Looking for shark teeth can be a fun and exciting activity, especially for those visiting Charleston. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, finding a shark tooth can be a great way to take home a free souvenir and make a memorable experience. In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about where to find shark teeth in Charleston.
We will cover the best places to look for shark teeth both at the beach and on Charleston’s inshore waters. Additionally, we will provide some tips for hunting and answer some frequently asked questions about shark tooth hunting in Charleston, SC. So, get ready to explore the beaches and waters of Charleston and discover the thrill of finding your very own shark tooth.
Where To Find Shark Teeth in Charleston
If you’re looking to find shark teeth in Charleston, you’re in luck! Charleston is one of the best places to find shark teeth on the entire East Coast due to its unique geography and geographical history. Whether you’re on vacation or a local, there are several locations where you can find shark teeth in Charleston. In this section, we’ll explore where to find shark teeth in Charleston, including on vacation at Charleston’s beaches, on a guided tour, and exploring on your own.
Finding Shark Teeth on Vacation at Charleston’s Beaches
If you’re on vacation in Charleston, you’ll most likely be hunting for shark teeth at the beach. Fortunately, there are several beaches in Charleston where you can find shark teeth. The following beaches are all good places to look for shark teeth in Charleston:
- Edisto Beach – Edisto Beach has roughly six miles of coastline. While you can find shark teeth all along Edisto Beach, the best places to look are on the beach in Edisto Beach State Park (north of the pier) and along the southwestern-facing side of the island where the South Edisto River empties into the Atlantic Ocean.
- Folly Beach – Folly Beach has miles of shoreline as well. If you want to find shark teeth in the main public beach area around the pier, your best bet is to go early in the morning. The southern tip of the island (in Folly Beach County Park) and the Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve on the northern tip are good places to look as well.
- Isle of Palms – While you can find shark teeth on Isle of Palms, you will have a decent amount of competition on this well-manicured beach during the summer vacation season. Go early, and try to find your own spot to search to have the best chance of finding some shark teeth.
- Kiawah Island – While Kiawah Island’s beach is expansive, most shark teeth are found on the waterline, just like the other beaches on this list. If you’re visiting Kiawah Beachwalker Park, consider heading south toward Captain Sam’s Inlet and hunting at the mouth of the Kiawah River.
- Seabrook Island – Seabrook Island sees less vacation traffic than neighboring Kiawah, and this makes it a slightly better place to look for shark teeth. For your best chance, head to the beach on the river side of the island—the farther away you get from the houses, the better.
- Sullivan’s Island – Sullivan’s Island remains relatively undisturbed compared to the other beaches on this list, and this increases your chances of finding a shark tooth washed up on shore. With that said, going early will still give you your best shot, especially with a morning low tide.
Taking a Guided Tour to Hunt for Shark Teeth in Charleston
If you’re looking for a more structured way to find shark teeth in Charleston, consider taking a guided tour. Several local charter companies offer trips to uninhabited sea islands that are only accessible by boat. With fewer beachcombers, you are more likely to find a tooth, and your guides can help you understand what to look for as well. The three main islands where you can take a guided tour to hunt for shark teeth in Charleston are:
- Bull Island – Bull Island is located north of Charleston on the southern edge of Bulls Bay. You can either join a fossil hunting expedition or do a “beach drop” where you’ll have hours to spend hunting for teeth along the shore.
- Capers Island – Capers Island is located just south of Bull Island, and it is another popular shark tooth hunting destination that can only be reached on the water. Trips to Capers Island depart from Isle of Palms and the Buck Hall Recreation Area Boat Landing north of Charleston.
- Morris Island – Morris Island is located at the mouth of the Charleston harbor, right next to Folly Island. Tours here typically leave from Shem Creek or Folly Island.
Exploring for Shark Teeth on Your Own
If you’re a local or have access to a boat or kayak, you can also go exploring for shark teeth in several locations besides the area’s beaches. Of course, you should only search on public property or with a private property owner’s permission. Some additional places where you can find shark teeth in Charleston include:
- Cat Island – Cat Island is located on the Wando river and only accessible by boat or kayak. The island has a small beach where you can commonly find fossilized shark teeth.
- Crab Bank – Crab Bank is located in the Charleston harbor right next to Shem Creek. Due to its location, it is a good place to hunt for shark teeth. But, be aware that Crab Bank is closed entirely from March 15 through October 15,
Tips for Finding Shark Teeth in Charleston
If you’re looking to find shark teeth in Charleston, there are a few tips you should keep in mind to maximize your chances of success.
Firstly, it’s best to go early in the morning to the beach. Many people search for shark teeth in Charleston, so by going early, you’ll have a better chance of finding a tooth that has washed up on the sand before others have had a chance to search.
Secondly, you’ll have the best luck finding shark teeth at low tide. When the tide is out, you’ll have access to the sea floor farther out, which tends to have more shells and fossils than the heavily trafficked areas above the high waterline.
When searching for shark teeth, look for areas where there are shells. While you may occasionally find a shark tooth on its own, you’re more likely to find teeth where there are other items washed up on the beach. The waves and current sort things by size, so the size of shells you find is generally about the size of any teeth you’re likely to find as well.
Another tip is to look for areas with black shells and fossils. Most shark teeth you’ll find on the beach are black as a result of absorbing phosphate from the sediment in the ocean over millions of years. So, if you find an area with black shells and fossils, there is a decent chance you’ll find a tooth there as well.
Using a sifter can be a good way to find shark teeth in the sand or in an area with a high concentration of small shells or pebbles. Most of the shark teeth you’ll find will be pretty small, so a sifter with a one-quarter inch mesh is a good choice. However, if you’re hunting on the beach along the shoreline, your chances may be just as good going slow and looking on the surface.
If you choose to hunt for shark teeth with a sifter, be aware that in South Carolina, you’re allowed to sift above the waterline only. Sifting for submerged fossils is not permitted, which is different from the law in many other states.
By following these tips, you’ll increase your chances of finding a shark tooth in Charleston. Remember to be patient and enjoy the experience of searching for these prehistoric treasures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best locations around Charleston, SC to find shark teeth?
The best locations around Charleston, SC to find shark teeth are Folly Beach, Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, and Edisto Beach. These beaches have a high concentration of shark teeth due to their location and geological features.
How can you identify different types of shark teeth found at Folly Beach?
Different types of shark teeth found at Folly Beach can be identified by their shape and size. For example, Megalodon teeth are large and triangular, while Sand Tiger teeth are narrow and have multiple cusps.
How Big are Most Shark Teeth in Charleston?
Most shark teeth found in Charleston are small, ranging from 1/4 inch to 2 inches in length. However, larger teeth, such as Megalodon teeth, can be found but are rare.
What is the Best Time of Day to Find Shark Teeth?
The best time of day to find shark teeth is early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the tide is low. During these times, more of the beach is exposed, making it easier to spot shark teeth.
Is Edisto Beach Good for Sharks’ Teeth?
Yes, Edisto Beach is a good location for finding shark teeth. The beach has a high concentration of shark teeth due to its location and geological features.
Is Folly Beach Good for Sharks’ Teeth?
Yes, Folly Beach is a great location for finding shark teeth. It has a high concentration of shark teeth due to its location and geological features.
How Rare is it to Find a Shark Tooth in Charleston?
It is not rare to find a shark tooth in Charleston, as many beaches in the area have a high concentration of shark teeth. However, finding larger teeth, such as Megalodon teeth, is more rare.
What is the Easiest Way to Find Shark Teeth?
The easiest way to find shark teeth is to walk along the beach and scan the sand for small black or brown triangular shapes. Using a sifter or sieve can also make it easier to find shark teeth.
Are there specific areas of Folly Beach known for an abundance of shark teeth?
Yes, the Washout area of Folly Beach is known for having an abundance of shark teeth. This area is located on the east end of the beach and is popular among shark teeth hunters.
Where is the Best Place to Find Shark Teeth in Charleston?
The best place to find shark teeth in Charleston is Folly Beach. It has a high concentration of shark teeth and is a popular destination for shark teeth hunters.
Is Morris Island a good spot for finding shark teeth, and what should one look for?
Yes, Morris Island is a good spot for finding shark teeth. Look for areas where the tide has washed away sand to expose the underlying sediment. Shark teeth are typically found in these areas.
Can you find Megalodon teeth in South Carolina, and if so, where?
Yes, Megalodon teeth can be found in South Carolina, but they are rare. Folly Beach and Edisto Beach are the most likely locations to find Megalodon teeth.
Are there organized fossil hunting tours in Charleston, SC for shark teeth enthusiasts?
Yes, there are organized fossil hunting tours in Charleston, SC for shark teeth enthusiasts. Charleston Fossil Adventures and Coastal Expeditions offer guided tours and provide equipment for fossil hunting.
