Discover easy paddling on Virginia’s Rivanna River with calm waters, exciting rapids, and scenic views of Mt. Alto. Perfect for beginners seeking a memorable river outing near Charlottesville.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Basic fitness needed; suitable for beginners comfortable sitting and paddling for a few hours
Wildlife
History
The Rivanna River played a key role in early settlement and agricultural irrigation for Charlottesville’s founding communities.
Conservation
Efforts focus on maintaining water quality and preserving native vegetation to support local wildlife and recreational use.
Rivanna River Company
Discover easy paddling on Virginia’s Rivanna River with calm waters, exciting rapids, and scenic views of Mt. Alto. Perfect for beginners seeking a memorable river outing near Charlottesville.
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.
Wear a Personal Flotation Device
Always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket for safety on varying currents.
Bring Sunscreen and Bug Spray
Protect yourself from sun exposure and mosquitoes, especially during summer floats.
Secure Gear in Dry Bags
Use dry bags to keep your belongings safe from splashes and unexpected dips.
Start Early to Avoid Afternoon Winds
Morning paddles typically offer calmer conditions and clearer skies along the river.
Paddle
Lightweight paddle suitable for flat and mild whitewater sections
Water Shoes
Protects feet during beach stops and in shallow water
summer
Hat and Sunglasses
Shield your eyes and face from strong sun reflections off the water
summer
Light Rain Jacket
Useful for unexpected spring showers and wind protection
spring