Shark River Slough

Shark River Slough is located within Shark Valley at Everglades National Park near Miami in Florida. The valley and river are located at the northern area of the park bear the Big Cypress Preserve. The slough is one of the main routes of fresh water running through the everglades and is approximately 20 miles wide in the north but narrows to six miles wide on its path to the Gulf of Mexico.

This body of water attracts a variety of wildlife during the dry season due to periphyton, an algae composite covering the sawgrass marsh areas. This provides a good source of food for snails, fish and other organisms, which in turn attracts other wildlife, especially wading birds. The slough also features hardwood hammocks. Visitors can get a good view of this area from the observation tower.

The Shark Valley Visitor Center is open daily from 9.15 am to 5.15pm and has helpful brochures and other materials about the area including the Shark River Slough. Visitors can also book Shark Valley Tram tours from the visitor center as well as rent bicycles. Snack and soft drinks can be purchased here and there are restrooms as well.