The first time I visited the Florida Everglades was an epic fail when it came to seeing any alligators. After moving to Miami in Summer 2019, I was determined to go using the right method during the right weather and finally see some gators.
I revisited the Shark Valley Visitor Center shortly after my move, this time ready to rent a bicycle and withstand inclement weather. I managed to spot a few alligators on my first couple of visits. But it wasn't until the winter that I saw so many I lost count!
Now as a local, I have all the secrets to maximizing your chances of seeing alligators in the Everglades.
This post is an answer to the article "How NOT to See Alligators in the Florida Everglades."
Why Visit Shark Valley In The Everglades?
I really love Shark Valley because of its many options for different types of travelers to see the natural wildlife. I walked part of the loop and trails here back in 2016. Since my move, I found that I especially love the bicycle ride at Shark Valley.
For older adults, such as my parents, the tram tour is also a great option. They booked their tickets and got on—it's so easy for folks with mobility challenges. And, according to mom and dad, it was very informational!
I prefer Shark Valley to other tours in the same area. Airboat tours engage in unethical animal tourism practices. They lure alligators to the boats with bait, feed them, and generally disrupt the environment.
Shark Valley is different. Considered an ecotour, Shark Valley staff respect the fragile environment and actively work to improve their impact.
Where Is The Shark Valley Visitor Center?
Shark Valley is located in Everglades National Park off the Tamiami Trail west of Miami, FL. It's near the Miccosukee Indian Village off of US 41 (SW 8th St).
From Miami Beach, the visitor center takes about 1 hour to get to by car. You can Uber there, rent a car, or purchase a tour that will bring you there by bus or van.
How To Get Around Shark Valley In The Everglades?
There are 3 primary modes of transportation around the loop: by foot, tram, and bicycle. The 15-mile loop would take a large part of the day to walk. The tram takes 2 hours and costs $27 per adult ($14 child and $21 senior). My parents really enjoyed taking the tram tour
I prefer the bicycle loop for the pace, physical challenge, and connection to nature. I'm able to zoom around and also stop to look at what I want when I want.
I usually take about 2.5 hours to bicycle the loop. This includes the time taken to stop for photos, observe wildlife, and take in views from the tower at the halfway point.
When Is The Best Weather To Visit The Everglades?
My recommendation is to complete this bicycle loop during the colder, winter months in Florida.
I visited Shark Valley back in 2016 in the middle of the rainy July season. The skies opened up and down-poured on me. I love rain and the thunderstorms and lightning shows in the Everglades can be truly epic to see! But rain can be a real bummer when you don't plan for it!
In summer 2019, I visited Shark Valley once by myself and again with my friend Christiana. I got lucky in early August with only an occasional drizzle. A light rain was welcomed since the temperature was incredibly hot.
I managed to push through both times by going early in the morning. Shark Valley opens at 8:30AM.
I also went twice in the month of February—once with my friend Birgit who visited me from Germany (I met and traveled with her around New Zealand!).
A week ago, I visited with my partner, Ivana.
Both times were totally different from the summer. I was completely comfortable—perhaps even a little chilly this most recent time!
Try to pick a calm day so you don't have to fight the wind! With Ivana, we were riding against the wind on the last 8 mile stretch. My muscles were already tight from the beginning half of the ride so the wind added to the challenge.
If your goal is to see alligators, pick a cloudy day to see them. They seem to like it best when the sun is out but not blaring down on them. Just don't forget your sunscreen. The Florida sun will burn you even from behind clouds in the winter!
What Is The Best Time To See Alligators?
My main purpose in going to the Everglades is always to see the alligators. In my 5 times visiting, I've learned that the best time of year to see them is in Florida's "winter." The first weekend in February is the time I saw the most alligators in the park.
I lost count after 15 and easily saw up to 40 of them on first weekend in February!
I even saw 3 nests on one ride with 3-4 babies!
A nest with baby gators and their mama lurking underneath
Alligators like to come out and bathe in the sun during the daytime in the winter months. This makes spotting them almost inevitable—especially on cloudy days.
I did not have nearly as much luck in the summer as the winter. In the summer, the sun is way too hot for them to come out of the water. The alligators spend most of their time submerged and in the shaded parts of the park, making it near impossible to spot them.
Between my two bicycle rides in early August, I saw 1 nest of babies (with the help of some rangers), one partially submerged alligator, and a dead alligator.
Yes, I said that right! I saw a dead alligator—or at least a near dead one—in summer. It scared the shit out of me as I was riding along solo in the park. I was on Mile 11 of my bicycle ride. This was my first time riding the loop and I had not seen an alligator yet. Then right next to road near my peddling feet an alligator flashed in front of my eyes.
I literally yelped—"Yah!!"—and swerved to the center of the path as I back-pedaled my brakes.
Having no experience at all with alligators, I kept my distance and snapped some photographs. The tail was a bit raw and mangled at the base. It seemed to me the alligator hurt its tail and was taking a rest. The midday sun was blazing, but what did I know? Maybe this alligator just needed a break from swimming.
The next weekend, I found bones in the same location and a ranger informed me that a gator was in a fight the weekend before. It died and was devoured by vultures in the 5 days between my two visits.
Nature is incredible!
Is It Safe To See Alligators In The Everglades?
Um...this a nature. There is no guaranteed "safety" when interacting with wildlife. Shark Valley is not a zoo where the animals are caged. If it was, I wouldn't go there (unless accidentally entering without paying—oops!).
The alligators and all the wildlife at Shark Valley are completely wild and free. I love this about Shark Valley and happily spend my money there because if this. To me, it's the best way to support the animals, as opposed to giving to the unethical airboat tours down the road.
Despite their wildness, the gators at Shark Valley are generally used to visitors hanging around. They are especially relaxed in the winter. Winter is alligators biological slowdown period. This means they tend to be much calmer and tolerant of human visitors.
But this doesn't mean you shouldn't still be careful.
The park rangers recommend keeping at least 10-15 feet between you and all wildlife in the park. This way, you can enjoy the animals in their most natural state while protecting them and yourself!
What Other Animals Are In The Everglades?
Grasshoppers are seen mainly in summer in the Everglades
In addition to alligators, there are tons of other wildlife in the Everglades. Particularly on the Shark Valley ride, I have seen a myriad of turtles, birds, lizards, insects, snakes, and frogs.
For birds, the most noticeable are different types of heron, egret, and ibis.
You will also see lots of water turkeys airing out their wings.
My favorite are the Great Blue Heron.
And the vultures!
For turtles, there are many soft-shell turtles as well as hard-shelled, red-bellied turtles.
I loved seeing the Florida Turtle with it's strange-shaped nose.
How Much Does It Cost To Get Into Shark Valley?
The entrance fee to the entire Everglades National Park area is $30. This grants one car access for 7 days at any of the entrances.
If the first day you enter the park is Monday, your last day to enter will be Sunday. I recommend you plan it out so you can maximize your entrance fee and visit the park more than once in a week.
How Much Does It Cost To Rent Bicycles In Shark Valley?
The cost to rent a bicycle at Shark Valley in the Everglades is $9 per hour. I've taken no more than 3 hours to complete the loop, so it has never been over $27 total to do this loop.
Note that there is a fee if you bring the bicycle back after closing time (5pm).
What To Bring To Shark Valley?
Bring snacks!
The following is a list of essentials to bring with you on this tour:
Water (at least 1L per person)
Sunscreen
Hat/head protection
Poncho or lightweight rain jacket
Helmet (for under 16)
Camera
Snacks
Most of the bicycles have a basket on them so you can take your items in a small backpack.
It's also advisable to bring your own bicycle if you have one. The bicycles for rent at Shark Valley are basic. You will have to back pedal for braking and there are no gears (the path is flat with no hills).
You also aren't guaranteed a bicycle upon arrival. If you show up later in the day (like after 11am or 12pm), you may find all the bicycles are already rented. I waited 30 minutes for a bicycle one time.
If you get a newer, yellow bicycle, you will have a slightly more comfortable ride than the older blue ones. Regardless, the seat is rough on the bum by the end of the ride!
With Christiana, my blue bicycle was so old that the chain came off 5 miles into the ride. Luckily, a couple of rangers were nearby and helped me out. They fixed the chain and called it into the Center.
It took an hour, but a ranger eventually brought me a new bicycle in the back of a pickup truck. I was already at mile 12, but I appreciated the better bike for the last few miles of the ride!
Note that children under 16 years old must ride with a helmet in Florida. If you have your own, bring it!
It's worth mentioning again—don't forget your camera! You won't want to miss the amazing photos you'll take on this beautiful tour.
In Conclusion
I absolutely love the Shark Valley 15-mile bicycle loop in Everglades National Park. There is nothing like it in New York, so I am really enjoying this experience (over and over!) now as a South Florida resident.
I love showing it to people and I'm always enthralled by the amazing alligators that come out mainly in the winter time. I always see something new and exciting on this tour, even after going 5 times.
There is so much more to share from my South Florida experiences. Don't miss out! Keep an eye on my blog or subscribe to receive bi-weekly updates.
