Planning Your Visit - Shark Valley Tram Tours

Are you ready to plan your visit to South Florida and the Everglades? Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, adventure seeker, or simply looking to relax and enjoy some of the most picturesque landscapes in the United States, this guide will help you make the most of your trip.

Why Visit South Florida and the Everglades?

South Florida offers a unique blend of vibrant cities, pristine beaches, and the world-famous Everglades National Park. Here’s why you should consider visiting:

Diverse Ecosystems: From the coastal mangroves to the vast sawgrass prairies, the Everglades is a haven for wildlife and a paradise for nature lovers.
Outdoor Adventures: Enjoy activities like airboat rides, kayaking, bird watching, and hiking.
Cultural Experiences: Explore Miami’s art deco architecture, Little Havana’s Cuban culture, and Fort Lauderdale’s Intracoastal Waterway.
Relaxation: South Florida’s warm climate and beautiful beaches make it an ideal destination for relaxation and sunbathing.

Best Times to Visit

South Florida and the Everglades can be enjoyed year-round, but the best time to visit is during the dry season from November to April. During this period:

Weather: Expect mild temperatures ranging from 60°F to 85°F (15°C to 29°C) and lower humidity.
Wildlife Viewing: Animals are more active and easier to spot as they gather around water sources.
Fewer Mosquitoes: Less rain means fewer mosquitoes, making outdoor activities more enjoyable.

Must-See Attractions

Everglades National Park

Shark Valley: Take a tram tour or bike ride along a 15-mile loop trail to see alligators, herons, and other wildlife.
Anhinga Trail: A popular boardwalk trail that offers excellent opportunities for bird watching and spotting alligators.
Flamingo Visitor Center: Explore the southernmost point of the park, with opportunities for boating, fishing, and manatee sightings.

Miami

South Beach: Known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and art deco architecture.
Wynwood Walls: An outdoor museum showcasing large-scale works by some of the world’s best-known street artists.
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens: A historic estate featuring beautiful gardens, artworks, and architecture.

Fort Lauderdale

Las Olas Boulevard: A bustling street with shops, restaurants, and galleries.
Fort Lauderdale Beach: A family-friendly beach known for its clear waters and soft sands.
Bonnet House Museum & Gardens: A historic home offering guided tours through its beautiful grounds.

Activities and Tours

Airboat Tours

Experience the thrill of gliding over the water on an airboat tour. Several operators offer tours that take you deep into the heart of the Everglades, where you can learn about the ecosystem and see wildlife up close.

Kayaking and Canoeing

For a more intimate experience, consider kayaking or canoeing through the mangroves and waterways. Guided tours are available for all skill levels.

Wildlife Safaris

Join a guided safari to explore remote areas of the Everglades. These tours often include opportunities to see alligators, birds, and other native wildlife.

Tram Tours

Embark on one of our tram tours to get an up-close personal view of the beautiful and varied habitat and wildlife of the area, in a safe and carefully curated experience guaranteed to be a highlight or your visit to the region.

Travel Tips

What to Pack

Clothing: Lightweight, breathable clothing is ideal. Don’t forget a hat and sunglasses for sun protection.
Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots for exploring trails.
Bug Repellent: Essential for keeping mosquitoes at bay, especially during the wet season.
Water and Snacks: Stay hydrated and bring snacks, particularly if you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors.

Getting Around

Car Rental: Renting a car is the most convenient way to explore South Florida and the Everglades at your own pace.
Public Transportation: Miami and Fort Lauderdale have public transportation options, but they may not reach more remote areas like the Everglades.

Safety Tips

Stay on Designated Trails: This helps protect both you and the environment.
Respect Wildlife: Observe animals from a safe distance and never feed them.
Prepare for Weather: South Florida weather can change quickly. Check forecasts and be prepared for sudden rain showers.

South Florida and the Everglades offer something for every traveler, from breathtaking natural beauty and outdoor adventures to cultural experiences and relaxation. With this guide, you’re well on your way to planning your visit. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned traveler, the magic of South Florida and the Everglades awaits!

Birders: A Front-Row Seat to the Everglade Snail Kite!

Snail kites (Rostrhamus sociabilis) are fascinating birds of prey found in wetland habitats, particularly in Florida. Snail kites are relatively quiet birds, lacking the vocalizations and aggressive behaviors seen in some other raptors.

Interesting Facts About Snail Kites

Specialized Diet: Snail kites almost exclusively eat apple snails, using their sharp, curved beak to pry the snail from its shell. This makes them highly dependent on wetland ecosystems like the Everglades National Park biome, where these snails thrive.
Sexual Dimorphism: Males and females have different plumage colors. Males are dark gray with red-orange legs and beaks, while females and juveniles are brown with streaked markings.
Unique Hunting Method: They fly low over marshes, using their keen eyesight to spot snails just below the water’s surface before swooping down to grab them with their talons.
Population Fluctuations: Since they rely on apple snails, their population is highly affected by water levels and snail availability. Conservation efforts have helped stabilize their numbers in Florida.
Agile in Flight: They are excellent flyers, capable of hovering over water before striking their prey.
Conservation Status: They are listed as “Endangered” in the U.S. because habitat loss and water management changes have reduced their food supply.

Are They in Shark Valley, Florida?

Snail Kite Florida population is primarily found in the Everglades, where these specialized raptors rely on apple snails as their main food source. Shark Valley is recognized as a prime location for observing these birds. (On January 13, 2025, two snail kites were observed near Mile 3 on the tram road at Shark Valley).

Their range in the U.S. is quite limited, as they are only found in Florida, primarily within the Everglades and other marshy areas. When it comes to nesting, they keep things simple, building basic nests in reeds or trees near water. Unlike more adaptable birds of prey, snail kites are highly specialized. Their dependency on apple snails makes them particularly vulnerable to habitat changes and fluctuations in their food supply.

Sightings of snail kites can fluctuate based on water levels and prey availability. The dry season, typically from November to April, often concentrates prey, making snail kites more visible as they forage.

Can You Birdwatch on a Shark Valley Tram Tour?

Yes! The Shark Valley Tram Tour in Everglades National Park is a great way to go birdwatching. The area has an abundance of marshland, making it a prime habitat for apple snails and, in turn, snail kites. If you visit Shark Valley, you have a good chance of spotting them, especially near slow-moving water where snails are plentiful. Keep an eye out for them soaring low over the wetlands!

Visitors aiming to spot these birds should consider visiting during the dry season and focusing on areas along the tram road and near the observation tower. Bringing binoculars and visiting during peak activity periods can enhance birdwatching experiences.

Our open-air trams provide an excellent vantage point for spotting a variety of birds, including snail kites, anhingas, great blue herons, egrets, white ibises, roseate spoonbills, and wood storks. Check out the Shark Valley Tram Tour Gallery of Wildlife Sightings.

Since the tram moves at a slow pace with frequent stops for wildlife viewing, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to observe birds in their natural habitat. The tram tour 15-mile loop runs through prime wetland areas, where wading birds and raptors like snail kites are often seen hunting or perched. At the halfway point of your Everglades tour, a 45-foot-high observation deck gives you an opportunity to observe birds and other wildlife 20 miles in all directions.

If you prefer a more flexible viewing opportunity, you can also bike the loop at your own pace.

What Time Of Day Is Best For Birdwatching There?

Visiting Shark Valley in Everglades National Park offers excellent birdwatching opportunities. While snail kites can be active throughout the day, early mornings and late afternoons are generally optimal for birdwatching, as many bird species exhibit increased activity during these times.

Birds are typically most active during the early morning hours, shortly after sunrise, and in the late afternoon before sunset. These periods, known as the “golden hours,” provide optimal lighting and increased bird activity, enhancing your birdwatching experience.

Regularly check this site or contact us directly for the latest updates on tour availability and any potential changes due to construction.

By planning accordingly and staying informed, you can enjoy a rewarding birdwatching experience at Shark Valley.

Don’t miss out on this incredible destination — start planning your trip today!