On the evenings of September 4 and September 16, join Dr. Matt Balazik onboard the Spirit of the James for the Sturgeon of the James River Tour. The area on the James between the Appomattox River and Presquile Island is a prime area to see breaching Atlantic sturgeon. Watch carefully for these ancient behemoths to breach (leap completely out of the river) while Dr. Balazik shares information from his research on the sturgeon of the James River.

Atlantic sturgeon, recently placed on the endangered species list, are living fossils that have been swimming in the waters now known as the James River for 120 to 140 million years.

In August, Atlantic sturgeon return to the upper tidal James River on their annual Fall spawning run. They are in the river the entire month of September and into October. This remnant population of ancient sturgeon range from New Brunswick, Canada to the eastern coast of Florida.

We are incredibly lucky to have a spawning population of Atlantic sturgeon here, on the James River, and this tour is a great way for you and your friends to come out and have an excellent chance at seeing them.  There is no guarantee you will see a sturgeon, but we will put you in the best possible position, during the best time of year and at a great time of day to see them.

This 2 1/2-hour tour will depart from Jordan Point Marina at 5 p.m. and return at approximately 7:30 p.m. Join us during this magical tour and peer out over the expanse of river near Presquile Island for breaching sturgeon.

When:    Wednesday, September 4,  5:00 – 7:30pm  &  Monday, September 16,  5:00 – 7:30pm

Cost:      $55 per person