Explore Shark's Tooth Island by Kayak: Fossil Hunting and Serene Paddling in Wilmington, NC

Paddle in the Sharks Tooth Island Nature Reserve at River Road Park. Look for Shark's Teeth, Fossils and More!

Rates & Times

Single Kayak

• 1-3 hours: $55
• 4 - 6 hours: $70
• Full Day: $85

Tandem Kayak

• 1-3 hours: $110
• 4 - 6 hours: $125
• Full Day: $140

What to Expect

On the date and time of your tour, one of our team members will drop off your kayak(s) at the launch point location. Once you're done, we will also pick up your kayak(s) from that location.

About This Location

Search for real shark teeth and fossils at Shark's Tooth Island! This small island in the Cape Fear River in Wilmington, North Carolina, is one of the best places to search for real shark teeth, fossils, and similar artifacts! Located between Carolina Beach and Wilmington, this island on the river holds some of the coolest natural artifacts you’ll find in the area. Kayaking in this area of the Cape Fear River is fantastic for kayakers of all ages because it’s relatively shallow waters, a light paddle, and you are able to stop and get out on foot on Sharks Tooth Island, Keg Island, and some other nearby dot islands!

How to Prepare

• You're provided a kayak, a paddle, seatback and pfd for each person.
• Phones are welcome but please secure them in a waterproof pouch, dry box or Ziploc bag to keep them dry and secure.
• Sunscreen and bug spray are recommended.
• We recommend avoiding flip-flops. Please wear shoes that are secured to your feet. You should wear shoes and clothes that can get wet and dirty.
• Water levels on this tour tend to remain around 6 inches to 4 feet deep, but this can vary.
• Bring bottled water and a soft lunch box with snacks that can be tucked away within your kayak.

Location

• ADDRESS: Kayak Launch at Shark's Tooth Island Reserve 100 River Road Park Wilmington, NC 28412 The kayak launch is inside River Road Park. Please follow the directions as outlined below:
• PARKING: As soon as you come into the park, the restrooms are right at the entrance, make a stop there if you would like. Then pull down into the park and park anywhere on the lefthand side. We will be right there on the righthand side
• MEET UP SPOT: Once parked on the left, walk to the righthand side, we will be there to meet you in the sandy, grassy area near the huge oak tree. You meet your guide, fit pfds, get paddles and do orientation. We will then walk down to the water as a group. NOTE: We do not meet at the water first, see above.
• NOTES: Easily accessible. Conveniently located on River Road, half-way between Wilmington and Carolina Beach. The Carolina Beach Snow's Cut bridge is 5.5 miles.

Meeting Spot

IMPORTANT NOTE on our MEETING SPOT: Once you pull into the park, immediately on your right hand side are the restrooms, you can stop there first if needed. Then drive into the middle and park anywhere on the left hand side. We will be on the right hand side, in the middle of the park near the huge oak tree, in the grassy area to meet your guide, fit pfds, get paddles and do orientation. We will then walk down to the water as a group. Note: We do NOT meet you at the water first. Come up to the middle area as described above.

Distance to major destinations:

• Carolina Beach Boardwalk -- 8.1 miles (14 minutes)
• Downtown Wilmington – 10.2 miles (18 mins)
• Wrightsville Beach – 14.5 miles (28 mins)
• Airlie Gardens – 12.3 miles (22 mins)
• Jungle Rapids – 9.1 miles (17 mins)
• Masonboro Island -- 4.7 miles (12 Minutes)
• Fort Fisher Ferry Terminal (to Southport) -- 14.5 miles (25 minutes)
• NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher -- 13.7 miles (24 minutes)
• Carolina Beach State Park -- 7.2 miles (11 minutes)
• Southport Historic Riverwalk -- 39.6 miles (57 minutes)
• Oak Island -- 39.4 miles (51 minutes)
• Sunset Beach -- 55.7 miles (71 minutes)
• Topsail Beach 57.9 miles (1 hour 30 minutes)