As a Panama City native and someone who has made the trip a couple dozen times I have a few tips to help you enjoy the trip. The livery opens at 8:30 and the 7 mile trip can be made in roughly 4 hours. You don't have to paddle the whole way, the current can carry you and you can still make it in less than 6 hours without making any stops. That being said, the last pickup is at 6 (roughly 10 hours after they first open.) There are a couple absolutely clear springs, some of which are tucked off to the side and require some exploring. However, all of these springs are in the first 2 - 2 and a half miles or so. So in my experience the best thing to do is get there early and allow yourself time (a couple hours) to park at one of these springs and go snorkeling or exploring in one of the limestone caves. After 2 miles or so (1 mile past the highway 20 bridge) the water becomes much less clear and there really isn't anywhere to comfortably stop with the exception of one bank I recommend stopp
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