National Park Ranger

Intro: Shark Valley Visitor Center and Tram Tours, or simply Shark Valley as locals refer to it, is one of the most popular sections for those who want to explore Everglades National Park. A paved, fifteen-mile path loops through this northern region of the "River of Grass," offering close encounters with native wildlife ranging from alligators, snakes and turtles to more varieties of birds than you ever suspected existed.Must see and do at Shark Valley Visitor Center and Tram ToursBring your own or rent bicycles at the Visitor Center to cycle the path. It takes a good 2-3 hours to do the whole path, depending on how many times you stop. One of those stops should be the Observation Tower, at the midway point, from which you can observe the largest alligators swimming in the deepest pools of water. You can also hike two short trails near the entrance or take a guided, two-hour tram tour. The tram tour is perhaps the best way for newbies to the Everglades to understand both the complicated ecosystem and the wildlife that lives so abundantly here, and unlike some guided tours, these are hugely entertaining and interesting, led by naturalists and rangers who really know their stuff.Best and worst time to go to Shark Valley Visitor Center and Tram ToursWinter is the best season to visit this part of the park, especially if you plan to cycle. The weather is temperate and dry, the sun is mild and the bugs are at their most minimal. The worst time to visit is in the peak of the summer, especially during the afternoons, when thunderclouds gather. The lightning these storms bring is extremely dangerous in the flat, open land of the park. And while the summer rains are terrific for filling alligator holes, the standing water also breeds mosquitos and other biting bugs.Admission to Shark Valley Visitor Center and Tram ToursEntrance to the park is $10 per vehicle. For tram tours, adults are $23; senior citizens (62+) are $19; and children (3-12) are $12.75. Bicycle rentals are $9 per hour.Wildlife at Shark Valley Visitor Center and Tram ToursSpecies available for sightings will change with the seasons. For instance, you may be able to spot, if you're really lucky, a bald eagle wintering over in January. But he certainly won't be around in June. Still, you can almost always count on viewing – and perhaps even having to step over one lazing on the path in the sun – an alligator. The park is rife with 'gators, ranging from tiny to tremendous, and other reptiles and amphibians including turtles, frogs and snakes. (Other parts of the Everglades are more prone to crocodiles, manatees, dolphin and pilot whales, but it's rare to see those here.) You'll also never get tired of looking for the big wading birds such as the great blue heron, great egret, anhinga or white ibis, or birds of prey such as the majestic osprey and the red-shouldered hawk. Mammals that live in the Everglades include deer, raccoon, bobcat, the Florida black bear and the elusive Florida panther, although it's unlikely to see any mammals but deer during daylight hours.Insider tip for Shark Valley Visitor Center and Tram Tours It's much more expensive to buy sunscreen, bug repellent and drinks at the gift shop on site, so come prepared. Don't forget a hat, because even in the coldest winter, the sun can burn you. And if you're not planning on taking the tram tour, bring a birding book to help you identify the various breeds. Some, like the purple gallinule, are so colorful and unique you'll want to read about them. If you're planning on renting bicycles, arrive early – rentals begin at 8:30 a.m. and it's first come, first serve until they end at 4 p.m. A limited number of children's bicycles and bicycles with baby seats are available. Also, you'll need a driver's license or official ID to hold for deposit. Finally, don't worry about meeting an alligator on the path. They're too busy sunning themselves and warming up their blood to worry about you. If you don't provoke a 'gator, on land it'll leave you alone (In the water is a different story. Always assume any body of water in Florida has an alligator in it, and keep small children and pets away from the edges.) Just take a picture - they do like to pose - and step around.Author's bio: Jen Karetnick has been living in and writing about Miami since 1992. Her most recent books are Mango (University Press of Florida, 2014) and Brie Season (White Violet Press, 2014).

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