Join Mahanaim Adventures for a private 3-hour fossil hunt at Sharks Tooth Island near Wilmington, NC. Perfect for families and friends, this guided trip lets you uncover prehistoric shark teeth in an unforgettable coastal setting.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all ages and fitness levels; involves walking on sandy, sometimes uneven tidal flats
Wildlife
History
Sharks Tooth Island’s fossils date back millions of years to when the Atlantic coast was submerged beneath a warm, shallow sea.
Conservation
Mahanaim Adventures promotes sustainable fossil collecting practices to protect this delicate ecosystem and preserve it for future generations.
Mahanaim Adventures
Join Mahanaim Adventures for a private 3-hour fossil hunt at Sharks Tooth Island near Wilmington, NC. Perfect for families and friends, this guided trip lets you uncover prehistoric shark teeth in an unforgettable coastal setting.
Mahanaim Adventures is a Wilmington, North Carolina-based outfitter specializing in guided kayaking experiences on the Cape Fear River and nearby waterways. The company offers a diverse slate of trips that highlight the region’s coastal marshes, blackwater swamps, historic rice canals, and barrier-island beaches.\n\nTrips include evening Full Moon Kayaking with a picnic, wildlife-focused journeys on the Black River and 3 Sisters Swamp, coastal paddles to Fort Fisher and Zekes Island, family fossil hunts at Sharks Tooth Island, and explorations of Historic Eagle Island’s hand-dug rice canals from the 1700s. Several tours are offered as private excursions for families and small groups.\n\nMany experiences are three-hour guided trips, with the Black River option described as an eight-mile exploration. Mahanaim Adventures emphasizes local routes and wildlife viewing opportunities — guests can expect scenic sandbars, marsh islands, and chances to observe birds, otters, deer, dolphins, and other coastal species mentioned in trip descriptions.\n\nMahanaim Adventures serves both beginners and experienced paddlers, providing guided itineraries on waterways around Wilmington, NC. The company’s trip selection spans day paddles, historic-site tours, family-oriented fossil hunts, and night paddles under the full moon, offering a range of options for outdoor recreation and nature exploration in southeastern North Carolina.
Tours Offered
10
Guided kayak experiences available
Base Location
Wilmington, NC
Launches on the Cape Fear River
Private Trips
Available
Private tours for families or groups
Typical Trip Length
3 hours
Most guided trips last three hours
Reserve a guided, private, or family-friendly trip — explore marshes, blackwater swamps, islands, and historic canals with Mahanaim Adventures.
Check Tide Charts Before Booking
The adventure depends on low tides to reveal fossil-rich areas, so schedule your trip accordingly.
Wear Water-Resistant Footwear
Expect to walk through wet sand and shallow tidal pools while searching for fossils.
Bring a Picnic
Pack snacks or a light lunch to enjoy on the island during your customizable adventure.
Prepare for Sun Exposure
Use sunscreen and a hat, as the open tidal flats offer little shade.
Water-Resistant Shoes
Protect your feet from wet sand and shallow pools during the fossil hunt.
summer
Sun Hat
Provides essential shade on the exposed tidal flats.
summer
Sunscreen
Protect skin during long periods outdoors without natural shade.
spring|summer|fall
Light Backpack
Useful for carrying water, snacks, and any fossils you collect.