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BRING YOUR OWN BOAT

IMPORTANT INFORMATION 

Boat Pricing:

  • Canoe shuttle: $20 per person

  • Kayak (Paddleboard) shuttle: $30 per person

  • Tube shuttle: $10 per person

Shuttle Service with your own boat

All ages welcome

Shuttle Services & Bring Your Own Boat

Already have a canoe, kayak, or tube? You’re welcome to bring your own gear and still enjoy a relaxing float on the Blackwater River — we’ll handle the shuttle.

Whether you're planning a quick paddle or an all-day float, our convenient shuttle service lets you explore the river without the hassle of arranging your own transportation.

How It Works

Park at our private launch site, and we’ll shuttle you and your gear upriver. From there, you’ll float back at your own pace, finishing right where you started — no extra driving, no car swaps.

  • What’s included with my canoe rental?
    Each rental includes a stable canoe, paddles, and U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets for all participants. We also include shuttle service — we’ll drop you off upstream, and you’ll paddle back to our private headquarters with no pickups needed.
  • How long are the canoe trips, and what are my options?
    You can choose between 1-hour, 3-hour, or full-day floats. The 1-hour option is great for beginners or families with young children. Our full-day trip is perfect if you want to spend time on sandbars, swim, or just enjoy a slow, scenic paddle. Final shuttle leaves at 3 PM — all trips must return by 5 PM.
  • Where do we launch and return?
    We launch from our private access point near Holt, which is the northernmost canoe launch on the Blackwater River. That means more time paddling, less time walking, and the most scenic stretch of the river. All trips return directly to our property — no car shuffling required.
  • Is this good for beginners or kids?
    Yes! The Blackwater River is known for calm, shallow waters and gentle current. It's one of the most beginner-friendly rivers in Florida. We welcome families with kids of all ages.
  • What should I bring?
    We recommend: Sunscreen Water bottles or a cooler River shoes or sandals A towel and dry bag for valuables Snacks or lunch if you're out for a while A positive attitude — this is a laid-back float!
  • Can I bring my dog?
    Yes, well-behaved dogs are welcome in the canoe. Please make sure they’re comfortable on the water, and we recommend bringing a pet life jacket for safety.
  • Where are you located?
    Blackwater Joe’s is located at 12375 Shammah Road in Holt, FL — just east of Milton and convenient to Crestview, Fort Walton Beach, Pensacola, and surrounding areas in Northwest Florida.
  • Do I need to book in advance?
    We highly recommend booking in advance to guarantee your spot, especially on weekends and holidays. Limited walk-up availability may be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Contact us for any questions or inquiries.
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