Private Cruise

A Private Batteau Experience for Your Group!

Rates

Private River Cruise $1,260.00 + 6% fee
Private Sunset Cruise $1,440.00 + 6% fee

Duration

2 Hours

Private Cruise Scheduling

Private cruises are scheduled with more flexibility than public experiences.
If you’re booking a private cruise, you can inquire about any available date, even if public booking for that season hasn’t opened yet. This allows us to better accommodate larger groups, celebrations, and private events while maintaining a balanced public schedule.

About

We hang our hat on providing an unparalleled river experience with our private cruises. Whatever experience you’re looking for, our batteaux are perfect for hosting groups.

All details for either the River Cruise or Sunset Cruise also apply to the Private Cruise. This option simply ensures you will have the intimacy of having two entire batteaux for your group.

Private River Cruise

Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled tour time to park your car and check in. Allow 2.5 hours total time.

The Experience
We begin traveling upriver from the Scottsville boat ramp sharing the story of the batteau and batteaumen’s legacy in Virginia. At the halfway point we serve our signature charcuterie boards, allow for swimming and celebrate the long history of community on the James River.

History
The James River is the most important river in American History. Among its many forgotten tales is the story of how boats built specifically to ply its shallow waters were crewed by brave men who transformed Virginia and the early American nation.

Food
No community gathering is complete without the sharing of food! All our cruises come with complementary charcuterie boards complete with a variety of dried meats, cheeses and assorted accompaniments.

Private Cruises have the ability to add a private chef for a "Farm to Batteau" multi-course meal cooked over the fire onboard. (Call for availability)

Wildlife
The James River ecosystem is filled with some of Virginia’s most iconic wildlife. Whether it’s bald eagles or river otters, ospreys or gar, you’re unlikely to leave our tour without catching a glimpse of some of our riverine life.

Private Sunset Cruise

Arrive at least 20 minutes before your scheduled tour time to park your car and check in. Allow 2.5 hours total time.

The Experience
Prior to dusk we travel upriver offering tales from the bygone era of batteaux. At the halfway point we anchor to begin food and music, celebrating a time honored river tradition. As the last of the daylight fades we begin our return float to Scottsville.

Live Music
Our in-house musician takes the stage at our anchor point and will perform light acoustic music to serve as an ambient background, blending in with the sounds of night falling on the river.

Food
Enjoy our signature charcuterie boards featuring premium dried meats, assorted cheeses, complete with a variety of seasonal accompaniments.

Private Cruises have the ability to add a private chef for a "Farm to Batteau" multi-course meal cooked over the fire onboard. (Call for availability)

Ice Buckets and Cups
You are welcome to bring your own tasty beverages onboard. We will provide ice buckets at your table and cups to enjoy them out of.

We look forward to welcoming you aboard!

FAQs

Meeting Place and Parking
The tour meets at Canal Basin Square, in Scottsville. (A public park.)

249 Main St, Scottsville, VA 24590

• We meet at Canal Basin Square, which is a fantastic park and great introduction to the history of river commerce in Scottsville.
• There is parking on Main Street or on the righthand side of the parking lot next to the square. Please do not park next to the Scottsville Pharmacy.
• After all guests arrive you will drive down to the Scottsville boat ramp where you will board.
• After approximately 2hrs you will arrive back to where your vehicle is parked.

Can I bring my kids?
- We welcome children 8 and over. Due to our insurance policy we unfortunately can’t accept children under the age of 8.

Can we swim?
- Yes! Taking a refreshing dip in the James can be a highlight of the tour. Just make sure you bring appropriate shoes for getting in the river.

• If mother nature provides very high water levels we
  cannot allow our guests to swim.

Is it safe?
- Our river tour is very safe. The section of river we float is mostly flat with occasional class 1 rapids, nothing to be concerned about. We do provide life jackets, wearing them is optional.

Can I bring alcohol?
- Yes. Our batteaumen know how a refreshing beverage pairs well with a day on the river. It’s important though to keep things family friendly, drunkenness will not be tolerated.
- You are welcome to bring a small personal cooler.

Is there a bathroom?
- Canal Basin Square (our meeting location) has public bathrooms and we encourage everyone to use them prior to the tour. Once on board there are no formal bathroom stops along the river.

What if it rains?
- Our tours are rain or shine! Being on the river during a rainy day can be a magical experience. We do have a large canopy that provides good shelter from the elements. That said, we are still outside so we suggest you bring your own raincoat.
- When severe weather is anticipated and we determine our guests' safety is in question, the tour will be postponed, rescheduled, or refunded.

Can I store my phone/keys/camera?
- Each group will be provided a dry bag that will keep your possessions safe. Anything you bring aboard needs to fit into the provided dry bag.

How many people can a batteau accommodate?
- Per US Coast Guard regulations each batteau can accommodate up to 6 people. We have two batteaux so each trip has a maximum of 12 guests.

Is it customary to tip your guide?
- If you feel at the end of the tour the service you received was exceptional, a personal “thank you” in the form of gratuity is greatly appreciated.