Shark Valley Tram Tours

12/03/2024

Water Update:
A section of the east road does still have some water on it, but far less than it had been. While you may still have to go through a few spots, the dry areas are far more numerous these days.
remember, you may still encounter some slippery spots due to algae. Please use the appropriate caution while out there...and have fun.

12/03/2024

We believe we may have heard of this place 😁

Shark Valley is one of the most visited districts of the park, especially in the winter season. So, why is it called ‘Shark Valley’?

Shark 🦈– Present day Shark Valley is comprised of freshwater so you will not find any sharks here! The area is named for its proximity to the Shark River Slough which flows into the Shark River and its tributaries. The Shark River derives its name from the fact that sharks, such as bull sharks, are known to give birth to their young in the Shark River.

Valley 🏞️- While the landscape around Shark Valley may appear flat, it does represent a slight dip in elevation between the Miami Rock Ridge to the east (Miami), and the Immokalee Rise to the west (near present-day Naples). This makes the central part of the Everglades a valley.

For more information on planning a visit to Shark Valley: https://ow.ly/QLeV50UjhEo

12/01/2024

Red Shouldered Hawks are the most common bird of prey viewed at Shark Valley. A smaller Buteo, they tend to spend a lot of their day scouting for food in obvious locations. We occasionally see them heading back to their perches with their quarry. Snakes, frogs, and random rodents may be on the menu.

Photo h/t Mike Rios

12/01/2024

While our version of winter typically does not see all that snow fall, we are seeing benefits of slightly cooler temperatures. Animals such as alligators have been spending more time basking in the sun to help regulate their body temperature.

Photo h/t Mike Rios

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