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    1. Local experiences/
    2. Things to do in Charlottesville…/
    3. Water Activities/
    4. Kayaking Tours/
    5. Float the Rivanna River by Kayak or SUP in Charlottesville
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    Float the Rivanna River by Kayak or SUP in Charlottesville

    Paddle the Rivanna on a short float with shuttle included

    From$40/ personincl. taxes and fees

    Duration

    1 hours 30 min

    Includes

    Full service trip, Shuttle

    Highlights

    Explore the Rivanna River on a shorter self-guided paddle from Darden Towe Park to Riverview Park. Start on calm water, take on smaller rapids, and float through rock-garden sections.

    • Launch at Darden Towe Park and take out at Riverview Park
    • Warm up in a slow pool before entering the first challenging rapid
    • Stop at a beach on river left for a break or picnic
    • Navigate a mix of calm water and rock-garden rapids
    • Choose a kayak, canoe, or stand up paddleboard
    • Ride the included shuttle at the start or end of your trip

    What's Included

    • Shuttle service

    Things to know

    Minimum age is 6. You must be able to swim, and everyone is required to wear a life jacket while on the water. No alcohol, glass containers, dogs, or electronic music devices such as Bluetooth speakers.

    Cancellation Policy

    Full refund with 48 hours notice for regular self-guided trips; no-shows charged full price. Guided or custom trips must be cancelled/changed at least 72 hours in advance for a refund. Full refund if RRC cancels due to dangerous weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

    FAQs

    Plan to get wet. Wear a bathing suit or shorts, a shirt with sleeves for sun protection, and a hat with a brim. Wear water shoes, old tennis shoes, or sturdy sandals with a heel strap—no flip flops or bare feet.

    Bring water and snacks, plus sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Bring one cell phone per group for safety. Consider insect repellent and any medications you might need (for example, an epinephrine auto-injector or inhaler).

    You must be able to swim. Everyone must wear a life jacket at all times while on the water. Children 13 and under are required by law to wear a life jacket at all times while on the water.

    Meeting details

    Unless otherwise specified at the beginning of this email you should arrive at our shop location (1520 E. High Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902,), 20 minutes prior to your scheduled trip time.

    Experience provided by Rivanna River Company
    Experience provided by Rivanna River Company

    How can we help?

    We are here to assist with special requests, large groups, last minute needs, and any questions you may have.

    Call or text (650) 414-7338

    Report an issue

    Reference #E7XYGC

    Single Sit on Top Kayak

    $40.07

    Our preferred boat on the Rivanna River

    0

    Tandem Kayak Paddler

    $36.73

    This is a PER PERSON reservation. Total maximum weight limit for tandem kayaks is 325 lbs.

    0

    Stand Up Paddleboard

    $42.29

    0

    Canoe Paddler

    $36.73

    Our most dangerous vessel, previous experience required. This is a PER PERSON reservation.

    0

    Under 12 Tandem Kayak Paddler

    $31.16

    Under 12 years old. This is a PER PERSON reservation.

    0

    Under 12 Canoe Paddler

    $31.16

    Under 12 years old. This is a PER PERSON reservation.

    0

    Why book through Greetwell?

    • No Added Fees

      No booking or service fees, ever

    • Concierge Support Included

      Real humans ready to help with timing, questions, or special requests

    • Free Cancellation Available

      Most experiences can be cancelled for a full refund

    Discover what we've curated for you

    Review summary

    Rivanna River Company offers a surprisingly diverse range of activities that guests consistently rave about. The sauna and cold plunge experiences at Riversong Saunas are clearly the standout, with visitors praising the beautifully designed facilities, thoughtful amenities like essential oils and lavender towels, and the incredible riverside setting. The staff earns repeated mentions for being welcoming, kind, and accommodating. Beyond the sauna offerings, you'll find kayak and tube rentals for lazy river days, with reliable shuttle service to pickup points. What makes this spot special is the genuine vibe people describe. Reviewers use words like "magical" and note it feels transported to somewhere cooler than its actual location. The little touches matter here: complimentary ginger lemon tea, cozy gathering areas with fire pits between sauna sessions, and staff who make group experiences memorable. One reviewer mentioned the venue also hosts concerts and bluegrass shows, adding another dimension to the property. The river itself runs calm and slow, perfect for relaxing float trips with a cooler in tow.

    What people are saying

    Review 1 of 4
    5/5

    My wife and I did the sauna experience and LOVED it. It was the highlight of an extended romantic weekend away. The staff was lovely and the whole experience was so relaxing. Loved doing the cold plunge with it too!

    Photo of Ben Johnson

    Ben Johnson

    March 14, 2026

    Review 1 of 1
    5/5

    My wife and I did the sauna experience and LOVED it. It was the highlight of an extended romantic weekend away. The staff was lovely and the whole experience was so relaxing. Loved doing the cold plunge with it too!

    Photo of Ben Johnson

    Ben Johnson

    March 14, 2026

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