Ferry ride on the James River

I posted a question on the Jamestown forum and while I received a couple of excellent responses--there doesn%26#39;t seem to be a whole lot of activity over there so I will return to asking my questions here on the Williamsburg board.

Someone mentioned that their favorite way to come into Jamestown was by boat. I would really like to know the details on that. Is there a way to pick up a ferry and then return by that same ferry later in the day? It really does sound nice. Any instructions or details would be appreciated!

Ferry ride on the James River

I think the poster in question has her own boat, and wasn%26#39;t referring to transportation available to the general public.

Now, the Jamestown-Scotland ferry runs across the James River. It%26#39;s a ferry for motor vehicles, not pedestrians. From Williamsburg, take Jamestown Road west, but instead of turning left to go to Jamestown Settlement and Historic Jamestowne, continue just a little further to the ferry. The ferry travels over to the Surry side, and is a good way to go if you want to explore Surry, Smithfield, Isle of Wight.

You might find this traveler%26#39;s article helpful: tripadvisor.com/Travel-g58313-c92639/William…

And this is the VDOT Frequently Asked Questions page about the ferry: virginiadot.org/travel/ferry-jamestown-faqs.…

Ferry ride on the James River

The ferry, which is free, runs 24 hours a day from Jamestown to the Scotland Wharf in Surry County and then back again. We took the ferry ride in March about noon; the trip over took about 15 minutes (not counting wait time for boarding), and then we drove around the Surry countryside...very peaceful drive. There were several restaurants that looked quite nice too, but we did not stop at any since we were going for pizza at the Jamestown Pie Factory. As you are approaching the Jamestown wharf, you can see the three ships in the Jamestown Settlement.

My family have ridden the Jamestown - Scotland ferry a few times over the years. It is free of charge and very scenic, however, the last time, there was a considerable waiting line. We had to wait until 2 boatloads and gone out and come back - then we finally got onto the third boatload. Don%26#39;t remember what season it was - possibly summertime.

yes, sorry for the confusion, we have our own boat and dock at the marina.

You can however rent a kayak or jon boat with a small motor at chickahominy riverfront park and ride around the area. (check the website-it%26#39;s been a while since I checked on kayak rentals for someone, confirm this is still true) Be sure to talk to the staff - understand the tides and currents. we kayak in the creeks often - especially with weather like we%26#39;re having today! If you%26#39;re coming to town this week-end it should be spectacular.

The ferry website will list the schedules.You might enjoy Smithfield - although depending on how many days you are in the area I%26#39;d leave that off the itinerary until you covered all your ';musts'; - unless this is one of them.

Yes, asking here obviously receives more traffic - the jamestown forum had about 3 threads in 3 years.

Yes kayak and jon boat rentals are still available at the Chickahominy campground. I kayak there often, b/c it%26#39;s quick access to all 3: Chickahominy River, James River and Morris Creek. One important note if you%26#39;re trying to rent a kayak: They%26#39;ll only rent out if the water temp is above 55 degrees and there%26#39;s no small craft advisories. The ferry is also a must for anyone visiting Williamsburg. It%26#39;s very quick and easy as opposed to the ferries down in the Outer Banks.

yes, still rent kayaks at CRP. If you%26#39;re not used to kayaks rent a small boat and motor. You can explore some beautiful waterways and get up close to Jamestown isalnd, maybe see wildlife.

jccegov.com/recreation/parks-trails/chickaho…

The kayak information is interesting. My oldest three sons are Eagle Scouts and the oldest has taught kayaking lessons. I know they would enjoy this...I just don%26#39;t know if we really can fit it in. Our trip is in mid-June so temps should be warm.

I read on one website that the ferry boat ';Pocahontas'; was out of service for awhile and was getting some work repair work. Maybe that%26#39;s why there has been a long wait to board. Maybe it%26#39;s back on the schedule by now. If you do ride the ferry, take some food for the gulls, they swoop down to get fed. It%26#39;s fun, as long as they don%26#39;t poop on ya%26#39;.

Oh, there are now 4 topics on the Jamestown Forum.

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