Riverfront Canal Cruises in Richmond

Hourly Historic Tours

40-minute historically narrated tours​

Our canal boat tours of the James River and Kanawha Canal operate throughout the season, seven days a week from May through October, and with varying hours in April and November.

• Tours depart on the hour from the Canal’s Turning Basin at 139 Virginia Street, in Downtown Richmond, Virginia.

• Tickets are sold on a first come, first served basis at the Turning Basin’s ticket kiosk and online up to 18 hours in advance.

• Boats can accommodate up to 25 passengers and are accessible to those with physical disabilites.

• No pets are allowed except for registered service animals.

2026 Boat Tour Hours

• April

  • Thursday–Saturday: Noon–7PM

  • Sunday: Noon–5PM​

• May – September

  • Monday–Friday: Noon–7PM

  • Saturday: 11AM–8PM

  • Sunday: 11AM–7PM​

• October

  • Monday–Saturday: Noon–6PM

  • Sunday: Noon–5 PM​

• November

  • Friday – Sunday: Noon – 5PM

  • Last day of the 2026 season is November 8.

Richmond Private Charters

Canal Cruise private charters are also available as one- to two plus-hour private boat tours that are a favorite for family reunions, celebrating birthdays, engagements, corporate retreats, business groups, churches, clubs and so many more group outings. Private charters may be scheduled for any day and time during the season, but must be reserved a minimum of two weeks in advance.​

Choose for your boat ride to be historically narrated, or choose to forgo the historic narration and take in the sights while listening to light music over a provided speaker. Boats can be outfitted with tables of various sizes that can accommodate light refreshments or a more formal, catered meal (catering is not provided by Riverfront Canal Cruises).

Weather: The 32-foot-long boats are covered with a canopy to protect riders from the weather, but we recommend checking the weather the day of and dress accordingly. Charters may be scheduled for any day and time during the boating season, are dependent on weather conditions and are scheduled on an individual basis, subject to availability.

Accessibility: The boats are handicapped accessible and can accommodate up to two wheelchairs.​

Reservations/Cancellations: Once scheduled, cruises can be canceled up to 7 days in advance without penalty. All reservations must be made online.

​Catering: You may hire your own caterer or bring your own food and beverages on your private charter. We require compliance with all applicable Virginia ABC laws and regulations for all private charters that bring alcohol. Unless you have hired a caterer to provide alcoholic beverages, this is likely to include obtaining your own banquet license. Information about the laws and the banquet license application are available on the Virginia ABC website. We do not hire caterers, serve or set up food and beverage service for private charters. We do, however, set up the tables and chairs/benches on the boats in advance of your charter.​

Special Tours

Special tours with guest speakers offering different educational narrations will take place from May 26 through the first week of September on select Tuesdays and Thursdays. They are the same pricing as our hourly historic tours. Click here to view specific tour details.

Rates

• Adults: $15

• Children (5 - 12 years old): $8

• Children 4 and under: FREE

• Seniors (65 years and up): $8

Please note: Tickets purchased online will include a service provider booking fee.

Discounts

• $1 off historic tour tickets to all teachers, first responders, healthcare workers and military personnel who show a valid work I.D. at the ticket kiosk.