Fossil Hunting on Folly Beach Barrier Island with Local Guide

Hunt for shark teeth and fossils on an uninhabited barrier island while the Morris Island Lighthouse watches from offshore.

A five-hour fossil hunting tour on a barrier island near Folly Beach led by a local guide who teaches you where to look and what to spot. You walk the beach searching for fossilized shark teeth, vertebrae, artifacts and seashells while viewing the historic Morris Island Lighthouse and the Atlantic Ocean. The tour includes a cooler with ice and bottled water, life jackets, and a USCG-certified captain. A two-person minimum applies.

Step-by-step itinerary

Fossil hunting on barrier island

• View Morris Island Lighthouse
• Walk beach searching fossils

The experience

The guide meets you and shares local knowledge and pro tips before you head out onto the uninhabited barrier island. What you're hunting for (fossilized shark teeth, vertebrae, artifacts and seashells) surfaces in the sand and along the shoreline, and the guide knows the best spots in the Lowcountry to find them. The Morris Island Lighthouse stands visible throughout the day, a fixed landmark as you work the beach.

You'll walk the beach for the duration of the excursion, so pack light but bring what you need: water, snacks, sunscreen, and bug spray if the insects are active that day. A cooler with ice and bottled water comes with you, and life jackets are provided. The guide is USCG-certified, and the experience works for ages five and up, though the amount of walking means it's not suited to young children or anyone with mobility constraints.

What’s included

• Cooler with ice and bottled water.
• adult and child life jackets.
• USCG-certified captain guide who shares local knowledge and fossil hunting tips.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day14 departure times: the first at 06:30, the last at 12:30

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (13 to 90 years) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 6

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.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Lighthouse Creek Charters

Is this one for you?The guide picks you up and handles the boat transport to the barrier island, so you don't need a car or local knowledge to reach the best fossil hunting sites in the area. Book this if you're staying in Folly Beach without a vehicle and want to spend a morning or afternoon on the water hunting for real finds.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 12 years). Under 5: they can't be included in the booking.

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.

What exactly am I hunting for on the barrier island?

Fossilized shark teeth, vertebrae, artifacts and seashells. The guide teaches you where to spot them in the sand and along the shoreline as you walk the beach.

How much walking is involved in this five-hour tour?

You walk the beach for the duration of the excursion, so it requires a good bit of walking. The operator recommends packing as light as you can while still bringing water, snacks, sunscreen and bug spray.

What's included with the tour?

A cooler with ice and bottled water, adult and child life jackets, and a USCG-certified captain who guides the hunt and shares local knowledge about the area and fossil hunting techniques.

Is the Morris Island Lighthouse something I'll actually see?

Yes. The historic Morris Island Lighthouse is visible throughout your time on the barrier island, and you'll enjoy scenic views of it and the Atlantic Ocean as you hunt.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

Yes. You're welcome to bring all the food and beverages you'd like to have during the trip. The included cooler with water is there in addition to anything you pack.