Providing the very best float trips on the James River!
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Mason Basten (on front sweep) of the Batteau "Grace of the James" – Photo by: Robert Draper.
Batteau TripsJames River Float Company prides itself on our one of a kind batteau trips. A batteau is a flat bottomed wooden boat that was used during the 1700’s-1800’s to transport goods and passengers down the James River. The founder of James River Float Company and it’s head guide, a lifetime river runner, and who has worked in the outdoor industry for the better part of his life knew he had found something special the first time he floated down the James River on a batteau. These large (40 ft + long, 6-8 ft wide), flat bottomed boats with their spacious decks and intricately handcrafted white oak hulls from a forgotten era will leave you in a peaceful state of awe as you drift down the river, gliding over rocks, grass beds, and other beautiful river life mere inches below these nimble giants.
Now you have the opportunity to relax aboard one of these historical reproduction vessels as we journey down the James like so many others did long ago. Our trips are full service, we provide extraordinary meals cooked aboard the batteau and when we arrive at camp in the evening everything you need for a comfortable outdoor camping experience will be provided. So, journey back in time with us and relive this historical experience that so many others have experienced before us. Discover the beauty of the James River and view the impressive remaining stone structures of the Kanawha canal from a perspective rarely seen by others.
Pricing: $100/pp per day with 8 or more people (up to 12 persons)
Trips include all meals and non-alcoholic beverages (JRFC does not possess an ABC license and cannot sell alcohol, but we are happy to transport all legal alcoholic beverages – sorry moon shiners!) This unique package also provides every customer with a sleeping pad, tent, and sleeping bag. The sleeping bags are brand new and you, the customer have the option of taking them home with you at the duration of the trip, otherwise they will be donated to the Goodwill. Parties consisting of less than 8 people will still be able to charter the batteau and all it’s amenities for the price of $800 per day.
Mason Basten (on front sweep) with Katy Basten (poling-green dress in front), approaching
the Slate River landing, on the Batteau "Grace of the James" – Photo by: Holt Messerly.
Phone Numbers: Mason – 434-258-5874
Katy – 434-941-8210.
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James River Float Company is a division of Waimed Enterprises, LLC.
Web site and photos © 2008 Messerly Photo, All Rights Reserved.
