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Discover the thrill of paddling on the Rivanna River with Rivanna River Company. Whether you're after peaceful floats or gentle rapids, this is your go-to for a memorable outdoor adventure near Charlottesville.
Discover the thrill of paddling on the Rivanna River with Rivanna River Company. Whether you're after peaceful floats or gentle rapids, this is your go-to for a memorable outdoor adventure near Charlottesville.
Book with Rivanna River Company
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Rivanna River Company · Charlottesville, Virginia
Situated along the scenic Rivanna River in Charlottesville, Virginia, Rivanna River Company offers a standout experience for water lovers seeking a mix of relaxation and excitement. The Rivanna River, with its clear waters and gentle rapids, provides an ideal setting for a variety of water activities that appeal to both beginners and seasoned paddlers. Known locally as a hub for outdoor recreation, this area boasts lush riverbanks lined with tall trees and intriguing rock formations, making each outing visually captivating.
Rivanna Out & Back trips are designed to showcase the river's diverse landscape, from peaceful stretches perfect for paddleboarding to lively sections ideal for kayaking or canoeing. The trip offers striking views of the surrounding Virginia countryside, with occasional glimpses of local wildlife like herons and river otters. The most distinctive feature is the series of natural rock formations that line part of the riverbed, creating small rapids that add just enough thrill without overwhelming beginners. These trips also serve as an engaging way to learn about the area's ecology and history, including the significance of the Rivanna River to local communities.
Rivanna River Company emphasizes sustainability by promoting responsible recreation, ensuring the river stays pristine for future adventurers. Their knowledgeable guides provide safety tips and equipment, making their trips accessible to families, groups, or solo explorers. Whether you're in town for a weekend or a local looking to reconnect with nature, this outfitter offers an authentic, immersive water adventure close to Charlottesville, a city renowned for its vibrant arts scene and southern hospitality.
The river is most enjoyable from spring through fall, with each season giving a different flavor to your paddling experience, from blooming flora in spring to warm summer days, vibrant autumn foliage, and crisp winter air. Newcomers will appreciate the relaxed pace, while experienced paddlers can find small bursts of challenge along the rapids. With stunning scenery, friendly guides, and eco-conscious practices, Rivanna Out & Back at Rivanna River Company provides one of Charlottesville's top outdoor adventures.
easy.
2–4 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels; no prior experience needed
No experience is required; guides provide instructions and equipment suitable for all skill levels.
Yes, the Rivanna River Company offers rental gear including kayaks, canoes, and paddles.
Wear comfortable, quick-drying clothes suitable for water activities, and bring layered clothing if it's a cooler day.
Yes, minors are welcome when accompanied by an adult and with appropriate safety gear.
Yes, facilities are available at the launch point and surrounding areas.
Spring through fall offers the most favorable weather and water conditions.
The Rivanna River played a vital role in local commerce and was historically used for transportation and mills.
The Rivanna River is protected by local conservation efforts that promote clean water, habitat preservation, and sustainable recreation.
Rivanna River Company is a Charlottesville, Virginia outfitter focused on river recreation and wellness experiences along the Rivanna River. The company offers daily equipment rentals — including canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and tubes — plus a range of paddling trips and sauna sessions that serve visitors and local residents. Rivanna River Company’s paddling options vary from short, scenic floats like the Rivanna Sampler to longer, more adventurous outings such as the Rivanna Adventure Paddle and the South Fork Exploration. River Tubing provides a casual 1.5-mile float with a shuttle return, while daily boat and tube rentals allow customers to explore independently (rental descriptions note no shuttle for equipment-only rentals). In addition to water activities, Rivanna River Company operates sauna experiences, including Private Sauna Sessions and a BIG Private Sauna Session in a Finnish-inspired Sycamore Sauna, as well as community sauna offerings that use the Cedar Sauna (OG upper sauna). Community programming also includes outdoor yoga led by Katie Boyts, which pairs a gentle 60-minute flow with optional coffee and a river dip. All descriptions and trip details are provided so visitors can choose rentals, private or group saunas, and guided-length paddles that match their interests. The company’s location in Charlottesville provides direct access to the Rivanna River corridor and nearby put-in and take-out points such as Free Bridge and Milton Landing.
Book with Rivanna River Company