Tide-Lined Treasures: Paddling to Shark's Tooth Island
Singles & Doubles -- Includes Free Delivery & Pickup, Paddle, PFD, Seatback, Orientation/Directions
Low tide kneels before the Cape Fear River like a courteous host, peeling back the water to reveal black-sand bars stippled with fossils. Your kayak bows into the current and the river nudges you forward, steady and unhurried. Osprey circle like sentinels above the water; fiddler crabs skitter into the marsh. The shoreline breathes in salt and silt as Shark’s Tooth Island—small, scruffy, and legendary—draws near. This is the kind of paddle where the river does the talking and the tide holds the clock.
Trail Wisdom
Time your tide
Aim to arrive 60–90 minutes before low tide for the best shot at exposed black-sand bars and visible shark teeth.
Mind the oysters
Wear closed-toe water shoes and avoid stepping on live oyster beds—they’re sharp and vital to the river’s health.
Stay out of the channel
Hug island shorelines and the marsh edges to avoid boat traffic and stronger current in the main shipping lane.
Pack light, stash smart
Bring a small mesh bag for finds and keep your phone in a dry pouch so you can photograph, not rescue, your gear.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •The black-sand fringe on the island’s downstream tip after a negative low tide
- •The quiet lee side of Keg Island for wind-sheltered landings
Wildlife
Osprey, Bottlenose dolphin
Conservation Note
Oyster reefs are being restored along the Cape Fear—avoid walking on live beds, keep boats off marsh grass, and pack out all litter to protect this nursery habitat.
Shark’s Tooth Island formed from dredge spoil along the Cape Fear River shipping channel, a corridor that powered Wilmington’s maritime trade and Civil War blockade-running legacy.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Mild temperatures, Active wildlife
Challenges: Changeable winds, Pollen and early no-see-ums
Cool mornings and stable tides make spring a sweet spot; bring a light layer and insect repellent.
summer
Best for: Warm water, Family beach days
Challenges: Heat and humidity, Afternoon thunderstorms
Launch early or late to beat the heat, and keep an eye on pop-up storms and stronger sea breezes.
fall
Best for: Calm winds, Prime fossil hunting
Challenges: Shorter daylight, Occasional cold fronts
Lower humidity and steady weather make fall the most comfortable—and often the most rewarding—season to search.
winter
Best for: Crowd-free paddling, Clear, crisp light
Challenges: Cold water, Limited rental windows on frigid days
Dress for immersion with warm layers and pick calmer days; fossil beds can be especially undisturbed.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Closed-Toe Water ShoesEssential
Protects feet from sharp oyster shells and offers traction on slick, muddy landings.
Dry Pouch or Small Dry BagEssential
Keeps your phone, keys, and a small first-aid kit dry and secure while paddling and beachcombing.
Wide-Brim Hat & SunscreenEssential
Sun is intense on the water; protect your face and shoulders during long, reflective stretches.
Mesh Find Bag or Small Sifter
Helps collect shark teeth and fossils without filling your kayak with sand.
Common Questions
Do I need prior kayaking experience?
No. The water is generally shallow with gentle current; basic paddling comfort is sufficient. You’ll receive a quick orientation at the park before launching.
When is the best time to find shark teeth?
Around low tide. Plan to arrive about 60–90 minutes before low tide to maximize exposed sandbars and visible teeth.
Can kids do this paddle?
Yes. Tandem kayaks make it family-friendly, and the shallow water and short distances suit kids well with adult supervision and PFDs.
Where do we meet?
Meet in the middle of River Road Park near the large oak tree for orientation and PFD fitting; you’ll walk to the water together. Do not go directly to the shoreline first.
Is it okay to collect fossils?
Small personal collecting is common on the dredge-spoil islands. Avoid live oyster beds and follow Leave No Trace—take only modest amounts and pack out all trash.
What about tides and currents?
The Cape Fear has noticeable tides. Stay near shorelines, avoid the main channel, and time your outing with the tide for the easiest paddling and best beachcombing.
What to Pack
Closed-toe water shoes for oyster protection; a dry pouch for phone and keys; a mesh bag to collect shark teeth without hauling sand; two liters of water per person to stay ahead of heat and salt.
Did You Know
Many shark teeth found here date to the Miocene epoch (roughly 5–23 million years ago). Shark’s Tooth Island is partly composed of dredge spoil from the Cape Fear shipping channel, which churns fossil-bearing sediments to the surface.
Quick Travel Tips
Check tide charts for Wilmington before booking; park on the left side of River Road Park and meet near the big oak; launch early to beat heat and boat traffic; avoid the main channel and stay within sight of the islands.
Local Flavor
Post-paddle, grab shrimp tacos and a cold drink at Carolina Beach or head into Wilmington for fresh catch at Cape Fear Seafood Company. For craft beer, Wilmington Brewing Company pours crowd-pleasers, and a sunset stroll on the Riverwalk keeps the coastal vibe going.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Wilmington International (ILM). Launch: River Road Park, 100 River Road Park, Wilmington, NC 28412. About 20 minutes from downtown Wilmington and 15 minutes from Carolina Beach. Cell service is generally fair but can be spotty on the water. No permits required for casual fossil collecting on dredge-spoil islands; follow local regulations and Leave No Trace.
Sustainability Note
This estuary is a nursery for fish, crabs, and oysters—pack out all trash, avoid trampling marsh grass and live oyster reefs, and keep a respectful distance from wildlife and nesting birds.