Shark Tooth Hunting on Shem Creek: Two Hours to Find Deep Time
A quick-hit Lowcountry boat adventure where the tide reveals fossils and the harbor does the sorting.
The morning tide slips out of Shem Creek like a quiet invitation, sliding past shrimp boats and the old boardwalk, as brown pelicans shuffle to attention on dock pilings. You step aboard the Avenger Bay Boat, the deck solid underfoot, the motors a low hum that promises reach—a way to skim past town and into the thin places where South Carolina’s coast loosens its grip. The creek breathes that sweet, earthy perfume of pluff mud, and a pair of dolphins surface as if to nod you along. The current doesn’t just ebb; it beckons. Two hours to hunt the edges of time.
Trail Wisdom
Time It With the Tide
Low tide exposes the best shell hash and sandbars. Ask your captain about spring tides for optimal hunting windows.
Footwear That Can Take Shells
Wear sturdy water shoes or old sneakers—oyster shells are sharp and flip-flops slip on wet sand.
Use the Light
Keep the sun at your back so dark enamel shines against pale shell; polarized sunglasses help reduce glare.
Pack Small, Search Smart
Bring a mesh bag and a hand sifter if you have one, but spend most time scanning the mixed shell zones where teeth accumulate.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Shem Creek Boardwalk for sunset dolphin watching
- •Pitt Street Bridge for sweeping harbor views
Wildlife
Bottlenose dolphins, Brown pelicans
Conservation Note
Marsh grass stabilizes the shoreline and shelters juvenile fish—avoid trampling, skip prying at oyster mounds, and pack out all trash.
Charleston’s 19th-century phosphate boom unearthed abundant marine fossils; today, tidal action naturally reveals them on sandbars and spoil islands.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Mild temps, Consistent low tides
Challenges: Windy fronts, Occasional pollen
Spring offers comfortable weather and excellent visibility on the bars. Breezy days can kick up chop, but the harbor stays manageable.
summer
Best for: Warm water, Family outings
Challenges: Heat and humidity, Pop-up thunderstorms
Hot days mean quick swims and easy wading. Start early or go late to beat heat and storms.
fall
Best for: Clear air, Reliable blowout lows
Challenges: Stronger north winds, Shorter daylight
Crisp weather and deep low tides make fall prime time for hunting and photography.
winter
Best for: Crowd-free bars, Excellent visibility
Challenges: Cold snaps, Wind chill on the ride
Dress warm and watch the wind. Winter’s sharp light and quiet tides can yield standout finds.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Polarized SunglassesEssential
Cuts surface glare so black enamel stands out against shells.
Sturdy Water ShoesEssential
Protects feet from sharp oyster shells and provides traction on wet sand.
Mesh Find Bag or Small Sifter
Makes it easy to rinse and carry teeth without losing them.
Sun Protection (Hat + Reef-Safe Sunscreen)Essential
Intense Lowcountry sun reflects off water—cover up to stay comfortable.
Common Questions
Will we definitely find shark teeth?
Finds are never guaranteed, but Charleston’s tidal sandbars and shell hash are productive. The crew times trips with the tide to maximize your chances.
Is this trip suitable for kids?
Yes—this is a family-friendly outing. The boat is stable, the search is engaging, and the walking is on shallow, protected sandbars.
Do I need to bring gear?
Rods, reels, tackle, and ice are provided for fishing charters. For tooth hunting, bring polarized sunglasses, water shoes, and a small mesh bag if you’d like.
What should I wear?
Quick-dry clothing, a hat, and footwear that can get wet. In cooler months, add a windproof layer for the boat ride.
Where do we depart from?
Trips launch from Shem Creek at 1407 Shrimp Boat Ln, Mount Pleasant, SC—minutes from downtown Charleston.
Are there regulations for collecting?
Collect loose, naturally exposed teeth. Do not disturb live oysters, marsh grass, or cultural artifacts. Your captain will brief you on best practices.
What to Pack
Polarized sunglasses for glare-cutting, sturdy water shoes to handle oyster shells, a refillable water bottle for hydration, and a small mesh bag to safely carry your finds.
Did You Know
Charleston’s famous saying—“Where the Ashley and Cooper Rivers come together to form the Atlantic Ocean”—nods to the harbor’s confluence; the region also hosts Miocene-age phosphate beds that have produced one of the East Coast’s richest sources of fossil shark teeth, including megalodon.
Quick Travel Tips
Arrive 15 minutes early to sort parking at Shem Creek Boat Landing. Check tide charts and aim for the lowest low. Bring cash or card for a post-trip bite along Shem Creek. Pack a towel and a dry bag to keep phones and keys safe.
Local Flavor
Post-hunt, walk the Shem Creek Boardwalk and grab peel-and-eat shrimp at Saltwater Cowboys or she-crab soup at Tavern & Table. For a local pint, Westbrook Brewing is a short drive inland, while The Wreck of the Richard & Charlene serves classic Lowcountry plates beside the docks.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Charleston International (CHS), ~20–25 minutes. Launch: Shem Creek Boat Landing, 1407 Shrimp Boat Ln, Mount Pleasant. Drive time from downtown Charleston: ~15 minutes depending on traffic. Cell service: Generally strong near the harbor. Permits: None needed for guided trips; take only loose, naturally exposed teeth.
Sustainability Note
This estuary is a living nursery for fish, birds, and oysters—tread lightly on marsh edges, leave live shells, and avoid disturbing shorebirds resting on bars. Pack out everything you bring.