walmart Supercenter
12401 Jefferson Ave, Newport News, VA 23602, United States
-
Walmart Supercenter
2601 George Washington Memorial Hwy, Yorktown, VA 23693, United States
-
Kroger
1282 Smithfield Plaza, Smithfield, VA 23430, United States
-
Hanover Tavern
13181 Hanover Courthouse Rd, Hanover, VA 23069, United States
-
Kroger
1401 N Main St, Suffolk, VA 23434, United States
-
Zoo-Nye Closet
5352 Windsor Blvd, Zuni, VA 23898, United States
-
Walmart Supercenter
6111 Jefferson Ave, Newport News, VA 23605, United States
-
Walmart Supercenter
1900 Cunningham Dr, Hampton, VA 23666, United States
List of local businesses, places and services in Virginia
⭐ business help 🔍 services ☎ phones 🕒 opening times ✍️reviews 🌍 addresses, locations 📷 photos