Guided Canoe Trips at Collier-Seminole
![People paddling canoes on a river lined with mangroves.](/sites/default/files/styles/callout/public/media/image/Guided%20Canoe%203-3-19%20CSSP%20MWC_1803%20full%20rez%20for%20web%20size.jpg?itok=gKhhqX52)
This incredible canoeing trip is a four-mile paddle (three miles for moonlight trip), flowing along with the current of the Blackwater River.
Take in the lush greenery that surrounds you as you travel this expansive waterway. There are stops along the way to point out the unique plants, animals and history of the park and the area around it.
This program, sponsored by the Friends of Collier-Seminole State Park, encourages visitors to see the less traveled waters of the Blackwater River. The river, given its name because of its dark looking waters, flows through South Florida.
Explore these back waters of the Everglades through the mangrove forest, a journey that only a few have had the pleasure of experiencing. It is a true once-in-a-lifetime event you will not want to miss!
Sunset trips offered Friday, Saturday December through March.
For an even more amazing trip, try one of our moonlight trips, available once a month during the full moon.
- Moonlight trips: Sunday March 24th and Monday March 25th 2024.
- The guided canoe tour is for guests ages 12 and up.
- Canoe, life jackets and paddles are provided.
- We suggest that you wear comfortable clothing and shoes that can get wet.
- Bring plenty of water, bug spray and sun protective wear.
- Make sure that you stop by the restroom before the trip as there are no stops!
Program Contact & Registration
- Park office at 239-394-3397
Fees
- $50 per person for sunset or moonlight trips, plus $5 park entrance fee for up to eight people in your vehicle. Single occupant $4.
Itinerary Sunset Trips
- 3:30 p.m. - Meet at the ranger station to make payment and then proceed to the boat basin/canoe launch area.
- 3:45 p.m. – Be at the boat basin/canoe launch for Introduction and review of paddling strokes and safety tips.
- 4:00 p.m. Trip starts
- 6:00 p.m. – Canoe trip ends.
- Please call the park for information on Moonlight trip times as they vary.
Instructions, Safety and Getting on the Water
![Students being given canoe paddling instructions](/sites/default/files/styles/gallery/public/media/image/John%20Cordts%20giving%20instructions%20canoe%20MWC_4357.jpg?itok=rVVO7LDA)
Canoe Guide John Cordts giving students paddling instructions and safety tips before launching onto the water.
![Two men preparing to canoe hold a life vest.](/sites/default/files/styles/gallery/public/media/image/Canoe%201-4-19%20Greg%20assisting%20lifevest%20MWC_1525%20c.jpg?itok=K9k-in0L)
Volunteer and the Friends of Collier-Seminole State Park's Vice President Greg Schellin helping a park visitor to fit his life vest.
![People water canoes](/sites/default/files/styles/gallery/public/media/image/Canoe%20Team%20pushing%20off%20MWC_4400.jpg?itok=b4mGLXGe)
Pushing off into the water.
![Canoes water palms bench](/sites/default/files/styles/gallery/public/media/image/Canoe%20trip%20underway%20MWC_4423.jpg?itok=FanB_Pbe)
Guided Canoe Trip underway.
Meet the Canoe Guides
![Man and woman in a canoe on the water.](/sites/default/files/styles/gallery/public/media/image/John%20and%20Kate%20Cordts%20CSSP%20MWC_4382.jpg?itok=yUcuMeI_)
John and Kate Cordts, Park Volunteers, Canoe Guides and Naturalist.
![People and kayaks](/sites/default/files/styles/gallery/public/media/image/CSSP_Canoe%20Team_2020%20MWC_3857.jpg?itok=zSOZwcSK)
Canoe Guides standing L to R: Dave Hill, Lane Henderson, Clare Holden, Tony Schuhmacher, Theresa Fabiano-Schuhmacher. Sandy Hill sitting in kayak.
![Woman standing near a canoe and water on the beach holding a sign](/sites/default/files/styles/gallery/public/media/image/FoCSSP%20Canoe%20Guide%20Theresa%20Fabiano-Schuhmacher%20I%20Volunteer%20Because%205-6-19%20web.jpg?itok=prej6Wcl)
Theresa Fabiano-Schuhmacher volunteers to be a canoe guide because she likes to teach people about nature and the environment.
![Man standing near water holding a sign](/sites/default/files/styles/gallery/public/media/image/FoCSSP%20Canoe%20Guide%20Tony%20Schuhmacher%20I%20volunteer%20because%205-2019%20web%20B.jpg?itok=f0GePfC5)
Volunteer Canoe Guide Tony Schuhmacher volunteers because he likes to teach people about nature.
![Man with Blue shirt tan pants hat near canoes](/sites/default/files/styles/gallery/public/media/image/Lane%20Henerson_Canoe%20Guide_CSSP_MWC_4531.jpg?itok=1fK8-v-G)
Lane Henderson, Park Volunteer, Canoe Guide and Naturalist.
![Woman wearing blue shirt standing near water and canoes](/sites/default/files/styles/gallery/public/media/image/Clare%20Holden_Canoe%20Guide_CSSP_MWC_4497_0.jpg?itok=1xmH3WYr)
Clare Holden, Park Volunteer, Canoe Guide and Naturalist.
![Man wearing blue and white shirt hat standing near canoes.](/sites/default/files/styles/gallery/public/media/image/Dave%20Hill_Canoe%20Guide_CSSP_MWC_4552.jpg?itok=DmvEI-eF)
David Hill, Park Volunteer and Canoe Guide.
![Woman smiling in a park office.](/sites/default/files/styles/gallery/public/media/image/Sandy%20Hill_Canoe%20Guide_CSSP_MWC_4556.jpg?itok=lT-n7cX2)
Sandy Hill, Park Volunteer and Canoe Guide. Sandy also helps out in the park office.