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Shark Valley

Top ways to experience Shark Valley and nearby attractions

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Shark Valley - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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7 Top Things to Do in Shark Valley (Everglades National Park)

By: Author Bram Reusen

Posted on Last updated: March 26, 2024

“Shark Valley is the heartland of the Everglades,” the National Park Service says. Is there a better reason to visit this part of Everglades National Park? I didn’t think so either!

A popular day trip destination from Miami , Shark Valley provides the perfect introduction to the glorious wetland world of the famed Everglades.

It’s a fantastic place to see iconic wildlife, from abundant alligators and turtles to ubiquitous birds, and immerse yourself—figuratively speaking, of course—in this extraordinary ecosystem.

What sets Shark Valley apart from other areas in Everglades National Park , though, is the possibility to explore it by tram . Alternatively, this is also where you can enjoy one of the best bike rides in the National Park System.

This is all to say that visiting Shark Valley is absolutely worth it. In fact, a visit to Everglades National Park isn’t complete without a bike ride or tram tour in Shark Valley.

Below, you’ll find a wealth of Shark Valley information, including answers to common questions, as well as an overview of the top things to do in Shark Valley.

This blog post about what to do in Shark Valley in Everglades National Park contains affiliate links. You can read more about our  Terms of Use / Disclosure here .

Where Is Shark Valley Located?

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Shark Valley is smack-bang in the middle of the tip of south Florida .

Located in the heart of the “True Everglades,” it encompasses the northern portion of Everglades National Park and is just east of Big Cypress National Preserve. It’s along Highway 41, also known as the Tamiami Trail, directly west from Miami .

Here are some driving distances (and estimated times) from other popular places in south Florida, including Miami Beach , Fort Lauderdale , Biscayne National Park , and Flamingo :

• Miami International Airport (MIA) to Shark Valley: 35 miles (45 minutes)
• Miami to Shark Valley: 41 miles (1 hour)
• Miami Beach to Shark Valley: 43 miles (1 hour)
• Homestead to Shark Valley: 38 miles (1 hour)
• Florida City to Shark Valley: 40 miles (1 hour)
• Biscayne National Park to Shark Valley: 52 miles (1 hour 15 minutes)
• Fort Lauderdale to Shark Valley: 62 miles (1 hour 15 minutes)
• Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) to Shark Valley: 62 miles (1 hour 15 minutes)
• Key Largo to Shark Valley: 63 miles (1 hour 30 minutes)
• Flamingo (Everglades National Park) to Shark Valley: 87 miles (2 hours)
• Everglades City to Shark Valley: 45 miles (50 minutes)
• Naples to Shark Valley: 73 miles (1 hour 30 minutes)

You can easily see all Shark Valley has to offer in just one day .

In fact, completing the 15-mile Shark Valley Tram Road, whether you’re biking or taking a tram tour, doesn’t take much longer than a few hours. Most people spend 2-4 hours in Shark Valley—the perfect day trip.

Although you can explore Shark Valley any time during the year, the objectively  best time to visit Shark Valley is winter .

December through February is the busy season in Everglades National Park. For good reason, since this is the season with the most enjoyable temperatures, plentiful sunshine, less mosquitoes, and lower humidity.

Winter is also the dry season in the Everglades, which means that water levels are at their lowest. This, in turn, means that wildlife tends to congregate around a number of freshwater locations, such as certain ponds and canals.

So, in addition to very enjoyable weather, winter is also the prime wildlife viewing season in Shark Valley and Everglades National Park as a whole.

The wetlands in Shark Valley are freshwater, dozens of miles away from the nearest body of saltwater. So no, despite its name, there are no sharks in Shark Valley .

If there are no sharks, why is it called Shark Valley? you might wonder. The explanation is pretty simple.

Shark Valley is named because it ‘ s in the Shark River Slough, with its water flowing ever so slowly toward the Shark River in the southwest part of Everglades National Park.

Shark Valley is in the Everglades, the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States. You should, therefore, expect warm and humid weather—even during the dry winter season, it can be quite humid and hot outside.

Essential things to bring with you when visiting and enjoying some activities in Flamingo are the following:

• Walking shoes
• Insect repellent
• A cooler with food, snacks, and plenty of water
• National Park Pass , if you have one (you can buy America the Beautiful Passes  here )

There are no campgrounds or hotels in Shark Valley, but there are plenty of amenities and services to accommodate day visitors. This includes a visitor center, gift shop, bike rentals, and restrooms.

Although drinks and limited snack foods are available, I strongly recommend bringing plenty of water and lunch/snacks yourself.

These are the facilities you’ll find in Shark Valley:

• Shark Valley Visitor Center – recommended place to start your visit to Shark Valley, providing educational displays and exhibits, brochures, maps, a park film, restrooms, and a gift shop.
• Shark Valley Tram Tours & Bike Rentals – guided tram tours, bicycle rentals, soft drinks and snacks.

The most easily reachable part of Everglades National Park, Shark Valley is the place where most people go when they visit the Everglades. Let’s now take a closer at all the options for things to do in Shark Valley!

I recommend starting your time in Shark Valley with a visit to the Shark Valley Visitor Center. This is a great place to gather information, learn about the area, and watch the park film.

Additionally, the gift shop managed by the Florida National Parks Association sells things like postcards, books, and souvenirs.

Shark Valley tram tours are one of the most popular things to do in Shark Valley—and probably what the area is most famous for.

These guided tours start at the visitor center and loop through the area on the 15-mile Shark Valley Tram Road. During this wonderful ecotour, a naturalist will offer insights into this unique ecosystem, while also pointing out wildlife along the way.

Shark Valley tram tours are about 2 hours long and include a stop at the famous Shark Valley Observation Tower (see below).

You can book your Shark Valley tram tour here.

An excellent alternative to the guided tram tours is a self-guided bike ride on the paved 15-mile Shark Valley Tram Road. The concessioner that organizes the tram tours also provides Shark Valley bike rentals.

As memorable as a tram tour in Shark Valley is, I’d personally recommend renting bikes. This is a great way to explore Shark Valley at your own pace, enjoy some sunshine, and get some exercise.

You can stop wherever and as often as you want, allowing you to better observe the wildlife you’ll undoubtedly see along the way.

After picking up your Shark Valley bike rental (you can, of course, also bring your own bikes), you’ll follow the straight West Road all the way to the Shark Valley Observation Tower, the halfway point of this easy yet unforgettable Everglades cycling adventure .

The return ride meanders past ponds and through sawgrass marshes, with some patches of trees in between.

A typical Shark Valley bike ride, easily one of the greatest bike trips in the national parks, takes between 2 and 4 hours, depending on your speed and the number of stops you take on the way.

You can reserve Shark Valley bikes here.

The wheelchair-accessible Shark Valley Observation Tower is the halfway point on tram tours and bike rides alike, a commanding structure in the heart of sprawling sawgrass marshes.

This is the highest point accessible on foot in Everglades National Park. (You can’t bike up the tower, but there are bike racks available.) Restrooms and a water fountain are located at the 7-mile marker, right next to the tower.

Needless to say, the 360-degree views from the top are spectacular, taking in the freshwater Shark River Slough and the iconic “River of Grass.”

What I do have to say, though, is that you should also look directly down from the top. There may be one or more alligators lounging right underneath the tower.

Shark Valley is one of the best places to see alligators in Everglades National Park . You’re certain to see several of them along the Shark Valley Tram Road.

On my own bike ride in Shark Valley, I saw 91 alligators (!)—literally, I did actually count them.

Note: While alligators may seem exceptionally docile, relaxed, and calm, they can move very rapidly and unexpectedly. The National Park Service advises visitors to stay at least 15 to 20 feet from all alligators and to stay away from or be extremely cautious at waterlines.

Along with huge numbers of alligators, Shark Valley also offers exceptional bird watching opportunities. After all, a main reason why Everglades National Park was established was to protect the region’s rich bird life.

The wetlands of the Shark River Slough in Shark Valley are home to numerous Everglades bird species .

Watch for anhingas, cormorants, limpkins, snail kites, purple gallinules, and various wading birds, such as great blue herons, snowy egrets, wood storks, and white ibises.

Shark Valley is best explored on wheels—whether it’s a tram or bicycle—but there are a couple of short walking options, too. Two easy trails are off the Shark Valley Tram Road:

• Bobcat Boardwalk – self-guided, accessible 0.2-mile boardwalk through sawgrass marshes and a tropical hardwood forest, situated behind the Shark Valley Visitor Center
• Otter Cave Hammock Trail – unpaved 0.3-mile trail through a tropical hardwood forest and across a small stream, located about half-a-mile behind the Shark Valley Visitor Center

Additionally, you can also walk (a part of) the 15-mile Shark Valley Tram Road .

• Park Website
• Travel Guide
• Topographic Map
• Where to See Wildlife in Everglades National Park
• Where to See Alligators and Crocodiles in the Everglades
• Famous Birds of the Everglades
• Top Sights on the Everglades Main Park Road
• Best Everglades Bike Trails
• Accommodation

Wildlife Safety in Shark Valley, Everglades National Park

One of America’s most biodiverse places, the Everglades are home to innumerable species of animals. This includes several that can be potentially dangerous to humans, from the smallest of insects to the largest of reptiles.

During certain times of the year, mosquitoes can be a real nuisance in Everglades National Park, including the Shark Valley area.

Especially during the wet summer months, on overcast days, and at dawn and dusk, these tiny buzzing insects are plentiful. You can avoid (most of) the mosquitoes be staying away from grassy areas and shady places.

To protect yourself from mosquitoes and the possible diseases they may carry, consider wearing long sleeves and pants, and using a strong insect repellent.

Important note: The Aedes species of mosquitoes that could carry the Zika virus is found in southern Florida. However, these mosquitoes are much more prevalent in urban areas than in wilderness areas. You can  learn more about the Zika virus here .

There are more than two dozen species of snakes in Everglades National Park, including a few invasive species—most notably the huge Burmese pythons. Of all those snakes, four are venomous:

• Florida cottonmouth
• Eastern coral snake
• Eastern diamondback rattlesnake
• Dusky pygmy rattlesnake

It’s possible to encounter snakes, including venomous ones, pretty much all throughout the Shark Valley area. Watch where you put your feet, especially in grassy areas.

When you see or hear a snake, do not approach it and leave the area calmly. Snakes want to be left alone and will bite only when provoked, cornered, or surprised at close range.

You can  learn about rattlesnake safety here .

Although vultures don’t pose a physical threat to humans, they do, somehow, seem to be attracted to the rubber on vehicles. According to the National Park Service, they “have been known to cause severe damage to windshields, sun roofs, and windshield wipers.”

In many parking lots throughout Everglades National Park, you’ll see signs warning visitors about potential damage to vehicles caused by vultures.

While there’s not a whole lot you can do to completely protect your vehicle, the Park Service does  offer a few suggestions :

• Avoid parking near groups of vultures
• Park in full sun
• Use a car cover
• Cover exposed rubber with a wet sheet or towel
• Use loud noises to spook vultures off vehicles
• Notify a ranger

According to the National Park Service, “human conflicts with alligators are rare and generally not serious, but incidents do occur and have been reported.”

Most alligator attacks on humans are the result of illegally feeding the alligator. This makes the animal less skeptical of humans and bolder, often causing the alligator to attack instead of fleeing.

Generally speaking, alligators are not considered dangerous to humans in the park. They don’t see humans as prey and do not actively hunt people.

That said, though, it’s still very important to be careful when recreating in alligator country, particularly in places like Shark Valley where you’re all but guaranteed to see some. This is especially true near the water’s edge, whether it’s a canal, pond, river, or marsh.

Avoid behaving like a prey animal might and keep children and pets away from the waterline. The park advises people to stay at least 15 to 20 feet from the shoreline  and  from any alligators you might come across.

The Park Service reminds visitors that “touching an alligator is never a good idea. Feeding or harassing an animal, including throwing objects at it, is a criminal offense that carries a fine. Any action that alters the natural behaviors of an animal is harassment.”

Additionally, swimming and snorkeling is prohibited everywhere in the park.

Note: Besides alligators, Everglades National Park is also home to crocodiles. In fact, this is the only place in the world where these two reptiles live side by side. However, since crocodiles live in saltwater, you won’t find any of them in Shark Valley. The best place to see crocodiles in the Everglades is the Flamingo area.

Have You Ever Visited Shark Valley in Everglades National Park? What Were Your Favorite Things to Do in Shark Valley? Share Your National Parks Experience Below!

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The shark valley tram tour in everglades national park.

Besides the tram tour, biking is another popular way to enjoy Shark Valley's 15-mile loop through Everglades National Park.

James Branaman for VISIT FLORIDA

After enjoying the view from the Shark Valley observation tower, visitors can hop back on the tram for the rest of the two-hour tour of the Everglades.

A great blue heron is just one of many bird species you'll see taking flight along the Shark Valley tram tour through the Everglades.

VISIT FLORIDA Staff

Hop aboard the Shark Valley Tram, and you get a two-hour tour along a 15-mile loop, led by an informative naturalist. You'll feel you're deep in the wilds of the Everglades , but riding in comfort with the breeze in your face.

The open-air vehicles offer great wildlife photography opportunities, pausing and even backing up to make sure you get up-close views of basking alligators from the safety of the tram.

It's amazing to see how quickly, despite its log-like appearance a wild gator (an Everglades speed bump, our guide joked) can transform into an eight-foot leaping lizard, powerfully launching itself (thankfully, away from our tram) in the blink of an eye. Our naturalist offered insightful knowledge about early settlers and human interaction with the land while pointing out birds and other wildlife. He even entertained with Everglades love stories, playing the roles of gossiping gator gals and big-hearted anhinga hubbies to explain mating and relationship rituals taking place like a sawgrass soap opera. At the midway point, exit the tram and meander up the massive spiral walkway of the Shark Valley tower for a bird's-eye view 45 feet above the wild expanse of the sawgrass prairie. The naturalist identified wild edibles such as cocoa plum, as well as hazards like the Manchinel tree, whose rain-soaked leaves can actually burn your skin with dripping toxin. After descending from the high altitude (by Florida standards), walk the canopy-covered trail near the tower, and peer through shady trees for the resident gator. With no tram at the moment to whisk you away, you'll need to use your feet and common sense to maintain a safe distance. Jump back on the tram and enjoy more miles of scenery before returning to your starting point. Or, bring your bike or rent one upon arrival and explore at your own pace. Either way, keep your eyes open for surprises; one of our fellow Shark Valley tram tour participants spotted a python (an invasive species becoming a major problem in South Florida), which sent our guides springing from the vehicle in pursuit. The snake slipped away.

When You Go

What : Shark Valley Tram Tour Where : Everglades National Park Call : Shark Valley Visitor Center at 305-221-8776; tram ticket reservations, 305-221-8455 Web : Visit Shark Valley Tram Tours at sharkvalleytramtours.com . The Visitors Center website is nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/svdirections.htm .

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Get Close to Nature

The Shark Valley area is home to a diverse number of animals and plants. The various species change with the seasons and water levels throughout the year. As a result, every journey through the Everglades offers a different experience for visitors. MORE

Experience the Everglades

At the half-way point of the Everglades tour, a 45 foot high observation deck gives visitors an opportunity to experience panoramic views of the Everglades, extending outward 20 miles in all directions. A gradual ramp provides easy access to the observation tower deck. MORE

Ride the Everglades Loop

Bicycling the 15 mile Everglades loop is an excellent way to view the area at your own pace. A great alternative for those who prefer to explore “on their own.” The small elevation changes in South Florida make this an ideal place to bike. MORE

Shark Valley Tram Tours

The captivating and educational way to see the everglades.

The Everglades is a unique and fascinating ecosystem. When you take an Everglades National Park tour at Shark Valley, you’ll travel in a relaxed setting, learning about the ecology and history of The Everglades from our friendly and knowledgeable Park-trained naturalists. They’ll turn your sightseeing visit into a highly educational tour of the Everglades, and at the halfway point on your adventure, you can walk to the highest accessible point in Everglades National Park, the viewing platform of the Shark Valley Observation Tower.

Pay us a visit and experience one of the world’s most unique eco-systems at Everglades National Park. Take advantage of local insight offered on a  guided Everglades tram tour or venture out on your own on a self-guided Everglades bike tour .  Either way, you’ll be creating memories for a lifetime.

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9:00AM Tram Tour

For discounted pricing on groups of 12 or more and military discounts, or if online registrations have closed (inside the 48 hour window,) please call our reservation number to check tour availability and make your reservations. (305) 221-8455

Shark Valley Tram Tour

Enjoy a 2 hour open air tram tour in the Shark Valley section of Everglades National Park. Listen to the National Park trained naturalist describe the unique ecosystem surrounding you and learn why this is one of the most special natural places in the world! Be sure to keep a keen eye out as you journey through the Everglades as you never know what wildlife may be right around the corner!

*Please arrive a minimum of 30 mins prior to tour time and check in at front counter for your boarding tickets.

*There is an entrance fee to the National Park Service required to enter Everglades National Park. Price details can be found here .

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Things To See And Do In The Everglades National Park

T he Everglades National Park is a unique and diverse ecosystem located in southern Florida, known for its vast wetlands, abundant wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes. Here are some of the top things to see and do in the Everglades National Park:

• Airboat Tours: Take an exhilarating airboat tour through the Everglades to explore the waterways and observe wildlife such as alligators, turtles, and various bird species.
• Anhinga Trail: This popular 0.8-mile trail offers a boardwalk that allows you to walk over the wetlands, providing an up-close view of alligators, herons, and other wildlife.
• Shark Valley: Visit Shark Valley, located in the northern region of the park, and take a tram tour or rent a bike to explore the 15-mile loop trail. This area offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, including alligators, wading birds, and the iconic Everglades' “River of Grass.”
• Canoeing and Kayaking: Rent a canoe or kayak and paddle through the park's many water trails, such as the Nine Mile Pond or the Wilderness Waterway. These waterways provide a peaceful and immersive way to experience the Everglades' unique ecosystem.
• Flamingo Visitor Center: Head to the southernmost tip of the park to visit the Flamingo Visitor Center. Here, you can learn about the park's history, explore exhibits, rent boats, and embark on various hiking trails.
• Eco-Tours: Join an eco-tour led by experienced guides who will provide insight into the park's ecology and wildlife. These tours may involve hiking, canoeing, or kayaking and offer a more educational and in-depth experience.
• Wildlife Spotting: The Everglades is home to a wide variety of animals, including alligators, manatees, dolphins, panthers, and numerous bird species. Keep an eye out for these creatures as you explore the park, and consider visiting wildlife hotspots like Big Cypress National Preserve or the Anhinga Trail for the best chances of spotting wildlife.
• Photography: With its breathtaking landscapes and unique wildlife, the Everglades National Park is a paradise for photographers. Capture the beauty of the marshes, mangroves, sunsets, and wildlife as you explore the park.
• Camping: Spend a night or two camping in the Everglades to fully immerse yourself in its natural beauty. The park offers several campgrounds where you can pitch a tent and enjoy a serene night under the stars.
• Ranger Programs: Participate in ranger-led programs, including guided walks, talks, and demonstrations. These programs provide valuable insights into the park's ecology, conservation efforts, and cultural heritage.

Remember to be respectful of the environment and wildlife while visiting the Everglades National Park. Follow park regulations and guidelines to help preserve this unique ecosystem for future generations to enjoy.

The post Things To See And Do In The Everglades National Park appeared first on Things That Make People Go Aww .

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Shark Valley Visitor Center

Visitor Information & Local Services

Named for two estuaries, Shark River and Little Shark River, Shark Valley is in the heart of Everglades National Park and about an hour's drive west of Downtown Miami along Tamiami Trail. Here, visitors may see wildlife like alligators, herons, egrets, Key deer, turtles and snail kites. It’s also a great place to hike and enjoy the outdoors. Those who want to explore Shark Valley can start by visiting the Shark Valley Visitor Center .

Visitor Center Amenities and Services

The Shark Valley Visitor Center introduces visitors to a world of outdoor adventure.

Shark Valley Tram Tours, Inc. is headquartered in the center of Shark Valley and offers two-hour guided tram tours, group tours and self-guided bike tours daily. Tram tours are led by Shark Valley naturalists and are open-air, giving passengers a close look at the diverse wildlife in Shark Valley’s sawgrass prairies. Tours and bike rentals can be reserved on a first come, first served basis by contacting the Shark Valley Visitor Center. Group tours must be arranged in advance by calling (305) 221-8455.

Near the visitor center, visitors can hop on three trails that are great for walking, hiking, biking, bird watching and wildlife viewing. Tram Road Trail is a flat, paved road that loops for 15 miles and is used for Shark Valley Tram Tours. This trail leads to the Shark Valley Observation Tower viewing platform, the highest accessible point in all of Everglades National Park. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the Everglades for miles. The Bobcat Boardwalk Trail breaks off from here, winding through sawgrass sloughs and tropical hardwood forests. Otter Cave Hammock Trail is a rough limestone path that goes over small streams and through a tropical hardwood forest.

There are two educational exhibits about the local ecosystem as well as a short film about Shark Valley on the loop. The visitor center has a gift store where visitors can buy books, postcards and other souvenirs. There is no restaurant, but there are vending machines and packaged snacks and drinks are available for sale. The Shark Valley Visitor Center is the only air-conditioned building in Shark Valley and the only place where visitors can find food or a restroom.

General Information

Check with the visitor center ahead of time for hours and amenities. Seasonal flooding can cause the center to close. There is no public transportation to and from Shark Valley.

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Biking at Shark Valley

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The Shark Valley Tram Road is a 15-mile (24 km) paved road that is flat and free of rough terrain. The road is approximately 8 feet wide. It is suitable for any type of bicycle. 

Electronic Bikes (E-Bikes) are allowed at Shark Valley. The term “E-bike” means a two- or three- wheeled cycle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (1 horsepower). Speed limit is 15 miles per hour on the Shark Valley Tram Road. Fully electric (no pedaling required) bicycles are only permitted on public roadways, the same as vehicles. Pets, other than service animals, are not allowed on the Shark Valley Tram Road

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Last updated: November 30, 2023