Paddle the Rivanna on a short float with shuttle included
1 hours 30 min
Full service trip, Shuttle
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Ben Johnson
March 14, 2026
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!
Ben Johnson
March 14, 2026