Riverfront Canal Cruises, Richmond: Photos, Reviews & Location

At a glance

#36 of 37 Tourist attractions in Richmond

LocalGuideWorld score: 4.40

1.3 km from the center of Richmond

Rating breakdown

5 ★62%
4 ★24%
3 ★8%
2 ★2%
1 ★3%

139 Virginia St, Richmond, VA 23219, United States

venturerichmond.com

+1 804-649-2800

Photos of Riverfront Canal Cruises (65)

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Riverfront Canal Cruises, Richmond – photo 1

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Quick facts

What is the rating of Riverfront Canal Cruises?: Riverfront Canal Cruises is rated 4.4 out of 5 based on 1,610 reviews.
How does Riverfront Canal Cruises rank in Richmond?: Riverfront Canal Cruises is #36 of 37 Tourist attractions in Richmond by LocalGuideWorld score (rating weighted by number of reviews).
Where is Riverfront Canal Cruises located?: 139 Virginia St, Richmond, VA 23219, United States — 1.3 km from the center of Richmond.
How can I contact Riverfront Canal Cruises?: Phone: +1 804-649-2800 · Website: venturerichmond.com

Reviews (14)

Kaya Malenda 2024 Oct 20

We had a travel group of 12 senior African American women who thoroughly enjoyed the canal cruise. The captain was very knowledgeable, friendly, and a bit humorous at times. If you’re a history buff, you will enjoy the history of the Richmond area.

Michelle Mebane 2024 Sep 24

It was a lovely ride. Our guide was very knowledgeable and shared it with us. It was just a little too long.

Hilary Sechler 2024 Sep 14

Great tour guide and a beautiful way of seeing the canals of Richmond in with a historical touch! And although we didn't, you can have a cruise with lunch too like the boat we saw go by!

Zarina Yafizova 2024 Sep 08

The tour is 45 minutes and it's less than $15. It was fine but I wouldn't do it again.

Tamara Martin 2024 Aug 15

Our guide was funny and informative; a win win for us because some people think History can be dry. We both love History and looked forward to a beautiful evening of facts, so it made it enjoyable having a funny guide. We truly have nothing to complain about and we would definitely recommend to locals or visitors.

Adie Muller 2024 Apr 21

This tour was lovely, and the time really flew by! We learned a lot about Richmond trade history and had a lot of fun.

We (2) didn't buy tickets ahead of time and were told to wait for those who had already bought (to be sure there was room), but we were able to board last-minute with no problems.

Marloncito Moodie 2023 Nov 06

It has potential. It's a nice lil ride, but not much to see, and the guides are very nice but calm as they explain stuff, so some might find it boring. You need that lively tour guide that will make you laugh. But overall, it was nice.

Robert Hoagland 2023 Oct 31

The boat only travels a short distance, but the ride is 30 -40 minutes long. You learn about the history of the town which was interesting to me. It was a pleasant ride and some nice sites along the route. I think for the price and the experience, it's a great value and worth checking it out.

Shane Mann 2023 Oct 11

I'm from Richmond, so I'll start with that. The guide was knowledgeable and shared some facts I had not heard before. Overall, the guide did a good job.

The actual canal is pretty lack luster. You get about a 40 minute ride, but you don't really see much that you can't see from elsewhere. Add to that the train noise going overhead and it limited the enjoyment.

For $12 a person, it's a good way to spend an hour and learn some history.

We saw a sign that you get 10% off at Southern Rail Tap House with your ticket, so went there for lunch. Highly recommend this after the ride.

John Moderacki 2023 Oct 05

Great informative tour of Richmonds history. And a calm atmosphere in the middle of the city. Would highly recommend. Our guide Dave was very good on making this a fun activity

Geordyn Casey 2023 Sep 05

Great experience! Kathy at the front desk was amazing and so was the driver of our canal boat. Exceptionally kind, and to top it off, a relaxing and informational tour. We will be back again. Thank you both for your patience and kindness during our pups first ever boat ride! (Animals allowed on the boat are not guaranteed. Please do not expect that your animal will be able to board without prior consent from them)

Santanna Vastano 2023 Sep 04

The Riverfront Canal Cruise is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy learning a bit of history while taking in serene and natural surroundings. Admittedly this is not the most glamorous experience, the boats are older and worn in and the boat is packed tight with passengers. What made this a great experience for me was hearing the history of the city and the canal from a guide who was equally passionate and sensitive to the complexity of Richmond’s background. Tickets were only $12 per adult, it was a beautiful 30-40 minute excursion and I recommend it to anyone who has an appreciation for story telling and taking the slow paced scenic view in life.

Tanya mckeithen 2023 Aug 23

Great quick tour full of fun facts and history. Make reservations before because our boat was full on Friday night. Also get there early to grab an outside seat for best pictures. If you sit in middle, your pictures will probably have other people in them. Also you can bring adult beverages in low profile cup.

Kim McCallister 2023 Aug 09

If you have never been along the canals in Richmond and want to learn a little bit more about the history behind them and the surrounding area, this is the tour for you. It is only $12 (there is also a senior discount) and takes about 45 minutes from boarding until return. There is a roof over most of the boat to help with hot summer sunshine. A group of us who have lived in the area for well over 25 years decided to take this boat tour for a "something to do" day out. Parking is easy nearby with several decks to choose from. It makes for an even nicer day to eat at Southern Railway Taphouse (which is right next door and also offers a small discount if you are taking the cruise, or Sine Irish Pub and Restaurant (one short block away). The tour guides who drive the boat are as knowledgeable as they are skilled!