easy
3 hours
Suitable for all fitness levels; basic paddling ability helps but beginners welcomed
Kayak through calm salt marshes near Wilmington, NC, while searching for ancient shark teeth and spotting abundant wildlife. This easy 3-hour guided tour offers family-friendly fun and a unique glimpse into coastal history and ecology.
2.5-3 Hours • Explore the salt marshes as well as a stop to look for fossils and teeth
Embark on an unforgettable 2.5-3 hour kayak adventure exploring the unique Shark's Tooth Island and its neighboring gems. Search for real shark teeth and fossils while enjoying calm waters, perfect for all skill levels. With expert guidance, you'll discover the beauty of the Cape Fear River and its hidden treasures.
2.5-3 Hours
$75 per person
Group Rates (automatically calculates upon booking)
Search for real sharks teeth and fossils on a kayak tour at Sharks 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, North Carolina, 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 great for kayakers of all ages because it’s relatively shallow waters, a light paddle, and we stop and get out on foot on Sharks Tooth Island, Keg Island, and a few of the dot islands nearby.
Go ahead and sign up for your desired tour and time with the assurance that if there is questionable weather that would make it not safe or enjoyable, we will reschedule you to a day or time that is convenient for you, sometimes its just a brief rain delay. We are in North Carolina where the weather (and the weather forecast) can change often. The summer weather forecast will always include a chance of thunderstorms to encompass the summer weather pattern that quite often is over quickly or may be in one spot and not the other. We watch the live radar and wind along with several other sites starting early in the morning to insure the safest onwater experience. Have additional time or days available when possible just in case for weather. If the weather does not allow for rescheduling to occur, 100% of your tour cost is refunded.
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.
This is a great tour for kayakers at all levels of experience. You can usually expect smooth, calm waters during this time, with shallow waters. Paddling in these waters at this time usually doesn’t require as much exertion as other times. The paddle to the island is a brief 10-15 minutes, with a stop or two of 5-10 minute paddling times. Some of the time is spent looking for teeth and fossils, beach combing on the tiny island####
Distance to major destinations:
This is a great tour for kayakers at all levels of experience. You can usually expect smooth, calm waters during this time, with shallow waters. Paddling in these waters at this time usually doesn’t require as much exertion as other times. The paddle to the island is a brief 10-15 minutes, with a stop or two of 5-10 minute paddling times. Some of the time is spent looking for teeth and fossils, beach combing on the tiny islands and sandbars. If time permits, we paddle along the salt marsh and shores of the tiny Dot Islands right nearby.
Keep your belongings dry during the kayak tour with a water-resistant dry bag.
Apply sunscreen and consider a hat to protect yourself from strong coastal sun exposure.
Carry water and drink regularly to stay energized in the salt marsh environment.
Maintain a relaxed but consistent rhythm to enjoy wildlife sightings and fossil hunting stops.
The salt marshes of this region have preserved fossils for millions of years, offering insights into prehistoric marine life.
Kayak Carolina follows leave-no-trace principles to protect the sensitive estuarine environment and supports local conservation efforts.
Necessary for navigating the waterways and exploring the marsh.
Protects personal items from water during kayaking.
spring specific
Keeps your face shaded under direct sun during the trip.
summer specific