shark valley tram tours tickets

• PARKS BY NAME
• PARKS BY STATE
• REVIEWED PARK INDEX
• PHOTO LICENSING
• ABOUT NATIONAL PARK PLANNER
• REPORT ERRORS
• PRIVACY POLICY

Everglades National Park | SHARK VALLEY TRAM TOUR

• PARK AT A GLANCE
• VISITOR CENTERS
• FLAMINGO AREA
• GULF COAST AREA
• ROYAL PALM AREA
• SHARK VALLEY AREA
• BOAT LAUNCHES
• GUIDED TOURS
• PICNIC AREAS
• WILDLIFE VIEWING
• DIRECTIONS / CONTACT

Shark Valley Tram Tour boarding area

If you don’t want to bike or walk Shark Valley’s 15-mile loop road, then the Tram Tour is your only other option because the area is not open to vehicles. The two-hour tour leaves from the Shark Valley Visitor Center and is run by Shark Valley Tram Tours, an approved park concessionaire. Reservations are accepted and highly suggested during the busy winter season. For the latest prices and schedule, visit the Shark Valley Tram Tours web page.

Shark Valley is going to be packed during the winter. My advice—and advice that applies to any park at any time of the year—is to arrive as soon as it opens. You can never go wrong getting there first thing in the morning. My 9 AM-Saturday tram tour in early February was not full, which worked out well because you want to get on the very end of the bench seats so you can at least have a good view out of one side, and when the tram is not full you have room to maneuver around. I actually had my own row, so I could slide to either side of the bench to get photos. You won’t have this luxury later in the day. In fact, I ended up on the 9 AM tour because the rest of the day was already booked solid.

Shark Valley is hands down the best place in the Everglades to see wildlife ( Royal Palm is close, but not quite as good). It’s like being in an outdoor zoo with no cages. So many people visit the area that the animals couldn’t care less about human presence. Alligators sit on the side of the road like dogs. Anhingas and cormorants dry their wings while people take their photos as if they are super models. The rule is to stay at least ten feet away from any animal, but sometimes they are so close to the road that you can’t get ten feet away. At Shark Valley you can see just about every animal species you’re going to see in the Everglades.

Anhinga drying its wings

Alligators on the side of the tram road at Shark Valley

The tram travels along the loop road in a clockwise direction, heading first to the eastern side of the park. The eastern side is not as exciting as the western side because the terrain is vast and open. Animals can be far away, and to get a good photo you often need at least a 400mm lens. For those interested in bird watching, be sure to bring your binoculars.

Open grasslands on the eastern side of the loop road

Ibises on the east side of the Shark Valley tram road

Roseate Spoonbills

Alligator on the eastern side of the tour road

Heron flying off with a snake in its mouth

The western side of the road runs along a canal, and not only are the animals content to stay near the water, there is thick forest on the far side so they can’t go much farther than the canal anyway. The main difference is that on the open, eastern side you will find more flocks of birds. There is no room for a flock on the western side.

You can get much closer to the animals, like this Little Blue Heron, on the western side

Baby alligator

When picking a seat on the tram, assuming it is full and you have to finagle a good seat, you want to get the outside seat on the driver’s side. That’s going to give you a canal-side seat when you come around to the western side of the road. On the eastern side, the terrain is open in both directions, so either side of the tram is as good as the other, but on the western side most of the animals are going to be in the canal.

At the far end of the loop, the halfway point, is an observation tower. The tram stops there for fifteen minutes so everyone can walk to the top and see the entire Shark Valley area.

Observation tower

Panoramic view from the Shark Valley observation tower (click to enlarge)

View of the tour road from the observation tower

Shark Valley during the dry season

Alligator below the observation tower

The tram tour is more than just a wildlife-spotting tour; it is an educational experience. The tour has a live guide who tells you about the animals and the Everglades in general. If all you want to do is see some animals and take a few photos, you’re better off walking, plus you’ll have a little more money in your pocket. Also, unless you have a bike, for most people the tour is the only feasible way to get to the observation tower because most people aren’t about to walk 15 miles just for a view.

I highly recommend the Shark Valley Tram Tour, but if you don’t have the money or the tours are full when you are in the area, you can still see plenty of animals on foot when walking along the canal. In fact, your best photos are going to come on foot because you can observe and photograph the animals on your own schedule. This is why I highly suggest that you walk a short section of the road near the canal even if you do go on the tram tour. On foot you can scour the canal and wetland and see animals that you otherwise would miss when passing by at 5 MPH.

Back to the Top

© 2014-2024 Copyright Steven L. Markos . All Rights reserved. Designed by National Park Planner

Loading, Please Wait!

• Connect on Facebook
• Connect on Instagram
• Connect on Twitter
• Send Us an E-Mail

About The Everglades

What are the everglades.

Swamp is a word commonly used to describe the Everglades, but that is not an accurate description. The Everglades is actually a river. It’s a very shallow, slow-moving river that in some places is just inches deep and 50 miles wide. Sometimes called The River of Grass, it forms as water from Lake Okeechobee, which historically overflows the lake’s banks, moves onto the southern Florida plains. The waters then make their way to the Gulf of Mexico at the amazingly slow rate of 2,000 feet per day, or about one mile per 2 ½ days, depending on water depth.

Great White Heron

And how slow is that, in comparison to other rivers? Well, at its headwaters in Minnesota, the Mighty Mississippi moves along at about 1.2 Miles Per Hour, which translates to about 152,000 feet per day. When the Mississippi gets to New Orleans, it’s moving about 3 MPH, which comes out to 380,000 feet per day.

The Everglades River is lazy, and its pace creates an ecosystem that’s friendly to about 150 species of trees, 40 species of mammals, hundreds of types of colorful birds, and an array of reptiles and amphibians, including crocodiles and alligators. It’s a unique habitat that you won’t see anywhere else on Earth.

Everglades National Park

The Everglades National Park covers approximately 2,357 square miles, making it bigger than Rhode Island and Delaware. It is the third largest park in the lower 48 states, surpassed by only Death Valley and Yellowstone. Everglades National Park was established on December 6, 1947, in an effort to conserve the natural landscape and prevent degradation of not only its land, but also the plants and animals that inhabit the Everglades.

The Park has been designated as an International Biosphere Reserve and a Wetlands of International Significance by the United Nations. So it is not only crucial to the local region and state, but recognized on an international scale.

If you’re considering a visit to the National Park, we encourage you to check out the National Park Services page dedicated to planning your visit . Here are valuable resources to provide you important information about everything there is to see and do!

Where are the Everglades

1.5 million acres of tropical wetlands in southern Florida make up the Everglades. You’ll find us here at Shark Valley Loop Road in Miami. When navigating with a GPS, you’ll want to use 36000 SW 8th Street, Miami, 33194.

Click here for a map of the Everglades , courtesy the National Park Service.

What to do in Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park isn’t just home to amazing wildlife , it also features plenty of opportunity for fun and excitement during your visit.

Rated among the top attractions in Everglades National Park by Tripadvisor , Shark Valley offers guests numerous ways to explore.

Among guest favorites are the two-hour Everglades tram tours . During your tram ride, you’ll get up close and personal to the amazing Everglade experience. However, nothing can beat standing atop the 45-foot high observation deck at the midway point of your journey. This provides unrivaled views of the Everglades and is a perfect spot to snap a photo or two.

For those of us who like to move at their own pace, there’s a self-guided bicycle tour one can experience with our Everglades bike rental option, or you can save costs and bring your own bike. This 15-mile paved road is flat and free of rough terrain, so it’s a quite enjoyable 2-3 hour adventure.

Where to Stay in Everglades National Park

There is no shortage of available accommodations in and around Everglades National Park. We invite you to visit our Shark Valley resources page which outlines links to nearby accommodations and attractions to learn more.

• Get Directions
• Recent Sightings
• Buy Tickets

Your browser is not supported for this experience. We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari.

Find Your Favorite Beach

Atlantic Coast

Beach Camping

Family-Friendly

Places to stay.

Campgrounds

Travel Ideas

Accessible Travel

Eco-Friendly Travel

African American Heritage Travel

More Travel Ideas

Popular links.

Florida Webcams

Toll Roads Info

Travel Guides

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 .

PLACES TO REMEMBER

Everglades city

Explore Naples

related content

Great Hiking Trails in Florida

• 10 minute read

By Lauren Tjaden With varied terrain and tremendous ecological diversity, Florida provides hikers of every skill level a perfect backdrop for exercise...

10 Florida Trails You Need to Experience

• 5 minute read

Want to experience the splendor of greenways and trails? Florida's your place. Outdoor enthusiasts are encouraged to step off of the beaten path...

Where and How to Meet Dolphins in Florida

• 11 minute read

Except perhaps for alligators, few animals are associated more with Florida than the dolphin. Here's where to see, feed, touch, paint with,...

STRATEGIC ALLIANCE PARTNERS

Adventure is not a hobby, it’s a lifestyle!

How to Visit Shark Valley in Everglades National Park

As many times as we’ve been to Florida, we haven’t seen an alligator close up in nature. Dustin really wanted to see one. Therefore, once we realized that one of the best places to see alligators in Florida is at the Everglades National Park, specifically Shark Valley, we were quick to be on our way. Shark Valley is located 30 miles west of Miami, in the very heart of the Everglades freshwater marsh. It has a single 15-mile loop paved trail that gives you the best opportunity to see alligators and other wildlife. This paved trail also takes you to a beautiful 70ft observation tower that provides a panoramic view of the whole area. You can hike, bike, or ride the tram along this Shark Valley’s loop trail.

Shark Valley Visitor Center 36000 SW 8th Street. Miami, FL 33194 

Coords: 25°45’24.8″N 80°45’57.2″W

Tram Tours and Bike Rentals Info

Shark Valley Tram Tours is an authorized concessioner for the Everglades National Park. Their physical location is at the Shark Valley Visitor Center. You can purchase your tram tickets or rent bikes there. To reserve bikes or tram tickets ahead of time, you can check out their website .

There are restroom at the Visitor Center and at the Shark Valley Observation Tower (7 miles hike in).

Since Shark Valley is part of the Everglades National Park, you’ll need to pay a fee to enter. For the most current pricing, check out their website . You can also use your America the Beautiful Pass here. 

The loop trail is 15 mile

Elevation Gain

• Tram tour takes 2 hours
• Bike ride takes about 2-4 hours depending on how often you stop
• Walking will depend on how far you want to walk.

Pet-friendly

Your pets can be in the parking lot ONLY. They are NOT allowed to be on ANY trails. We recommend leaving your pets at home. They might become gator’s snacks.

3 Ways to Explore Shark Valley

Shark Valley in Everglades National Park consists of a single 15-mile loop paved trail. There are two very short trails located off the main loop trail. Both of these might be closed when there is flooding. The Bobcat Boardwalk is 0.5 miles long while the Otter Cave Hammock Trail is 0.25 miles. There are 3 ways to explore Shark Valley.

This is a 2-hour narrated tour by a trained naturalist. This tour is perfect for visitors with less mobility. The trams stop quite often so you can look at wildlife. Halfway on the trail, the trams will stop so you can visit the 70 ft high observation tower. From the deck of the tower, you’ll have panoramic views of the whole area. For up-to-date hours and prices, check it out here . You can purchase the tram tickets at the Visitor Center or reserve them online at Shark Valley Tram Tours . F.Y.I. the tram goes clockwise on the loop trail.

Bike along the Trail

You can either bring your own or rent bikes at the Shark Valley Visitor Center. If you want to rent the bike, either come early or reserve ahead of time with Shark Valley Tram Tours . They run out fast on busy weekends. The bike rental starts at 8:30 am and may be rented until 4 pm. The rental bikes are nothing exciting. They are single gear, similar to a beach cruiser.  If you have your own bike, it’s definitely better. By the way, E-bikes are allowed with the speed limit of 15 mph.  Biking is our favorite way to explore Shark Valley.  With a bike, the 15-mile trail doesn’t seem that bad. Also, we get to stop wherever and for however long we want.

Walk the Trail 

Most people chose to walk the trail just for the first couple of miles, since 15 miles is pretty long. By walking, you can see and pay attention to more of the surrounding area. This way, you might be able to see more wildlife. Also, you don’t have to pay for the tram tour or rental bikes (if you don’t owe a bike). However, unless you’re willing to walking 14-15 miles, you’ll missed out on seeing the observation tower, which is another highlight of Shark Valley. 

Tips on Visiting Shark Valley

When is the best time to visit shark valley.

The best time to visit Shark Valley is in the winter, from December to April . Also, in the winter, you don’t have to deal with pesky mosquitoes and bugs or the heat. If you want your best chance of seeing tons of alligators along the trail, make sure to visit after a cold night. Make sure to go early in the morning. Because they are cold-blooded, the gators tend to bask in the sun on the river bank to warm up. If it’s too warm out, they usually prefer to hide in the water.

• Shark Valley tends to get very busy during peak season, usually from December to April every year. Parking is limited. So, the wait to get in can be over an hour during the holidays or weekends in the winter. For overflow parking, you can park on the Tamiami Trail and walk in or bike in if you have your own bike. I f you’re visiting during the winter, make sure to visit on the weekdays or go as early as you can, before 10 am .
• Besides the fact that the parking is limited, Shark Valley might be also running out of bikes to rent or seats on the tram. If you need to visit during peak times, we recommended reserving the tram tour or the bike rental in advance here . 
• Bring plenty of water and sun protection . It can get very warm here, even in the winter and there are minimal shades. Also, bring food and snacks. There aren’t any places that sell food here.
• Do not harass, touch, or feed any wildlife . It is illegal.
• There is a water fountain to refill your water at the observation tower . This tower is 7 miles (about halfway) from the Visitor Center on the paved loop trail.
• Make sure to stop for the tram if you’re riding bicycles.
• Pets are NOT allowed on any trails.
• Phone reception is limited here so make sure you download or print out anything necessary beforehand.
• A little-known fact: Shark Valley is open 24 hours , though the parking lot is closed at 6 p.m. As long as you park outside the park, you can access the Loop Trail after closing time. This means if you’re brave enough, you can ride the loop trail at night or best, during a full moon. 

The Bike Ride Through Shark Valley Loop Trail

The start of the ride.

Our group opted to go with the bike because we wanted to go the full loop, but also the option of stopping whenever we want. Since we couldn’t bring our bikes on the airplane to Florida, we rented the bikes. The renting process was quick and easy. Soon, we headed out onto the trail. Since it is a loop, we decided to go counter-clockwise because someone told us that they saw an alligator just up the road. 

Sure enough, right at the start of the trail, next to the sign, there is a small gator hanging out. So, we decided to play “spot-a-gator.” As we bike along, we were all excitedly called out every time we saw an alligator. Lucky for us, the night before was cold so they are out basking in the sun to warm up. There were so many of them along the bank of the river and in the water. There were a few decent-sized gators as well. Even though there were a decent amount of people on the Shark Valley loop trail, they seemed to be thinning out about 3 miles in.

As we rode along the flat paved trail, Dustin heard little sounds that he swore it was from baby alligators. They made this cutest little hiccup sound. So, we kept our eyes peeled for them. Then, we saw something move in the grass near the water’s edge. There were baby gators sleeping on the grass. They were super tiny and adorable! Of course, we didn’t stay too close to them because we knew mama gator is somewhere right next to her baby. We also see many other wildlife along the trail such as the Red-bellied Turtle and Anhinga.

Shark Valley Observation Tower

After 7 miles of the eventful bike ride, we reached the beautiful observation tower. This observation tower is another reason we wanted to visit Shark Valley. It has very interesting and unique architecture. We parked our bikes outside and walked in. If you need water or to use the restroom, this is the place to do it. There are restrooms and a water fountain here. 

The walkway circles around and lead up to the observation deck above. The top deck was closed when we were there however, even at the lower deck, you still have breathtaking, 360 ° views of the surrounding areas. It is also a wonderful place for photos. We are obsessed with unique architecture so we couldn’t get enough of the tower. Oh, and from the top, you might be able to see more alligators below, either on the grass or in the water.

The Last Half of the Trail

After taking our time at the tower, we went on our way to finish out the last half of the trail. This last half of the trail is not as eventful as the first half. There were way fewer people and also fewer alligators. Since it was getting warm out, most of them went back into the water. We only saw 2 by the time we made it back to the Visitor Center. Even so, at this point, we had our fill and excitement of seeing an alligator. I think Dustin was quite happy with our adventure.

If you’re visiting Miami, Shark Valley in Everglades National Park is a must. It was such an interesting place and you get to see alligators in the wild, undisturbed. Stay tuned for more things to do in and near Miami. If you’re visiting Orlando, check out our recommendations below!

These are the gear that we personally use and find them helpful for this particular adventure. Don’t forget to check out our  Recommended Gear section as well. 

Things to bring

• Good walking shoes if you’re planning to walk the trail or biking.
• Sunscreens. We use eco-friendly, reef-safe sunscreen, Stream2Sea SPF 30 and these tinted, organic All Good Organic Sunscreen Butter.
• Water! Lots of water. A backpack would help such as the Camelback L.U.X.E . or the  Patagonia Women’s Nine Trails Pack 18L
• Lunch and snack! There isn’t any place that sell food there. For healthy and easy snacks, check out some of our recipes .
• Hat and sunglasses. The sun can be blinding there.

camera gear

Sony 24-70 2.8 lens

Hybrid Pro Filters – DSLR / Mirrorless

CPL Filter for GoPro 9

GoPro Floating Handgrip

SandMarc GoPro pole

Related Posts

Bioluminescence Kayak Tour – Titusville, FL

How to Spend Your Day at De Leon Springs | Florida

How to Spend Your Day at Silver Springs State Park | Florida

Most Beautiful Kayaking Spot in Florida: Silver Springs State Park

Exploring Beautiful Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park & Historic Lighthouse

How to Go Tubing at Kelly Park Rock Springs | Florida

Save your pins:.

Share the love

You May Also Like

How to Visit Tall Trees Grove Trail in Redwood NP

Top 10 things to do on the Big Island, Hawaii

Devils Postpile National Monument – Mammoth Lakes, CA

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Get our best adventure tips, guides, and more send to you!

Follow our socials

Shark Valley Tram Tour in the Everglades

• Post author: Wim & Jessica
• Message published on: 15/02/2021
• Message category: North America

Shark Valley Tram Tour

From Everglades City it is to “Shark Valley Tram Tour” 45 miles (72 km) or an hour's drive. We had one there kayak trip to Sandfly Island made. To enter you need a National Park Entrance Fee (25 $ per car). It is valid for 7 days and good for access to the Everglades National Park. We only bought it when we got one canoe trip in the Everglades made at Nine Mile Pond . That was accessible through another entrance. We were too late to rent bicycles, but a ride with the Shark Valley Tram Tour was still possible. I quickly went to buy tickets and we were able to just make it to the last tram tour of 16 PM (00 PM).

Shark valley by bike

I would have rather done the tour by bike. The total distance of the cycle route is 15 miles or 24 km and takes about 2 hours. We rather like places “off the beaten track” and are not too fond of tourist trains. In hindsight it was not too bad and we were happy with the tram tour through Shark Valley. There was a nice nature guide. Every now and then the tram stopped and the guide gave us an explanation about the vegetation and the animals in the park. I thought it was quite interesting and the Ranger explained it well. Most of the bicycles had already returned to the entrance, because at 5 pm you have to return the bicycle.

Baby alligators

The advantage of a guided tram tour is that the rangers know the whereabouts of each alligator, so we spotted many among the tall grass. The guide told us that there are almost no deer left in the park, because the Everglades are full of the choke snakes that eat the deer. Especially the baby alligators eat them. The snakes are not native and have become a real pest. They are difficult to catch and probably never even to be removed. We were able to view 2 alligator nests on the route, with baby alligators, from 2 meters away, albeit from the tram because mama-gator was lying in wait.

Shark Valley Observation tower

Eventually, after 8 miles or 12.8 km, you will come to the 45-foot high viewing tower, the Shark Valley Obsevation Tower. There we had 15 minutes to get to the viewpoint. On the way to the tower we saw a small light green snake on a branch, several water birds, three baby alligators and a lot of black vultures. The path runs in a wide arc all the way up and is wheelchair accessible. The entire tour is fully accessible for disabled people. At the top you have a beautiful panoramic view of the wide plains of the Everglades. There was not a breath of wind and the temperature was really blissful.

Are alligators in Florida dangerous?

On the way back we stopped a few more times by tram to see water birds, a large water turtle and a huge alligator. In the photo, he or she is really just holding his mouth open to let air out of his stomach. Still keep your feet in ... 😄 We have been told that there has never been an alligator attack on walkers or cyclists on the bike path. The alligators cross the road or just lie on the warm asphalt. So you can't help but cycle around it. Always keep a safe distance . It is always recommended that you keep 10 to 15 feet (3 meters) away from wildlife.

Once there was an incident with a child who was bitten by an alligator, but that was because the boy missed a turn in the path with his bicycle and ended up in a pond on top of an alligator. If you want to hear the whole story, then you should also do the Shark Valley Tram Tour… When we are in South Florida again, we will definitely do the bike tour.

Shark Valley Tram Tour - INFO

Shark Valley Visitor Center

Shark Valley Loop Road Miami, FL 33194

Price Tram Tour: adults 25 $, children 12,75 $ and seniors 62 + 19 $

Rent a bike: 9 $ per bike (not to be reserved)

You can book the tram tour via email: [email protected] or tel: (305) 221-8455

Map: Shark Valley Tram Tour & Sandfly Island

• Canoe trip - Everglades National Park

• Anhinga Trail - Everglades National Park

• Road trip to Key West

Wim & Jessica

You might also like this.

Hiking on Whistler Mountain and zipping with Ziptrek Eco Tours

Kayaking to Sandfly Island in South Florida

From Revelstoke to Kootenay National Park

Give a reaction cancel reply.

Short walk Pico de las Nieves to Llanos de la Pez 🌞

The Official Website of Greater Miami & Miami Beach

Meeting Planners

GMCVB Partners

Travel Professionals

Press & Media

About GMCVB

Advertising Opportunities

Black Hospitality Initiative (BHI)

Business Relocation

Film/TV Production

Sports Commission

Partner Extranet Login

Español

Français

日本語

Kreyòl

Português

Pусский

中文

Spring in Miami

Cruising from PortMiami

View All Neighborhoods

Things to do in Miami with Kids

Sustaining Paradise

Itinerary Ideas

Explore our Miami Vacation Guides

Discover spring in miami.

Did you know that Miami is the only U.S. city bordered by two National Parks?

Michelin Key Hotels

Hotels With Amazing Pools

Miami Spice Kickoff Dinner 2024

Michelin Guide

The Messi Experience | Through June 30

Miami Spa Months

Free Museum Days

Tours & Excursions

Shark Valley Tram Tours

Highlighted In These Stories

The Best Florida Everglades Tours

Accessible Activities in Everglades National Park

Celebrate Native American Month in Miami

Ultimate Eco Itinerary

Get Outdoors on Miami’s Best Biking Trails

Plan Your Trip to Everglades National Park

Where To See Alligators in Miami

GREATER MIAMI CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

Accessibility Statement

Commitment to DEIA

Employment at GMCVB

Privacy Policy

Thank you for your submission !

STAY IN THE KNOW WITH ALL THINGS GREATER MIAMI & MIAMI BEACH

#FindYourMiami

© 2024 Official website Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau. All rights reserved.

• Connect on Facebook
• Connect on Instagram
• Connect on Twitter
• Send Us an E-Mail
• Get Directions
• Recent Sightings
• Buy Tickets
• Shark Valley Tram Tour
• Shark Valley Alligator
• Visitors On The Shark Valley Observation Tower
• The End of a Beautiful Shark Valley Day
• Sand Hill Cranes with their chicks
• Softshell Turtle

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.

• Skip to global NPS navigation
• Skip to this park navigation
• Skip to the main content
• Skip to this park information section
• Skip to the footer section

Exiting nps.gov

Alerts in effect, shark valley visitor center.

Last updated: January 1, 2024

Park footer

Contact info, mailing address:.

40001 State Road 9336 Homestead, FL 33034-6733

305 242-7700

Stay Connected

Making the best of every opportunity to travel with our family

Everglades Shark Valley Tram Tour & Airboat

Read about our adventure to the Everglades National Park Shark Valley area. The Everglades has 3 main entrances and we’re excited to visit the Shark Valley area to do the tram tour. Yesterday, we visited the Gulf Coast Visitor Center as we explored the Tamiami Trail – A Scenic Drive into Real Florida . But read below for more info on the Everglades Shark Valley tram tours and airboat rides!

For Paul’s birthday this year, he wanted to spend time with as much family as possible on the beach. So, we booked a week stay at a timeshare in Pompano Beach right on the ocean. A week at the beach sounds nice, but Paul was looking for adventure. So, he planned 3 different days of adventures in South Florida with different members of our family. Visiting the Everglades Shark Valley area is one we had planned in advance.

There are basically two ways to explore Shark Valley’s and its 15 mile paved loop trail: by bicycle or by tram. You can rent bikes for $22 on a first-come, first served basis. If you can get bikes for everyone, a typical ride around the loop would take 2-3 hours. Or you can book a 2-hour guided tram tour for $28 with discounts for seniors and children. Along with us, we had our moms as well as our daughter and Becky’s brother Kelly. Our daughter still has her training wheels and who knows the last time our moms rode a bike. There is no way we could do 15 miles on a warm day in June, so we decided on the guided train tour. You can read about these offerings at: Everglades National Park Tours | Everglades Tram Tours (sharkvalleytramtours.com) .

After reading their webpage, Everglades National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov) , we decided to book in advance. Luckily we were not going in the peak winter season, which apparently can get very crowded. But we wanted to ensure we could get there early enough since it was about 1.5 hours from where we are staying. So, we booked the tram tour for 11:00 in the morning, planning to get there early. There is a $30 fee per vehicle just to enter the Everglades Shark Valley entrance. However, we bought an annual pass last year for $80 before our road trip to Arizona, and it was still valid. If you are planning to visit multiple parks in a year, this is a great deal. And unlike Disney World, 1 annual pass is valid for up to 4 adults.

The other thing Paul wanted to do for his birthday week, was an airboat ride. We had never done one and just had to do it! There are 3 authorized airboat tour companies that operate inside the Everglades. All 3 we pass on Tamiami Trail on the way to Shark Valley, and all seemed very similar and each had a restaurant. We had decided we would pick one the next day and grab lunch after we leave Shark Valley. After lunch, we could do the airboat tour.

Shark Valley Visitor Center

We arrive at the entrance to Shark Valley a little after 10:30. Luckily there was no line to get in. We flashed our national park pass and were waived in. There was ample parking this day, and we parked near the visitor center and the trams. We figured out where we needed to be for the tram and had about 15 minutes to spare. We all hit the restrooms before the 2-hour tram ride and went in the visitor center and store to look around.

We already packed water and some snacks for the ride, but of course our daughter had to get a snack. We then walked outside to a seated and covered waiting area until they called us for the tram. Sure enough about 5 minutes before 11:00 we started to board. There was plenty of room for us though the tram seemed fairly full. It was good we booked early we thought. We have sunscreen and bug spray on and are ready for the ride.

East Tram Trail at Everglades Shark Valley

The tram starts off slow through sawgrass prairies. Besides the driver, we have a guide who points out things of interest along the way. Even though it is June, it has been dry in Florida so far so you have to look for gators more than usual. The driver and guide do a good job of spotting them though.

The driver stops suddenly and the guide points out a gator and we do this along the way. We spotted so many gators at Big Cypress National Preserve the day before, we weren’t used to looking for them. But, they also talk about some interesting facts about the Everglades as well as point out a few gator nests. You really feel in the middle of it all from the comfort of the tram. We go along the trail for almost 50 minutes before we stop about half way at the observation tower.

Shark Valley Observation Tower

The 45-foot high observation tower gives you an opportunity to see for up to 20 miles in all directions. There is a nice short paved walkway to the tower which has a ramp that slowly winds to the top. There are also restrooms at the base. We climb to the observation platform where you can get a 360 degree view all around. Looking forward, you look above the tree canopy where you see birds nesting in the tree tops. In between the tower and the trees is a body of water that resembles a creek. We spot a nice size gator in the water.

This was a nice place to just stop and look and listen to what’s around you. And it was nice to get off the tram half way and walk around for a little bit. The walk to, up, down and back was pleasant for all. Almost back to the tram, there was a short trail named the Borrow Pit Trail.

Everyone goes back to the tram except Paul. He ducked into this narrow trail that skirts the edge of a borrow pit created during oil exploration. He passes a pool of water with a great blue heron sitting still as if her hiding place was found. There were a couple of others on the trail and they started to turn around and so did Paul. We all get back on the tram, but a person is missing. One guy is still not back so we wait for him for about 10 minutes. The guide didn’t want to leave him because it is 7-8 miles back. He finally showed up and we started heading back.

West Tram Trail at Everglades Shark Valley

The tram returns back on the West Tram Trail. Unlike the East trail, this one skirts what looks like a canal on the left along the road. When the road was made, the limestone was dug out creating these holes that the water then filled. So, as the tram is going there is water alongside and better opportunity to spot wildlife.

The guides point out plenty of birds including snowy egrets and great blue herons as well as more gators. There are some pretty flowers the guides talk about as well. We spot a Florida softshell turtle on the side of the road near the water’s edge. There is a little breeze and the tram ride back is relaxing back to the visitor center parking lot. The tram ride was a great tour and ride for all of us.

Bobcat Boardwalk Trail

When we get back everyone wants to get back to the car for some more water and AC, except Paul of course. It was pretty humid as you would imagine but Paul still wanted to explore. So he did a solo walk down the Bobcat Boardwalk Trail.

We all like boardwalks and this was a nice trail through a sawgrass slough and tropical hardwood forest. There wasn’t really any wildlife sightings until the end. It comes out at the end of the West Tram Trail a little ways from the parking lot. Again, this is where the canal of water is located off the road and is abundant with wildlife. Paul spots an anhinga eating a fish on the shore before leisurely walking back to the car. With our snacks gone it is now time to get lunch.

Lunch at Everglades Safari Park

We passed each of the 3 authorized airboat companies on the way. Each airboat company also has a restaurant. And they are 5 minutes between the 3 of them. We pick Coopertown hailed as the original airboat tour. Their restaurant also looked the best online. However, when we parked the lot was full. We found a spot and walked into the restaurant to find out they are closed. Apparently they were closed for a production company. They will rent out the place to film there from time to time. So we headed back towards Shark Valley.

We then decided to stop at Everglades Safari Park which also had a restaurant. By this time we are starving so we go inside and order. The food is overpriced of course and wasn’t very good. We really wished we would have packed a picnic lunch instead. With so few food options, you have to plan better.

Airboat Ride in the Everglades

After lunch, we go to buy tickets, but by this time afternoon rain clouds are coming in. And Everglades Safari Park says they’re not taking any more boats out! We’re upset we ate at their restaurant first, but that leaves us with only 1 option – Gator Park . Luckily, they’re still selling tickets and their boats are still going out for now, but we have to hurry. We wanted to get on before the rain, so we bought the tickets for the next ride at 4:00.

As we are boarding the large airboat, a 6-foot gator floats from the bridge behind us right past us. We put in our hearing protection provided with our tickets and the boat captain/guide gives us the safety briefing. Shortly, we are on our way in the packed airboat starting slow as we leave. Rain is sprinkling as we pick up speed. The fan howls down the waterway for a few minutes until we stop.

The guide stops the boat and talks more about the Everglades. We are far enough away from the dock we can’t see it and are out in the open. All we see around us is a river of grass – the “Everglades”. The tram ride was great, but being on the water out here gives you a different perspective. It is a beautiful view and we take it in for a little while before we head back. On the way back the guide points out a snowy egret and some pond apples. While alligators and other wildlife may eat pond apples, our guide says they taste like rotting melons. Now we know! The ride lasts about 30 minutes.

With our tickets came a show as well. After we get back, we are escorted to a little outdoor theatre. The show is reminiscent of shows at the old Silver Springs. A handler comes out holding a baby gator and puts on a little educational show. The handler is pretty funny and you get to see alligators and a crocodile up-close and out of the water. He has probably done this show a dozen times this day and this was his last. It was a short show about 15 minutes but a good ending for the day.

Summary of Everglades Shark Valley Tram Tour & Airboat Ride

The Everglades National Park Shark Valley area was a fun stop along the Tamiami Trail. We were glad we scheduled the tram tour and on a separate day from other planned activities. Though it was hot and humid there was plenty of shade and fresh breezes that kept the bugs away. It was well worth the money. If we come back during the winter months, the real wet season, it could be a completely different experience. Seeing the tram loop, I can see the appeal of renting bikes to take your own time. We could have spent more time along the trail and especially at the tower.

One thing we learned, is we should have planned to pack our lunch. We could also have bought airboat tickets online ahead of time. But you never know with the weather in Florida on a summer afternoon. I think most of us thought we can say we did an airboat ride and not want to do it again. It was a bucket list thing for us and we checked it off. However, the 2 days we had on the Tamiami Trail in and around the Everglades were fun for all. We really got to experience real Florida and enjoyed the Everglades Shark Valley Tram Tour & Airboat! To see all of our stops along the Tamiami Trail, check out our separate post: Tamiami Trail – A Scenic Drive into Real Florida .

Share this:

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of new posts by email.