The *only* way to see the Everglades properly is at Shark Valley. Resist the urge to try an airboat ride - go to Shark Valley and take the tram tour, or ride a bike. You can even walk the loop if the weather is cool, the bugs aren't out and you have plenty of sunscreen and a rain poncho (and no thunderstorms are forecast).

Between mid-May and early November, I strongly recommend taking the tram tour (don't bike) and then walking the straight side of the loop a short distance to get up close and personal. During summer, the bugs are out (picture mosquitoes the size of horseflies whose sting feels like a blood test needle) and the possibility of dangerous afternoon thunderstorms is always lurking.

During winter, the air is cool and dry, there are no bugs and the gators are out sunning themselves near the road to stay warm.