We rented bikes and did an out and back to the tower, about 14 miles. Saw tons of alligators, birds, and even a crocodile (which I guess are quite rare there.) A great way to experience the park. The bikes had baskets, so we were able to bring a picnic, which we ate on a bench at the base of the tower. Highly recommend. The only downside is that you can't get there via the main park entrance, but instead have to take a very long and ugly trip through Homestead, which is the most garbage-strewn town I have ever seen. It took maybe a half-hour but felt much, much longer.

Nice visitor center, did our jr. ranger books here, bought some souvenirs. Did not do the tram but went for a walk for maybe a mile or so down the paved trail along the canal. Saw 4-5 gators right there along the trail, tram may be cool if we come back...but the parking lot gets full so timing is key. We pulled in and the wait was an hour for a spot. We turned around and parked back out on 41 and walked in; so glad this was an option! A neat area with lots to see depending on how much time you want to spend, my kids loved it!

Don't miss Shark Valley!!! We rented bicycles and did the 15 mile ride...if you are physically capable (it's an easy ride), skip the tram and do this instead. We must have seen 50+ alligators, the majority of them literally laying on, or next to, the bike path. It was neat to see them in their natural habitat and it was one of the best experiences of our trip to Key West. Highly recommended!!!

A couple of days ago we explored the southern part of the Everglades via the Coe entrance. Coming here to Shark Valley didn't add anything to the experience. The park opens around 8:30 and the parking lot holds no more than 100 cars. Then you can wait for a while to even get in. We saw several gators.

What a great tour! We took the last tram of the day, 4pm. Apparently that is the best time to see wildlife. Especially since the sun sets early. Mike and Bethany were our tour guide and tram operator. Mike was fantastic! He was funny and knowledgeable and knew how to get people on the tram to engage with beauty around them. Bethany was so skilled! She knew the best places to stop and see wildlife. Avoiding bicyclists is quite a challenge but she had it under control. Ask for this team and you won't be disappointed!

Shark Valley is on the Northern end of the Everglades NP. It truly only has 2 trails that loop with each other as 1. One way is 8 miles long to an Observation Tower. You can take a tram though. If you want to see Gators this trail is an amazing way to see them in their environment ~ or laying right on the pavement catching some rays.

We visited Shark Valley in February 2024 and had a fantastic morning there. We got tickets upon arrival for the tram that took us to the observation tower. I highly recommend this because it is very informative and you are able ti see so much wildlife. We were not expecting to enjoy the Everglades so much. We saw countless birds, alligators, crocodiles, and even baby alligators! The tower is impressive. If we visit again, we would like to bike it. It was a warm day and we were very comfortable on the two hour tram ride!

Ride your bike, rent a bike, or take the trolley into the Sea of Grass on a 15 mile paved loop. Great lookout halfway there. Lots of alligators and beautiful birds. But mostly alligators, lots, more than we’ve seen anywhere.

Two pieces of advice : 1) arrive at park opening (8h30) and avoid the rush hours, otherwise you will have to wait more than 1h to get into it. 2) rent a bike to cycle the 20-mile loop, otherwise the place has no real interest. Good alternative (100% free) : go to the "loop road" a few miles after Shark Valley on the way to Naples. Hundreds of birds, many alligators and beautiful environment.

We got there around 9:30 am and rented bikes. 25 dollars a person for a single-speed beach cruiser. We loved this 15-mile ride. You go against tram traffic and we only passed about 3 trams the whole time. We saw so many alligators including two babies. Beautiful birds, herons, egrets, ibis up close. And one crocodile! The 15-mile loop is fantastic and took us about 2 hours. We love to bike and it was the perfect distance. Took longer on the way out to the observation tower because we stopped a lot. It can be hot during the middle of the day, so probably best to go in the morning or late afternoon.