Free Concierge Service
    Text or call (650) 414-7338
    Ask AIAI
    Ask AIAI
    1. Local experiences/
    2. Things to do in Richmond…/
    3. Water Activities/
    4. Boat Rentals/
    5. Cruise the James River on a Retro Electric Boat
    Why travelers choose Greetwell

    Curated by our team

    Every experience is hand selected and approved by Greetwell.

    Personal concierge

    Real humans available to help before, during, and after your booking.

    Intimate & authentic

    Including unique in-home experiences you won't find anywhere else.

    Easy booking & cancellation

    Reserve in minutes with free cancellation on most experiences.

    Greetwell

    Experiences that stay with you long after the trip

    Greetwell curates authentic local experiences and provides personal concierge support in over 500 destinations, helping you explore confidently wherever you go.

    About

    • Our Story
    • For Experience Providers
    • For Hospitality Partners
    • For Developers

    Concierge Support

    • Help Center
    [email protected](650) 414-7338

    Safe & Secure Payments

    © 2026 Greetwell, Inc. All rights reserved.
    Privacy PolicyTerms
    Product image 1
    Product image 2
    Product image 3
    Product image 4
    Product image 5
    Gallery image
    Gallery image 1
    Gallery image 2
    Gallery image 3
    Gallery image 5

    Cruise the James River on a Retro Electric Boat

    Drive a vintage-style electric boat on the James River for up to 4 people

    4.8 stars• 312 reviews
    From$248incl. taxes and fees

    Duration

    1 hr 30 mins

    Ideal For

    Up to 4 people

    Includes

    Electric boat, Tutorial

    Highlights

    Take a self-driven ride on a classic fiberglass runabout (1958–1963) retrofitted with a quiet electric motor. Bring food and drinks and cruise the James River for 1.5 hours.

    • Meet at Paddle Club RVA and get on the water with your group of up to 4
    • Drive a rare jet-age era runabout with fins, headlights, and chrome details
    • Learn the controls with a pre-departure tutorial from a crew member
    • Bring your own food and beverages to enjoy while you cruise
    • Celebrate a date night, birthday, picnic, or photo shoot on the river

    What's Included

    • Pre-departure tutorial on boat operation

    Things to know

    The boat driver is not permitted to consume alcohol. Tipping dockhands is customary and optional; confirm the amount with Greetwell before booking.

    Split the cost with your group

    This booking is for the whole experience, which fits up to 4 guests.

    From$62per person
    Split with

    Cancellation Policy

    Refund for inclement weather only, as determined by Retro Boat Rentals RVA. No refunds for cancellations not due to rain, and no refunds for no-shows.

    FAQs

    Arrive at least 15 minutes before your departure time for check-in. If you want an on-water driving practice session with a crew member before you head out, arrive at least 20 minutes early.

    Yes. Everyone in your party needs to complete the online waiver before you arrive so you can use your full booked time for cruising.

    You can bring food and beverages. The boat driver cannot drink alcohol. Passengers ages 21+ may drink beer, wine, champagne, seltzers, and canned cocktails.

    Meeting details

    Paddle Club RVA

    Experience provided by Sea Suite Cruises RVA
    Experience provided by Sea Suite Cruises RVA

    Related locations

    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 #VF64EY

    1.5 Hour Rental

    $248.64

    Fits up to 4 guests · 1 hr 30 mins

    Need more than one? Contact us.

    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

    4.8
    Excellent
    312 reviews•Google Maps
    283
    15
    4
    1
    9

    Most cruisers rave about the relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere on these James River trips. The crew, particularly Nick and Kimberly, get consistent praise for being friendly and attentive, making guests feel welcome throughout the journey. People love bringing their own drinks and snacks for a chill afternoon on the water with friends and family. The vibe seems perfect for celebrations or just catching up with your crew in a different setting. A few things to know before booking: this is more of a leisure cruise than an educational tour, so don't expect detailed commentary about landmarks or history along the route. The pace is intentionally slow and relaxed, which most guests appreciate, though a couple felt the distance covered was limited. One guest had a disappointing no-show situation due to boat issues with no advance notice, which stands out as unusual given the otherwise positive feedback. Just remember drinks aren't included, so plan to BYOB and you'll likely have the great experience most reviewers describe.

    What people are saying

    Review 1 of 4
    5/5

    Beautifully restored retro boat to electric and so much fun! Kimberlee was great! Will be back!

    Photo of E Wyatt

    E Wyatt

    May 16, 2026

    Review 1 of 1
    5/5

    Beautifully restored retro boat to electric and so much fun! Kimberlee was great! Will be back!

    Photo of E Wyatt

    E Wyatt

    May 16, 2026

    Nearby activities

    Thumbnail
    Segway Tours

    Ride a Segway Ghost Tour in Richmond’s Church Hill

    $67.20/ person
    Thumbnail
    Bike Tours

    2-Hour Downtown E-Bike Tour

    $84/ person
    Thumbnail
    Segway Tours

    2-Hour Richmond Landmark Segway Tour

    $84/ person
    Thumbnail
    Segway Tours

    Richmond 1-Hour Landmark Segway Tour

    $56/ person
    Thumbnail
    Ghost and Haunted

    2-Hour Richmond Segway Ghost Tour

    $100.80/ person
    Thumbnail
    Segway Tours

    Explore Richmond’s Church Hill on a 2-Hour Segway Tour

    $84/ person