Shark Tooth Beach by Boat: An Eco Tour Into Deep Time
Boat out, step back in time, and pocket pieces of the prehistoric coast—no experience required.
The river loosens its shoulders as the boat noses south, a quick, salt-tinged breeze slipping past the gunwales. Marsh grass leans like a crowd of spectators, and an osprey arcs overhead, talons tucked, scanning the shallows. Somewhere beneath this tannin-stained water, a clock has been running for millions of years. You can feel it in the way the current urges you forward and in the low hum of the outboard as your captain aims for a pale fringe of sand locals call Shark Tooth Beach—a place where time gets rolled up in waves and dropped at your feet.
Trail Wisdom
Time your tide
Lower tide exposes more shell hash and concentrations of heavier teeth—ask your captain to plan around the day’s best window.
Wear water shoes
Oyster shell and small rocks can be sharp; closed-toe water shoes or sturdy sandals keep your focus on the hunt.
Sift smart
Use a small mesh scoop or your hands to sort the darker lines of shell hash where teeth naturally settle.
Pack shade and fluids
Sun reflects hard off sand and water—bring a brimmed hat, sunglasses, and at least one bottle of water per person.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Sugarloaf Dune at Carolina Beach State Park—short walk, big views of the river
- •River Road Park boardwalk—good for spotting ospreys and checking tide action
Wildlife
Bottlenose Dolphin, Osprey
Conservation Note
Avoid trampling oyster beds and nesting areas, pack out all trash, and keep collecting to loose, naturally eroded fossils to minimize impact.
Cape Fear’s name dates to early European mariners who feared the shifting shoals at the river’s mouth; those same dynamics still shape the fossil-rich sandbars today.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Mild temps, Active wildlife
Challenges: Variable winds, Occasional storms
Pleasant temperatures and lively bird activity; watch forecasts for breezy fronts that can make the ride choppy.
summer
Best for: Family outings, Warm water wading
Challenges: Heat and sun exposure, Biting insects
Bright, hot days and calm mornings are common—go early, wear sun protection, and bring extra water and bug spray.
fall
Best for: Stable weather, Migrating birds
Challenges: Shortening daylight, Post-storm debris
Cooler air and clearer light with fewer crowds; after autumn blows, teeth often collect thick along the lines.
winter
Best for: Post-storm fossil hauls, Low crowds
Challenges: Cold wind, Chill on the water
Fronts churn the bottom and refresh the beach—dress warm and enjoy some of the most productive hunts of the year.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Closed-toe water shoesEssential
Protects your feet from shell beds and gives traction on wet sand and boat ramps.
Small mesh scoop or sifter
Helps separate teeth from shell hash quickly without losing small finds.
UPF long-sleeve shirt and brimmed hatEssential
Blocks intense coastal sun so you can search longer and more comfortably.
Lightweight windbreaker
Takes the bite out of north winds on the ride out and back.
Common Questions
Can I keep the shark teeth I find?
Yes—loose fossil shark teeth and shells found on the sand are typically allowed to keep; avoid removing anything embedded in the shoreline or associated with cultural artifacts.
Is the tour suitable for kids?
Absolutely. The boat carries up to six passengers, and the beach search is easy walking; keep young children close near the waterline.
What wildlife might we see?
Common sightings include bottlenose dolphins, ospreys, herons, and occasionally turtles and alligators in nearby marshes.
What happens in bad weather?
Captains monitor conditions closely and may reschedule or cancel for safety if winds, lightning, or rough seas develop.
Do I need special equipment to find teeth?
No—many people have success with just their hands and a keen eye. A small mesh scoop can help, but it isn’t required.
Is there a restroom on board or at the beach?
There are no facilities on the sandbar; use the restroom before departure and plan accordingly.
What to Pack
Water shoes for shell-strewn shoreline; Reef-safe sunscreen and a brimmed hat for relentless coastal sun; A small mesh scoop to sift shell hash efficiently; A reusable water bottle—breezes and salt air dehydrate fast.
Did You Know
The extinct megalodon shark patrolled these waters 23 to 3.6 million years ago; its largest teeth can exceed 7 inches, and North Carolina’s coastal plain is one of the East Coast’s most reliable regions for finding them.
Quick Travel Tips
Book a morning departure for cooler temps and calmer water; Check tide tables and aim for lower tides for better fossil concentrations; Bring cash for post-tour snacks or a marina coffee stand; If prone to seasickness, take preventative measures 30–60 minutes before departure.
Local Flavor
Refuel with shrimp tacos on the deck at Dockside or grab a pint at Waterline Brewing in Wilmington. If you have time, detour to Carolina Beach State Park to see native Venus flytraps, then finish with a cone on the boardwalk.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Wilmington International (ILM). Typical departure: marinas near Carolina Beach/Wilmington; confirm exact dock with your operator. Drive time from downtown Wilmington: ~25–30 minutes. Cell service: generally good but spotty on the water. Permits: Casual collecting of loose fossils is allowed; do not disturb cultural sites or embedded material.
Sustainability Note
This dynamic estuary feeds and shelters countless species—pack out everything, avoid stepping on oyster reefs, and keep a respectful buffer from wildlife and bird nesting areas.