Shark Tooth Hunting Tours in Wilmington, NC with Tooth and Tide
This tour is one of our most popular experiences — and for good reason. We depart from the downtown Wilmington waterfront, cruising along the scenic Cape Fear River while passing historic landmarks, working ports, and massive ocean freighters.
As we head south, we make our way toward remote fossil-rich islands where shark teeth and ancient marine fossils can be found along the shoreline. These locations are only accessible by boat, which means fewer crowds and better chances of finding incredible pieces.
Explore Shark Tooth Island on the Cape Fear River
One of the most well-known fossil hunting spots in the area is Shark Tooth Island, located about 8 miles south of downtown Wilmington. This island is famous for its abundance of fossilized shark teeth and prehistoric marine life, making it one of the best places in Wilmington, NC for fossil hunting.
As the river tides shift and erode the shoreline, new fossils are constantly revealed — meaning every trip offers a fresh opportunity to find something amazing.
A Private Boat Tour Built Around Your Adventure
Unlike crowded group tours, every trip with Tooth & Tide Adventures is completely private. That means your group gets the entire boat and the flexibility to enjoy the experience your way.
Want to focus only on fossil hunting? No problem.
Prefer to mix in sightseeing, wildlife viewing, or a relaxing cruise? We can do that too.
We’re happy to make stops for photos, explore different islands, take detours to view wildlife, or adjust the pace so you can get the most out of your time on the water.
More Than Just Shark Tooth Hunting
While fossils are the main attraction, many guests also find:
- Sea glass
- Unique shells
- Old bottles and relics
- Driftwood (heaps of driftwood)
- Occasional historical artifacts
The combination of fossil hunting and scenic boating makes this one of the most memorable Wilmington boat tours available.
👉 If you're exploring more local activities, check out our guide to Things to Do in Wilmington, NC.
A Top-Rated Thing to Do in Wilmington, NC
Families, couples, and small groups love this tour because it combines adventure, education, and relaxation into one experience. It’s perfect for:
- Visitors looking for something unique
- Families with kids
- Couples wanting a different kind of outing
- Anyone interested in history, nature, or fossils
What’s Included
- Private boat and captain
- Custom Tooth and Tide mesh bags for all your fossil finds
- Guided fossil hunting instruction
- Bottled waters on ice
- Access to remote islands
- Flexible itinerary
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 shark 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 is the best time of year for a shark tooth hunting tour in Wilmington, NC?
This tour is great all year long. 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 deeper into the interior of the islands.
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!