Shark Tooth & Shell Hunting Tour — Charleston Boat Trip to Fossil Beaches
Board a small boat from Mount Pleasant and head to fossil-rich barrier beaches to hunt shark teeth and shells. This family-friendly Charleston outing mixes natural history, dolphin sightings, and practical beachcombing skills.
The Experience
Before You Go
Wear water-friendly footwear
Expect wet sand and shallow pools—choose shoes that dry quickly and protect your toes from shells and oyster beds.
Bring sun protection
Lowcountry sun is strong on the water; pack a wide-brim hat, sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen.
Use a small sieve
A hand sifter or small mesh pan makes it easier to separate teeth from shell grit—guides provide gear but your own works well.
Mind tides and fragile habitats
Stay on open sand and avoid walking through bird rookeries or marsh grass to protect nesting wildlife.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Shem Creek at sunrise for quiet birdwatching and local shrimp-boat activity
- •Viewpoints under the Ravenel Bridge—good photo angles and often less crowded waterside access
Wildlife
- •Bottlenose dolphin
- •Great blue heron
Conservation Note
Many barrier islands are fragile—operators encourage leave-no-trace collecting and avoid nesting sites; using reef-safe sunscreen and minimizing plastic helps protect the estuary.
The waters around Charleston have shifted over millennia, exposing fossil-bearing Pliocene beds; the area also played central roles in colonial and Civil War history, visible from the boat at Fort Sumter and Patriots Point.
Photographer's Notes
- • Along the protected barrier beach where teeth wash up
- • Under the Ravenel Bridge for architectural frames
- • Near Shem Creek mouth for dolphin shots
What to Bring
Waterproof phone caseEssential
Protects your camera or phone from spray while photographing dolphins and shoreline finds.
Light water shoes or sandalsEssential
Helps you walk on soft, wet sand and around shell fragments without discomfort.
Hand sifter or mesh pan
Speeds up the search and makes it easier to spot small teeth and sand dollars.
Wide-brim sun hat and sunglassesEssential
Keeps you comfortable in strong sun and reduces glare on the water for spotting dolphins and finds.
Common Questions
How long is the tour?
The operator schedules about 2–3 hours on the water, including travel time to the beach and time spent hunting for teeth and shells.
Do I get to keep what I find?
Yes—guests may keep fossils and shells collected on permitted beaches; guides will note any protected areas where collecting is restricted.
Is this suitable for young children?
Yes—this family-friendly trip is designed for kids, though infants must sit on a guardian’s lap on the boat.
Will we see dolphins?
Dolphins are commonly sighted along the route, especially near Shem Creek and inlets where fish concentrate; sightings aren’t guaranteed but are frequent.
What should I wear?
Dress in layers with quick-dry clothing, bring water-friendly shoes, a hat, and sun protection; a light wind jacket helps if it’s breezy.
Are there mobility restrictions?
The tour is easy physically but involves stepping on and off a small boat and walking on uneven sand; it’s not recommended for guests with serious spinal or heart conditions.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
2–3 hours
Location
Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires stepping on/off a small boat and walking on soft, uneven sand.
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