What age is suitable for this tour?

Children age 5 and older can participate, and those under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Yes, a kid-friendly lunch at a local restaurant is included as part of the tour.

Do I need to bring my own shark tooth hunting tools?

No, all necessary equipment and tools are provided by the tour guides.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

The tour requires walking on beach terrain with shells and sand, so it is not fully wheelchair accessible.

How likely am I to find shark teeth?

Venice is rich in shark teeth fossils year-round, and guides teach you the best spots and techniques to ensure a rewarding experience.

Is the tour suitable for solo travelers?

Yes, but note that tours require a minimum of 4 participants overall, which can include guests from other parties.

Uncover Fossil Treasures: Venice Shark's Teeth Tour in Florida

Set along the sun-drenched shores of Venice, Florida—famously known as the Shark Tooth Capital of the World—this unique guided experience invites adventurers of all ages to hunt for prehistoric shark teeth buried in the sands of South Brohard Park. This family-friendly tour blends education, nature, and treasure hunting into an engaging 3.5-hour adventure perfect for kids 5 and up and adults alike. Venice’s beaches are extraordinary due to the area's rich geological past, where sediment deposits from the Miocene epoch lie just beneath the surface. The result? An abundance of fossilized shark teeth that wash ashore year-round. This tour offers expert guidance from locals who know the best techniques and spots to uncover these ancient remnants, making it accessible even for first-timers. Participants spend roughly 1.5 to 2 hours combing through shell-strewn sands, encountering a captivating coastal ecosystem with shorebirds, shellfish, and occasionally playful dolphins offshore. The hands-on experience is bolstered by fascinating storytelling from the guides, who weave together scientific facts and local lore, enriching your understanding of the area’s natural history. What sets this tour apart is its thoughtful blend of fun and learning — including the special opportunity to craft your own shark tooth necklace from your discoveries, turning fossil hunting into a tangible keepsake. The tour also includes a kid-friendly lunch at a nearby restaurant, allowing guests to relax and share their finds. Venice offers plenty of free parking at the Beach Parking Lot, with meeting point at South Brohard Park, 1900 Harbor Drive S. The walk involves intermittent terrain, including shells and sand that can get wet, so comfortable footwear and beachwear are recommended. Remember to bring sunscreen and water for a safe and comfortable outing. Families, homeschooling groups, and nature lovers will appreciate the inclusive atmosphere, where education and treasure hunting meet in a way that encourages curiosity and appreciation for coastal conservation. This tour is a standout for Venice due to its combination of historical significance, hands-on adventure, and local charm. Whether you’re chasing souvenirs from the depths of geologic time or simply searching for a memorable seaside experience, the Venice Shark’s Teeth Tour offers a rare glimpse into Florida’s fossil-rich waters and a day packed with discovery and delight.

Difficulty

easy.

Duration

3–3.5 hours.

Fitness level

Suitable for all fitness levels including children age 5 and up, requiring only gentle walking ability.

Wildlife

Gulls and shorebirds frequently flying and feeding on the beach.
Occasional bottlenose dolphins seen offshore near Venice waters.

History

Venice was designated the Shark Tooth Capital due to fossilized shark teeth deposited from the Miocene epoch, 5 to 23 million years ago.

Conservation

The tour emphasizes responsible collecting and environmental respect to protect this unique fossil resource and coastal ecosystem.

Key Culinary Tours is a Sarasota-based tour company that produces guided walking experiences combining local food, history, and storytelling. The company offers a range of tours in Sarasota, Anna Maria Island, Venice, St. Armands Circle, and Bradenton, including food-focused tastings, farmers market visits, and themed walking tours that explore ghost stories, local characters, and regional history. Guided experiences include short 75–90 minute ghost and history walks, mid-length two-hour neighborhood explorations, and three-hour culinary lunches and beach-area food tours. Tours feature curated tastings, local restaurants and bars, market samples, and historical stops along accessible walking routes. One named guide, Annie Silver, leads the Wild Women of Anna Maria Island experience and contributes local storytelling expertise. Key Culinary Tours focuses on small-group, guided walks designed for visitors and residents seeking flavors and narratives tied to Florida’s Gulf Coast. Tours are appropriate for casual island attire and often encourage photography and interaction with local vendors. The company highlights specific themes—ghosts, gangsters, pioneering women, shipwrecks, and seafood culture—so guests can choose experiences that match interests. Information about each tour includes duration and general content to help guests select the right option. Reservations are recommended because tours run on scheduled dates and many are limited by group size. Key Culinary Tours operates publicly listed, guided experiences in Sarasota and neighboring barrier islands, offering a mix of culinary sampling and local history for travelers. Safety, accessibility, and clear meeting-point information are provided with bookings to ensure comfortable, informative experiences for a wide range of guests daily.

Base locationVenice, Florida

Tours offered21+

Specialtywildlife-nature

StewardshipLeave No Trace