Shark Tooth and Fossil Hunting tour on the Cape Fear River
This tour is an absolute favorite and for good reason, its action packed. We leave from the waterfront docks in downtown Wilmington getting a beautiful tour of the historic riverfront. We keep meandering south to the fossil grounds while passing the often busy ILM ports and ocean freighters. Our destination is a group of islands in the river where prehistoric shark teeth and marine fossils can easily be found. But fossils aren’t the only treasures here, if your into beach glass and driftwood, well your again in an amazing place to hunt for it.
One favorite hunting ground for this tour is the famous Shark Tooth Island. Located about 8 miles south of downtown Wilmington in the historic Cape Fear River, this island is a true wonder. It has what seems like a never-ending supply of fossils to be found along its banks. Enjoy a leisurely walk circumnavigating the island searching for fossils, civil war, native American artifacts, beach glass, driftwood, you name it. Shark Tooth Island always produces a good time, but on this boat we are not just limited to Shark Tooth island. There are other more secret fossil locations we can visit for those looking to really get out there and explore.
This trip is great anytime of year. Summer is great for fossil hunting and nature watching. Often times we go up a freshwater creek and spot alligators from the boat. Winter might be my personal favorite as the more extreme weather often exposes even more fossils and the cool weather is perfect for really exploring.
What to bring:
· Water shoes or some type of foot protection – some of the areas where we are fossil hunting have limestone rocks and other things that can be tough on bare feet.
· Sunscreen
· Snacks
· Towel – not necessary but nice if you end up deciding to getting wet
- Drinks
Pets and Adult beverages are welcome (although we are not allowed to supply acholic beverages we will have a cooler with ice and waters so BYOB)
Bottled water will be supplied.
What to wear:
Summer time - Bathing suits or shorts pants, non skid shoes or water shoes
Winter time - Rubber boots or water shoes (we usually get our feet wet at the shoreline while fossil hunting or getting in or out of the boat)
Pricing:
3 hour trip – $425 (this gives about 1 - 1.5 hours to hunt for treasures)
4 hour trip - $500
5 hour trip - $600 (the 4 or 5 hour trips allow for a little more time to explore and to move around from spot to spot)
Additional hours can can be added day of the charter only if there are no previous bookings during the desired time slot.
Listed prices are for the entire boat, not per person.
Maximum 6 people (due to Coast Guard regulations)
If you have a big group larger than 6, please contact us, we may be able to arrange a second boat.
Please feel free to bring pets and favorite adult beverages.
Book your reservation below or call/text 910.538.9840 or Email - hello@toothandtideadventures.com
Fun Fact
European sailors first explored the Cape Fear river in the early 1500's and sailors have been leaving behind bottles and artifacts ever since. So there is no telling what one might find out on this historic river.