Shark Valley Visitor Center

Shark Valley Visitor Center

NPS Photo

Directions

Physical Address:

36000 SW 8th Street
Miami, Florida 33194

Driving from Miami

Shark Valley Visitor Center is located on Highway 41 (Tamiami Trail / SW 8th St.) 25 miles west of the Florida Turnpike, exit 25A (from the north) and exit 25 (from the south).

Driving from the Naples Area

Take U.S. 41 (Tamiami Trail) approximately 70 miles east to Shark Valley.

Map out your Directions

Searching for the Shark Valley Visitor Center on Google gets you directions. Approximate GPS Coordinates: 25°45'27.60" N 80°46'01.01" W

*NOTE: Visitors Arriving by on-demand Ride Service (Uber, Taxi, or Lyft)

Due to the remoteness of this area we are finding that visitors arriving by "on-demand" transportation services are unable to acquire return transportation on those services. We suggest checking with your driver for return arrangements or have an alternative taxi option. There is no other public transportation to this site.

 

Shark Valley Observation Tower

NPS Photo

Plan Your Visit

Hours of Operation (Every Day)

• Visitor Center: 9:00AM - 5:00PM

• Shark Valley Tram Tours: 8:30AM - 6:00PM

• Parking Gate & Lot: 8:30AM - 6:00PM

Amenities

Tram Road & Observation Tower

• 15-mile paved, bicycle/tram road
• An observation tower (accessible)
• Restrooms (accessible) and a water fountain with a water bottle refill station at the 7-mile mark beside the tower.

Visitor Center

• Shark Valley Visitor Center offers educational displays, a park video and informational brochures.
• Books, postcards, and other souvenirs are available in the Florida National Parks Association gift shop.

Shark Valley Tram Tours, Bicycle Rentals & Snacks

• Guided tram tours, bicycle rentals, snacks and soft drinks are available from Shark Valley Tram Tours, Inc.
• Note: We recommend to bring lunch/meals, as only snacks are available for purchase.

Walking Trails

• Two short walking trails are located off the bicycle / tram trail for your enjoyment.
  • Bobcat Boardwalk - Accessible boardwalk, 0.2 miles.
  • Ottercave Trail - Unpaved trail, 0.3 miles. Caution: may be slippery when wet.
• Restrooms are available by the visitor center.

 

A park ranger at Shark Valley

NPS Photo

Tips & Tricks to Visit Safely

Do - Tips on What to Do & Bring

• Bring plenty of water, sun protection, and snacks (limited snacks available for purchase through Shark Valley Tram Tours).
• Plan on walking, bicycling, or taking a tram tour during your visit; vehicles are not allowed on the trail.
• Stay 15 feet (3 meters) away from all wildlife and do not harass, touch, or feed any wildlife; it is illegal.
• Plan on arriving early or expect to wait in long lines during the busy season (November - April).
• Bring your own bicycle or rent a bicycle from Shark Valley Tram Tours.
• Stop for the tram or government vehicles while riding bicycles.
• Helmets are required for children under 16 years of age.
• Be prepared for weather conditions. There is very limited shade along the tram / bicycle trail and a water fountain at the observation tower (7 miles south of the parking lot).

Don't - What Not to Do or Bring

• Roller blades, skateboards, long boards, scooters (except mobility scooters), and motorized vehicles are NOT allowed on the tram / bicycle trail. E-bikes are allowed.
• Do not bring pets. Pets are only allowed in the parking lot (not allowed on the tram/bicycle trail). They pose a risk to themselves, their handlers, and the wildlife due to the similarity in size of the prey that alligators consume.
• Do not feed, touch, or harass wildlife; it is illegal.
• No fishing allowed.
• There are no airboats at Shark Valley. The 3 airboat concessions within Everglades National Park are 15-20 minutes away from Shark Valley. Learn more.

Tips to Reduce Parking Stress

During peak visitor season at Shark Valley (typically from December into April each year), parking is extremely limited and usually fills by 10 am. Visiting on weekdays, and arriving before 10 am or after 3pm, could help avoid long entrance station lines and delays, and difficulty finding a place to park.

• Be flexible. Arrive with alternative plans and destination in mind or plan to wait in line for a parking spot during busy times. Wait times at the entrance station can be over an hour on the very busiest winter weekends and holidays.

• One car out, one car in. Once the parking lot is full, we are only able to allow one car in while another one exits.

• Park legally, responsibly, and safely.

Contact by Phone

• Shark Valley Visitor Center: [phone]
• Tram & Bicycle Reservations / Questions: [phone]
• General Park Information: [phone]