Shark Valley Tram Tours

Photo of Shark Valley Tram Tours - Miami, FL, US. Great blue heron

Review Highlights

shark-valley-tram-tours-miami photo KwUKqtKdSrGq8vhjYagLhQ

“ As we were arriving at the park, our guest from another state said he knew very little about the Everglades . ” in 35 reviews

shark-valley-tram-tours-miami photo GoieE5DhsoQ0KPSE2vo4Tw

“ The wildlife is abundant (which is a deterrent for hiking or biking) and the guide was informative and engaging. ” in 39 reviews

shark-valley-tram-tours-miami photo 2F4NkJSid6SRvDyY62LhCg

“ Well, because the guides give a great history of the 'Glades as you mosey out the 8 miles to the Observation Towe r ” in 16 reviews

Location & Hours

Suggest an edit

Map

36000 SW 8th St

Miami, FL 33194

Serving Miami Area

You Might Also Consider

Posh Voyages

Posh Voyages

in Limos, Airport Shuttles

Larry’s Private Car & Limo Service

Larry’s Private Car & Limo Service

in Airport Shuttles, Limos, Buses

A1 VIP Limo

A1 VIP Limo

in Party Bus Rentals, Limos, Airport Shuttles

Amenities and More

About the business.

Guided Tram Tours of the beautiful Everglades inside the Shark Valley entrance to Everglades National Park. Bicycles are also available for rent and a wonderful gift shop. …

Ask the Community

Ask a question

Got a question about Shark Valley Tram Tours ? Ask the Yelp community!

People also searched for

Farms For Kids

Free Things To Do

Alligator Farm

Tourist Attractions

Hiking Trails

Recommended Reviews

Photo of Username

  • 1 star rating Not good
  • 2 star rating Could’ve been better
  • 3 star rating OK
  • 4 star rating Good
  • 5 star rating Great

Select your rating

Overall rating

124 reviews

Photo of Brett A.

Can't say enough good things about Shark Valley tram tours! We were going to bike the 15 mile trail, but thought better of it to take on such a demanding physical task in July. We chose to take the tram tour at 9:30am on a Wednesday. Dan was our driver and Juan was our guide. These guys made the trip absolutely worth the money! They were both knowledgeable, funny, and quick to point out anything of interest during the ride. The only thing that could make this experience better would be if the ports-potties halfway through the tour had hand sanitizer. If you want to see gators, try to go during the cooler months and not in the hottest parts of the day. We only saw one on a very hot July morning, but these guys still made it an unforgettable experience. Would highly recommend. 10/10!

tram tour reviews

We had an awesome driver and emcee. We saw a lot of alligators, turtles, birds. We had the opportunity to climb the tower which was really cool. Our emcee was very knowledgeable about the ecosystem of the Everglades, the type of wildlife we saw. She explained the difference between alligators and crocodiles. Overall would do this tour again.

Photo of Matt M.

Did this in June, and it was packed. They said February was usually their best time. We lucked out and got a non-rainy tour. Maybe a few drops, but we stayed dry. Both the driver and Ranger Jeep were great, lots of good information all around. Only saw a few gators as it was super hot and they were under water, but it was fine. Lots of cool birds, the fish at the tower at the halfway point were awesome. Just lots of good information and humor throughout. Highly recommend!

tram tour reviews

See all photos from Matt M. for Shark Valley Tram Tours

Photo of Susan E.

We had a fabulous 2-hour tram tour at Shark Valley on 2/19/24 at 3 pm. Both guide and driver were excellent, with the driver doing a great job to spot wildlife and ensure that everyone on board had a chance to see it. The guide ID'd the wildlife and gave great explanations of the local flora and fauna while mentioning what was invasive as well. We saw many alligators, anhinga red-shouldered hawk, purple gallinule, herons, egrets, and other species. I highly recommend this educational tour. A couple of things to be aware of: 1) while this tour operates within the national park, it is a concession. 2) You need to pay admission or have a pass to enter the park. Parking is limited, and when the lot is full you will wait in line to enter the park. One car is allowed in when one car leaves. If you've prepaid, plan to arrive early to be sure you don't forfeit your reservation.

tram tour reviews

See all photos from Susan E. for Shark Valley Tram Tours

Photo of Tiffany S.

Nice tour, definitely recommend! I was so glad we did the tram- the park is vast and full of gators!

tram tour reviews

I'd highly recommend the 15 mile bike ride through the Everglades here! You'll pay about $35 to enter the park with your car, and once you're in, plan to see lots of gators and cool wildlife! I've been here twice. On the first visit, which was a cold, cloudy day, we saw over 40 gators, some of whom were sunbathing right in the bike path! Today was warmer, so most gators are under the water. We saw about 8 total throughout the ride. We also some a few beautiful birds. Overall, this is a very peaceful and relaxing ride that almost anyone can do!

tram tour reviews

See all photos from Claire S. for Shark Valley Tram Tours

Photo of Edgar T.

I don't recommend it to anyone, you'll just waste your time. You won't see any alligators here

Photo of Robin W.

Our group took the Tram Tour today. The speaker, Mike did a great job. We saw lots of gators and a few birds. It was two hour tour which was mostly looking at sawgrass.

Photo of V W.

TIP: Sit on the driver side of the tram for the best views in my opinion. JUST TAKE IT! We took the Shark Valley tram in April 2023 while visiting the Everglades. I had been hesitant to take the tram as the reviews I'd read were so-so, but there wasn't much else to do, so we went for it. We were pleasantly surprised! The only reason I gave it 4 instead of 5 stars is I felt it was a bit on the pricey side, but ultimately well worth it. PARK AND PAY We arrived on the early side and parked in the Shark Valley Visitor Center parking lot. We paid for the tram ride in the gift shop and waited on the benches outside where you can use the restroom, get a soda from the vending machine or eat snacks and sandwiches purchased from the shop. You can also get your National Park Passport stamped in the shop/visitor center. The visitor center is quite small -- if you want to visit a larger/better one at Everglades, I recommend the Ernest F. Coe visitor center, closer to Homestead. INFORMATIVE The narrator, Kelly was excellent -- she was very enthusiastic , passionate and interesting and totally made the tour. Also a shout out to our driver Woody! I was glad that we took the tram over renting a bike as we were able to benefit from the educational narration and a roof over our heads, sheltering us from the sun. Definitely wear a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and bring water as even in April it was very hot and humid. The tram itself has hard seats and is a bit cramped as you're sat knee to knee with your neighbor. My husband and I sat one in front of the other so we both had a seat next to the 'window'. (There's no glass, it's all open air). OBSERVATION TOWER STOP Approximately halfway through, (at the 7-mile mark) we stopped at the Shark Valley Observation Tower for about 20 minutes. It's an ugly concrete tower with walking ramps that was formerly part of an oil well that gives you a 360 degree, 20 mile view over the area. It was good to stretch our legs. We saw a variety of wildlife along the way including many alligators and birds. Note: There are restrooms at the visitor center and at the observation tower, although some of them weren't working at the observation tower. We later drove to the Oasis Visitor Center, but it was disappointingly closed, so be sure to check for opening hours/closures.

tram tour reviews

See all photos from V W. for Shark Valley Tram Tours

Photo of Alyssa W.

We absolutely enjoyed ourselves on this tour. The weather was perfect and the tour was so informative. We recommend this over walking or biking the 15 miles... you simply can't get all of the good info on your own as you take in the amazing Everglades wildlife.

tram tour reviews

See all photos from Alyssa W. for Shark Valley Tram Tours

6 other reviews that are not currently recommended

Capt balo miami concierge services

Capt balo miami concierge services

in Boat Charters, Venues & Event Spaces, Car Rental

Opulent Transport

Opulent Transport

Collections Including Shark Valley Tram Tours

Summer Activities

Summer Activities

Kid Activities - Petting Zoos- Preserves Conservation

Kid Activities - Petting Zoos- Preserves Conservation

By Danielle R.

South Florida Theme Parks, Tours, and Attractions

South Florida Theme Parks, Tours, and Attractions

Outdoor Local Fun With Kids

Outdoor Local Fun With Kids

By Ainel V.

Must Visit On The List!

Must Visit On The List!

By Juan Carlos C.

Outdoors - Ft. Lauderdale

Outdoors - Ft. Lauderdale

By Cheyenne N.

Miami

By MandA R.

FL - Miami

Miami Local

By Giovanna G.

Miami

By Shirley G.

People Also Viewed

Everglades Nature Tours on Yelp

Everglades Nature Tours

Airboat In Everglades on Yelp

Airboat In Everglades

Tigertail Airboat Tours on Yelp

Tigertail Airboat Tours

Coopertown Airboats on Yelp

Coopertown Airboats

Buffalo Tigers Airboat Tours on Yelp

Buffalo Tigers Airboat Tours

gator park on Yelp

Airboat Adventures Everglades

Miccosukee Indian Village on Yelp

Miccosukee Indian Village

Everglades River of Grass Adventures on Yelp

Everglades River of Grass Adventures

Monkey Jungle on Yelp

Monkey Jungle

Best of Miami

Things to do in Miami

People found Shark Valley Tram Tours by searching for…

Air Boat Tours Miami

Airboat Rides Miami

Airboat Swamp Tours Miami

Alligator Farm Miami

Everglade Tours Miami

Everglades Airboat Tour Miami

Hiking Trails Miami

Kids Activities Miami

Petting Farm Miami

Shark Diving Miami

Tourist Attractions Miami

Wild Animal Park Miami

Browse Nearby

Restaurants

Other Places Nearby

Find more Tours near Shark Valley Tram Tours

Find more Zoos near Shark Valley Tram Tours

Related Cost Guides

Town Car Service

Protect Your Trip »

The 9 best everglades airboat swamp tours.

See much more than alligators during one of these exciting trips.

tram tour reviews

The Top Everglades Airboat Swamp Tours

OcuDrone Aerial Landscape Photography

Getty Images

If you're planning a trip to Miami or Fort Lauderdale, Florida , visiting Everglades National Park should be on your to-do list. The South Florida national park is known for its expansive beauty, as well as its varied population of wildlife that includes everything from bobcats to alligators.

To see all the Everglades has to offer, sign up for a guided tour. U.S. News consulted both traveler sentiment and expert opinion to identify the top Everglades tours. Before you go, make sure you read through the National Park Service's Wildlife Viewing Ethics to keep both yourself and the animals safe during your time in the park. When choosing the best Everglades tours, we avoided recommending operators that promote wildlife shows or encourage feeding or holding the animals for photo-ops.

Visitors should plan to pay a fee to enter the park, as it may not be included in the price of the tour ticket. You should also keep in mind that many of these tour operators are located at least 30 miles west of Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Tours that run on airboats – open-air vessels with huge fans at the back that propel the boat – can be very loud. Companies will generally offer ear protection, but if you or your companions are sensitive to loud noises, contact the tour provider to discuss options before you book.

The Best Everglades Airboat Swamp Tours

Everglades swamp tours – one hour group tour.

Price: Adults from $60; kids from $30 Duration: 1 hour

This sightseeing trip takes you out on an airboat to cruise through the Everglades' main waterways in search of alligators, birds and interesting vegetation. Throughout the ride, knowledgeable guides share facts about the area's history and ecology. Many travelers recommend booking this tour, describing it as fun and informative, with plenty of wildlife sightings. Departures generally take place daily at 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., but availability may vary by month.

Children 5 and younger can ride for free, but still require a reserved seats. Also check out Everglades Swamp Tours for private airboat tours that last up to two hours.

Check prices & availability on:

Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures – 30-Minute Airboat Tour

Price: Adults from $35; kids from $30 Duration: 30 minutes

Located at the headwaters of the Everglades in Kissimmee, Florida (about 40 miles south of Orlando), Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures earns praise from reviewers for its personable, experienced staff and the family-friendly environment. On the airboat ride, you and up to 16 other passengers will glide through the tall grass in search of eagles, alligators, raccoons and more. In addition to airboat rides, the site houses a replica of a Jororo Tribe village, as well as a gem and fossil mining activity for kids.

Tours depart throughout the day from 9 a.m. to 5 pm. You can buy your tickets online, but there are no reservations for this tour. For a longer adventure, consider the company's hourlong airboat ride. There are also sunset and night tours, if you're hoping to avoid the midday heat and crowds.

Marsh Landing Adventures – 90-Minute Everglades Airboat Tour

Price: Adults from $65; kids from $60 Duration: 1.5 hours

For wildlife lovers who want more than half an hour to experience the Everglades, this 1.5-hour airboat ride from Marsh Landing Adventures is an excellent experience. Located in Kissimmee on Lake Tohopekaliga, Marsh Landing Adventures promises travelers an in-depth look at the headwaters of the Everglades and the plants and animals that inhabit its waters. What's more, the company says it can reach areas of the Everglades that are inaccessible to larger boats because of its small crafts. Travelers give kudos to the boat captain for their educational and entertaining delivery. Many call the experience the highlight of their Florida vacation.

Tours are offered Monday through Saturday at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Reservations are required, and there is a 1% fuel surcharge added to each ticket. Marsh Landing Adventures also offers hourlong, two-hour and four-hour airboat rides.

Alligator swimming, Everglades National Park, Florida, USA.

Everglades City Airboat Tours

Price: Adults from $47; kids from $31 Duration: 1 hour

Everglades City Airboat Tours sets itself apart from other companies by offering participants two-way headsets, which allow passengers and guides to better engage with one another throughout the hourlong ride. As you navigate through narrow creeks and shallow bays, you may spot alligators, manatees and birds. Tourists enjoy the ride and appreciate the headsets. Reviewers are also complimentary of the boat captains, who they describe as entertaining and knowledgeable.

Tours depart multiple times Monday through Saturday, although timing may be modified based on the season. It's a good idea to reserve your tour in advance. Everglades City Airboat Tours is located approximately 85 miles west of Miami and 35 miles southeast of Naples, Florida.

Buffalo Tiger Airboat Tours – 45-Minute Standard Airboat Tour

Price: Adults from $45; kids from $27.50 Duration: 45 minutes

For an excursion that combines cultural immersion and wildlife viewing, consider this outing from Buffalo Tiger Airboat Tours. The Miccosukee family-owned company's standard tour focuses on introducing visitors to the homelands of the Miccosukee people: an American Indian tribe that migrated to Florida before it became a state. During the tour, you'll not only see local wildlife, but also will get to see a Miccosukee Indian camp and take a nature walk. Visitors recommend the tour, describing it as an amazing experience thanks to the small, intimate group size.

Tours run daily at multiple times between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. The company also offers private outings.

Everglades River of Grass Adventures – Semi-Private River of Grass Airboat Tours Everglades

Price: Adults from $85; kids from $45 Duration: 1.5 hours

One perk of this tour is that it is capped at six to eight travelers per boat. During the excursion, you'll get the chance to see the famous flora and fauna of the Everglades, including herons and alligators. Visitors say this is a family-friendly tour and call the trip "memorable" and "amazing."

These tours run seven days a week; since they're semiprivate, you must call or email to find out the best times to depart. River of Grass Adventures also offers sunset tours of the Everglades.

Other Popular Everglades Tours

Person in kayak in mangrove tunnel within Everglades National Park in Florida.

Shurr Adventures Everglades – Three Hour Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Tour Small Group Adventure

Price: Adults from $109; kids from $99 Duration: 3 to 4 hours

Enjoy an up-close view of animals and nature, and get some exercise in too, on this kayak tour of the Everglades' mangroves. As you paddle your way through the mangrove tunnels, you may spot orchids, birds and, of course, alligators. Kayakers say this tour is excellent and appreciate the patient, experienced guides who share a wealth of information about the plants and animals that reside in this unique ecosystem. What's more, reviewers appreciate that the tours are limited to just eight participants.

Tours are available Monday through Saturday from August to April; times vary by season. Children must be at least 7 years old to participate. Tourgoers will enjoy three to 3.5 hours out on the water but should plan to spend a total of four hours on-site from start to finish. Shurr Adventures Everglades also offers a full-day tour of the mangrove tunnels, as well as a motorboat tour in the Ten Thousand Islands region of Everglades National Park, among other options.

Shark Valley Tram Tours

Price: Adults from $31; kids from $16 Duration: 2 hours

These naturalist-led excursions not only include a tour around Everglades National Park in an open-air tram, they also give tourgoers the chance to explore on foot. Halfway through the tour, participants can climb a 45-foot-tall observation deck to see sweeping views of the surrounding vegetation. During the two-hour tour, travelers also have the opportunity to observe a variety of wildlife. Tourgoers enjoy learning about the Everglades from the expert guides and say riding the tram is part of the fun. Many also recommended taking a morning tour to avoid the midday heat.

From mid-December through late April, tours depart on the hour daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. From May through mid-December, tours depart at 9:30 and 11 a.m. and 2 and 4 p.m. Shark Valley Tram Tours also offers self-guided bike tours. (Note that you'll have to pay a separate fee to enter Everglades National Park for any tour.)

Everglades Florida Adventures – Ten Thousand Islands Tour

Price: Adults from $59; kids from $29 Duration: 3 hours

If you're hoping to see the Everglades by boat, but want something a little quieter than an airboat ride, consider this cruise. Departing from Port of the Islands Marina in Naples, this 45-foot passenger catamaran glides across the Faka Union Canal while guides share information about the history and ecology of the area. Tourgoers report spotting lots of birds, turtles, dolphins and manatees. They also call out the insightful crew and clean, comfortable boat as highlights.

Cruises are offered Monday to Friday at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Everglades Florida Adventures also offers kayak and canoe rentals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Like any other form of transportation, riding an airboat may come with some risks. To stay safe on your Everglades airboat tour, be sure to choose a company run by experienced, professional boaters (most of which undergo special training and are approved by the U.S. Coast Guard) and adhere to all rules set forth by your guide. Parents should keep a close eye on children and be sure they are properly fitted for their life jackets, and all passengers should protect against the heat by wearing sunscreen and staying hydrated. Commercial airboats typically do not exceed speeds of 30 to 40 mph to ensure a safe, smooth ride, and most operators will reschedule your tour in the event of lightning or other inclement weather. Tour companies will also generally provide riders with proper ear protection, as the boats are quite loud.

Typically, passengers will feel the most comfortable in lightweight, sleeveless clothing and shorts while on an Everglades airboat tour. If you are taking a wintertime tour, keep an eye on the weather – pants and long sleeves may be a better option, but you likely won't need a heavy jacket. Be sure to bring sunglasses, sunscreen and water to protect yourself from the effects of the sun; you may also want a hat to provide further shade and keep hair in place. Passengers with long hair are advised to wear it in a ponytail or bun to keep it from becoming knotted in the wind. Tourgoers may also wish to apply some bug spray prior to embarking on their adventure.

Airboat tours last about an hour, though duration will depend on the tour company.

An airboat's top speed is about 30 mph.

Not normally, but you run a small risk of getting misted with water. If you take a tour when it is raining, expect to get wet.

In winter, you'll want to time your visit for midday, when it warms up. In summer, you'll want to visit in the morning or later afternoon when it's coolest. Visiting at these times can increase your chances of seeing wildlife, but you'll likely see all kinds of critters no matter when you visit year-round.

You might also be interested in:

  • Best Miami Tours
  • Best Miami Boat Tours
  • The Top Museums in Miami
  • The Top Things to Do in Florida
  • The Best Medical Travel Insurance

Top All-Inclusive Resorts in Florida

Bogie Bacalls - Lookout Room at Bungalows Key Largo.

Tags: Tours , Vacations , Travel , Florida

World's Best Places To Visit

  • # 1 South Island, New Zealand
  • # 4 Bora Bora

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

Top things to do in hershey, pa.

Amanda Norcross Aug. 30, 2024

tram tour reviews

The Best College Town Hotels

Rachael Hood Aug. 29, 2024

tram tour reviews

Fun Fall Weekend Getaways

Aug. 29, 2024

tram tour reviews

Best Hoover Dam Tours from Las Vegas

Holly Johnson and Ann Henson Aug. 29, 2024

tram tour reviews

The Best London Tours

Kim Foley MacKinnon Aug. 29, 2024

tram tour reviews

The 18 Best Barcelona Tours

John Rodwan Aug. 28, 2024

tram tour reviews

Best Fall Family Vacations

Aug. 27, 2024

tram tour reviews

The Top Fall Festivals in the U.S.

Katie Hearsum and Timothy J. Forster Aug. 27, 2024

tram tour reviews

Top Music-Themed Cruises

Gwen Pratesi Aug. 23, 2024

tram tour reviews

The Best Rome Tours

Kyle McCarthy and Ann Henson Aug. 23, 2024

tram tour reviews

2TravelDads

The Yosemite Valley Tram Tour: an Amazing and EASY Way to See Yosemite NP

By: Author Rob Taylor

Posted on Published: February 1, 2023  - Last updated: May 8, 2023

The Yosemite Valley Tram Tour: an Amazing and EASY Way to See Yosemite NP

While we typically just do our own thing and plot out sights we want to see, every now and then we’ll do a tour.  National Parks are so easy to explore on your own, especially when you’re planning on hiking a bunch, but when we were in California, we opted to do the Yosemite Valley tram tour.  It was a great option for the family and worth the time.

Yosemite National Park welcomed us for our tour and told us to have fun and get a good seat to be able to listen to the ranger.  We did and we learned a lot about Yosemite National Park … and about how to manage kids on a two hour tour.  It was great though.

You can always drive yourself around checking out views but having a guide is brilliant and so enjoyable. The Yosemite Valley Floor tram tour is amazing with kids! 2traveldads.com

Basics of the Yosemite Valley tram tour

The Yosemite Valley tram tour needs to be booked in advance.  There are only so many of the hybrid open air trams and only so many seats.  And I’ll tell you, Yosemite National Park is an EXTREMELY popular destination for people from all around the world… and on the west coast of the USA … and for Californians doing a weekend getaway.  Basically, everybody loves Yosemite and it is always busy, so plan ahead.

The Yosemite Valley tram tour goes out from the lodge near Yosemite Falls .  It does NOT leave from the Visitors Center and is not close to it.  You MUST park close by or you’ll be walking forever.  

The Yosemite Valley tram tour is hosted by a National Park Ranger, not a third party guide.  This is great for two reasons:  1.) it’s somebody who’s fully invested in the park and the tour and 2.) Park Rangers are knowledgeable, caring people that are genuinely passionate about their stomping grounds, Yosemite National Park.  We love Park Rangers!  Ranger Adam was really wonderful on our tour.

Park Ranger leading tram tour of Yosemite Valley Floor in Yosemite National Park 1

Tip :  kids, or at least ours, love Rangers and totally trust them.  Doing activities like completing a Junior Ranger program or going on a Ranger-led tour or hike are great ways to inspire kids to care about the environment and maybe plant some career goal seeds in them.

The tram tour really is two hours+.  The time is used fully, between planned stops where you get off the tram or pull over to look for rock climbers high on the cliffs, or if you’re just sitting by the Merced River listening to nature for a few moments.  The sights, sounds and information the Park Ranger shares goes from start to finish.

Taylor Family on tram tour of Yosemite Valley Floor in Yosemite National Park 1

Sights to See from the Yosemite Tram

Everything in Yosemite National Park is a sight to see.  Even the low-lying plants in the woods are worth your time to appreciate.  But hey, we’re in Yosemite so we’re talking about grand sights and stories.  And for a really cool hotel IN YOSEMITE, check out this review of the Yosemite Valley Lodge !

Such an amazing, striking piece of rock.  For sure, it’s incredible.  Our Yosemite Valley tram tour guide was great, especially when it came to sharing stories and info about El Capitan and the other rock formations in the Park.  Ranger Adam was very passionate about rock climbing and geology and shared lots of stories about mountaineering and its history in the park.  The best though were his own stories about climbing El Capitan (16 times I think he said) and helping us spot climbers up high on the face of the rock.

El Capitan in Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park 2traveldads.com

Fun moment :  Ranger Adam had a friend traversing El Capitan on the day of our tram tour, so when we got to a spot with a clear view of her route up the cliff, Ranger Adam had everybody yell hello to her in unison.  Oliver loved this because, well, what four year old doesn’t want to yell at the top of their lungs whenever possible?  But really, such a cool Ranger with great stories. Fun fact :  the Yosemite Valley tram tour takes you by Camp 4 which is seemingly just a campground, but it’s on the National Registry of Historic Places due to its significance in the development and advancement of mountaineering.

LittleMan and Rob Talor with binoculars on tram tour Yosemite National Park 2traveldads.com

The Merced River in the Yosemite Valley

Starting up in the Sierras beyond Half Dome is the Merced River.  It cascades down Nevada Falls and then meanders along the Yosemite Valley floor.  We made two stops along it, once to get out and stretch and use the bathrooms/take pictures and the other just to listen to it.  The Merced River isn’t a raging one in this area of Yosemite National Park, but it’s beautiful and mirrors the colors of the sky and trees around it.

Merced River from tram tour of Yosemite Valley Floor in Yosemite National Park 1

Unrelated tip :  we enjoyed an afternoon picnic on the Merced River at the Cathedral picnic area.  This spot is accessible from South Side Drive and has plenty of parking, picnic tables and great places to enjoy lunch down on the river.  It is one of the most breathtaking picnic spots we’ve ever eaten at, and that includes the Steamboat picnic site in Yellowstone National Park.

Taylor Family having a picnic at Cathedral Picnic Area in Yosemite National Park 2

Tunnel View: Busy but Worth It

I could go on forever about the beauty of Tunnel View, but I won’t. Instead, read our article about Tunnel View and see why it’s worth the stop and how to leverage a visit to this amazing vista to create an awesome Yosemite experience.  Basically, Tunnel View captures everything you went to Yosemite to experience, but from a distance.  It’s a great place to be inspired.

Chris Taylor and TinyMan at Tunnel View in Yosemite National Park 2traveldads.com (1)

Tip :  if you bring a small tripod on the Yosemite Valley tram tour, you’ll have a long stop at Tunnel View and can capture the clouds rolling across the Yosemite Valley.  It’s a beautiful sight and a great family photo spot.

Half Dome: the Yosemite Icon

Half Dome is huge.  Huge.  You only get a few great views of it because it’s enormous and as you approach it, it overwhelms you and you lose the ability to photograph it well.  The approach and departure from the Half Dome area is really wonderful though and you’ll get a pretty good idea of how immense it is… as you fail to capture Half Dome in one frame on your camera.

Rob Taylor and Half Dome from Valley Floor in Yosemite National Park 2traveldads.com

Hiking up Half Dome is a bucket list hike for a lot of people. It’s its own full day activity and needs to be permitted in advance. If you didn’t score your permit months out when they first opened them, seeing Half Dome from the Yosemite Valley Tram Tour is may be as good as you’ll get. It’s great, but it’s not epic like viewing the whole valley from atop Half Dome.

PS: I’ve done it. Hiking Half Dome is astounding and very tiring. It’s well worth the hike, but it’s intense. The views and the waterfalls are awesome, and really, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime hike.

Half Dome from Yosemite Valley Floor in Yosemite National Park 5

Bridal Veil and Yosemite Falls

Each of these sights needs its own visit, but you get to see both of them on the Yosemite Valley Tram tour. Bridal Veil Falls is the star of the show, being seen at the first tram tour stop along the Merced River and then again when you reach Tunnel View… and then again when you drive by it on South Side Drive.  It’s beautiful from every angle. And if you get out and walk up to it, you’ll get a bit soaked.

Rob Taylor and Tinyman using Piggyback Rider at Bridal Veil Falls in Yosemite National Park 4

Yosemite Falls has two main splash downs.  Upper Yosemite Falls is a phenomenal, picture perfect sight with its flow being stolen by the wind and spread across the face of the cliff.  Lower Yosemite Falls is not as high and is more concentrated, but still pretty.  Together, they are a sight to behold and if you’ve got a kid into waterfalls (enter Oliver, our oldest) it’s the golden ticket of falls.

Yosemite Falls from tram tour of Yosemite Valley Floor in Yosemite National Park 1

Stops on the Yosemite Valley Tram Tour

There are only two stops that are structured into the tour.  The first stop is along the Merced River and lasts about ten minutes or so.  This is the only stop where there is a bathroom available.  This is also a great photo opportunity, from family pics in front of Bridal Veil Falls to photographing native flowering trees.

Tram tour in Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park 2 2traveldads.com

Tunnel View is the other stop.  You know we love Tunnel View and think that of all of the sights in our National Parks, Tunnel View is the most iconic and represents what America’s National Parks are set up to protect.  Enjoy this stop and take in the Yosemite Valley for all that it’s worth.

Tip :  hot day or cold, being in an open air tram will dry you out.  If you didn’t bring your own water bottle, take advantage of the water cooler that the tour provides.  We’re constantly reminding our kids (and our readers) to stay hydrated for the best experiences.

Rob Taylor and kids at Tunnel view Yosemite National Park 2traveldads.com

Being Prepared for the Yosemite Valley Tram Tour

Oh hey, we just reminded you to bring a water bottle, but we’ll tell you again. Stay hydrated! Other important things to remember:

Go potty ahead of time Bring a light jacket and a hat (it gets windy and there can be weird weather) Eat first because there’s no food allowed on the Yosemite Valley tram tour and you’ll be hungry by the time it’s over. BRING YOUR CAMERA Bring a small tripod if you want to capture a beautiful time lapse video when you’re at the planned stops

So, was the two hour tour worth our time?  Did the kids appreciate it?  Yes and yes.  While it may seem like two hours isn’t long enough to experience the Yosemite Valley, it actually is plenty for just taking in the sights.  Two hours of information from your Park Ranger guide is a lot to absorb, but it’s incredible to hear from those working directly with the Park all of their stories and tips.  

Chris Taylor and Sleeping TinyMan after tram tour of Yosemite Valley Floor in Yosemite National Park 1

The kids were fine with the length, as there were enough stops to break it up and the open air makes it not feel like being in a car.  Also, since both kids fell asleep and got small naps, well, that’s always good and made the rest of our day easier.  I think we all felt that it was a great idea to do the Yosemite Valley tram tour during our road trip, and it was especially good for a way to introduce the kids to Yosemite for their first visit.

Taylor Family on tram tour of Yosemite Valley Floor in Yosemite National Park 2

Family travel idea :  we haven’t done them, but many National Parks offer tours.   Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks offer them on vintage buses. Kayaking tours in Everglades National Park are amazing. THe overall Dry Tortugas National Park tour experience is unforgettable! There are so many options.

Do you ever go on structured walking or ride-along tours?  What tips do you have for taking kids on them?  Leave a comment below to share your ideas of how to incorporate fun tours into family travel.

The Yosemite Valley Tram Tour is a great way to experience the highlights of Yosemite National Park if you're short on time or energy. See what to expect, how to book it, and find our why it's one of the best National Park tours available.

Sunday 9th of July 2023

Do you recommend a time to take the tram, day or evening?

If you can do it later in the afternoon you'll get my favorite sunny angle, but in the morning you'll get more active wildlife. Mid-day can be so hot and it's when the park is busiest, so I recommend avoiding from 11am until about 3pm.

Bruce Mosser

Wednesday 1st of February 2023

I plan on being there April 24 thru April 25, Where and how do I reserve a seat for me and wife? How much is it?

Excellent, you'll love it. Here's the website, and then click on Valley Floor (you can also call to reserve): https://www.travelyosemite.com/things-to-do/guided-bus-tours/

Saturday 28th of September 2019

Hi! Thank you for sharing your life experiences! I am taking a Girl Scout Troop out to Yosemite in June 2020. Can you recommend interesting stops on the way to Yosemite from San Fran? The girls are 16 and 17 yrs old. I think we will be coming in via hwy 140. We are located in Atlanta so planning this trip from afar has been fun and challenging. Any advice you can give for our 3 days in Yosemite would be helpful. Thanks Liz

Wow! Fun! Let me work on it. I'm going to send you a quick email so I don't forget.

Sunday 15th of January 2017

You mentioned booking the tram well in advance. Where might one do that? Do you have a link you could provide or phone number? We are anticipating staying at the Yosemite Lodge but didn't want to wing it and just assume we could catch a tram because we'd be staying there.

Thanks in advance. Momma from Dallas, Texas

  • Connect on Facebook
  • Connect on Instagram
  • Connect on Twitter
  • Send Us an E-Mail

Event Calendar

IMAGES

  1. Universal studios Hollywood Tram Tour Part 1| California

    tram tour reviews

  2. Rome Tram Tracks Tour

    tram tour reviews

  3. Tried and Tested: Peak Tram Tour in Hong Kong

    tram tour reviews

  4. Costa Rica Rainforest Aerial Tram Tour

    tram tour reviews

  5. Universal Studios, Hollywood

    tram tour reviews

  6. Tram Tours

    tram tour reviews

VIDEO

  1. NEW Limited Edition Glam Tram Merch at Universal Studios Hollywood

  2. Inside a Luxemborg tram

  3. Riding A Tram Tour Around Nationals, #551

  4. #tram tour # Berlin # fun # joy

  5. Tram Tour #tram #tour #kolkata #kolkataheritage #kolkatavlog #kolkatatour #westbengal #shorts

  6. Tram vs Trolleybus

COMMENTS

  1. Shark Valley Tram Tours

    per adult. 60 min. Everglades Airboat ride & pick-up ,small group +pro guide. 447. Airboat Tours. from. $69.00. per adult. 1-Hour Air boat Ride and Nature Walk with Naturalist in Everglades National Park. 376.

  2. Everglades National Park Tours

    Shark Valley Tram Tours The Captivating and Educational Way To See The Everglades. The Everglades is a unique and fascinating ecosystem. When you take an Everglades National Park tour at Shark Valley, you'll travel in a relaxed setting, learning about the ecology and history of The Everglades from our friendly and knowledgeable Park-trained naturalists.

  3. Shark Valley Tram Tours

    The tour lasts 2 hours but there is a stop at the observation tower about an hour into the tour. So you can exit the tram and visit the tower, and there are restrooms at this stop. As far as the tour itself, it is certainly worth it. Many other reviews outline what you will see, so I won't repeat what others have already said.

  4. Shark Valley Tram Tours

    60 min. Everglades Airboat ride & pick-up ,small group +pro guide. 351. Airboat Tours. from. C$91.37. C$86.61. per adult. LIKELY TO SELL OUT*. 1-Hour Air boat Ride and Nature Walk with Naturalist in Everglades National Park.

  5. Great tour of Everglades

    Shark Valley Tram Tours: Great tour of Everglades - See 943 traveler reviews, 286 candid photos, and great deals for Miami, FL, at Tripadvisor.

  6. Shark Valley Everglades Guided Tram Tour

    Explore the Shark Valley region of Everglades National Park on this guided, 2-hour tram tour. See the famous 'River of Grass' and the wildlife within it, like alligators, crocodiles, birds and more. Learn about the ecosystem of this world-renowned wetlands from the accompanying naturalist guide. And enjoy the panoramic view of the Everglades from the top of a 45-foot-high observation deck ...

  7. Terrific place with outstanding Park Rangers

    Review of Shark Valley Tram Tours. Reviewed December 30, 2018 via mobile . The park was excellent. We rented bikes to ride the 15 mile loop — well worth it. Note that Uber will not pick people Up at the park (Uber dropped us there but apparently does not send cars out there for a pickup as it is on reservation land). Luckily for us, a very ...

  8. Shark Valley Tram Tour

    Exploring the Shark Valley area by tram is a great way to see and learn about the wildlife and history of Everglades National Park. Guided two-hour tram tours are offered along a fifteen-mile loop trail into the "River of Grass". The open air trams allow for abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, and stop at the Shark valley Observation tower ...

  9. 2024 Everglades Tram Tours

    For reservations or any special questions about the tours, you can e-mail or call us at (305) 221-8455. The 2 hour Everglades Tram Tour through Shark Valley in Everglades National Park is a South Florida ecotour. Shark Valley naturalists escort all tours, and the open trams allow you to view wildlife on both sides.

  10. Tram Tour

    Shark Valley: Tram Tour - See 2,190 traveler reviews, 2,352 candid photos, and great deals for Everglades National Park, FL, at Tripadvisor.

  11. SHARK VALLEY TRAM TOURS

    Specialties: Guided Tram Tours of the beautiful Everglades inside the Shark Valley entrance to Everglades National Park. Bicycles are also available for rent and a wonderful gift shop. Established in 1983. Shark Valley Tram Tours has been conducting environmental and educational tours in the northern region of Everglades National Park since 1983. Our staff members are ready to introduce you to ...

  12. Shark Valley Everglades Tram Tours Hours & Rates for 2024

    December 21, 2024 through April 30, 2025. 9:00 AM. 10:00 AM. 11:00 AM. 12:00 PM. 1:00 PM. 2:00 PM. 3:00 PM. 4:00 PM. The Park is very busy during this season, please allow extra time for entering the Shark Valley Entrance due to temporary closures when lot becomes full!

  13. 9 Best Everglades Airboat Swamp Tours for 2024

    Marsh Landing Adventures - 90-Minute Everglades Airboat Tour. Price: Adults from $65; kids from $60. Duration: 1.5 hours. For wildlife lovers who want more than half an hour to experience the ...

  14. The Gateway Arch

    9:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Write a review. About. From the thrilling views to the amazing stories, a visit to the Gateway Arch is an experience that never fails to inspire. Whether you have a few hours or a full day, you'll find activities to please every member of your party. Attractions include the Tram Ride to the Top of the Gateway Arch, the ...

  15. The Yosemite Valley Tram Tour: an Amazing and EASY Way to ...

    The Yosemite Valley tram tour is hosted by a National Park Ranger, not a third party guide. This is great for two reasons: 1.) it's somebody who's fully invested in the park and the tour and 2.) Park Rangers are knowledgeable, caring people that are genuinely passionate about their stomping grounds, Yosemite National Park.

  16. Goldbelt Tram

    Open now. 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM. Write a review. About. As Southeast Alaska's only aerial tramway, the Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway takes you to 1,800 feet above sea level in just five minutes. On the way up, marvel at incredible views while listening to a narrated tour of the surroundings. At the top, you can embark on various hiking trails ...

  17. Shark Valley Tram Tours

    The tour lasts 2 hours but there is a stop at the observation tower about an hour into the tour. So you can exit the tram and visit the tower, and there are restrooms at this stop. As far as the tour itself, it is certainly worth it. Many other reviews outline what you will see, so I won't repeat what others have already said.

  18. About the Everglades

    Rated among the top attractions in Everglades National Park by Tripadvisor, Shark Valley offers guests numerous ways to explore. Among guest favorites are the two-hour Everglades tram tours. During your tram ride, you'll get up close and personal to the amazing Everglade experience. However, nothing can beat standing atop the 45-foot high ...

  19. Grand Turk Historical Sightseeing Tour by Tram 2024

    Overview. See the all of Grand Turk's highlights on an open-air tram with historical commentary by an entertaining, informative guide. This 3-hour excursion includes historical sites like museums, churches, a prison, and the island's natural salt ponds. Get to know the locals — donkeys and wild horses — before a stop in Cockburn Town for ...

  20. Tram Tours

    The Angel Island tram stops at Battery Ledyard, one of the best photo opportunities in the bay area. The backdrop is the entire skyline of San Francisco, Alcatraz, and The Golden Gate Bridge. Our fleet of open-air trams have a maximum seating capacity of 50 guests. We also have a wheelchair-accessible tram, but please email us prior to your ...

  21. Buy Tram Tour Tickets

    Looking for tickets to an Everglades National Park tour at Shark Valley? Find all tram tour departure times & register here.

  22. Advice for visiting Space Center Houston? : r/houston

    Go early in the morning. Take your snacks, cafe is over priced. Get the tram tour for sure. There is a couple to choose from. You get to go in some amazing historical and still used areas. Last time we went into command center in the observation room. 6.

  23. Space Center Houston

    9,952 reviews. #33 of 837 things to do in Houston. Speciality Museums. Open now. 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Write a review. About. Located in the heart of NASA's spaceflight program, Space Center Houston is a must-visit for fans of space exploration. With more than 400 space-related artefacts and numerous interactive exhibitions, you can easily ...

  24. PDF Zion National Park 36 CFR 1.7 (b), Compendium 2024

    The Superintendent's Compendium is not considered a significant rule requiring review by the Office of Management and Budget under Executive Order 128666. In addition, this Compendium will not have a significant economic effect on a number of small entities nor ... tour on the Lodge tram) at the Zion Lodge will be granted access to the Scenic ...