Paddling for Fossils: Kayaking Shark's Tooth Island on the Cape Fear
Singles & Doubles -- Includes Free Delivery & Pickup, Paddle, PFD, Seatback, Orientation/Directions
The Cape Fear River has a way of drawing you into its current—literally and figuratively. On a late‑spring morning the surface looks like pewter, broken by thin wakes from passing trailers and the occasional sun‑bright ripple as a fish darts for a minnow. You shove off from a sandy shelf inside River Road Park and the river obliges; it nudges you along a quiet channel, then opens into a shallow mosaic of islands where tides and silt have been building a small, improbable world. These are the places the locals call Shark's Tooth Island: low, scrubby, and annoyingly generous with pockets of fossilized teeth and bone that have washed down from ancient deposits upstream.
Trail Wisdom
Secure Your Electronics
Use a waterproof pouch or dry box for phones and keys—tides and splash make damage likely if loose.
Wear Secure Shoes
Avoid flip‑flops; wear old trail shoes or water shoes that strap on for wading and hopping into islands.
Check Tides Before You Go
Water depth varies from inches to a few feet—launch windows are easiest around mid to low tide for better fossil access.
Bring Small Bags for Finds
Carry a mesh bag or small container to keep discovered teeth and fossils from getting lost or crushed.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Keg Island sandbars—quiet spots for mid‑paddle picnics and fossil sifting
- •The east side of Shark's Tooth Island—less trafficked by other paddlers during low tide
Wildlife
Osprey, Great Blue Heron
Conservation Note
Collect responsibly—take only small, already detached specimens and pack out trash; larger finds should be reported to local museums to support scientific study.
The Cape Fear River has been a transport corridor for centuries; coastal plain sediments in the region yield Miocene and Pliocene marine fossils, which wash into river channels and deposit on islands.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Wildlife viewing, Fossil hunting, Mild paddling temperatures
Challenges: Bug activity, Variable spring storms
Spring brings green marshes, active birdlife, and pleasant water temperatures—ideal for family outings and fossil searches.
summer
Best for: Long daylight paddles, Family trips, Calmer early mornings
Challenges: Heat and humidity, More crowded weekends, Stronger afternoon thunderstorms
Summer offers long days; aim for early morning launches to avoid heat and afternoon storms and to find quieter sandbars.
fall
Best for: Crisp air paddles, Migratory birdwatching, Lower bug pressure
Challenges: Shorter daylight, Cooler water temps
Fall is excellent for clearer skies and migrating birds—pack a light layer for cooler breezes off the river.
winter
Best for: Quiet paddling, Dramatic skies, Off‑season solitude
Challenges: Cool air and water, Possible cold winds
Winters are quieter and can be scenic—dress warmly and check wind forecasts before launching.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Personal Flotation Device (PFD)Essential
Provided by outfitter, but essential for safety in tidal channels.
Waterproof Phone PouchEssential
Protects electronics while taking photos or using GPS on the water.
Sturdy Water ShoesEssential
Secures your feet when hopping onto islands and wading in shallow water.
Small Mesh Bag or Dry Sack
Keeps your fossil finds and snacks secure and dry while you paddle.
Common Questions
How shallow is the water around Shark's Tooth Island?
Water depths typically range from about 6 inches to 4 feet depending on tides and specific channels—shallow enough to safely wade in many spots but always check local conditions.
Do I need prior kayaking experience?
No—this route is beginner‑friendly. The outfitter provides a brief orientation, PFDs, and basic instructions before launch.
Can I keep the shark teeth I find?
Small teeth and common fossils are typically fine to take as souvenirs; however, avoid removing large or articulated finds and report significant discoveries to local authorities or museums.
Is there a restroom or parking at the launch?
Yes—the park has restrooms at the entrance and parking on the left side of River Road Park; meet your guide in the grassy area near the large oak.
What should I wear and bring?
Wear quick‑dry clothes and secure water shoes; bring sunscreen, bug spray, bottled water and a waterproof pouch for electronics.
Are dogs allowed on the kayaks?
Policies vary—contact the outfitter ahead of time. Small, well‑behaved dogs may be allowed on tandem kayaks with advance notice.
What to Pack
Waterproof phone pouch (protects electronics), secure water shoes (for wading), sunscreen and bug spray (sun and insects), bottled water and snacks (hydration and energy)
Did You Know
The coastal plain around Wilmington yields shark teeth from Miocene deposits—many finds date back 5 to 20 million years and wash into the Cape Fear River.
Quick Travel Tips
Book morning slots to avoid heat, arrive early to find parking, bring cash or card for rentals, confirm tide conditions the day before
Local Flavor
After a paddle, head into Wilmington for coastal Carolina seafood and craft breweries; the Carolina Beach Boardwalk is a short drive for fried shrimp and an ocean breeze—great companions to a fossil‑hunting morning.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Wilmington International Airport (ILM). Driving distance from Downtown Wilmington: ~10 miles (18 minutes). Cell service: generally available but patchy on small islands. Permits: None typically required for kayaking; follow local park rules and outfitter instructions.
Sustainability Note
This river is part of a delicate estuarine system—pack out trash, avoid trampling vegetation on small islands, and report large or scientifically important fossil finds to local institutions.
Continue Reading
Red Rock Primer: Two Hours Inside Sedona’s Scarlet Circuits
A fast, guided primer to Sedona’s iconic formations: two hours of geology, Wild West stories, and the best photo frames that will shape the rest of your trip.
Sedona, Arizona
Between Plates and Parliament: Hiking Thingvellir’s Rift and Waterways
Where Iceland’s parliament met and two continents keep a slow, visible disagreement—Thingvellir combines short cultural walks, long ridgeline hikes, and the surreal clarity of Silfra. It’s an intimate, elemental introduction to Icelandic landscape and history.
Reykjavík, Capital Region