Everglades National Park: Shark Valley Visitor Center

Note: Numerous Aids to Navigation throughout Everglades National Park remain missing or damaged. Mariners should use extreme caution when transiting park waters. Repairs to ATONS and removal of submerged debris/uncharted wrecks will not be completed until Fall of 2019.

Bike, walk or take the narrated tram tour down the 15-mile loop road that extends into this northern portion of the park’s marsh ecosystem and ends at an elevated, wheelchair-accessible viewing tower. Excellent opportunities to see all the wading birds that this national park is famous for, including Wood Stork, Roseate Spoonbill, White and Glossy Ibis, and the uncommon Great White Heron. Also watch for Short-tailed Hawks, plus Snail, White-tailed and Swallow-tailed Kites. Sunset is a particularly good time to be at the viewing tower, when many wading birds arrive to roost in the shrubs and trees (wax myrtle, cypress, pond apple and cocoplum) along the freshwater slough. Rent a bike or bring your own, or climb aboard the tram and enjoy a 2-hour tram tour narrated by a park naturalist or ranger. Bring plenty of water and insect repellent.