The first shark tooth you find on a beach changes how you look at sand. Most of what you see in Venice is shell, but if you slow down and keep looking, the teeth start showing up. They are fossils, some of them millions of years old, and they wash ashore every day.
Where to go
Three spots are worth your time, and we list them A to Z.
- Caspersen Beach. The best known spot for shark teeth. The beach is long and the shell line is full of dark gravel, which is where the teeth collect.
- Manasota Key. A quieter stretch just south of Venice. It is a good pick if you want more room to walk.
- Venice Beach. Easy parking and nearby food. Teeth turn up here too, especially along the waterline.
When to go
Low tide is the answer to most questions. The water pulls back, the shell line is exposed, and teeth sit on the surface. Check a tide chart and plan to arrive an hour before low.
Storms help too. Rough water stirs up the bottom and pushes new material onto the beach, so the day after a storm is a good time to go. Winter is a popular season because the beaches are less crowded and strong tides are common.
What to bring
- Mesh bag. Holds your finds and lets the sand drain out.
- Sifter. A sturdy basket with small holes. Shake sand through and the teeth stay behind.
- Venice scoop. A long-handled shovel scoop with holes in the bottom. You can dig in shallow water without bending over.
- Water, a hat and sunscreen. You will be out longer than you plan to be.
What to look for
Look for shiny black triangles. Most Venice teeth are black or dark gray, and they stand out against the pale shell. Many are small, around the size of a fingernail, so get your eyes close to the ground.
Tooth edges are usually smooth and the shape is a clean triangle. If it is a flat, sharp-edged triangle with a glossy surface, you probably have one. Rinse it in the surf to see better.
The rules
In Florida, shark teeth need no permit. You can pick them up from the beach and take them home. The one big exception is that you cannot collect in state or national parks, so check where you are standing before you start. Local rules can change, so look at the posted signs at each beach.
Beach Hunt Bundle
Sifter, scoop, mesh bag and a guide, packed together.
$45 Add to lockerMake the most of the day
Go slow and bring a friend. Kids tend to find more teeth than adults because they are closer to the ground. When you get home, soak your finds in fresh water to wash off the salt and let them dry on a towel.
If the trip is a long way off, a dig kit is a good way to practice at home first.