Shark Valley Visitor Center Tours and Activities

Despite the name, there are no sharks in Shark Valley. It is a paved and slightly raised 15 mile loop in the southern Everglades in Miami, FL. You can do a 2 hour tram tour (I've never done that). Or you can hike or bike the loop. What makes Shark Valley special is... Well... It's sort of like going to a zoo except the animals aren't in cages. Yes, it's dangerous, but not if you are observant and follow the rules. Stay on the path! Even still, gators may rest near or on the path and you'll have to navigate around them. They are so used to people that they are (in my personal experience: non-aggressive) but always err on the side of caution. The above picture I took... I was on the path, the alligator was about 3 feet away. I will go on record as saying this is not advised. Do your photo ops at a safe distance. (I should mention that I do a lot of work with the non-profit organization "The Everglades Wildlife Alliance". Additionally, birders will love it here. Mama birds feeding her babies, birds on gators, on turtles... It's a memorable place. It's very popular in the winter time, which is why I recommend going in the early Spring. It's the tail end of the dry season, not oppressively hot and the crowds thin out a bit. A couple miles into the loop the crowds also thin out a bit. #springfun #nature #miami #florida #everglades #sharkvalley #aligator #birds #travel #explore #danger #environment #hike #bike #walk #tram
Despite the name, there are no sharks in Shark Valley. It is a paved and slightly raised 15 mile loop in the southern Everglades in Miami, FL. You can do a 2 hour tram tour (I've never done that). Or you can hike or bike the loop. What makes Shark Valley special is... Well... It's sort of like going to a zoo except the animals aren't in cages. Yes, it's dangerous, but not if you are observant and follow the rules. Stay on the path! Even still, gators may rest near or on the path and you'll have to navigate around them. They are so used to people that they are (in my personal experience: non-aggressive) but always err on the side of caution. The above picture I took... I was on the path, the alligator was about 3 feet away. I will go on record as saying this is not advised. Do your photo ops at a safe distance. (I should mention that I do a lot of work with the non-profit organization "The Everglades Wildlife Alliance". Additionally, birders will love it here. Mama birds feeding her babies, birds on gators, on turtles... It's a memorable place. It's very popular in the winter time, which is why I recommend going in the early Spring. It's the tail end of the dry season, not oppressively hot and the crowds thin out a bit. A couple miles into the loop the crowds also thin out a bit. #springfun #nature #miami #florida #everglades #sharkvalley #aligator #birds #travel #explore #danger #environment #hike #bike #walk #tram

Plan a trip to see Shark Valley Visitor Center

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Creekside Inn

Creekside Inn

2.5 out of 5
Price was CA $3,042, price is now CA $1,324 per person
CA $1,324
per person
May 19 - May 26
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip flight included
Toronto (YTO) to Miami (MIA)
7.8/10 Good! (1,013 reviews)
It’s totally sufficient for the type of hotel. Older but clean. Great location

Reviewed on Mar 9, 2026

The Retreat Collection at 1 Hotel & Homes South Beach

The Retreat Collection at 1 Hotel & Homes South Beach

5 out of 5
South Beach
Price was CA $20,675, price is now CA $11,317 per person
CA $11,317
per person
Apr 13 - Apr 17
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip flight included
Hamilton (YHM) to Miami (MIA)
8/10 Very Good! (1 review)
Hotel Riu Plaza Miami Beach

Hotel Riu Plaza Miami Beach

4 out of 5
Mid Beach
Price was CA $2,582, price is now CA $1,436 per person
CA $1,436
per person
Apr 15 - Apr 21
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip flight included
Toronto (YTO) to Miami (MIA)
8/10 Very Good! (1,155 reviews)
The room was clean but very thin walls and doors. It sounded like the people in the hall where in our room - very loud. You had to make sure the door shut completely, the elevators were very slow and looked/sounded like they needed some work. The pool area was great with a great location on the beach.

Reviewed on Mar 10, 2026

Popular places to visit

Shark Valley Observatory Tower showing an observatory and a garden

Shark Valley Observatory Tower

Explore the great outdoors at Shark Valley Observatory Tower, a lovely green space in Miami. Experience the great live music and lively festivals in this vibrant area.

Shark Valley Observatory Tower
EVERGLADES, UNITED STATES - APRIL 8, 2018: Everglades Safari Park in Everglades National Park, Florida

Everglades Safari Park

See the exotic and native animals who call Everglades Safari Park home during your trip to Miami. Check out the casinos and top-notch restaurants in this family-friendly area.

Everglades Safari Park

Miccosukee Indian Village

You can spend an afternoon exploring the galleries in Miccosukee Indian Village during your travels in Miami. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

Miccosukee Indian Village

ValuJet Flight 592 Memorial

Find out about the history of Miami when you spend time at ValuJet Flight 592 Memorial. Experience the great live music and lively festivals in this vibrant area.

ValuJet Flight 592 Memorial

Gator Park

You can take time to visit Gator Park during your travels to Miami. Check out the casinos and top-notch restaurants in this family-friendly area.

Gator Park

Big Cypress Gallery

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Big Cypress Gallery during your travels in Ochopee. Stroll along the lakeside or experience the area's art scene.

Big Cypress Gallery

Best Lodging Options Near Shark Valley Visitor Center

Miccosukee Casino & Resort

Miccosukee Casino & Resort

3 out of 5
500 SW 177th Ave Miami FL
Miccosukee Casino & Resort
The Palms Inn & Suites

The Palms Inn & Suites

3 out of 5
11750 Mills Dr Miami FL
The Palms Inn & Suites
Candlewood Suites Miami Exec Airport - Kendall by IHG

Candlewood Suites Miami Exec Airport - Kendall by IHG

2.5 out of 5
13600 SW 139 Court Miami FL
Candlewood Suites Miami Exec Airport - Kendall by IHG
Hampton Inn & Suites Miami Kendall

Hampton Inn & Suites Miami Kendall

2.5 out of 5
14060 SW 138th Ave Miami FL
Hampton Inn & Suites Miami Kendall
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Kendall by IHG

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Kendall by IHG

3.5 out of 5
Miami FL
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Kendall by IHG
Comfort Suites Miami - Kendall

Comfort Suites Miami - Kendall

2.5 out of 5
3901 Sw 117th Ave Miami FL
Comfort Suites Miami - Kendall
Best Western Plus Miami-Doral/Dolphin Mall

Best Western Plus Miami-Doral/Dolphin Mall

2.5 out of 5
3875 NW 107th Avenue Miami FL
Best Western Plus Miami-Doral/Dolphin Mall
Best Western Plus Kendall Hotel & Suites

Best Western Plus Kendall Hotel & Suites

2.5 out of 5
8560 SW 124th Avenue Miami FL
Best Western Plus Kendall Hotel & Suites
Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Miami-Doral/Dolphin Mall

Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Miami-Doral/Dolphin Mall

2.5 out of 5
11600 NW 41st St Miami FL
Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Miami-Doral/Dolphin Mall
See all 1,538 properties in Shark Valley Visitor Center
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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