These boats were originally designed in 1771 by the Rucker Brothers of Amherst County.  Thomas Jefferson was present for the unveiling of the first boat on the Tye River. 

In the mid 1980s during a downtown construction project in Richmond Virginia many of these boats were discovered.  Replicas were built immediately and the brilliance of their design has put them back in popular demand (at least on the James River).

Batteau

Flat Water Lynchburg Trip
Private Island Overnight

James River Float Company is the only company in the country to offer fully guided batteau trips. 

These gentle giants are 40-60’ long and a roomy 6-8’ wide. Batteaux are handcrafted out of white oak. These boats provide a level of stability and comfort unheard of on the river.  It’s safe to say their design is proven, seeing as they have survived the test of time

James River Float Company is excited to be offering even more overnight trips this year.  We are the only outfitter in the state of Virginia that offers fully guided trips. 

By this we mean, your tent, sleeping pad, even your sleeping bag are furnished by us.  All the meals as well as non alcoholic beverages and necessary accessories are included in these unique trips. 

This trip is available 7 days a week, however because of the intricacies of it we ask that you give us a minimum of 2 weeks notice.  This trip also has a minimum of 8 people and costs $155 per person.  For groups of less than 8 people please call for pricing.  Group rates are available for large groups over 20 people.  This trip is not available on holidays. 

BATTEAU TRIPS CANNOT BE BOOKED ONLINE. PLEASE CONTACT US

Let the river entertain you and our guides spoil you.  Our guides are well trained, experienced outdoorsmen.  Safety and comfort is of the upmost importance. 

You will surely be able to get used to this kind of livin’.   Float all day, relax by a roaring fire that night, and eat a hearty meal prepared right in front of you. 

Another unique thing about these trips is that all the camping equipment and personal gear is transported to camp via a gear raft. 

No gea- laden boats to worry about capsizing. Instead you will be able to lean back, kick your feet up, and enjoy a stress free float down the mighty James River. 

Here at James River Float Company we can assure you this is an incomparable experience that you will not soon forget.  This trip starts at our guide post, just across the river from Lynchburg, Virginia. 

All guests will be issued their river equipment (life jacket and dry bag.)  There will also be a river safety talk given.  Our guides will then load you in our company vehicle and off to the river you go! 

Upon arrival the guides will give you a tour of the batteau, they will answer any questions you might have, and when every one is comfortable and ready to go the trip begins. 

The first day will consist of a 4-5 hour float.  Your guides will show you historical landmarks and some of the great, old stone structures still remaining from the grand days of the Kanawha Canal.  

In the late afternoon you will arrive at our private island where our guides will help you pick the perfect spot to pitch a tent.  The island is over one mile long, covered predominantly by large walnut trees and offers many great wildlife watching opportunities. 

Or if you just want to relax in the water there are the perfect ripples just in front of the camp, wade out, sit with you back upstream, and let the James River massage your worries away.  Meanwhile, your guides will be collecting firewood and preparing the evening meal. 

After a hearty dinner, enjoy watching the sunset.  During the summer months, the sun sets off the west point of the island, facing upstream.  It almost looks as if it drops into the river.  I would describe it nothing short of spectacular.  After the sunset most guests enjoy sitting by the campfire, cooking smores, and recalling the day’s activities without a worry in the world. 

If you are an early riser, you are in for a real treat.  The sun rises directly off the east end of the island, down river.  It’s a beautiful sight as it burns off the early morning fog. 

Before you can walk back up to camp, our guides will already be preparing a traditional southern breakfast.  After breakfast there is a relaxed pace in breaking camp. 

No need to rush out here, that’s for the birds.  Once camp is broken you will load back aboard the batteau and lazily meander down the river until it is time for a cold lunch.  After lunch, we will continue down river, stopping to look at remains of the old Kanawha Canal and old batteau navigation sluices in the river bed. 

These, even by today’s standards are almost incomprehensible man made achievements.  Especially when you consider they had no machinery.  Mid to late afternoon we will drift into Howardsville, VA where you will be greeted by our driver who will transport you back to Lynchburg, where your vehicle will await you.  Although this is an important feature of the trip, we find most customers have never been so unhappy to see their cars.  If you find this to be the case, don’t panic, we run these trips 7 days a week spring through fall. 

Delivery of batteau to off-James sites
James River Float Company is happy to offer this unique service. 

Perhaps you live on or near a body of water and would like to put a unique twist on a gathering you are planning.  With this service you will get our batteau and two of our guides. 

You show us where to put the boat in the water and where you want your guests to go and we will take care of the rest.  Whether it be a wedding, birthday, or a corporate outing, we can really make it memorable with onsite batteau rides on your private body of water. 

The batteau is also available as a historical display, advertising purposes, and movie for hire.  Please call for pricing on all of these activities.

The batteau solved our young country’s problem of transporting large loads of cargo to market and played a pivotal role in the growth of our great nation. 

Richmond

Evening batteau floats from Maiden's LandingThis one will become your favorite

Contact us and we'll design a custom float through some of the best landscape Virginia has to offer.

$55 per person.
" Prices may vary on custom floats