Fossil & Shark Tooth Hunting in Wilmington, NC
If you love finding shark teeth at the beach, then you have to experience this tour! This fossil and shark tooth hunting tour in Wilmington, NC is one of our most popular adventures — and for good reason. It’s action-packed from start to finish.
We depart from the waterfront docks in historic downtown Wilmington, cruising along the scenic Cape Fear River past the working ILM port and massive ocean freighters. As we head south, the river opens up and the real treasure hunt begins.
Our destination is a group of fossil-rich islands where prehistoric shark teeth and ancient marine fossils are regularly found along the shoreline. But fossils aren’t the only treasures waiting — this area is also incredible for beach glass and driftwood hunting.
One of our favorite stops 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 natural wonder, with what feels like a never-ending supply of fossils along its banks. Guests can enjoy a leisurely walk around the island searching for shark teeth, marine fossils, Civil War relics, Native American artifacts, beach glass, and more.
While Shark Tooth Island is always a highlight, our private fossil hunting tours are not limited to just one location. We also visit lesser-known fossil grounds for guests who want a more adventurous and exclusive fossil hunting experiences.
This tour is great any time of year. Summer offers warm weather, wildlife viewing, and even occasional trips into freshwater creeks where alligators are regularly spotted from the boat. Winter is a hidden gem for fossil hunting in Wilmington — stronger weather patterns often expose new fossils, and cooler temperatures are perfect for exploring.
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.
Pricing:
3 hour trip – $400 (this gives about 1 - 1.5 hours to hunt for treasures)
4 hour trip - $475
5 hour trip - $550 (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.
Fossil Hunting Tour - FAQ's
Do I need experience to find shark teeth?
Not at all. No prior fossil hunting experience is required. Once we arrive we’ll show you exactly what to look for and how to spot shark teeth and fossils along the Cape Fear River shoreline. By the end of the trip you will be a shark tooth spotting pro.
The two main ways we search for fossils are surface collecting and sifting. Surface collecting is just walking the shoreline and looking for teeth that have been exposed from the tide. Sifting we scoop sand and sediments into a hand held sifter (which we provide) and as the sand is sifted out larger shells and fossils are left behind. Both of these methods are very productive in the areas we visit.
How many sharks teeth do you normally find per trip?
We search some of the most productive fossil beaches in the Wilmington area and we have had plenty of trips where groups have found over 100 shark teeth.
Is Shark Tooth Island the only place you visit?
Shark Tooth Island is one of our most popular stops, but it’s not the only location we explore. Depending on river conditions and your group’s preferences, we may visit other lesser known and highly productive fossil grounds along the Cape Fear River for a more adventurous experience.
What should I wear?
On Tooth and Tide Adventures fossil hunting trips we park the boat on a beach and get out and walk the shoreline, so bring some type of foot protection that can get wet, like water shoes, sandals, flip flops, or an old pair of shoes. Plenty of people go barefoot but its nice to have options. Bathing suits in the summer are nice for exploring into the water a little deeper or cooling off with a swim, but not a necessity.
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)
Also bring sunscreen, snacks, and any adult beverages you would like. A towel if you decide to swim.
We provide waters and custom Tooth and Tide bags for your fossil finds.
Is this fossil hunting tour good for kids and families?
Yes! Our Wilmington fossil hunting tours are family-friendly and perfect for kids. All ages love searching for shark teeth, beach glass, and driftwood along the shoreline. Every tour is private, allowing your family to explore at your own pace in a safe and relaxed environment.
If you're looking for a more laid-back sightseeing experience, you may also enjoy our Cape Fear river cruise or our Wrightsville beach sightseeing tour.
What is the best way to book a fossil hunting tour?
You can visit our booking page here. But the best method for booking is to call or text Captain Jaime directly at 910.538.9840. Or email to: Hello@toothandtideadventures.com He can help you plan your trip based on the optimal tides and weather patterns. Even if your booking months in advance, we can still look at the tides that far out and better plan for that perfect trip.
What is the biggest shark tooth you've found on a fossil tour?
Its extremely common to find 1 inch long shark teeth, but the biggest we've found so far was a megalodon tooth right at 3 inches long!