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 Tours
Bring 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 Tours
Winter 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 Tours
Entrance 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 Tours
Species 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).
Primate lovers will be charmed by Monkey Jungle, a 30-acre wildlife park in Redlands, Florida, that really does look like a rainforest. Here, it's the 300 or so endangered monkeys who are free, and the humans who are restricted to certain walkways and areas, giving you the best possible way to observe the primates in a natural habitat.
Best and worst times to go to Monkey Jungle
The wildlife park is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, but the ticket office closes at 4 p.m. Given Monkey Jungle's southern location, which requires transport from the main part of the city on several highways, it's best to avoid times when you'll have to drive during rush hour, especially returning from south to north. Keep in mind that the summertime can be very hot and humid as well, even though there's plenty of shade in this semi-natural tropical rainforest.
Must see and do at Monkey Jungle
At the Wild Monkey Swimming Pool, observe the Southeast Asian Java Macaques, comprising more than 90 individuals, who impress visitors with their diving and swimming skills. For experiences with orangutans and gorillas, check out the Hangin' with Orangs and Cameroon Gorilla Forest sections, which are always great fun. Other trails and sections include the Amazonian Rainforest, which houses three species of monkeys: squirrel, howler and black-capped capuchin. The zoological park, which stresses conservation, also houses the Golden Lion Tamarin, a Brazilian primate threatened with extinction, and the Wings of Love Foundation, a sanctuary of large, free-flight, geodesic domes for former, captive parrots who were given up by owners or who were displaced for other reasons.
Admission to Monkey Jungle
Adult tickets cost $30 each, while children (3-9) are nearly $25. Senior citizens (65+) get a slight break at $28. Children under 3 are free, as are Miami-Dade County police/fire-rescue active military personnel (family members receive a discount). Immersion tours, which include close-up feeding encounters and meet-and-greets with capuchin and/or squirrel monkeys, cost $90 per person and take place three times per day; reservations are suggested.
Parking at Monkey Jungle
Parking is onsite and free.
Public Transportation to Monkey Jungle
It's difficult to get directly to Monkey Jungle by public transportation. You can take the MetroRail from Government Station to Dadeland South Station, then transfer to MetroBus 38 – Busway Max Florida City and get off at SW 244 Street. But you still have 3.5 miles to drive or taxi to the site from there.
Food at Monkey Jungle
A small snack bar sells a variety of snack-bar type food, including treats for the monkeys (raisins and other dried fruit), which you're allowed to feed them. If you book a birthday party here, the fare – pizza or hot dogs plus soft drinks and chips -- will be included with the ticket price ($21.95 per child), and served at Safari Base Camp, which is a large tiki hut. Safari Base Camp is also available for school groups and other special events; call to inquire about bringing or catering food.
Insider tip for visitors at Monkey Jungle
Check the website for printable coupons before you go to save a little on admission; ticket prices are high because of park upkeep. A stop here takes about two hours; it's not a day-long excursion. It's best to combine with other nearby activities such as the Fruit and Spice Park, Knaus Berry Farm or Robert Is Here to break up a trip from Miami to the Keys or vice-versa.
Author's bio: Jen Karetnick has been living in and writing about Miami since 1992. Her latest books are Mango (University Press of Florida, 2014) and Brie Season (White Violet Press, 2014).