shark teeth, dig shark teeth, boat captains charter trips, venice beach — Megalodon teeth

Ashlyn and I both love hunting for shark teeth, but I must admit...I am, and always have been, absolutely obsessed! I've been lucky enough to find plenty megalodon teeth and just about every other species in between.

My love for fossil hunting makes Venice a perfect place to call home, and in this blog, I will give you some history about Venice and its shark teeth, as well as some tips on how to find your own!

Why is Venice the Shark Tooth Capital of the World?

Did you know? Millions of years ago, ALL of Florida was submerged underwater. And ten million years ago to hundreds of millions of years ago, what is now Florida was a hotspot for sharks of all different species.

And while Venice is not some magical shark magnet, it has a couple key geological features that make finding fossilized shark teeth about as easy as finding shoes at a shoe store.

Geology of Venice

What really makes Venice true shark's tooth country is the gentle slope of the ocean floor between Englewood and Nokomis. Instead of a sharp drop-off, this gentle slope allows for slow erosion of the fossil layer that constantly exposes these shiny black teeth and washes them ashore. Where prehistoric sharks died once upon a time, fossilized teeth now remain.

The Boneyard: An Ancient River Bed

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If you want to head straight to the source of these prehistoric fossils, starting from Venice Beach (plus or minus a couple miles north or south), head about a mile offshore where you will find what is known as The Boneyard, an ancient river bed that collects and traps even more sharks' teeth.

While you will need dive equipment and a SCUBA diving certification, the really large shark teeth, especially the prized megalodon teeth, are found in much more abundance here, compared to beach scanning. The boneyard is located about 30 feet below the surface of the water.

Consider hiring one of the many local Venice dive boats that will happily take you on a 2-3 tank dive and know how to put you on the teeth! We really like Aquanutz Fossil Dive Tours if you’re looking for a recommendation.

Beach and Shore Hunting

If you want to find sharks teeth but prefer a method that does not require dive equipment, fret not! Simply choose a beach anywhere in between Stump Pass to the south and Nokomis Beach on Casey Key to the north, and walk the shell beds just above the shoreline. You're sure to find plenty teeth from different shark species mixed among the washed up shells.

Sifting in the Water

If you're not afraid to get wet, get yourself a "sand flea rake," also known as a Florida snow shovel, and a floating sifter. There are a number of places in town that rent and/or sell all the equipment you need. One of our favorite places is Shark Frenzy on Venice Island.

They have a variety of Florida snow shovels to choose from to help find shark teeth and can even help with teeth identification in the event you need help figuring out what type of shark teeth you found.

Techniques to Sifting in the Water

Illustration showing approximately where the “shelf” you should start sifting at begins.

Most shark teeth are found in ankle to waist-deep water, just before where the waves break. To get a scoop full of fossilized teeth, simply walk into the water and you'll immediately notice a sloping "shelf" about ankle to knee-deep in the water. Start scooping sand where the shelf meets the flat sand, and you are certain to get multiple teeth in just about every scoop!

If you aren't having much luck in that area, try moving out a few feet at a time. There is really never a need to go above waist or chest-deep water.

Best Beaches to Look for Shark Teeth

While Venice is the shark tooth capital of the world, Venice Beach is actually no longer that great of a spot to look for shark teeth! If you want to find shark teeth, it's best to avoid this beach and focus on other beaches!

As part of a beach re-nourishment project that began a number of years ago, sand has been brought in from other areas and dumped onto Venice Beach. Thus, all the prehistoric shark teeth on that sandy shoreline are now covered up.

Instead, try your luck at Caspersen Beach (the official shark tooth capital), South Brohard Beach, Manasota Beach, or my personal favorite, Blind Pass Beach. Follow the simple instructions I provided, and you are sure to find so many shark teeth, you won't know what to do with them!

Other Types of Fossils You Can Find

While shark teeth are what most people come looking for, you are likely to find a variety of other fossils including sting ray mouth plates, whale bones, dugong bones, barracuda teeth, alligator teeth, and SO MANY MORE! Fossil hunting goes beyond just shark teeth in Venice! Collecting shark teeth does not require a permit, but collecting for other fossils does. To apply for a permit, visit the Florida Museum website and follow their instructions.

Land Hunting

If Scuba diving isn't for you, but you still want a shot at finding some bigger teeth, try hunting on land. Remember, all of Florida used to be underwater, and there are an abundance of teeth on land, as well!

Just remember to always follow the law and never trespass onto private property. If you want a land hunting experience where everything is set up for you, we highly recommend taking the hour and a half drive from Venice to Bone Valley Fossil Farm. Click that hyperlink to learn more about this awesome experience!

What to do After Shark Tooth Hunting

After a long (and hopefully successful) shark tooth hunt, consider going to the famous Sharky's on the Pier Restaurant to satisfy your appetite. Shark teeth collectors, tourists, and locals alike can be found at this delicious, fun restaurant right by the Venice Fishing Pier. Or, try their fine dining restaurant, Fins at Sharky's. Both are delicious and extremely affordable!

Good Luck!

Of all the great activities Venice has to offer, it is hard to beat spending the day at a beautiful beach, finding a bunch of different shark teeth, and watching the beautiful sunset from a beachside restaurant like Sharky's.

If you have any other questions about shark tooth hunting, feel free to reach out! We're always happy to make sure you begin with all odds in your favor!

Ready to Hunt for Homes, as Well?

The Golden Palms Group is committed to providing the absolute best service from start to finish and beyond. We truly care about each of our clients and do whatever it takes to remove the stress out of finding and buying a home.

Our main goal is to make the home buying process as easy and enjoyable as possible, and we would love the opportunity to prove that. If you would like to learn more about Venice or would like to tour any homes in the area, please give us a call and we would be happy to show them to you.

If Venice does not sound like it would suit your needs, give us a call anytime so we can learn more about you and what you are looking for.

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