Richmond Self-driven Boat Rentals
Picture yourself cruising the James River in a rare, vintage boat that has been restored to its original jet-age beauty. With the sleek design of the vessel and stunning views from the water, you’ll be a sight to see as you sightsee in Richmond!
Drive a Retro Runabout Boat with Family & Friends
That’s right, you get to drive the boats, no captain’s license or boating experience required! Each boat has a max capacity of 4 people so you and 3 crewmates can explore the channel in style. Perfect for a unique date night, birthday celebration, or quick getaway on the water!
Bring Your Own Beverages and Food
We encourage you to bring your own food and beverages to enjoy on board. Beer, wine, seltzers, and champagne are all welcome (21+) as long as they are being consumed responsibly. The driver of the vessel is not permitted to drink any alcohol at any time and we do NOT allow hard liquor. You are also welcome to bring any non-alcoholic beverages and food to enjoy. So pack a homemade snack or order takeout from your favorite Richmond restaurant and hit the water!
Enjoy a Smooth, Peaceful Cruise on Eco-Friendly Electric Boats
We’ve retro-fitted these vintage boats with modern electric motors. They’re quiet and eco-friendly, allowing you to enjoy conversation and fresh air as you navigate RVA’s waterways. In addition to replacing the heavy-polluting motors, we also saved these gems from being junk in someone’s back yard or a landfill.
Sea Suite Cruises RVA Reviews
4.8
Based on 306 reviews
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Robert Francis
20:17 06 Oct 25
This was a awesome experience. We had a blast. The views were pretty good, and the captain and first mate were exceptional. Only wish we booked for more time
Judy Arenstein
18:33 09 Sep 25
My girlfriends and I took a Sea Suite Cruise from Rocketts Landing Sunday afternoon, September 7. It was a thank you to my girlfriends who cooked for me and cared for me after my surgery a couple months ago. The day was cloudy, a little cool and drizzly, but the weather did not dampen our spirits. After we pulled out the rain let up and the experience was the best. Nick, the captain and Kimberly his mate couldn’t have been nicer and made the trip even better. Everyone enjoyed themselves and a good time was had by all. I would definitely recommend this cruise to anyone wanting to get together with their friends and family.
Sonja Kinney
14:11 25 Aug 25
Girls’ Day was a success! This was our second cruise with Sea Suites and once again they did not disappoint. The staff were so attentive and helpful. We had the best time and look forward to our next cruise.
Bart Holland
14:42 19 Jul 25
We had a reservation as my daughter is visiting from Illinois. We showed up and a storm was rolling in, we decided to go ahead and take the boat out. We started out heading up river and a huge lightning bolt struck up river. We turned around a headed straight back to the docks. Their people are so friendly, welcoming and understanding. I was told they would refund me and the next day it was in my account. I would highly recommend as it’s a great boating experience and they are beyond fair.
Maria McGuire
15:56 11 Jul 25
LOVED IT!!! Captain Hartwell and deckhand Aidan were very professional and wonderful. Timmy, Jazmine and staff prior to trip were informative and on hand to answer any questions. Despite the weather the surprise party was still on and a success. The last 35 minutes we were allowed to stay on boat at the dock since it was raining. I will definitely do it again and recommend for others to experience the Sea Suite Cruise RVA.
Jasmine M.
21:14 05 Jul 25
I had an absolutely amazing time for my birthday celebration back in June. The staff were friendly and the ride was smooth despite a short period of heavy rain during the experience. I definitely recommend Sea Suite Cruises RVA for celebrations of any kind! 🎉
Shane Oltman
00:13 05 Jul 25
We celebrated part of our anniversary by renting the Dottie Boat, and had a blast! We’d definitely rent from here again.
RDesi Washington
08:54 01 Jul 25
It was my sister birthday. We had a blast! The staff was very nice. You play your own music off Bluetooth and you can bring alcohol. We all said we must do it again! I feel like it’s a little pricey but it was so much fun. Bring the right party people with you. We paid about $60 per person fyi. Overall it was a nice experience!
Gracie Allen
22:37 30 Jun 25
We had an amazing time on the tiki boat! It was hands down one of the best work events we’ve ever done. The vibe was fun, laid-back, and perfect for getting to know our accounts. Everyone absolutely loved it! The crew was incredible — so friendly, helpful, and made sure everyone was having a blast. Thank you Thorton for the top notch hospitality. From start to finish, everything was seamless and so much fun. We’re still talking about it and already looking forward to the next time. Highly, highly recommend!
Rebecca JL Jones
23:42 09 Jun 25
Excellent time. Our captain & deckhand were quite amazing. The ride was enjoyable, especially the different perspective of Richmond. Thank you for an extremely clean boat & a wonderful time. I really enjoyed the BYOB feature.
Sharon Edmonds
09:50 21 Apr 25
OMG!!! Where must I start!!! First I would Love to shout Chelsea and our Capt. Please forgive me but I forgot his name. They were both simply awesome. Half of our group got stuck in Richmond traffic due to an really bad accident, delaying them by some 20 minutes or more. That particular part of the group had our 74 year old Birthday Girl in tow. Yes!! The one this celebration was for. Well needless to say, our Capt. and Chelsea allow us to enjoy our full booked trip once the rest of our group arrived. This is definitely A 1 type business. Please allow these Beautiful group of people to host whatever celebration you are planning with a wonderful cruise with then. Thank you all for 5 star service with the plus of being A 1 in all of our books!!! Sea Suite Cruises in Richmond, VA. definitely rock!!! You will not be disappointed!!! Trust me!!! Sharon Edmonds with great appreciation!!!
Donna Dagner
20:08 19 Apr 25
The captain and deckhand provided exceptional service. Our group celebrated a 74th birthday aboard, bringing ample decorations and food, efficiently loaded with assistance from Chelsea. Their hospitality was outstanding, making for a joyful cruise up and down the James River. The vessel was impeccably clean, including the bathroom facilities; the Bluetooth audio system was a welcome addition. The accommodations were ideal for our event. The perfect weather contributed to a wonderful celebration for our friend, made exceptional by the crew's efforts. I highly recommend this cruise experience.
Nicola Foster
23:47 07 Apr 25
Our cruise was a dose of perfection for my daughter’s 40th birthday party! Nick, the captain, and Thornton and Chelsea were absolutely wonderful! It was their engagement and understanding of fun and laughter that made this family celebration one we will cherish and remember—thank you so much!
Kristine Schoefer
14:19 06 Apr 25
Nick and Thornton were professional, courteous and accommodating. Boat was comfortable and clean, fun music, beautiful views. Restroom available and clean. We brought our own booze and snacks and had a fabulous time. Definitely recommend.
Tanesha Henley
22:20 21 Oct 24
We did the Riverboat cruise as part of a company outing and had a wonderful time! I would love to do it again with my family and friends.
Morgan James
21:43 14 Oct 24
One of the best engagement events we've had. The staff on the boat were helpful, pleasant, and entertaining. The trip started on time, the boat cruised down the river for the whole hour and 45 minutes, we brought our desserts and drinks and they helped us clean up, and the ride was smooth and calm. Thank you for a memorable event.
Kavitha Pulluri
15:07 14 Oct 24
Loved the service and flexibility. Will do it again.
D
10:55 14 Oct 24
Had a great time during the cruise! I’ve been in the James River - kayaking - rowing laboriously to avoid being swept by the flowing waters. Felt so pampered just relaxing! The staff were friendly, professional and pleasant - a big plus to our event!!!
Kaitlyn Rafuse
00:53 14 Oct 24
Absolutely lovely experience with a beautiful view of RVA at sunset. Can play your own music, BYOB and a deckhand/stew will serve you from your cooler, and very ample seating/standing room. They encourage dancing and having fun time. Would absolutely recommend this to anyone who wants to have a great time on the water ❤️
Bob Sell
16:52 12 Oct 24
What a special “private” cruise provided by our friends Ed & Amy on the James River along Rockett’s Landing!
And kudos to Nick & Kimberly for their understanding & allowing us to play Smooth Jazz during the cruise!
And kudos to Nick & Kimberly for their understanding & allowing us to play Smooth Jazz during the cruise!
Cruise the James River in a Mini Classic Boat
Our fleet of meticulously maintained and rare classic fiberglass runabout boats from the jet-age era (1958-1963), have been made available for everyone to enjoy on the James River embarking from Rocketts Landing. With fanciful fins and headlights, retro-cool colors and chrome details, we’ve kept their vintage style but upgraded the motors to a quieter, more sustainable option.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Are there boundaries to where I can take the boat?
Yes, we do place certain boundaries on the waterway. This is ultimately for the safety of patrons. We hand out a detailed map (see below) during our safety and instructional guidance prior to leaving the dock, but as a general rule of thumb, we ask that patrons stay within eyeshot of the dock.
Do I need boating experience?
You just need to be able to prove that you are 21 years old with a valid photo ID! Our knowledgeable dock attendants will provide you with information to keep you safe while enjoying a day on the scenic James River from Rocketts Landing. It’s comparable to driving a golf cart with a forward and reverse throttle. All boats are electric with a maximum speed of 4.5 miles per hour. Boats are equipped with life jackets, anchor, paddles, and a blow horn for passenger safety.
Which payment methods do you accept? Do you offer gift cards?
We accept all major credit cards and offer gift cards so you can share this experience with a friend or family!
Do you provide life jackets?
Having an ample number of life jackets available for each passenger is a requirement on each boat and each boat is outfitted with life jackets accordingly. Anyone over the age of 13 is not required to wear a life jacket, but all passengers are more than welcome to wear them for their safety and comfort. All children under age 13 are required to wear a life jacket while on the boat.
Are kids allowed? Is there an age limit?
As long as parents are on the boat with the children and feel comfortable taking them, we allow children of all ages. We do require children age 13 and under to wear life jackets and have sizes specifically for infants, youth, and children, in addition to adult life jackets.
Are dogs allowed on the boat?
We do not currently have a dog friendly boat option available.
Do you sell drinks?
We do not sell drinks but we encourage you to bring your own beverages. Beer, wine, seltzers, and champagne are all fine to bring aboard as long as they are being consumed responsibly and the driver of the vessel is not drinking at any time. We do not allow hard liquor (i.e. bottles of tequila, vodka, etc.). You are also welcome to bring any non-alcoholic beverages and food to enjoy during your time on the water!
What is the longest time I can be on the water?
Please refer to the online booking Fare Harbor for hours of availability. Our standard rental times are 90 minutes. If you’re interested in taking the boat out for longer, please contact us at 804-214-6360.
What should I bring with me?
There are a few things we highly recommend taking with you. While we provide complimentary speakers, we do recommend you bring sunscreen, water, or whatever you feel will best prepare you for the outdoor elements. Cruising down the James River provides a lot of opportunities for amazing pictures of the city skyline and adjacent scenery so have your cameras at the ready!
What are the options for parking?
There is a parking lot by Island Shrimp Co as well as street parking available.
How fast do the boats go?
The boats cruise at approximately 4.5 MPH. Retro Boats abide by wake and speed protocols on the James River and Rocketts Landing Marina.
What activities are prohibited while riding the boat?
The following activities are prohibited on all Retro Boat Rentals:
- All swimming and fishing off the boat is prohibited.
- Docking anywhere other than the dock where you initially disembark from
- Smoking (electronic smoking devices are okay, but nothing with open flames)
- The driver is prohibited from drinking
The rules of engagement are monitored and strictly enforced. We also have other charter boats operating along this route, and our captains and crew are trained to monitor and enforce the rules for Retro Boat Rentals RVA.
Boating should be a fun and relaxing activity, so the rules we have in place are enforced to ensure that it is a pleasant, safe experience for our guests and other boaters in the channel!
Can we rent more than one boat?
Yes! If you’d like to rent more than one boat and see that are both are available at a specific time, you may do so. Please just reach out to our team at 804-214-6360 so we can adjust the calendar accordingly.
Rent a Self-driven Vintage Boat near Rocketts Landing in Richmond
PRICING:
Monday-Thursday: $150
Friday-Saturday: $200
CRUISE DETAILS:
Capacity: 4 people
Rental Duration: 1.5 Hours
Location: 4708 Old Main St. Richmond, VA. 23231