SHARK VALLEY
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Shark Valley in the heart of the River of Grass, stretches from Lake Okeechobee to the Gulf of Mexico, streetcar or bike ride
Shark Valley begins in the heart of the River of Grass, which stretches 100 miles from Lake Okeechobee to the Gulf of Mexico. Wildlife abounds in the freshwater marsh ecosystem. You can take a two-hour guided streetcar ride with Shark Valley Tram Tours (reservations required), or rent bicycles (permission required for groups of 10 or more; helmets are required for children under 10). Those who want to explore on their own can follow a short trail and ride part of the streetcar route. In the middle of the trail is a huge 20-meter high observation tower, which offers a spectacular panoramic view of the sawgrass swamps. What the Indians, the first inhabitants of the area, could contemplate 300 years ago, should not be too far from the landscape observable today.
To fully experience Shark Valley, plan on spending at least half a day here. Finish with a visit to Mickosuckee Indian Village, located just a five-minute drive from the entrance to Shark Valley.
The Shark Valley Visitor Center is a must-see. It has a small exhibit on the wildlife of the Everglades. You can also rent bikes for the day, buy tickets for the streetcar tour and purchase souvenirs and snacks.
It's also the starting point for the Everglades Loop, a 15-mile paved road that leads to the Shark Valley Observation Tower at the halfway point. This is the highest point in the Everglades, and you'll enjoy a 360-degree view of the vastness of the park. If you have time to spare, it is possible to walk the route (it takes 24 km round trip all the same!) or to ride a bike (rent at the Visitor Center). On both sides of the road, you will cross many alligators, crocodiles, turtles, fishes and birds, evolving freely in a luxuriant vegetation. It is impressive!
Three 800-meter trails are also offered around the Visitor Center. The Bobcat Trail Way leads you on a wooden pontoon through the trees and the Otter Cave Hammock Trail leads you on a small path through the rainforest. The Borrow Pit Trail is located at the entrance to the Shark Valley Observation Tower. Before you leave, fill your water bottles, as there is no water station between the Visitor Center and the observation tower.
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Members' reviews on SHARK VALLEY
The ratings and reviews below reflect the subjective opinions of members and not the opinion of The Little Witty.
Depuis le Visitor Center, quelques informations sur la faune et la flore locale, les rangers sont très aimables et prêts à aider.
Mais on y vient surtout pour faire la "loop" : 24km que l'on peut faire en tram ou à vélo (loués sur place).
Nous avons choisi de le faire à vélo. La boucle est longue mais ça vaut le coup d'oeil : de nombreux alligators bordent la route, c'est plutôt impressionnant.
A mi-chemin il y a une tour d'observation qui donne une vue panoramique sur le parc.
Une exposition permet de découvrir le milieu naturel
Prévoir de payer l'entrée du parc des Everglades 10$ si vous n'avez pas le pass "America the beautiful", puis louer des vélos 6,5$/heure et c'est parti pour une boucle de 26 km au milieu des alligators et autres animaux peuplant les marais... Ballade très agréable, un de mes meilleurs souvenirs lors de mon passage en Floride, la route est plate, possibilté de faire une pause à mi-parcours à la tour d'observation, prévoir 3H, des chapeaux, créme solaire et beaucoup d'eau !
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J’y suis allée en mars, j’ai vu des nichées d’alligators, magnifique.