Preservation

The ecosystem of the Everglades is very fragile, and every Shark Valley Tour is an ecotour. Our staff is completely respectful of the environment around us, and we strive to maintain a perfect environmental record, meaning that we had no violations of environmental regulations or protocols on the Federal, State, or Local level.

Shark Valley Tram Tours employs Best Management Practices for environmentally sensitive operations, and here are some of the steps that we’ve taken to protect the land, water, plants, and animals of the Everglades:

Why Choose Our Educational Ecotours of the Everglades?

As part of the 2023 Green Parks Plan which encourages “Buy Green, and Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” Shark Valley is going aluminum to the greatest extent possible. You will no longer see plastic water or soda bottles at Shark Valley. We are doing our part to reduce the number of plastic bottles in the Everglades. Our gift shop will offer only aluminum beverages moving forward.

Why? Because aluminum cans/bottles have about 68% recycled material compared to plastic bottles’ 3%. Read more about the benefits of hydrating with aluminum in this article.

• Over the course of the year, our ticket lamination/reuse program prevented more than 75,000 tickets from entering the waste stream.
• Our use of corn and soy-based merchandise bags has kept traditional plastics out of circulation, while recycled and quick-composting trash bags have become standard procedures for our daily operations.
• Shark Valley has also adhered to our commitment of using only environmentally friendly cleaners such as Enviro-One, Green Works, and Method.
• All of our paper products contain a minimum of 40% recycled content, with most utilizing 100% recycled content.
• The trams at Shark Valley run on Biodiesel (B99) which is basically a vegetable oil. The main sources are usually soy or other vegetable oils, based upon the growing season. We have used soy, canola, and even recycled vegetable oil from industrial fryers. The recycled oils are filtered and reprocessed into fuel. Most pure biodiesel fuels can be as much as ten times less toxic than ordinary table salt.
• On-site waste disposal consisted only of non-hazardous materials. Removal of hazardous items such as vehicle fluids took place only while the vehicles were at licensed service centers with approved disposal facilities. Recycling is an integral part of our commitment to the environment, and we recycled more than 8 tons of materials such as plastic, glass, aluminum, cardboard, and paper products. We encourage visitors to purchase a reusable water bottle from our gift shop and utilize the onsite refill station to help eliminate the amount of plastic bottles entering the waste stream.
  Our guiding goal is to keep the Everglades pristine, and we work toward that objective in all of our operations.

In line with this commitment, we encourage visitors to experience the Everglades in a way that minimizes impact and preserves its natural beauty for future generations. Biking offers a fantastic opportunity to explore the park’s diverse ecosystems while contributing to its conservation. By following responsible biking practices, you can fully immerse yourself in the wonders of the Everglades while helping secure its continued protection. (See how much are bike rentals.)

Exploring the Everglades: A Biker’s Paradise with a Focus on Wildlife Preservation

As you ride along the Everglades biking trails, you’ll not only enjoy stunning natural beauty but also witness the incredible wildlife that calls this region home, making it a unique ecotour experience.

The Everglades National Park is a haven for wildlife, with numerous endangered species and diverse plant life. It’s essential to follow best practices when biking to minimize our impact on this delicate habitat.

One of the most important ways to protect the environment while biking in the Everglades is to stay on designated Everglades biking trails. These paths are carefully planned to provide access to the park without disturbing sensitive areas.

Riding off the bike trail can damage the habitat and disturb wildlife, potentially causing long-term harm. Staying on the trail helps maintain the integrity of the park’s ecosystem and allows wildlife to thrive without unnecessary human intrusion.

The Everglades is home to many species, including alligators, turtles, and a variety of bird species like the endangered snail kite. While biking the Everglades bike trail, it’s important to respect wildlife by keeping a safe distance—at least 10 to 15 feet.

Never approach, feed, or attempt to interact with the animals you encounter. This is their natural habitat, and keeping your distance ensures their safety and yours.

By observing wildlife from afar, you contribute to the preservation of the Everglades and the creatures that depend on it.

Choose Environmentally Friendly Bike Rentals

For those without their own bikes, Everglades National Park bike rentals provide an excellent option. Renting a bike from Shark Valley Tram Tours, which prioritizes environmental best practices, lets you contribute to a more sustainable experience. This is a great option for ecotourism in Everglades National Park.

Shark Valley bikes are designed to minimize impact on the environment, and the bike rental process is streamlined to encourage responsible exploration of the park. Opting for a rental is a great way to reduce the carbon footprint of your visit and supports a business that is dedicated to preserving the Everglades’ fragile ecosystem.

Why the Everglades National Park Bike Rental Experience Matters

When you choose to rent a bike at Shark Valley, you are contributing to an environmentally responsible approach to exploration. By renting bikes at Everglades National Park, you reduce the need to drive or use other forms of transportation, further limiting your environmental impact. Additionally, Shark Valley’s bike rentals are available with all the necessary equipment, including helmets and baskets, making it easier to enjoy the Everglades while adhering to safety and environmental standards.

Be sure to reserve your bike in advance online or visit the rental office early to ensure availability. Helmets are provided for all riders, and bikes come with adjustable seats to accommodate riders of various heights. This service makes it convenient for visitors to explore the Everglades bike trail while also ensuring that they are contributing to the management of the park responsibly.

Biking with a Purpose

Biking through the Everglades offers more than just an opportunity for recreation, it’s a chance to connect with nature in a profound and respectful way.

Bike tours offer an eco-friendly way to explore natural landscapes, making them a perfect complement to the principles of ecotours. By following environmentally conscious practices, such as staying on trails, respecting wildlife, and using our Everglades bike tour services, you can help preserve this incredible ecosystem. Your biking experience becomes part of a larger effort to protect and enjoy the Everglades for generations to come.

So, gear up, hit the trails, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of one of the world’s most unique and vital ecosystems, all while contributing to its preservation.