LOCATING BLACK GOLD AMONGST THE FLORIDA COASTLINE
HAVE YOU EVER HAD THE DESIRE TO FIND TREASURE WHILE STROLLING DOWN A FLORIDA BEACH THAT GOES BEYOND A SEARCH FOR YOUR AVERAGE SEASHELL?
Sharks’ teeth, or black gold as Sun Kind of Living likes to call them, are prevalent along the Florida coastline if you know what you’re searching for. Sun Kind of Living knows a thing or two about these unique little beauties and we are here to share our best tips on how to find shark teeth along the Florida coast.
DON’T KNOW WHERE TO BEGIN? LOCATION IS KEY!
Especially if you are searching for these tiny black jewels for the first time, you want to make sure that you choose a location that is well-known for having larger quantities of sharks’ teeth wash up on their beaches. Venice Beach in Southwest Florida, is a very popular location for finding shark teeth and Sun Kind of Living has had great success in this area. Also known as the “Shark Tooth Capital of the World,” these fossilized creations get churned up with ocean waves and storms that tend to roll in. The teeth then travel into the shallow waters and eventually arrive on Florida Gulf beaches. Casey Key and Manasota Key are prime locations for beachcombers seeking these nature-made treasures. Another fun and scenic location to try is the Venice Fishing Pier. This pier not only provides a great location to find shark teeth but also is a fun destination for some photo opportunities on the pier itself. Sun Kind of Living suggests having a bite to eat at Sharky’s on the Pier.
A BIT OF HISTORY THAT IS NO LONGER A MYSTERY.
50 million years ago during a time period that is known as the Cretaceous Period (Dinosaur Train cartoon anyone???) high sea levels kept the state of Florida submerged under the ocean. As the waters began to recede, a 18-35 ft. fossil layer was formed along the Venice coastline. This unique layer gave way to ample opportunity for fossil hunters of all age levels to find these treasured jewels.
FLORIDA SNOW SHOVELS ANYONE?
Here is a list of our top items for locating the perfect shark tooth!
- Florida Snow Shovel- these are small basket scoops made from stainless steel that have a long, often adjustable, handle. They are fun for all ages and saves your back and neck from bending over to sift through seashells, sand, and rock. Sand Dipper – Limited Edition – Wood Pattern Adjustable Beach Combing Scoops
- DIY Shark Tooth Sifter- *Insert Pinterest search* These handmade sifters are usually made from ½” PVC, pool noodles, ¼” wire screen mesh and 8” long zip ties. Don’t have the time or desire to make your own? Here is a shark tooth sifter that is premade and ready for purchase…Floating Sand Sifter
- Shark Tooth Guide Book- Sun Kind of Living suggests purchasing an inexpensive guide book that you can carry with you to the beach. This book will make identifying common Florida shark teeth convenient and easy. Florida Fossil Shark Teeth Identification Guide
Sun Kind of Living made our own DIY Shark Tooth Sifter out of a vintage plastic container instead of using PVC. It is very sturdy and works really well for us and has provided hours and hours of beachcombing fun and entertainment. Of course using your own pair of eyes and two hands on a casual stroll down a beautiful sugar sand beach works every time and doesn’t cost a dime.
SUPPLIES AND FOCUS ARE IN TACT. THE SEARCH IS ON!
If you have now found yourself on one of these beautiful Gulf beaches that Sun Kind of Living has suggested it is now time to search! Make sure to visit these beaches at LOW TIDE! You can choose to take a stroll along the water’s edge with your Florida snow shovel or you can take a few steps out into the ocean to the drop-off ledge (also known as the tidal line). Use your snow shovel to scoop up sand in the trench and sift. If you choose to make a large shark tooth sifter, place a bunch of sand from the drop-off onto the sifter and proceed to move it back and forth in the water to remove the sand until it is manageable to carry back onto the beach. Next, comb through all of the contents to find the natural treasures that lie within. It is very important to note that while sifting through all of the beach contents, you are not looking for a shiny white tooth. Most of these teeth are fossilized which means they will be a black or dark grayish color. Another thing to note is that most shark teeth are smaller than 1 inch. You really have to search through all of the debris carefully.
SHARKS ARE OUR FRIENDS!
There are many types of sharks that call the waters in the Gulf of Florida their homes. These creatures play key roles in maintaining a healthy and happy ocean environment. Some sharks that inhabit these waters include tiger, blacknose, blacktip, lemon, bonnethead, bull, hammerhead, dusky, nurse and sandbar sharks to name a few. With a plethora of shark species comes a wide array of shark teeth. These incredible fossils come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors.
SEEKING THE PRIZED MEGALODON TOOTH?
Support a local dive shop in the Venice Beach, Florida area and have them take you out into the open ocean on a little adventure for some BIG teeth! The elusive Megalodon tooth is a prized possession in the world of shark tooth hunters and finding one is achievable, especially if you have an experienced guide with you.
WAIT FOR IT…
You know what Sun Kind of Living is going to say…TRY SOMETHING NEW, PEOPLE!!!
Don’t settle for your average run of the mill seashell. Search for black gold! Tiny treasures provided to you by some of the coolest predators in the deep. Purchase a Florida Snow Shovel and begin your search on one of Florida’s beautiful, white sand beaches that encompass the Gulf Coast. Any season is a great season to become a shark tooth hunter in Florida!