Alisha Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you make a purchase after clicking a link featured in this post - at no extra cost to you.
Did you know there’s a hidden gem shark tooth beach in Florida? Venice is a quaint beach town on Florida’s Gulf Coast where you can find prehistoric shark teeth mixed in with seashells right on the beach.
Fossil hunting in the shark tooth capital of the world is one of our family’s favorite Florida adventures. Keep reading for what to know about the Florida shark tooth beach and tips for finding shark teeth and other fossils in Venice.
Why is Venice, Florida the Shark Tooth Capital of the World?
Venice Beach in Sarasota County and the surrounding coastal area sits on top of a deep fossil layer, the Peace River Formation.
Storms and waves that erode the Venice Beach shoreline are constantly uncovering shark teeth and other fossils – and they can be millions of years old!
The first thing you’ll notice about this Florida shark tooth beach is that the sand is a darker color than most Florida Gulf Coast beaches.
When you see black specks in the sand, you’ll know you’re at the right kind of beach for Florida shark tooth hunting. Those black specks are actually phosphate and small pieces of fossilized bone and teeth.
Why Are There So Many Shark Teeth in Venice?
Millions of years ago, when Florida was completely submerged under water, Venice and surrounding areas were home to a lot of sharks that lost a lot of teeth.
Sharks shed insane amounts of teeth. Depending on the species, sharks can shed more than 30,000 teeth in their lifetime!
So many of these prehistoric shark teeth are still around today because shark teeth are dense and fossilize easily.
What Kinds of Shark Teeth Can You Find in Venice, Florida?
In Venice, common types of shark teeth fossils come from lemon, bull, dusky, tiger, sand tiger, mako, and snaggletooth shark species.
A megalodon tooth is a rare and exciting Venice, Florida shark tooth find – a prize usually scored by scuba divers.
Best Beach for Shark Tooth Hunting in Florida: Caspersen Beach
Florida fossil seekers can find a bounty of shark teeth at Venice beaches south of the Venice Fishing Pier.
Venice’s Caspersen Beach is considered the best beach for shark tooth hunting in Florida.
A Sarasota County park, Caspersen Beach is located near South Venice and features a variety of amenities. Along with beach access for shark teeth hunting, Caspersen Beach has restrooms, showers, picnic areas, a playground, a nature trail and a kayak launch.
Along with Caspersen Beach, the best beaches for shark teeth hunting on the Florida Gulf Coast include Venice’s Brohard Beach, Manasota Key and Casey Key.
How to Find Shark Teeth on the Beach in Florida
The best way to find shark teeth on the beach in Florida is to use a shark tooth sifter where the waves break on the beach. Start your search at low tide in an area of the beach where you can see black particles in the sand.
Look closely at the debris you’re sifting. Most of the shark teeth you’ll find on the beach are small. Be patient, it may take some time to find one but once you find your first Florida shark tooth, you won’t want to stop searching!
Tips for Finding Shark Teeth in Venice, Florida
- Try to time your shark teeth hunting adventure to low tide. That’s when more of the beach is exposed for searching in the sand. The ideal time for shark teeth hunting in Venice is at low tide in the morning after a storm really stirs up the sand.
- Look for shark teeth on the beach where the sand looks darker. If you see black specks in the sand, you’re in the right place to search for fossils.
- If you’re comfortable in the water, get in. Start where the waves are breaking on the beach and work your way in deeper. In Venice, fossils are often found in the water where the sand drops down about a foot, and farther out into the Gulf too.
- Use a shark tooth sifter. A wire mesh sifter with a ¼ inch screen makes finding shark teeth much easier.
- Most of the shark teeth you’ll find are small so take your time and closely examine the shells and debris you’re sifting.
Where to Eat After Shark Tooth Hunting in Venice, Florida
Sharky’s on the Venice Fishing Pier is a fun place for lunch or dinner after a day of shark tooth hunting. Sharky’s is a waterfront restaurant and tiki bar located right on the beach in Venice. It’s popular for its fresh seafood, tropical drinks, live music and Gulf of Mexico views.
For more upscale beachfront dining in Venice, just head upstairs to sister restaurant Fins at Sharky’s. Fins offers a polished, coastal casual atmosphere, premium surf and turf dishes, and gorgeous Gulf of Mexico views.
More Things To Do in Venice During a Florida Shark Tooth Beach Trip
Explore the Italian-Inspired Florida Town on Venice Florida Sightseeing Trolley Tour
Venice, Florida is a charming coastal city in Sarasota County named for its similarity to the canal city in Italy. Carefully planned, beautifully landscaped and adorned with statues and fountains, Venice is a lovely Italian-inspired town to explore in Florida.
Venice takes great pride in its downtown and the preservation of its historic district featuring Mediterranean Revival-style buildings built in the 1920s. Learn all about the history, landmarks and culture of the Italian-style Florida city on Venice Florida sightseeing trolley tour.
Take a Kayak Tour in the Canals of Venice Florida
The canals of Venice around Caspersen Beach are a beautiful place to kayak in Florida. You can book a canals of Venice Florida kayak tour for another fun outdoor adventure to experience during a Florida shark tooth beach trip.
Go Shark Spotting in Downtown Venice
For family fun in Venice, embark on a shark spotting adventure on downtown Venice’s shark loop walking trail. The one-mile walking trail features 10 bronze shark sculptures of Venice native species of living and prehistoric sharks.
Search for Fairy Doors to the Fairy Kingdom of Venezia
For another scavenger hunt adventure, look for fairy doors hidden high and low throughout downtown Venice and around the island. The Fairy Kingdom of Venezia was established in Venice in 2019 and the magical Florida community has grown to include more than 30+ fairy homes.
Venice Shark Tooth Festival
Want more Florida shark tooth fun? Mark your calendar for this free event held every April in the Shark Tooth Capital of the World.
Held in Centennial Park in downtown Venice, the Venice Shark Tooth Festival features educational speakers, live music, kids’ activities, food trucks and vendors selling shark teeth and beachy merchandise.
Best Hotel in Venice for a Florida Shark Tooth Beach Trip
If you’re looking for a great hotel for a Florida shark tooth beach trip, check out these highly-rated beachfront inns near Venice:
The Pearl Beach Inn on Manasota Key
Located right on the beach on Manasota Key, The Pearl Beach Inn offers a laid-back Old Florida vibe steps away from the best beach for shark teeth in Florida.
A Beach Retreat on Casey Key
A private beachfront escape located just north of the Venice jetty, A Beach Retreat on Casey Key offers cozy beach apartments. It’s close to North Jetty Beach, a hidden gem Florida beach in Sarasota County that’s full of shark teeth.
North Florida Shark Tooth Beach: Amelia Island
While Venice is the most famous shark tooth beach in Florida. It’s not the only one. Fossilized shark teeth can also be found on the beaches of beautiful Amelia Island in north Florida.
Located just north of Jacksonville on Florida’s northeast coast, Amelia Island is charming barrier island rich in natural beauty, history and fossilized treasures.
Shark teeth are carried onto Amelia Island’s shores by currents from the St. Mary’s River on the north side of the island.
The best place to find shark teeth on Amelia Island is the beach at Fort Clinch State Park. There, fossil hunters can find shark teeth in the sand just beyond the walls of a well-preserved 19th century fort built at the mount of the river.
More Florida Beach Adventures
Get inspired to plan more Florida beach adventures with our tips for shelling in Florida and our guide to the best beach towns around Tampa Bay.
Want recommendations for Florida adventure tours that will help you experience the best of Florida? Check out Adventure-Seeking Mom approved Florida travel experiences on Viator.
Follow along on Instagram for even more Florida hidden gems and bucket list adventures.
Like this guide to Florida’s shark tooth beach? Share this post!
Sounds like something I would greatly enjoy doing 🥰
You definitely need to add some shark teeth to your seashell collection!