Reservations for individual slots | 90 minute session | Up to 12 participants per session
Discover a restorative 90-minute community sauna session near the Rivanna River in Charlottesville, Virginia. Perfect for adventurers seeking relaxation paired with nature’s tranquility.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
90 minutes
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; no physical exertion required beyond walking to the sauna
Wildlife
History
The community sauna concept reflects a growing trend in Charlottesville embracing wellness traditions that connect people with nature.
Conservation
The sauna uses sustainable materials and promotes minimal environmental impact, encouraging respectful use of surrounding natural spaces.
Rivanna River Company
Reservations for individual slots | 90 minute session | Up to 12 participants per session
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.
Location
Charlottesville, VA
Direct access to the Rivanna River
Group Size
1–14
Private and big private sauna options
Water Rentals
Canoes, Kayaks, SUP, Tubes
Daily equipment rentals available
Trip Lengths
90 min to 4 hours
Sessions from sauna to adventure paddles
Choose a rental, book a paddling trip, or schedule a private sauna session for groups of 1–14.
Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated before and after the sauna session to aid detoxification.
Arrive Prepared
Wear comfortable clothing and bring a towel for the session’s heat and cooling cycles.
Cool Down By The River
Take advantage of the nearby Rivanna River to cool off naturally after your sauna session.
Book Your Slot Early
With limited spaces per session, reservations are recommended to secure your preferred time.
Water Bottle
Essential to maintain hydration throughout the sauna experience.
Towel
Useful for sitting inside the sauna and for drying off during the session.
Comfortable Clothing
Wear loose, breathable clothes to and from the sauna for comfort.
Swimsuit
Optional for cooling off in the adjacent river after the sauna, especially in warm months.
summer