What is included in the Shark Tooth Island Excursion?

The trip includes a USCG Licensed Captain and interpretive naturalist guide, bottled water, and an iced cooler to keep drinks cold.

How physically demanding is the excursion?

The tour is easy and suitable for all fitness levels; most time is spent seated on the boat with short walks onshore.

What kinds of treasures might we find?

Common finds include fossilized shark teeth, pottery fragments, shells, whale bones, and petrified wood.

Is this tour family-friendly?

Yes, children and adults alike enjoy this engaging and educational adventure, though minimum age is not specified.

Wear water-friendly shoes, sun protection gear, and bring a rain jacket for sea spray. Bug spray is also recommended.

Where is the meeting point for the excursion?

Departures occur from Shelter Cove Marina on Hilton Head Island, specifically near Ela's restaurant.

Uncover Hidden Treasures on the Shark Tooth Island Excursion from Hilton Head

Set sail from the scenic Shelter Cove Marina on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, and embark on a thrilling 4-hour adventure aboard a comfortable boat headed toward the historic waterways near Savannah. The Shark Tooth Island Excursion offers an immersive journey into the tidal creeks and salt marshes where guests hunt for relics dredged from the bottom of the Savannah River, from ancient shark teeth to whale bones and centuries-old pottery fragments. This excursion combines the excitement of a natural treasure hunt with the serenity of coastal exploration, making it a unique way to engage with the Lowcountry’s rich ecological and cultural tapestry.

Hilton Head Island is widely known for its pristine beaches and sprawling maritime forests, but this guided tour opens a new window onto the region’s hidden underwater mysteries. Led by a USCG Licensed Captain who also serves as an interpretive naturalist, the trip offers insightful commentary on the local ecosystem and geology as you glide between small islands and tidal flats. The harbor and coastal islands feature sand, shell, and mud substrates—perfect conditions for revealing fossilized shark teeth and petrified wood, giving each discovery a story that connects visitors with prehistoric marine life and early colonial settlements.

This excursion stands out as a rare blend of education and adventure. Unlike typical sightseeing tours, guests actively participate in the experience, collecting pieces of the sea for personal keepsakes. The reflective waters and marshland give the area ecological significance, supporting diverse flora and fauna, including birds like egrets and fish species adapted to the brackish estuary.

Travelers should prepare for changing conditions: shoes suitable for wet and muddy terrain, sunscreen, and bug spray are essential, as is a rain jacket to ward off sea spray. Bottled water and an iced cooler are thoughtfully provided, ensuring comfort throughout the journey. Whether you're a family looking for a memorable outing, a geology enthusiast eager to find rare specimens, or a nature lover craving a new perspective on the Lowcountry coast, this guided tour from Hilton Head offers a refreshing, interactive way to experience one of South Carolina's coastal gems.

The closest town to this must-do trip is Hilton Head Island itself, a well-loved vacation spot with abundant accommodations and amenities. For those who want to extend their visit, the excursion also provides an opportunity to glimpse the natural beauty and lesser-explored ecological niches that define this stretch of the southeastern U.S. coast. The Shark Tooth Island Excursion is not just a boat ride—it's an invitation to connect with the past and play the role of a modern-day treasure hunter amid some of the South’s most compelling coastal landscapes.