The only part of the holiday I had put lots of research into was the Everglades and I discovered it was the perfect stopping place between Cape Coral and Key Largo. The Shark Valley Visitor Center was 2 hours into our journey to Key Largo so we packed up from our 3 nights in Cape Coral and headed off really early.

Shark Valley Visitor Centre, Everglades National Park

At Shark Valley there is a 15 mile loop through the Everglades which you can either walk, cycle or take a tram tour. 4 weeks before our holiday I booked the tram tour (which was already filling up fast). Unfortunately the bikes were already all reserved and walking 15 miles wasn’t really an option for us!

As we waited for our tram tour to depart the guide said there was a massive chance of a rain storm so Stu quickly ran into the shop and bought 4 ponchos for us all just in case.

We set off and within a couple of minutes we spotted our first alligator. And then another and another. At one point the guide said he couldn’t stop for every alligator seen!!! The guide was really good and gave loads of information about all the different habitats in the Everglades and pointed out the different birds and trees. Every time we passed a group on bikes the guide referred to them as ‘snacks’ for the alligators which Tom thought was hilarious.

^{Lots of alligators}

Half way round the loop there is an observation tower so we stopped and were given 25 minutes to explore.

We hopped back on the tram and on the route back saw a turtle, some birds, lots more alligators and learned all about the problems the Everglades were having due to the Burmese pythons.

Everglades Safari Park

Next we wanted to do an airboat tour and I knew a few companies operated in the area so we drove down the main road until we found one we liked the look of – which was Everglades Safari Park. We were told the next airboat would leave in 20 minutes so we bought tickets and waited to be called whilst watching a private tour head out.

When we were called we were front of the queue which was great as it meant we got to sit at the front of the airboat. We were given ear buds to wear for the noise. As we set off it felt very strange as you could see all the lily pads and long grasses in the water but as you travelled over them you didn’t feel a thing. As the boat sped up I kept getting hit in the face by dragon flies (it actually really hurt) and it was necessary to keep your mouth shut. I was genuinely surprised how fast the airboats travelled.

^{On the airboat}

We stopped in a large water area and saw some birds and alligators and then were taken back to the center. It was a really good trip.

We then went to a theater area where we learned more about alligators and watched them being fed. There were only about 12 of us there – we came to the conclusion it must be out of season. We also learned about snakes. At the end Tom had his photo taken with a baby alligator.

^{The animal talk}

We really enjoyed the park and it was a really good day in the Everglades. We needed to get to Key Largo which was 1.5 hours away so we set off – stopping at Texas Road House for tea.