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From the northern part of Topsail Island to the southern section of Brunswick County, explore the best beaches for shark teeth and experience the beauty and history of North Carolina’s coast.
A visit to the beaches of North Carolina is a great way to explore a variety of landscapes, activities, and wildlife. One of the most popular activities that people enjoy while visiting the coast of North Carolina is searching for shark teeth. Sharks teeth can be found all along the beaches of North Carolina, but there are certain areas that are known to have a higher concentration of these ancient fossils. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day by the shore or an exciting expedition to uncover hidden treasures, exploring the best place to find shark teeth in North Carolina is an incredible experience.
What are Sharks Teeth?
Sharks teeth are a type of fossils. In fact, they fossilized remains of ancient sharks and come in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes. The most commonly found shark teeth in North Carolina are from megalodon, which are the largest sharks to ever have lived. Megalodon sharks were up to 50 feet long and lived up to 2 million years ago. These ancient sharks were powerful hunters that roamed the oceans and left behind their fossilized teeth as evidence of their existence. Since then, these fossils have been preserved and can be found today on the beaches of North Carolina.
Sharks teeth are usually black or gray in color and can be found in a variety of shapes. The most common shape is a triangular point, but they can also be curved, pointed, or blunt. The size of the shark’s teeth can range from a few millimeters to a few centimeters. Sharks teeth are usually found near the shoreline, in the sand, and in the surf. They are also often found washed up on the beach after storms or high tides.
Why are North Carolina Beaches Great for Finding Sharks Teeth?
Map of Coastal N.C.
North Carolina is a great place to find shark teeth because the coastline has a variety of habitats and environments that are home to a variety of marine life. The state has a long history of shark populations, which means that there are plenty of shark teeth to be found on the beaches. The temperate climate in North Carolina is also ideal for preserving fossils, which makes it easier to find shark teeth that are in good condition.
The geography of the coastline also plays an important role in the abundance of shark teeth. North Carolina has a large continental shelf, which means that sharks can travel up and down the coast in search of food in relatively shallow waters where prey roam. The coastal waters also provide an ideal habitat for sharks, as the warm waters are full of nutrients and food sources. This makes the coast of North Carolina a great place to find shark teeth, as sharks are more likely to be in the area and leave behind fossils.
Wrightsville Beach: A Deep Dive
Wrightsville Beach is situated in New Hanover County, North Carolina and is known for its beautiful, unspoiled beach and picturesque environment. If you are an experienced diver, you may be interested in taking part in tours to search for shark teeth, as the majority of the teeth found here are located about 100 meters below sea level. Even if you are not yet an experienced diver, the possibility of finding a valuable shark tooth worth thousands of dollars could be the motivation you need to take up the activity. Despite the deep dives and strong currents, Wrightsville Beach is one of the few locations in the world where high quantities of megalodon teeth can be found.
Topsail Island: An Unexplored Treasure
Topsail Island, a barrier island situated off the coast of North Carolina and spanning 26 miles, comprises three cities and two counties. The island community has united to undertake a collective effort to protect the beautiful beach and ensure its safety. North Topsail Beach, Topsail Beach, and Surf City are the three cities that make up the island. Let’s explore each one and see its benefits for shark teeth and fossil hunting.
Topsail Island is particularly known for megalodon shark teeth. Many locals visit the beach throughout the year, especially after a large storm such as a hurricane in the hopes of finding fossils.
Map of Topsail Island, N.C.
North Topsail Beach is an often overlooked spot for finding shark teeth. The beach is also known for its strong currents, which can bring in a variety of shark teeth from different locations. The waves are usually gentle, which makes it easy to wade into the surf and search for shark teeth.
North Topsail Beach is a great spot for those who are looking for a more peaceful and secluded beach experience. The beach is often less crowded than the other beaches in the area and it is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the tranquil surroundings. The fact that the beach is less crowded also means that there are more opportunities to find shark teeth.
Topsail Beach
Similar to North Topsail Beach, Topsail beach is just south and has all of the benefits of its sister beach to the north. Topsail Beach does get more crowded however, as there is more public parking.
Surf City
Surf City is a great spot for finding shark teeth, and it is especially known for its megalodon teeth. The beach is located in between North Topsail Beach and Topsail Beach on Topsail Island.
Surf City is a great spot for those who are looking for a more adventurous beach experience. The beach is often crowded with beachgoers, but the abundance of beachgoers also means that there is an abundance of megalodon teeth that have been unearthed. Surf City is also a great spot for night owls, as the beach is known for its lively nightlife.
Pleasure Island: A Popular Spot for Sharks Teeth
Map of Pleasure Island, NC which consists of Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Fort Fisher.
Carolina Beach
Carolina Beach is a popular destination for beachgoers and a great spot for finding shark teeth. The beach is located in the southern end of the city of Wilmington. The beach is also known for its strong currents, which can bring in a variety of shark teeth from different locations. It is unique in that it is jutted farther out in the ocean than some neighboring beaches which makes finding shark teeth more likely. It is known for its wide, sandy beach.
Carolina Beach is a great spot for those who are looking for a more popular beach experience. The beach is often crowded with beachgoers, which can make it difficult to find shark teeth. However, the abundance of beachgoers also means that there is an abundance of shark teeth that have been unearthed. Carolina Beach is also a great spot for night owls, as the beach is known for its lively nightlife.
Kure Beach
Kure Beach is an often overlooked spot for finding shark teeth. This beach is located on what’s known as Pleasure Island, in between Carolina Beach and Fort Fisher. It is known for its fine sand, clean beaches, and abundance of wildlife. The beach is also known for its strong currents, which can bring in a variety of shark teeth from different locations. The waves are usually gentle, which makes it easy to wade into the surf and search for shark teeth.
Kure Beach is a great spot for those who are looking for a more peaceful and secluded beach experience. The beach is often less crowded than the other beaches in the area and it is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the tranquil surroundings. The fact that the beach is less crowded also means that there are more opportunities to find shark teeth.
Fort Fisher
Fort Fisher beach, located in North Carolina, is a popular destination for beachgoers, as well as fossil hunters looking for shark teeth. The beach is situated on the site of a prehistoric ocean, where a wide variety of sharks once roamed. Fort Fisher has historic roots and is best known for its role in the Civil War.
Fort Fisher includes the fort where you can take a tour and learn the history of the fort, a public beach, and N.C. Fort Fisher Aquarium, a ferry terminal that goes to Southport, a boat dock, and a small ocean/intracoastal waterway park where locals like to fish. Finding shark teeth at Fort Fisher beach is an exciting and rewarding experience. The beach is known for having a high concentration of shark teeth, and it’s not uncommon to find several in a single visit.
Bald Head Island: A Unique Adventure
Bald Head Island is a unique spot for finding shark teeth. This island is located off of the coast of NC near Southport. It is known for its wide, sandy beach and beautiful shells that are often completely in tack. Since the island sits off of the coast it gets currents that other beaches do not get and storms in the area only help to churn up the sand and uncover treasures.
Map of Bald Head Island, N.C.
The beach is also known for its strong currents, which can bring in a variety of shark teeth from different locations. The waves are usually gentle, which makes it easy to wade into the surf and search for shark teeth.
Bald Head Island is a great spot for those who are looking for a unique beach experience. The island is only accessible by ferry and is home to a variety of wildlife, which makes it a great spot for exploring. The fact that the island is only accessible by ferry also means that it is often less crowded than other beaches in the area, which makes it the perfect spot to relax and search for shark teeth.
Shark Tooth Island: An Adventure Just Getting There
Shark Tooth Island is a small island located near Carolina Beach, North Carolina and is a hot spot for shark teeth and different types of fossils. It’s a popular destination for fossil hunters looking for shark teeth and other prehistoric relics.
The island is accessible by boat, kayak, or paddleboard, and it’s only a short distance from Carolina Beach. Visitors can park at the Carolina Beach Boat Ramp and launch their boats from there.
Map of Shark Tooth Island near Carolina Beach, N.C.
Shark Tooth Island is situated on the site of a prehistoric ocean and is known for having a high concentration of fossilized shark teeth. Visitors can search for teeth on the island’s beaches and shallow waters. The best time to search for teeth is during low tide when more of the beach is exposed.
In addition to shark teeth, visitors to Shark Tooth Island can also find other prehistoric fossils, including ancient shells and bones. It’s a great place for families and groups to explore and learn about the natural history of the area.
Ocean Isle Beach: A Convergence of Forces
Ocean Isle Beach, located in North Carolina, is known for being a great place to hunt for shark teeth because it’s located near the convergence of two major ocean currents, the Gulf Stream and the Labrador Current. The constant movement of these currents has a churning effect on the ocean floor, bringing up new fossils and depositing them on the beach.
The area is also known for having a high concentration of shark teeth. While it’s never guaranteed that you will find teeth during your search, the odds of finding them at Ocean Isle Beach are higher than at many other beaches.
Tips for Finding Sharks Teeth
Searching for shark teeth on the local beaches of the North Carolina coast can be a fun and rewarding experience, but there are some tips that can help make your search more successful.
Tip #1: The most important tip is to look for areas that have a higher concentration of shark teeth, such as Pleasure Island, Topsail Island, or Bald Head Island. It is also important to search in areas with strong currents, as these currents can help bring in a variety of shark teeth from different locations.
Tip #2: It is also important to look for areas with softer sand, as this can make it easier to find shark teeth. Areas that have not been heavily visited by beachgoers will often have more shark teeth that have not yet been unearthed.
Tip #3: The best time to search for shark teeth is after a big storm, as the waves can churn up new fossils and wash them onto the shore. High tide will bring sand, shells, and shark teeth up onto the shore making it easier to find them during low tide.
Tip #4: To have better chances of finding shark teeth, it’s recommended to look for them during low tide when the water recedes and exposes more of the beach. You can either search for teeth in the sand or wade into the shallow water and look for them along the shoreline.
Tip #5: One of the best ways to collect shark teeth is to use a mesh sand sifter, as this will make it easier to spot small shark teeth in the sand.
Pro Tip: Collecting fossils on Fort Fisher beach is legal, but there are restrictions on how many teeth you can take and what tools you can use. It’s best to check the regulations before you start your search.
The Most Common Types of Shark Teeth Found
Different species of sharks roam the Atlantic Ocean off of the east coast. Sharks lose teeth from their lower jaw and upper jaw. They can lose rows of teeth over the course of their lifetime. New teeth grow in the shark’s mouth to replace the ones they lose.
Common Types of Sharks
Bull Shark: Bull sharks are one of the most common shark species found in the waters off the coast of North Carolina, including the area near Wilmington. In North Carolina, bull sharks can be found in many areas, including the Cape Fear River and its estuary, as well as the ocean waters near Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, and Topsail Island.
Lemon Shark: Lemon sharks are not commonly found in the waters off the coast of North Carolina. These sharks are typically found in tropical and subtropical waters, such as those in the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and Florida.
Tiger Sharks or sand tiger shark: Tiger sharks and sand tiger sharks are two of the shark species commonly found in the waters off the coast of North Carolina.
Great Whites: While great white sharks have been known to inhabit the waters off the coast of North Carolina, sightings are rare and they are not considered to be a common species in this region.
Great white sharks are typically found in colder waters, such as those off the coast of New England, California, and South Africa. However, they have been known to travel long distances and can be found in other areas as well.
Blacktip Sharks: Blacktip sharks are one of the shark species that can be found in the waters off the coast of North Carolina. In North Carolina, blacktip sharks can be found in many areas, including near the shorelines of Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, and Topsail Island. They are often seen in the early morning or late afternoon when the water is calm and the lighting is favorable. These sharks are common in warm, shallow waters and are known for their acrobatic leaps out of the water.
Safety Precautions While Searching for Shark Teeth
While shark attacks are relatively rare, they can occur in shallow waters close to shore. Some shark species, such as bull sharks, are known to swim in very shallow waters and have been responsible for many shark attacks in these areas. Other factors, such as murky water or low visibility, can also increase the risk of a shark attack in shallow water.
It is important to take precautions when swimming or engaging in other water activities like searching for shark teeth in shallow water. Some tips for reducing the risk of a shark encounter include avoiding swimming at dawn or dusk, avoiding wearing shiny jewelry or brightly colored clothing, and avoiding areas where bait fish are present. Additionally, it is recommended to swim in areas where lifeguards are present and to pay attention to any posted warnings or alerts.
Get Ready to Go Hunting
Exploring the beaches of North Carolina is a great way to experience the beauty and history of the state’s coast. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day by the shore or an exciting expedition to uncover hidden treasures, shark tooth hunting on the beaches of North Carolina is an incredible experience. No matter which beach you choose, the Cape Fear region along the NC coast has some of the best shark teeth hunting in the state and is a good time for the whole family. So go ahead and explore the best beaches for shark teeth and experience the beauty and history of North Carolina’s coast. It will be a vacation to remember…plus you’ll get an awesome shark tooth as a souvenir!