Free Concierge Service
    Text or call (650) 414-7338
    Ask AIAI
    Ask AIAI
    1. Local experiences/
    2. Things to do in Buchanan…/
    3. Water Activities/
    4. Tubing/
    5. Float the Upper James River Tubing Trip in Buchanan
    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
    Product image 6
    Product image 7
    Product image 8
    Product image 9
    Gallery image
    Gallery image 1
    Gallery image 2
    Gallery image 3
    Gallery image 5

    Float the Upper James River Tubing Trip in Buchanan

    Tube the Upper James River with shuttle access and easy Class I rapids

    4.9 stars• 637 reviews
    From$27/ personincl. taxes and fees

    Duration

    1 - 1.5 Hours

    Includes

    Tube rental, life jackets, shuttles

    Highlights

    Float the Upper James River on a 1–1.5 hour tubing run with a short shuttle ride to the upstream launch. Start with easy Class I rapids, then drift through a slower stretch back to the property.

    • Check in and get a quick safety orientation
    • Ride a shuttle van about 1.5 miles to the launch site
    • Walk about 150 yards to the river and self-launch
    • Float through 5 easy Class I rapids, then a slower section
    • Go a second time the same day if you catch the last shuttle at 4:00pm

    What's Included

    • Commercial grade river tube
    • Life jacket
    • Safety orientation
    • Required shuttles
    • Tie ropes (as needed)

    Things to know

    Minimum age is 6 and you must be able to swim without a life jacket. At least 2 people are required per party, and footwear is required. Alcohol is not allowed on the river per Virginia state law.

    Cancellation Policy

    Get a full refund with 4 days advance notice. Get a full refund if Twin River Outfitters cancels due to high water levels, severe weather, or other unforeseen circumstances they deem appropriate. No refunds with less than 4 days notice. No-shows are charged the full price.

    FAQs

    No. You must know how to swim without a life jacket, and you must wear a life jacket at all times on the river.

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

    No. Alcohol is not allowed on the river under Virginia state law.

    Meeting details

    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 (650) 414-7338

    Report an issue

    Reference #TGVQNJ

    Person

    $27.82

    Rental of tube, life jackets, safety orientation, and all required shuttles

    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
    637 reviews•Google Maps

    Twin River Outfitters stands out for its exceptionally organized operation and genuinely friendly staff. Multiple reviewers mention how thoroughly prepared they felt before hitting the water, thanks to detailed maps, safety briefings, and knowledgeable guides who explain river obstacles. The equipment is consistently described as top-notch, and the staff goes above and beyond with things like declining tips and showing remarkable flexibility with weather-related reschedules (including full refunds when needed). Several paddlers specifically note the professionalism paired with a personal, welcoming touch. The James River trips themselves sound beautiful and peaceful, with clean water, wildlife sightings including turtles and ospreys, and manageable rapids. The glamping option gets rave reviews for its well-equipped wall tents and gear transfer service, which lets you paddle without being weighed down by camping equipment. Whether you're booking a multi-day adventure or a simple half-day paddle, the operation runs smoothly from start to finish. Repeat customers keep coming back, and that tells you everything you need to know.

    What people are saying

    Review 1 of 4
    5/5

    Just completed the 3 day, 2 night glamping trip Glen Wilton to Buchanan. I would highly recommend this trip and Twin Rivers in general. We checked in and were given great packets with maps and mileage, as well as a briefing by staff. Definitely helped us be prepared for the conditions. We got paddles and PFDs and put our gear in the kayak trailer, dry bags were available for our use but we didn’t need them. We were taken to our second night campsite first, just to familiarize and see where to exit the river. We then went to our first night campsite, same drill but we left our gear there. A quick trip to the launch point and we were off. I can’t stress enough how well prepared we felt before we even hit the water. The campsites (Glampsites) were really nice, wall tents with cots, fire pits, chairs, tables, fresh water container, bathroom, and firewood for sale. Really very comfortable! We utilized Twin Rivers gear moving service, so all we took on the water was fishing gear, lunches, and day bags. Twin Rivers had all our other gear moved to the next site and waiting for us. Very convenient, made the paddling way easier and more comfortable. Overall a definite 5 star experience, a professional and friendly outfit and staff, competitive pricing, and a well thought out experience. Do yourself a favor and book a trip with Twin Rivers, I will definitely be doing it again!

    Photo of Steve Bohr

    Steve Bohr

    October 14, 2025

    Review 1 of 1
    5/5

    Just completed the 3 day, 2 night glamping trip Glen Wilton to Buchanan. I would highly recommend this trip and Twin Rivers in general. We checked in and were given great packets with maps and mileage, as well as a briefing by staff. Definitely helped us be prepared for the conditions. We got paddles and PFDs and put our gear in the kayak trailer, dry bags were available for our use but we didn’t need them. We were taken to our second night campsite first, just to familiarize and see where to exit the river. We then went to our first night campsite, same drill but we left our gear there. A quick trip to the launch point and we were off. I can’t stress enough how well prepared we felt before we even hit the water. The campsites (Glampsites) were really nice, wall tents with cots, fire pits, chairs, tables, fresh water container, bathroom, and firewood for sale. Really very comfortable! We utilized Twin Rivers gear moving service, so all we took on the water was fishing gear, lunches, and day bags. Twin Rivers had all our other gear moved to the next site and waiting for us. Very convenient, made the paddling way easier and more comfortable. Overall a definite 5 star experience, a professional and friendly outfit and staff, competitive pricing, and a well thought out experience. Do yourself a favor and book a trip with Twin Rivers, I will definitely be doing it again!

    Photo of Steve Bohr

    Steve Bohr

    October 14, 2025

    Nearby activities

    Thumbnail
    Kayaking Tours

    9-Mile James River Kayak & Canoe Trip in Buchanan

    From$48/ person
    Thumbnail
    Kayaking Tours

    5-Mile James River Kayak & Canoe Trip From Buchanan

    From$48/ person
    Thumbnail
    Kayaking Tours4 or more

    10.5-Mile Upper James River Kayak & Canoe Trip

    From$48/ person
    Thumbnail
    Kayaking Tours

    6-Mile James River Kayak & Canoe Trip From Buchanan

    From$48/ person
    Thumbnail
    Tubing

    Float a 1.5-Mile River Tubing Trip in Buchanan

    $20.03/ person
    Thumbnail
    Horse and Carriage Tours

    Lexington Horse-Drawn Historical Tour

    From$31/ person