THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Dive into a 5-hour airboat journey on Florida’s Peace River with Fossil Recovery Exploration. Combine thrilling river rides with hands-on fossil hunting for an adventure that’s both accessible and unforgettable.
Dive into a 5-hour airboat journey on Florida’s Peace River with Fossil Recovery Exploration. Combine thrilling river rides with hands-on fossil hunting for an adventure that’s both accessible and unforgettable.
Book with Fossil Recovery Exploration
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Fossil Recovery Exploration · Arcadia, Florida
The Peace River, winding through Arcadia, Florida, is a natural time capsule harboring some of the world’s richest fossil deposits. Fossil Recovery Exploration offers a singular way to connect with this prehistoric landscape through its signature 5-hour airboat ride and fossil hunting trip. Guests embark on a swift, exhilarating airboat journey across the river’s calm waters and into its secluded backwoods, making the fossil grounds both accessible and thrilling. This hands-on tour invites everyone—from curious families to dedicated fossil hunters—to sift through sand and gravel historically teeming with teeth, bones, and remnants of creatures dating back millions of years.
What sets this trip apart is its seamless blend of adrenaline and paleontology. The airboats slice quietly through the native cypress swamps and marshes, giving riders a close-up look at Florida’s unique riverine ecosystem, which has shaped the preservation of these ancient treasures. Guides, steeped in local geology and paleontological expertise, lead participants to designated dig sites where the chance of unearthing a genuine, museum-worthy fossil is remarkably high.
The Peace River’s fossil beds contain remnants from the Miocene and Pliocene epochs, including shark teeth, mammal bones, and occasional rare finds like prehistoric horse teeth. The surrounding habitat also supports a rich variety of flora and wildlife, from bald cypress trees to alligators at the water’s edge.
Fossil Recovery Exploration’s tours emphasize accessibility; the physical demands are minimal, making it suitable for all ages and fitness levels. This approachable entry point to fossil hunting is a standout in outdoor recreation on Florida’s Gulf Coast, combining natural history with outdoor adventure in a way few others do. Whether you’re seeking a new hobby, a family outing, or a deeper appreciation for Earth’s distant past, this tour delivers a lively and authentic connection to the natural world and its buried secrets.
easy.
5 hours.
Suitable for all fitness levels; minimal physical exertion required beyond light walking and digging
No prior experience is necessary; the guides provide instruction and assist all levels of fossil hunters.
Typical finds include shark teeth, mammal bones, and occasional rare fossils from the Miocene and Pliocene eras.
Yes, the airboats are stable and tours are family-friendly, though all participants should follow safety guidelines.
Generally, guests can keep their fossil finds as souvenirs from the trip.
Bring water, sun protection, insect repellent, comfortable clothes, and water-resistant shoes.
Trips canceled due to weather receive a full refund or rescheduling options as per Fossil Recovery Exploration’s policy.
The Peace River has been a rich fossil site for decades, revealing species that thrived in Florida’s ancient coastal waters more than 2 million years ago.
Fossil Recovery Exploration encourages ethical fossil collecting and practices low-impact travel to help preserve the river’s delicate ecosystems.
Fossil Recovery Exploration is a field-based fossil hunting outfitter based in Arcadia, Florida. The company runs guided canoe digs, airboat and swamp buggy adventures, and private tours across Peace River properties and other fossil-rich land in Central Florida. Guides lead guests on multi-hour expeditions—ranging from 4- to 6-hour digs, 5-hour canoe tours, and specialized 30-minute swamp buggy segments—providing top-notch equipment, PRO canoes, and educational interpretation during each trip. Tours include the Canoe Outpost Guided Fossil Dig and Paddle, Peace River Oaks guided canoe digs with access to 70 acres and glamping cabins with AC, private Peace River/Wauchula walk-in digs with 7 acres of exclusive terrain, airboat 'Boneshelf' Ice Age fossil digs, and premium airboat and swamp buggy dig experiences. Fossil Recovery Exploration emphasizes safe, small-group experiences and private bookings for families or private groups to maximize discovery time without other guests. Participants can expect to hunt for shark teeth, megalodon teeth, Ice Age mammal and reptile bones, and other fossils while observing native wildlife in natural settings. Equipment, including canoes and sifting tools, is provided on guided trips. The operation works on the Peace River and nearby sites in Central Florida and focuses on hands‑on excavation, interpretation of finds, and responsible outdoor access. Guests are encouraged to book specific trip types—canoe, airboat, or swamp buggy—based on desired pace, accessibility, and group size. Reservations are recommended year-round; seasonal water levels and wildlife sightings affect trip conditions, and guides adjust itineraries to prioritize safety, fossil access, and a rich educational memorable experience.
Book with Fossil Recovery Exploration