Best Way to See the Everglades: Shark Valley Tram & Bike Tours

Whether planning your trip to the Florida Everglades from afar or nearby planning a day excursion at Everglades National Park, you’re likely wondering what is the best way to see the Everglades. You can explore the Everglades biome through bike tours, tram tours, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, or via airboat tours.

At Shark Valley, we offer guided Everglades tram tours and encourage self-guided Everglades bike tours, as these are two of the most satisfying and enlightening ways to enjoy Everglades National Park in Florida.

Advantages: Why Tram or Bike Tours are Ideal to Explore Florida Everglades

While airboats and kayaks offer excitement and up-close access to the water, they might miss the bigger picture. Tram and bike tours through Shark Valley provide a broader, more immersive view of the Everglades landscape. You’ll travel a scenic 15-mile loop through the heart of the park, with unmatched opportunities to observe wildlife like alligators, turtles, herons, and egrets in their natural habitats, all without disturbing the environment.

Unlike airboats, which can be loud and disruptive, or kayaking, which limits how far and how much you can see, tram and bike tours allow you to comfortably cover more ground. You also get access to the Shark Valley Observation Tower, which offers panoramic views you simply can’t get from water level.

Plus, our guided tram tours include expert narration from naturalists, helping visitors understand the ecosystem, history, and unique features of Everglades National Park.

Guided Everglades Tram Tour

If you want to truly immerse yourself in the Everglades without breaking much of a sweat, a guided tram tour through Shark Valley is one of the best ways to do it. This two-hour experience offers a comfortable and eye-opening introduction to the unique landscape of Everglades National Park. Unlike hiking or biking the 15-mile loop on your own, the tram tour ensures you don’t miss out on the subtle wonders hidden throughout this sprawling ecosystem.

Led by knowledgeable naturalists, the tour offers more than just a ride. Your tram explores through time and terrain. These guides don’t just recite facts; they bring the Everglades to life with stories, ecological insight, and a genuine passion for protecting this rare subtropical wilderness.

The open-air tram makes for perfect panoramic viewing, and frequent stops allow guides to highlight animals and plants that are easy to miss without trained eyes.

As mentioned earlier, one of the highlights of the tour is the mid-point stop at the Shark Valley Observation Tower. From the top, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the River of Grass stretching out in every direction. It’s a moment that connects the science of the Everglades with its breathtaking beauty.

The tram runs multiple times a day, but spots fill quickly, especially during the dry season, when wildlife sightings are at their peak. Plan ahead, arrive early, and bring water and sun protection. While the trail can be biked, some visitors find that taking the tram first gives them a much deeper appreciation for the area before setting off on their own.

Self-Guided Everglades Bike Tour

You can bike the Everglades at your own pace. Discover the beauty of Shark Valley on a 15-mile paved loop perfect for all skill levels. Stop along the way to spot wildlife, then park your bike at the mid-trail observation tower for a breathtaking 360° view of the Everglades.

Bring your own bike or rent one from Shark Valley Tram Tours — helmets, baskets, and children’s options available. We recommend you ride in the cooler morning hours, pack plenty of water, and enjoy one of the most unforgettable ways to explore the “River of Grass.”

Group Tours

Taking an Educational Group Tour of the Everglades? If you want your group to get the most out of an Everglades visit, a guided tram tour with Shark Valley Tours is the way to go. Our naturalist guides bring science and nature to life in a way textbooks simply can’t. The covered tram ensures comfort in sun or light rain, and with everyone traveling together, no one gets left behind or lost on the trails.

Commercial fees may be waived for educational programs. Learn more about the free Everglades National Park entry (separate from the tram tour fee). Combine the free park entry benefit with the expert guidance of a Shark Valley Everglades tour, and you have an unforgettable, hassle-free learning experience in the heart of the Everglades.