Kayak to Shark’s Tooth Island: A Family Fossil Hunt on the Cape Fear
2.5-3 Hours • Island Hopping Family Fun, find teeth and fossils!
The Cape Fear River moves like a quiet dare at morning’s edge—brown as steeped tea, steady as a metronome. From the sandy grass of River Road Park, your kayak noses forward and the current gives a gentle nudge, asking if you’re ready. Ospreys throw their voices into the humidity. A great blue heron lifts off the marsh with a slow, ancient shrug. The river doesn’t hurry. It invites. In ten or fifteen minutes, you’ll slide up to a tiny sliver of sand and spartina that locals call Shark’s Tooth Island—a place where time washes ashore, one black triangle at a time.
Trail Wisdom
Time Your Tide
Aim for a falling or low tide to maximize fresh finds along the shell and wrack lines.
Wear Real Water Shoes
Skip flip-flops. Choose sandals or shoes with heel straps for traction on mud, shell, and oyster beds.
Hunt the Contrast Zone
Scan where wet sand meets dry and focus on glossy black triangles against pale shell hash.
Protect Your Tech
Use a waterproof phone pouch or small dry bag—the river is shallow, but slips happen.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Keg Island sandbar at low tide—excellent shell hash and fresh deposits
- •The live oak at River Road Park—shade and a quick pre-paddle briefing spot
Wildlife
Great blue heron, Osprey
Conservation Note
Stay off living oyster beds and avoid trampling marsh grass; pack out all trash and leave live shells where you find them to protect shoreline habitat.
The Cape Fear River has served as a trade route for centuries—from Indigenous communities and colonial rice plantations to Civil War blockade runners and today’s port traffic.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Mild temperatures, Active wildlife
Challenges: Windy afternoons, Pollen for allergy sufferers
Pleasant temps and lively bird activity make spring a prime time for easy paddling and beachcombing.
summer
Best for: Warm water, Family vacations
Challenges: High humidity, Afternoon thunderstorms
Start early to beat heat and storms; pack extra water and electrolytes for a safe, fun outing.
fall
Best for: Stable weather, Low humidity
Challenges: Shorter daylight, Occasional coastal fronts
Cooler air and clearer skies make for relaxed paddles and excellent fossil visibility.
winter
Best for: Quiet shores, Crisp visibility
Challenges: Cold wind, Chilly water
Layer up and bring a warm drink; winter delivers solitude and sharp light for spotting teeth.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Strapped Water Shoes or SandalsEssential
Secure footwear protects feet on shells and mud and won’t slip off in shallow water.
Waterproof Phone Pouch or Small Dry BagEssential
Keeps phones and keys safe while you wade and paddle.
UPF Sun Hat and Lightweight Long SleeveEssential
Sun protection is key on open sandbars and calm water with reflective glare.
Soft Cooler with Water and Electrolytes
Hydration makes the difference on humid days and keeps the family energized.
Common Questions
Do I need kayaking experience?
No. The route is short and guided, with mostly shallow, protected water—ideal for beginners and kids.
What will we find on the island?
Common discoveries include small fossil shark teeth (e.g., sand tiger, lemon) and occasional bone fragments; after strong tides you may find larger pieces.
Is it safe for kids?
Yes. This family-focused tour includes properly fitted PFDs and a patient pace; children should be comfortable sitting and listening to the guide.
What if the weather turns bad?
Tours are monitored with live radar. If conditions aren’t safe or enjoyable, you’ll be rescheduled; if rescheduling isn’t possible, you receive a full refund.
Will we be swimming?
Swimming isn’t part of the tour. You’ll paddle to the islands and walk the shoreline to search for fossils and teeth.
When is the best time to find shark teeth?
A falling or low tide after recent wind or higher water often reveals the freshest material along the high-tide line.
What to Pack
Waterproof phone pouch (protects your camera while you search); strapped water shoes (oyster and shell protection); electrolyte drinks (humidity makes hydration essential); lightweight sun layer (UPF coverage for reflective water and sand).
Did You Know
The Cape Fear River is the only major river in North Carolina that empties directly into the Atlantic Ocean, and its Miocene-age sediments routinely yield fossil shark teeth—including megalodon fragments—after strong tides.
Quick Travel Tips
Arrive 15 minutes early to park on the left side of River Road Park and meet under the big oak; bring more water than you think you need—summer humidity is real; check tide tables and aim for a falling tide for prime fossil hunting; stash a small towel and spare bag to separate sandy finds from clean gear.
Local Flavor
Post-paddle, head to Smoke on the Water at Riverlights for river views and coastal plates, or cruise downtown to Front Street Brewery for house-made beers and easy pub fare. If you’ve got extra time, stroll the Wilmington Riverwalk to watch the working port meet historic brick facades.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: ILM (Wilmington International), ~25–30 minutes by car. Meet at River Road Park kayak launch, ~18 minutes from Downtown Wilmington. Cell service is generally good but can dip near the marsh. No permits needed for the guided tour; free onsite parking—arrive a little early on summer weekends.
Sustainability Note
This estuary feeds a critical salt marsh ecosystem—keep kayaks off grass, avoid stepping on oyster reefs, and collect only loose fossils and teeth, leaving live shells and cultural artifacts in place.