Experts' Choice Award Shark Valley
What the experts agree on
Shark Valley pairs helpful rangers and educational displays with a scenic 15-mile loop trail where alligators, turtles, and untouched Everglades wildlife are practically guaranteed—best explored via the popular two-hour tram tour.
Afar Magazine "The rail itself is quite stunning. Just the fact that miles and miles of untouched terrain was what surrounded us...along the trail were alligators, lots of them, and other wildlife such as turtles" Full review
Fodor's "Can provide an idea of the Everglades through educational displays, a park video, and informational brochures...provided the valley isn't flooded, this is where you'll find the two-hour tram tour." Full review
Lonely Planet Top Choice
"Shark Valley sounds like it should be the headquarters for the villain in a James Bond movie, but it is in fact a slice of National Park Service grounds heavy with informative signs and knowledgeable rangers" Full review
Condé Nast Traveler "While you won't see any sharks in the Shark Valley section of the park, located smack dab in the inland midst of the park's sprawling marshland, you're highly likely to spot alligators..."
CNN "Shark Valley's 15-mile tram and bike loop cuts through a flat-as-a-board freshwater ecosystem of sawgrass marsh and tree islands. Alligator sightings are almost guaranteed."
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National Geographic "Shark Valley, located off U.S. 41 (Tamiami Trail) near Miami, is the best area in Everglades National Park for scenic bike rides (rentals available). The most popular attraction here is..."
Lonely Planet "The car ride through Big Cypress to the east side of the park lands you in Shark Valley, where, contrary to the name, you won't see any sharks. You will, however, see an abundance of..."
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March 1, 2022
Lonely Planet "Shark Valley is the busiest and is known for its gator-patrolled, 15-mile-long biking trail. Consider seeking alligators along the biking trail at Shark Valley."
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January 23, 2023
Lonely Planet "Crowds are larger during the dry season, particularly along visitor favorites like the Shark Valley bike and tram trail. Arrive as early as possible where you can; for Shark Valley, the..."
Lonely Planet "Catch the lusty crocodilians around Shark Valley, found on the south side of the park's 1.5 million subtropical acres. Visitors can bike and hike at their leisure or take a guided tram..."
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February 11, 2023
