Shark Valley Tram Tours

11/14/2024

Amazing progress on this project!

One-year update! 🏗️

We began construction of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas and redevelopment of the site one year ago in October and we're excited to report we've made great progress.

So far, the site has been cleared and raised, marina expansion and seawall are completed, and marina dredging is underway.

Visitor center construction has begun, and preliminary work is starting on the concession building. Installation of water, sewer and utilities is ongoing.

The canoe/kayak launch has been delayed due to some delays with the marina dredging. The whole project is expected to be completed by Fall 2025.

NPS Photo

11/06/2024

Native snakes we like to see at Shark Valley!

10/25/2024

Alligator jaws are very powerful, capable of getting through bones and turtle shells. Unlike people however, they cannot simply apply more pressure when the jaw is closed. They must open the jaw back up and crunch down again. That is how creatures such as this turtle have the chance to escape, fleeing while the gator opens its mouth for another chomp. We easily find turtles with scars and scrapes from close encounters they have been able to survive.

h/t Mike Rios

10/19/2024

The cottonmouth or water moccasin (Agkistrodon piscivorus) is one of four venomous snakes that call Everglades home. The easiest identifying characteristic is the broad eye stripe running to the back of the head. This helps distinguish it from the non-venomous water snakes in the 'glades. This snake is a younger animal, still showing off its beautiful markings. As it gets older and larger, the snake becomes much darker and limits just how much pattern you can see. That eye stripe will remain.

h/t Mike Rios

10/18/2024

Water Update
Water levels have slowly been changing. The west side of the Shark Valley loop road still has some water on it, but lower than it had been. Some strips of water still exist but should be manageable. If you are biking the west road, you can expect some splashing to occur.
The east side of the loop still has approximately two miles with water on the road, some several inches in depth.
Due to the improvement we are seeing on the west road, we will start bike rentals once again beginning this weekend. Bikes should ride on the west side of the loop, and as always, use caution. The east road is currently not recommended for riding. It will eventually get there.

10/14/2024

Merch Drop! Have you popped into our giftshop lately? You'll find some awesome new designs and colors to rep your favorite spot in sunny South Florida! 😎

10/10/2024

We are so grateful for the well wishes and are glad to report no major damage at Shark Valley. We will be reopening tomorrow for our regularly scheduled Tram Tours 🐊 and retail at the gift shop, however, we aren't fully out of the water yet (literally) so we will not be operating the bike rentals until more water has receded from the roadways.

Tram Tour availability can be found at https://tinyurl.com/2sh68u8z

10/08/2024

With conditions deteriorating and water beginning to cover the roadways we will be closing operations early today and have cancelled the 4:00PM tram tour. We'll post additional updates as available. Stay safe everyone!

10/08/2024

As we are less than 3 days from landfall for Hurricane Milton, Shark Valley Tram Tours will be closed Wednesday 10/9 and will begin preparations tomorrow for landfall Wednesday night/Thursday morning. We will keep everyone updated via Facebook and our website once it is safe to assess the impact to our area. Please keep our employees, their families and all those in the path of the storm in your thoughts 🙏.

10/06/2024

Arrived early and have some time before your tram tour or bike rental? Take a stroll along the lovely Bobcat Boardwalk where you can experience the Sawgrass Prairie up close, without getting your feet wet!

10/04/2024

Who doesn't love seeing baby alligators? Sighting are common this time of year at Shark Valley but give them plenty of room as mama is always close by!

h/t Mike Rios 📸

09/19/2024

The Shark Valley observation tower in 1972. Thank you Florida Memories for posting.

Shark Valley Ranger Station in the Everglades National Park in 1972

09/19/2024

Start planning your visit to Shark Valley, Everglades this fall/winter by going to our website. www.sharkvalleytramtours.com/

Reserve bike rentals, your tram tour, review park ranger programs, and more.

09/17/2024

The Shark Valley Insulated Water Containers can be purchased in our Gift Shop. It is important to stay hydrated during your visit, and as we work to significantly reduce plastic materials at Shark Valley (no more plastic bottles), you can refill your SV containers at our water fountains.

REDUCE...REUSE...RECYCLE

09/14/2024

Everglades, Florida is number one on the list.

“By the middle of October, temperatures have dropped to a much more comfortable level for hiking, biking, and paddling in the park.”

Milder temperatures, fewer folks, wildlife migrations, and special events color these natural wonders come autumn.

09/13/2024

A Shark Valley gator making a nest into a home. Location...Location...Location, the key to a safe nest and real estate.

09/10/2024

Flamingo Everglades is a wonderful place to visit. Remember, your park pass is good for seven days and provides access to all the Everglades Parks.

When planning your trip to Shark Valley this winter, please consider adding Flamingo to your itinerary. Only 50 miles away from Shark Valley (very little traffic) you can reach Flamingo park in an hour.

Love Island is not the only place you can have a luxurious stay! Our Flamingo Lodge has had an .

The visitor center, lodge, and restaurant were damaged by hurricanes in 2005 and 2017.

The original Flamingo Lodge & Restaurant was a popular visitor spot for nearly 40 years. Following its destruction by hurricanes, the NPS conducted extensive feasibility studies and began planning for the new lodge in 2018. Considerations for resiliency and storm protection in the face of sea level rise from climate change were integrated into the design and building of the lodge, restaurant, and visitor center.

Flamingo Everglades is now reopened after interior reconstruction was completed in 2023.

Come on down and create unforgettable memories and relax at the Flamingo Lodge. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking views of Florida Bay and enjoy the comfort and style of our rooms.

See you soon Islanders 💛

For more information visit: https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/gbvc.htm

NPS Photo

09/10/2024

Head on a swivel always when walking "The Loop" at Shark Valley.

We aren't trying to scare you; we want you to be alert. The gators won't bother you unless you bother them. That said, some children like to see with their hands instead of their eyes.

Be extra careful when you see yellow warning tape. That is a marked nest by an Everglades National Park Ranger. Gator moms are protective of their nests.