We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.
The North Carolina coast is dotted with absolutely gorgeous beaches. From lighthouses to turtle nests, to beaches on which you can drive, you’ll find amazing destinations at the beaches of North Carolina. But you may wonder, where is a great spot to find shark teeth in NC? We’ve got your answer!
If, like me, you turn your TV set to Shark Week every year in August, I’ve got the perfect way for you to participate in your own Shark Week adventure!
Best 5 Beaches to Find Shark Teeth in NC
1. Onslow Beach
The best place is undoubtedly Onslow Beach, but unless you’re in the military or have a military friend, you won’t be able to access this magnificent beach to find shark teeth in NC.
2. Topsail Island
The next best beach to find shark teeth in North Carolina is Topsail Island. People report having good luck in finding shark teeth, especially along North Topsail Beach.
3. Bald Head Island
One of NC’s barrier islands, Bald Head Island, is a great place to spend a relaxing day and a hot spot for finding shark teeth.
4. Shark Tooth Island (Shark’s Tooth Island)
This series of islands was created by dredging back in the 1800s. Located in the middle of the Cape Fear River, Shark Tooth Island is easily accessible from Wilmington Beach and nearby areas. You can get there by kayak or hiring a local guide. You’re sure to find something here!
5. Fort Fisher
Fort Fisher is a great place to find shark teeth. 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.
Try these other beaches, too:
- Emerald Isle
- Holden Beach
- Ocean Isle
- Surf City
- Pleasure Island
- Carolina Beach
- Kure Beach
- Wrightsville Beach
PRO TIP: If you’re looking for a rare find – a megalodon tooth from this now-extinct shark species – then hire a boat and bring your scuba equipment and license. About 24 miles offshore is the “Meg Ledge,” with the highest concentration of these beauties worldwide!
Aurora
While not a beach, Aurora, NC, has the highest concentration of fossilized shark teeth. You can also explore the exhibits at the Aurora Fossil Museum to see fossil shark teeth and megalodon teeth.
What are Shark’s Teeth?
Did you know that a shark’s mouth has four rows of teeth? I certainly didn’t! But it concerned me that I could easily find shark teeth along the shores of Camp Lejeune’s Onslow Beach. Didn’t that mean there were plenty of sharks in the waters off the Carolina Coast? Absolutely!
What to Look For To Find Shark Teeth
Shark teeth are generally triangular in shape, so look for triangular shapes along the shoreline. Newer teeth will be white, while older shark teeth will be black.
Personally, I have found that the black triangular shapes are easier to find among seashells.
Of course, shark teeth aren’t the only great items you’ll find along the coast of North Carolina. Keep your eyes peeled for beautiful sea glass.
Best Time to Look for Shark Teeth on NC Beaches
When sharks lose their teeth, they tend to sink to the bottom of the ocean. Use these tips to improve your chances of finding shark teeth.
Your best bet for finding them is when something causes a big shakeup of the ocean. Look for shark teeth after a big storm or hurricane, if there is nearby dredging or areas known for strong currents.
Don’t forget to look for them in sandbars and low tide pools since they are also constantly shifting.
Look for shark teeth at low tide, when the tides are at their highest. Then, the best odds are that the tides will have left you a! Also, avoid spots with many people, as treasure behind them may have already scoured the sand.
Equipment to Find Shark Teeth in NC
Shovel
You don’t need anything big, but a yard trowel or small shovel can help you look for shark teeth.
Sifter
When a beach is covered in shells and other debris, a small sifter can help you systematically look through everything to find your hidden treasure.
Final Thoughts on Best Beaches to Find Shark Teeth in NC
Before moving to North Carolina, I never realized that you could find shark teeth almost as easily as shelling. Have fun!
Check out these related posts:
- NC Beaches You Can Drive On!
- Best Things to Do in Carolina Beach
- Carolina Beach’s Murals
- Where to Eat and Drink in Carolina Beach
Happy travels!
Annick, The Common Traveler
Save this Best Beaches to Find Shark’s Teeth in NC for later – share it, pin it, and save it!
Raised as a third culture kid living in South America and Europe, Annick caught the travel bug early. As an empty-nester, Annick enjoys sharing her tips for traveling for those with champagne taste and beer budgets.