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    5. /9-Mile James River Kayak & Canoe Trip in Buchanan
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    9-Mile James River Kayak & Canoe Trip in Buchanan

    Paddle 9 miles of Class I–II rapids with a shuttle to Horseshoe Bend

    4.9 stars• 642 reviews
    From$48/ personincl. taxes and fees

    Duration

    3.5 - 5 hours

    Includes

    Boat rental, PFD, shuttle

    Highlights

    Paddle a self-guided 9-mile stretch of the James River from Horseshoe Bend to Buchanan, with Class I & II rapids along the way. You’ll launch upstream after a shuttle and finish back at the riverside shop where your car is parked.

    • Choose a kayak, canoe, or raft for a 3.5–5 hour river trip
    • Ride a shuttle upstream to Horseshoe Bend public boat ramp to launch
    • Paddle Class I & II rapids including Ritchie’s Falls
    • Finish at the Buchanan storefront for flexible take-out timing
    • Bring lunch and drinks for a full half-day on the water

    What's Included

    • Boat rental
    • Paddles
    • Life jackets
    • Safety orientation
    • River maps
    • Dry bags
    • Required shuttles

    Things to know

    Minimum of 2 people per party. Ages 6+ only, and everyone must be able to swim and be comfortable in the water; footwear is required. No alcohol is allowed on the river per Virginia state law.

    Cancellation Policy

    Full refund with 4 days advance notice. Full refund if the outfitter cancels due to high water levels, severe weather, or other unforeseen circumstances as deemed appropriate by the outfitter. No refunds with less than 4 days notice. No-shows charged full price.

    FAQs

    No. This is an unguided trip; staff will not accompany you on the river.

    Plan to arrive 15 minutes before your reservation time. Check in by your trip start time so you can join the scheduled shuttle and safety orientation.

    Arrive dressed for the river (typically a swimsuit, T-shirt, and quick-drying shorts). Wear footwear like old tennis shoes or river sandals with ankle straps (no flip-flops or bare feet). Bring a picnic lunch, plenty of non-breakable drinks, sunscreen, and any needed medications. Leave a towel, change of clothes, and dry shoes in your car.

    Meeting details

    Twin River Shop 640 Lowe Street Buchanan, VA 24066

    Experience provided by Twin Rivers Outfitters
    Experience provided by Twin Rivers Outfitters

    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 1-877-GREET-WELL

    Report an issue

    Reference #26QWR9

    Customer in a Canoe

    $48.97

    All prices per person. Maximum 2 person per canoe.

    0

    Sit-on-Top Single Kayak

    $48.97

    One person per kayak

    0

    Sit-Inside Single Kayak

    $48.97

    One person per kayak

    0

    Customers in a Tandem Kayak

    $48.97

    All prices per person.

    0

    Customers in a Raft

    $48.97

    Minimum two adults to steer with a maximum of five total customers per raft. All pricing per person.

    0

    Private Boater

    $33.39

    Shuttle Passenger only. Bringing own boat. Canoe/Kayak only. Pricing is per person.

    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

    4.9
    Excellent
    642 reviews•Google Maps
    588
    33
    10
    3
    8

    Robert, John, and the rest of the crew here have built something genuinely special on the James River. The multi-day glamping kayak trips get the most praise, with reviewers raving about how thoroughly the staff prepares guests before they ever hit the water. Detailed maps, personalized route briefings, gear transport between campsites, and mid-river check-ins all point to an operation that has clearly thought through every detail. The glamping setups themselves seem to consistently impress, with raised platform tents, cots, fire pits, and river views making for a comfortable overnight experience without sacrificing the adventure. Single-day kayak and tubing trips get high marks too, with staff earning repeated praise for making first-timers feel confident and welcome. The customer service extends well beyond the trip itself, with reviewers noting how flexible and accommodating the team is when plans change. Honestly, the reviews here are remarkably consistent in their enthusiasm, which is saying something across hundreds of trips. If you are looking for a well-organized river outfitter where the staff genuinely cares about your experience, this appears to be a standout choice in the region.

    What people are saying

    Review 1 of 5
    5/5

    This was an absolute amazing adventure!! We loved it!! We did the 6 mile kayak excursion. (Sit on top kayaks) The rapids were fun and not too much to handle. The staff were so friendly and explained things well! They have you call and check in at a certain point to make sure you are doing okay. It’s a smooth running outfit!

    Photo of Cheryl Shaffer

    Cheryl Shaffer

    May 18, 2026

    Review 1 of 1
    5/5

    This was an absolute amazing adventure!! We loved it!! We did the 6 mile kayak excursion. (Sit on top kayaks) The rapids were fun and not too much to handle. The staff were so friendly and explained things well! They have you call and check in at a certain point to make sure you are doing okay. It’s a smooth running outfit!

    Photo of Cheryl Shaffer

    Cheryl Shaffer

    May 18, 2026

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