Shark Valley Visitor Center

Despite the name, there are no sharks in Shark Valley. It is a paved and slightly raised 15 mile loop in the southern Everglades in Miami, FL. You can do a 2 hour tram tour (I've never done that). Or you can hike or bike the loop. What makes Shark Valley special is... Well... It's sort of like going to a zoo except the animals aren't in cages. Yes, it's dangerous, but not if you are observant and follow the rules. Stay on the path! Even still, gators may rest near or on the path and you'll have to navigate around them. They are so used to people that they are (in my personal experience: non-aggressive) but always err on the side of caution. The above picture I took... I was on the path, the alligator was about 3 feet away. I will go on record as saying this is not advised. Do your photo ops at a safe distance. (I should mention that I do a lot of work with the non-profit organization "The Everglades Wildlife Alliance". Additionally, birders will love it here. Mama birds feeding her babies, birds on gators, on turtles... It's a memorable place. It's very popular in the winter time, which is why I recommend going in the early Spring. It's the tail end of the dry season, not oppressively hot and the crowds thin out a bit. A couple miles into the loop the crowds also thin out a bit. #springfun #nature #miami #florida #everglades #sharkvalley #aligator #birds #travel #explore #danger #environment #hike #bike #walk #tram
Despite the name, there are no sharks in Shark Valley. It is a paved and slightly raised 15 mile loop in the southern Everglades in Miami, FL. You can do a 2 hour tram tour (I've never done that). Or you can hike or bike the loop. What makes Shark Valley special is... Well... It's sort of like going to a zoo except the animals aren't in cages. Yes, it's dangerous, but not if you are observant and follow the rules. Stay on the path! Even still, gators may rest near or on the path and you'll have to navigate around them. They are so used to people that they are (in my personal experience: non-aggressive) but always err on the side of caution. The above picture I took... I was on the path, the alligator was about 3 feet away. I will go on record as saying this is not advised. Do your photo ops at a safe distance. (I should mention that I do a lot of work with the non-profit organization "The Everglades Wildlife Alliance". Additionally, birders will love it here. Mama birds feeding her babies, birds on gators, on turtles... It's a memorable place. It's very popular in the winter time, which is why I recommend going in the early Spring. It's the tail end of the dry season, not oppressively hot and the crowds thin out a bit. A couple miles into the loop the crowds also thin out a bit. #springfun #nature #miami #florida #everglades #sharkvalley #aligator #birds #travel #explore #danger #environment #hike #bike #walk #tram

Popular places to visit

Shark Valley Observatory Tower showing an observatory and a garden

Shark Valley Observatory Tower

Explore the great outdoors at Shark Valley Observatory Tower, a lovely green space in Miami. Experience the acclaimed art galleries and great live music in this vibrant area.

Shark Valley Observatory Tower
EVERGLADES, UNITED STATES - APRIL 8, 2018: Everglades Safari Park in Everglades National Park, Florida

Everglades Safari Park

See the exotic and native animals who call Everglades Safari Park home during your trip to Miami. Visit the casinos and top-notch restaurants in this family-friendly area.

Everglades Safari Park

Miccosukee Indian Village

You can spend an afternoon browsing the exhibits at Miccosukee Indian Village in Miami. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

Miccosukee Indian Village

ValuJet Flight 592 Memorial

Find out about the history of Miami with a stop at ValuJet Flight 592 Memorial. Experience the acclaimed art galleries and great live music in this vibrant area.

ValuJet Flight 592 Memorial

Gator Park

You can take time to visit Gator Park during your travels to Miami. Visit the casinos and top-notch restaurants in this family-friendly area.

Gator Park

Big Cypress Gallery

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Big Cypress Gallery during your trip to Ochopee. Stroll along the lakeside or experience the area's art scene.

Big Cypress Gallery

Top Hotel Deals

Hilton Garden Inn Miami Dolphin Mall

Hilton Garden Inn Miami Dolphin Mall

3 out of 5
1695 NW 111th Ave Miami FL
Hilton Garden Inn Miami Dolphin Mall
EVEN Hotel Miami - Doral Area, by IHG

EVEN Hotel Miami - Doral Area, by IHG

3.5 out of 5
10770 NW 25th Street Miami FL
EVEN Hotel Miami - Doral Area, by IHG
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