Shark Valley Tram Tour



Shark Valley Tram Tour

The Everglades Shark Valley Tram Tour

If you have never been to the Park before my advice is to head straight for the Shark Valley Visitor Center (off route 41, the Tamiami Trail, about an hour west of Miami and an hour and 20 east of Naples) and take one of the tram tours.

http://www.sharkvalleytramtours.com/tramtours.html

This is a two hour tour of the 15 mile loop road that runs out of the visitor center. The tours are naturalist led and we have found them informative and entertaining. About half way round the tram stops and you can go and walk up a 45 foot high observation tower which is well worth doing. The view along the way up and from the top is great. You also have the option to walk a short trail, down which we have seen a range of interesting birds and (once) a very large snake. The tour gives a great summary of the ecology and history of the wetlands, the various flora and fauna to look out for and we have found it very helpful in terms of understanding and enjoying the Park.

We have also enjoyed listening to the naturalists. On our first visit we were told “If there is a ‘gator or a snake across the trail, the trail ends here today.”. That was the day we saw the very large snake across the trail and yes, we absolutely did just turn straight round. The trail ended here for us that day and ever since it has become our household code for stopping pretty much anything.

The tour is suitable for children. The naturalists leading the tours take care to engage them and they will get the opportunity to get off the tram and squelch some Everglades mud if they wish.

Make sure you take plenty of water with you, especially if it is hot. The trams are covered but open air which makes them brilliant for seeing things but the only air con is the air moving past as you are driven along. I would avoid sweet drinks and snacks as they may attract insects.

“If there is a ‘gator or a snake across the trail, the trail ends here today.”