One hour north of Fort Myers, nestled on Florida’s Gulf Coast, lies a picture-perfect paradise with soft sand, turquoise waters and the iconic Venice Fishing Pier. We’re talking about the beaches of Venice, of course, which claims the title of “Shark Tooth Capital of the World” due to the abundance of fossilized shark teeth that wash up along its shores. Naturally, this makes it a big draw for fossil hunters, beach lovers and all kinds of curious vacationers each year.
What kinds of shark teeth can you find?
Throughout Venice’s beaches, you can find teeth from various shark species including ones that are extinct. As expected, those are the rarest and most treasured finds, such as large megalodon teeth which can occasionally be found by diving offshore.
Your typical shark teeth appear as small, black or gray triangles. These can come from bull and lemon sharks, or even more distinctive curved teeth from mako sharks.
Where are the best places to find fossilized shark teeth?
In addition to Venice Beach, especially near the Fishing Pier, popular spots for searching along the shore include Caspersen Beach and Manasota Key. In particular, Caspersen Beach is considered a gold mine for shark tooth hunters, as it is less crowded with a bounty of fossils just waiting to be discovered. It also features dark sand, as a result of the breakdown of these fossils, making it easier to spot any teeth!
How to look for fossils once you get there
For starters, you should bring along a small shovel and a sifter — not to dig with, but to help you screen and move rocks in the sand to find the teeth you’re looking for! Then, you’ll want to have a keen eye when walking along the shoreline for triangular shapes that could be mixed in with shells. The best times to do this are during low tide or after a storm, as waves bring more fossils to the surface…