Flatwater Kayaking & SUP

Explore the Scenic James River

Flatwater kayaking and Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) in Richmond, VA can be a great way for a group of friends or family to enjoy the James River and its refreshing views. Anybody new to paddling or those wanting a relaxing calm day on the water is sure to enjoy this tour. We even have tandem kayaks if you’d like to paddle with a partner!

Enjoy a 2-hour guided flatwater kayak or SUP tour on the James River. See waterfowl, songbirds, and other wildlife far from the bustle of the city.

Fall tours will meet at Deep Bottom Park & Four Mile Creek and paddle at that launch site. If you would like to schedule a different location, we have other options (Pump House Park, Huguenot Flatwater, Great Shiplock Park) also within 20 minutes of downtown.

Pump House Park

Right in the heart of Richmond, Pump House Park is steeped in so much local history. You paddle by the historic Pumphouse which was built in 1882, and is in the process of being restored to its original state. There are plenty of wildlife and native plants that are flourishing along the banks of the river throughout this section of flatwater. As you go up the canal, you pass bridges such as the beautiful James River Arch Bridge, and float right next to George Washington’s Lower Arch where he sat and ate lunch in 1791 during his visit to Virginia.

Deep Bottom and Four Mile Creek Park
About a 25-minute drive outside downtown Richmond, Deep Bottom and Four Mile Creek Park sits on a quiet, peaceful stretch of the James, far away from the sounds of the city. On your tour, you will paddle up Four Mile Creek, where you may see many species of birds, fish, and other wildlife. This location is ideal for clients coming from Chester, Hopewell, Charles City, or other locations south or south-east of the city.

Huguenot Flatwater
Huguenot Flatwater is located just west of Richmond, above the James River rapids. It is a quiet stretch of flatwater perfect for birdwatching and fishing. Your tour will take you under the Huguenot Bridge and along the shore where you will practice your paddle strokes and take in the peaceful scenery. It is an ideal location for clients coming from Short Pump, Midlothian, Bon Air, Tuckahoe, and other locations west of the city.
This location is only available when river levels are under 6 ft. Please call us to ensure availability. 

Great Shiplock Park
Located below the fall line in the heart of downtown Richmond, Great Shiplock Park is part of the historic James River and Kanawha Canal. The canal served as a transport hub for tobacco warehouses along Dock Street and extended 197 miles west through the Virginia mountains. Immerse yourself in Richmond’s history from a new perspective on the river! This location is ideal for clients coming from downtown Richmond, Mechanicsville, or other locations south or south-east of the city.
This location is only available when river levels are under 7 ft. Please call us to ensure availability.