Charleston Dredge Islands Shark Tooth & Fossil Hunt

Five hours hunting shark teeth on islands restocked by every tide

This five-hour shark tooth and fossil hunt takes you by boat to one of Charleston's dredge islands, where you'll spend the afternoon searching the sand for teeth, fossils and other treasures. A licensed boat captain leads the trip from Shem Creek Boardwalk, timing your island visit to the outgoing tide when the best finds wash ashore. The tour suits families and anyone comfortable walking and digging in sand.

The experience

You'll meet at Shem Creek Boardwalk for a 15–20 minute boat ride out to the island. Once there, you have five hours to hunt through the sand: the operator times the trip so you arrive just after the outgoing tide, when the freshly exposed beach holds the most shark teeth and fossils. The islands are replenished with new material on every tide cycle, so the finds change with each trip.

A licensed boat captain runs the tour and handles the boat logistics, leaving you free to focus on searching. Bring a small shovel or your hands. Most people find teeth within the first hour. The work is straightforward (dig, sift, look), and there's no skill required, just patience and an eye for small white or dark objects in the sand. Families with kids find this works well because everyone can search at their own pace, and the island itself is open enough that you're not confined to a narrow path.

The return boat ride gives you time to rinse off and sort through what you've found. Bring sunscreen and water. Neither is provided. The trip requires a minimum of two guests, and the exact departure time shifts based on the tide schedule, so you'll confirm the timing after booking.

What’s included

• Licensed boat captain.
• boat transportation from Shem Creek Boardwalk to the dredge island and back.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 07:00 and 08:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (4 to 90 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Jim Kotwica

Is this one for you?This trip works best for small groups or families who want to spend an afternoon doing something hands-on together without a set itinerary or schedule beyond the tide window. If you prefer a guided tour with stops and narration, a different Charleston tour will suit you better.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How far is the boat ride from Shem Creek Boardwalk to the island?

The boat ride takes 15–20 minutes from Shem Creek Boardwalk to reach the dredge island where you'll spend the afternoon hunting.

Can children go on this trip?

Yes, the tour is described as perfect for all family members who enjoy the outdoors, and it suits all physical fitness levels. Kids can search at their own pace alongside adults.

What should I bring for the hunt?

Bring a small shovel or dig tool if you have one, though many people search by hand. Sunscreen and water are essential, neither is provided. Wear clothes and shoes you don't mind getting sandy and wet.

How is the trip time adjusted based on the tide?

The ideal time to be on the island is just after the outgoing tide, when the sand is freshly exposed and holds the most finds. The operator adjusts your departure time after you book so you arrive at that window.