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PEACE RIVER

Fossil Hunting Guide

Peace River Florida

Fossil hunting guide to the peace river, ~ 23 - 5 million years old miocene to early pliocene hawthorn group, peace river formation, bone valley member and unconsolidated pleistocene layers of sands and gravel ice age: ~2.6 million to 11,700 years ago.

Remember to get your FOSSIL PERMIT before fossil hunting in Florida!

A view of the Peace River in Florida; a perfect spot to Fossil Hunt Image used with permission of Lee Cone.

A sampling of fossils found in the Peace River of Florda. Notice the nice Megalodon shark teeth! Image used with permission of Lee Cone

A Fossil Hunter sifting for fossils in the Peace River. Image used with permission of Chuck Ferrara: Southwest Florida Fossil Society

Why Are There Fossils Here? About the Geology of Florida: Peace River Formation and Ice Age Fossil Origins

So, how did Florida end up with countless fossils?? Let's start in the Cretaceous around 50 million years ago, when high sea levels caused Florida to be submerged. Florida stayed submerged for many millions of years. During this time at the bottom of the ocean, layers of limestone accumulated on the sea floor, creating the "bed rock" of Florida. Starting in the Oligocene, about 30 million years ago, the global climate cooled and sea levels began to drop. An island of limestone emerged in north central Florida called Orange Island. This was the first appearance of today's Florida. Rains eroded the porous limestone, creating the cave systems and sink holes common to Florida.

Peace River Formation

Jumping ahead to 20 million years ago, into the next Epoch, the Miocene, sediments coming from the Appalachian mountains further north accumulated around Florida and built up the Orange Island. Although the sea levels were in constant flux during the Miocene, Florida started to get its modern appearance. During this time land animals roamed central Florida, while a very shallow sea covered the coastal areas. At this time nutrient rich deposits washing from the Appalachian mountains created heavy sediment laden and nutrient rich waters. These sediments sank to the bottom entombing dead marine animals, countless teeth from sharks (including the Megalodon Sharks), and also land animals when the sea levels would rise. This trend continued until the Early Pliocene, about 5 million years ago. Today the sediments form the phosphate rich formations, including the Peace River Formation. This formation is mostly underground, but rivers, such as the Peace River, expose this formation. Also just off the beach near Venice, this formation is exposed.

Ice Age Fossils

Besides for the Peace River fossils, there are also fossils from the Pleistocene. During the Pleistocene, from 2.5 million until about 11,000 years ago the Earth was (and still is) in constant glaciations events. During glacial periods, the sea levels would drop, and Florida's land would double in size. Ice Age animals lived here including Mammoths, Dire Wolves, Glyptodonts, Horses, and Giant Ground Sloths. During interglacial periods, the sea levels would rise, covering much of Florida. Sediments would bury and preserve the remains of these Ice Age animals. Today, these fossils erode out of the layers of Pleistocene sands and gravels and wash into rivers. These Ice Age sand and gravel layers make Florida one of the richest places on Earth to find vertebrate fossils!

Left Image: Florida in the Oligocene, showing the emergence of Orange Island. Center Image: Florida in the Early Miocene, during the Miocene uplift event. Right Image: Florida in the Pleistocene during maximum glaciation/low sea level.

How To find Fossils in the Peace River

Fossils erode from the banks and bottom of the Peace River and collect in gravel areas. The information below shows you how to hunt for these fossils.

Fossil Hunting Permit and Artifacts

In order to fossil hunt vertebrates on state land in Florida, you must have a Fossil Permit. Anyone can obtain a fossil permit. Fossil Shark teeth are specifically excluded, but in the Peace River, you will be finding more than just shark teeth, so be sure to get a permit first. The permit application, permit renewal, and additional information from the FLMNH is here: FOSSIL PERMIT .

Do Not Collect Artifacts

In the state of Florida, it is illegal to collect artifacts on public land. If you find arrowheads, pottery shards, or or any other type of artifact, toss them back into the river.

When to Go (October - April)

You can fossil hunt here any time of the year. However, some times can be better than others. It's best to fossil hunt along the Peace River when it has not been raining. If the river is running high, the gravel areas may not be accessable. Also, a high river means fast currents, which can be dangerous. Usually, the best time to go is during the Florida "dry season" from Fall to Early Spring (October through April) . This is when the river is at its lowest

River Water Level

As mentioned above, you are sifting for gravel on the bottom of the river, so you want the river height to be relatively low. The USGS has water level gauges along the Peace River. Below are some recommeneded river heights and real time river heights.

At Arcadia, you want the water to be around 1 foot in height or lower. Above is the Arcadia river gauge height provided by the USGS : (If the dates are not up-to-date, you will have to refresh your cache)

At Zolfo Springs, you want the water to be around 7 feet in height or lower. Above is the Zolfo Springs river gauge height provided by the USGS :

How to Look for Fossils

Looking for fossils is fairly simple. It requires finding a gravel area on the bottom of the river and sifting it with a shovel and sifter. In order to search the river, people usually rent a canoe or kayak and paddle up or down the river looking for a "perfect" gravel spot. If you don't want to canoe or kayak, you can simply find a public access point (listed in the Locations section below) and wade into the river. The gravel is on the bottom of the river, so wade into a shallow area and test the bottom to see if there is gravel. When you find a spot, start sifting!

Recommended Equipment

Most people use a shovel and sifter to sift for fossils in the river, so you will need a shovel and a sifter, or a shovel/sifter combo.

Locations: Where to find Fossils in the Peace River

Google Map of the Peace River, Florida This map is centered between two of the main canoe rental companies

Fossils erode from the banks and bottom of the Peace River and collect in gravel areas along the river. Usually people will paddle up or down the river in search of a gravel spot. The Peace River is slightly over 100 miles long, so you can spend years looking for perfect gravel areas! Below are locations where you can rent canoes and sift for your own fossils. The boat rental places below are not endorsed by the website, but are here to help you find a boat rental location on the Peace River. Make sure you check the water level heights in the "How to" section above. Don't Want to Paddle? Simply go to a public boat ramp and walk along the river to find a gravel spot.

1. Take A Guided Tour:

I recommend going with a guide or a fossil club for your first time on the Peace River Paleo Discoveries There are a handfull of Fossil Tour companies that will take you out on the Peace River. Fred Mazza of Paleo Discoveries is a fossil hunting expert and his company is a great option if you want to use a tour guide. (I am not affiliated with them)

2. Arcadia: Canoe Outpost Peace River

2816 NW County Rd. 661, Arcadia, FL 34266 This canoe rental company is located in the heart of the Peace river in Arcadia. You can rent a canoe and paddle the river in search of fossil gravel beds to sift. Website: Canoe Outpost Peace River (canoeoutpost.com) . They also have a place near Zolfo Springs.

3. Peace River: Public Boat Ramps

If you have a canoe or kayak, you can use one of the many public boat ramps along the scenic river, or you can simply wade into the river from one of these boat ramp access points. Here are a couple ramps: Brownville Park Boat Ramp: 885 NE Brownville St, Arcadia, FL 34266 Gardner Boat Ramp: 547 River Rd SW, Zolfo Springs, FL 33890 To find all of the ramps, check out the Florida Public Boat Ramp Finder and do an advanced search for the Peace River.

Identification of Peace River Fossils:

Click on the image to go to the Peace River Fossil Identification Section:

Peace River Fossils Identification Guide

Additional Information for Fossil Hunting on the Peace River

Alligator in Florida

Don't get close to baby gators and gator nests, the mothers don't like it! If you bring small pets, keep an eye on them, gators have been known to snack on them.

Yes, there are poisonous snakes in the river, if you don't know what's poisonous, it's best to stay away from snakes in general.

Biting Insects

Yes, there are biting flies, ticks, and other nasty bugs. Use bug spray.

Yes, it can get hot! Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat.

River Current

If you managed to make it to the river when the water is too high or a storm comes through, don't risk it, stay out of the river!

Usually you will fossil hunt when the water level is low. Often, the low level and snagged trees will force you to carry your boat on occasion. Being in good physical shape is recommended.

Recommended Florida Shark Tooth Books and Items:

Florida Fossil Shark Teeth Identification Guide: The Fossil Shark Teeth Most Commonly Found In Florida Robert Lawrence Fuqua, 2020 This identification guide is a must for fossil shark tooth enthusiasts in Florida, offering detailed descriptions and color photos. Although it's around 35 pages, the well-made booklet is a is an informative and enjoyable tool for identifying shark teeth, making it highly recommended.

Fossiling in Florida: A Guide for Diggers and Divers By Olin Mark Renz Mark Renz, offers a great educational guide that includes illustrated tales of discovering saber-toothed cats, mammoths, and more. His book, an excellent educational guide for fossil enthusiasts, offers practical advice and over 250 photos for identifying fossils and navigating the hunting process.

Shark Teeth Shirt The perfect gift for any shark tooth hunter!

Get Your Very Own Megalodon Tooth:

These are Authentic Megalodon teeth sold by Fossil Era , a reputable fossil dealer (that I personally know) who turned his fossil passion into a business. His Megalodon teeth come in all sizes and prices, from small and inexpensive to large muesum quality teeth. Each tooth has a detailed descriptions and images that include its collecting location and formation. If you are looking for a megalodon tooth, browse through these selections!

Related Content

Peace River Fossil Identification

Fossil Identification Guide for the Peace River

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A nearby fossil collecting site.

Amelia Island Fossil Hunting

A Florida Beach Shark Tooth collecting site.

South Carolina Fossil Page

Main Coastal South Carolina Page

The Megalodon

Everything you wanted to know about Megalodon!

Shark Fossils

Theres more than just Shark Teeth that fossilize!

About the Author

To learn about the Author of this site, click on the image - J. Kowinsky

To ask Questions about Paleontology, Fossil Identification, Image Use, or anything else, email us. Fossilguy.com is very active on Facebook , you can also message us there! We don't buy or sell fossils, so please don't email us asking about the value of a fossil or fossil purchases.

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WALK-IN PEACE RIVER SHARK TOOTH AND FOSSIL HUNTING ADVENTURE

Welcome to the ultimate adventure along the scenic Peace River, where time stands still, and you embark on an unforgettable journey to uncover the treasures hidden beneath its tranquil waters. Join us for a captivating walk-in fossil and shark tooth hunting adventure with Sam and Lloyd, a dynamic father-daughter duo, as your experienced guides. ​ Discover the thrill of exploration on our 6-hour long trip, as you step onto the very land we own, giving you exclusive access to prime fossil hunting grounds. Our mission is to provide you with a personalized and enjoyable experience in the heart of nature. ​ We've got everything you need to make this adventure a breeze. We supply top-quality gear, including sifters, shovels, nail aprons, and Ziploc bags, ensuring you have all the tools necessary to embark on your fossil hunting expedition. With our metal detecting shovels, you won't lose that megalodon shark tooth sitting on top of the shovel, and they allow you to dig efficiently without wearing yourself out.

But that's not all – our journey goes beyond just providing equipment. Sam and Lloyd will not only show you where to dig but also teach you how to use the equipment as the shovels we use are different than normal, so you can uncover fossils and shark teeth with confidence. Your guides will also guide you on how to manage your dump gravel, ensuring you don't fill your hole back up with gravel.

As you unearth your finds, our expert guides will be by your side to help identify them and provide fascinating insights into their history and significance. Whether you're a seasoned fossil hunter or a beginner, you'll leave with a deeper understanding of the prehistoric world beneath the river's surface.

So, join us for a once-in-a-lifetime experience along the Peace River. Come prepared to explore, learn, and discover, as we lead you on an adventure that combines the thrill of exploration with the tranquility of the river, creating memories that will never go extinct. Don't miss the opportunity to be a part of this extraordinary journey with Sam and Lloyd, where the ancient past meets the present in a remarkable way.

Interested in a tour?

H2O Adventures & More LLC

[email protected]

(813) 784-3396

FOSSIL HUNTING 101

Several million years ago Florida was not the size it is today, in fact, it looked more like a small island. Sea levels 

constantly fluctuated with Earth's climate cycles and when the ocean recessed, Florida emerged. Many of the marine and

land animals that lived millions of years ago left behind evidence, which can be found today in the Peace River and in other fossil rich areas of Florida. A timetable of life and fossils are classified by age in epochs. Fossils found in the Peace River and in areas near Venice,FL have been classified to be from the Miocene Epoch 23.7 - 5.3 million years ago,  the Pliocene Epoch 5.3 – 1.8 million years ago and Pleistocene Epoch 1.8 million years ago - 10,000 years ago. 

Fossils are sometimes found on dry land, in spoil piles or along river banks, but generally you won’t find the variety, which hide 

buried beneath the water. You will be equipped with sanitized equipment consisting of a shovel/scoop, sifter and collection apron. You will then receive brief instruction on how to dig, sift and ID the fossils you find. After that, the race is on to find

your own Florida prehistoric treasures. 

The 5 "w"'s

WHO:   We've had quite a diverse population of both kiddos and adults, male and female, come out in the quest to fossil hunt with us. Our fossil hunters have ranged in age from a tiny 2 up to a mature 76, have been from all walks of life and from   all over the world. Several of our fossil hunters found it to be fascinating and many said they couldn’t wait to do it again.         Any child under the age of 12 who comes out hunting with us will also receive a “Fossil Hunter” certificate.

WHAT:   We've found an extensive variety of prehistoric remains of both marine and land animals. The variety of fossils have come from the following animals: shark, dugong, mammoth, mastodon, horse, tapir, alligator, drum fish, burrfish, sperm whale, dolphin, peccary, barracuda, turtle, deer, camel/llama, sloth, alligator, armadillo, glyptodont, stingray, sand dollars, agatized coral, shells, bryozoans, bivalves and more.  The only type of fossils you will not find in Florida are dinosaur fossils, because by the time Florida rose from the sea they were already extinct. 

WHERE:   We hunt fossils year round in Florida as conditions permit, as well as, in other fossil rich areas within the United States. Here in Florida we frequent the Peace River and its tributaries, both via kayak and on foot and in the Venice area from beaches, where no kayak is needed. The best way to find fossils in the river is to come out on one of our paddle, dig & sift events or to rent a kayak so you are able to reach rich fossil hunting grounds away from public access (boat ramps and parks) that are not frequented and picked over.

WHEN:   ​Fossil hunting on the Peace River is best when water levels are 12” below normal, which is normally late winter or in the springtime. However, if conditions (water level and weather) are favorable, then it's time to hunt.​ The water level of the Peace is solely controlled by rainwater, so with more rain, the water table becomes higher and the current becomes stronger. Fossil hunting in the tributaries and at the beach is a little different. In the tributaries, the water level is usually one to two feet deep so it's relatively easy to navigate and at the beach you have options to wade in the water to dig and sift or you may 

snorkel and/or dive in search of fossils. We constantly monitor weather, wind, marine and beach forecasts for optimum hunting conditions and may have to amend an adventure based on changes in these forecasts.

WHY:  Because it is so much fun! We guarantee you will find a shark tooth and once you do, you will not want to stop looking for more. !!! Warning !!! Fossil hunting can be addicting.

H2O Adventures & More LLC complies with Florida Statute 1004.5, which sets forth the State of Florida’s declared intent to protect and preserve vertebrate fossils and vertebrate paleontology sites. What that means, is that you are allowed to search for shark teeth, plant and invertebrate fossils, which do not require a permit. However, we strongly encourage you to apply and obtain your own Fossil Permit, which is $5.00 annually. We've even made it a little easier for you, just click the button on the bottom of this page to be connected to the Florida Museum of Natural History page where you can click on the application, print, complete then mail it with your $5.00 payment. 

Fossil Related Pricing

Fossil Hunting Tours on the Peace River 4hr & 6hr (via kayak)

Pricing for adults starts at $150 for 4 hrs and $200 for 6 hrs. Kiddos <12 are a flat rate of $70 for any duration and will receive an official "Fossil Hunter" certificate. ​On the day of the event, the guide will meet you at a designated location, have a safety briefing and answer any questions before leading you to the gravel. Upon arrival at the dig site, the guide will secure all kayaks to the anchor then will do a demonstration to show you how to search and ID fossils. All sanitized kayaking, fossil hunting and safety gear will be provided for your use up to the agreed upon timeframe (weather permitting).

Fossil Hunting combo Creek & River Hike (on foot)

$100 adults       $35 kiddos <12

The guide will provide a meeting location then after a 20+/- minute hike to the river will show you how to search and ID fossils. Sanitized fossil hunting equipment will be provided for your use up to a four (4) hour period of time (weather permitting).

Fossil Hunting at the Creek (on foot)

$80 adults       $35 kiddos <12

The guide will provide a meeting location then after a short hike into the creek will show you how to search and ID fossils. Sanitized fossil hunting equipment will be provided for your use up to a three (3) hour period of time (weather permitting).​

Fossil Hunting at the Beach (on foot)

The guide will provide a meeting location then will show you how to search and ID fossils. Sanitized fossil hunting equipment will be provided for your use up to a four (4) hour +/- period of time (weather permitting).

Fossil Hunting Tag Along (creek/river/beach)

Starting at $35 join us as a tag along for any publicly advertised fossil hunting event at the creek, river and/or at the beach utilizing your own fossil hunting equipment, PFD and paddle-craft. This is great if you need an adventurous buddy, two or three to go out digging with, and remember there's safety in numbers!

                                                                                                 Annual Fossil Hunting Passes  

The fine print...Aside from paying the annual fee, we require a completed waiver and the FWC Pre-Rental/Pre-Ride Checklist. We also request for you to contact us within 48 hours of any adventure you wish to attend so we can adequately prepare for your arrival. Please note, we will make every effort to get you on and in the water but any requests made less than 48 hours may be declined. Annual passes are valid one year from the purchase date. Each year we host between 50-70 different fossil hunting events so there are ample opportunities to get you out hunting. If you are serious about fossil hunting the annual pass will pay for itself in no time.

Annual Fossil Hunting Pass

$1000     This all access pass allows you to join us for as many or as few of our publicly advertised fossil hunting events on the river, at the creek or the beach. Use of equipment such as kayak, kayaking and safety gear, as well as, fossil hunting equipment is included.

Annual Fossil Hunting Tag Along Pass

$500     All access pass to join us for as many publicly advertised fossil hunting events on the river, at the creek or beach utilizing your own paddle-craft, PFD and fossil hunting gear. This is great if you need an adventurous buddy, two or three to go out with, and remember there's safety in numbers!

Annual Beach & Creek Fossil Hunting  Pass 

$400 All access pass to join us for as many publicly advertised fossil hunting events at the beach or at the creek. Use of fossil hunting equipment is included.

                                                           OTHER OPTIONS...purchase a shark tooth grab bag.

If you'd like to add fossilized shark teeth from Florida to your collection we have two sized grab bags, which contain a variety of shark teeth for you to identify. Check out "OUR STORE" where we also sell fossil hunting kits, sifters, scoops, shovels, dry bags, t-shirts, shark tooth candles, art, bracelets, key chains and domino sets.

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ABOUT FOSSIL RECOVERY EXPLORATION

About Fossil Recovery Exploration and Our Guides

Located in beautiful DeSoto county, Florida, less than an hour from many Gulf Beaches, FRE has been an integral part of the fossil hunting tour circuit since 2015. Based on the Peace River as well as other secluded creeks and tributaries in the area, we revel in the gift of being able to give visitors, as well as locals, many unique ways to experience the "Olde Florida" that is all but vanishing in the present day. With centuries old Spanish moss draped live oaks, amber colored waters and a plethora of local wildlife as the backdrop, we use modern methods of transportation to bring you and your group to the "honey holes" in style, and then we get to the best part- finding the fossils! We provide all equipment so worry not! Just bring your sense of adventure and curiousity, and enjoy the hunt!

Each season varies but for the most part we run from October to May depending on the seasonal rains and subsequent water levels. You keep all fossils you find-and our licensed guides will help dig, identify and explain each one. 

Your Tour Guides

Chris Mandell

Chris, the owner of FRE,  is beyond excited to take this to new levels! Growing up in a small suburb on the south shore of Lake Ontario near Rochester, NY, Chris Mandell grew up in the creeks and fields fishing, hunting arrowheads and finding local Devonian fossils, such as brachiopods and trilobites. After meeting his wife in 2009, while raising their three boys, they often traveled to Caspersen Beach in Venice  in search of fossil shark teeth, completely unaware of the potential to find so much more with just a short drive inland. After joining an FRE tour in 2020, a fire was lit and Chris dove in full speed, networking with local fossil hunters, clubs and eventually partnering with Ken into FRE in early 2022. He finally became the full owner in April of 2023 and is thrilled to carry the business into new realms. With his background as a USCG charter captain since 2006, tour guiding was nothing new and FRE became his  passion and new course...and he is beyond excited to grow it!

Sean Carroll  

A true man of many talents! Besides guiding with us, he also does much of the construction of our screens and various other things. Sean is a trained chef who originated his career in the restaurant and liquor industry for 20+ years after collecting a double major in college with art history and graphic design.  Sean came to FL to be with family recently and dove into the passion he always had for sharks and geology by joining the FRE team in 2023. He spent much of his spare time NJ fossiling at Big Brook Preserve, but appreciated the wild diversity of FL enough to uproot and make FL home for good. Sean delights in sharing his passion with our customers while enjoying the mecca of fossils we know and love collectively.  

Robert McCulloch

Rob is a fossil maniac! Originally from Pennsylvania,  Rob has been hunting fossils in Florida since 2018 and guiding professionally for fossils with our friends in Mudslingers up in Gainesville since 2020. Rob grew up a military "brat," traveling across the states growing up, himself becoming a military vet of 5 years in the US Army.  By far his passion for fossils, as well as his knowledge of local finds, qualifies him  as a "rural paleontologist," of sorts, being something he has self taught since he was a child and indulged in for years. On his spare time when he is not scouring creeks and rivers for fossils, he spends time with his wife and kids as well as his side business, Primal Expressions. Working with bones, fossils, reptile remains and more, he creates art that truly is unique and one of a kind ( check out his patented 'snakelodons!'). Rob looks forward to guiding you and your group through our beautiful waterways seeking earth's treasures.

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Join us for a day out on the beautiful Peace River hunting ancient fossils and megalodon shark teeth. 

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Your airboat ride for the day - fossil hunting peace river, fossil junkies private airboat fossil hunting dig tour.

Do you love hunting Megalodon Shark Teeth the way we do? 

Here’s your ride for the day!  Experience our fun 3 passenger fossil hunting Airboat.  Powered by a super reliable 4-cylinder aircraft engine.  Enjoy gliding down the shallow waters and parts of land down the scenic Peace River.  Earmuffs are included.  Make sure to bring your glasses and sunscreen!  One of the coolest tours for sight-seeing and discovery!  You will see lots of wildlife, beautiful fauna and old Florida!  Oh and of course lots of fossils, including Megalodon shark's teeth.

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Fossil Funatics guide services provide an all-inclusive Outdoor expedition thrusting you BACK IN TIME to when Giant Sharks swam the Oceans, and Mastodons and Mammoths freely roamed the lands. YOU could DISCOVER a new species to science!.... You could find a Million year old MEGALODON tooth.....COME DIG WITH US! 

Central Florida's Waterways are a Paleontologists' DREAM! Due to the natural geology of our landscape and the changing movements of landmasses coupled with the rise and fall of Sea Levels during Florida's "short" history....it is a HAVEN for fossil lovers and scientists the World over. There are MANY location scattered around Florida where important SCIENTIFIC DISCOVERIES have been made from our fossil record. FOSSIL FUNATICS tours focus on an every changing area, BONE VALLEY. This is an Area of Florida that provides 80%+ of the worlds supply of Phosphorous, and had yielded DOZENS of fossil specimens NEW to science. Currents and Erosion are constantly replenishing the river and creek beds with new specimens for US TO FIND!

We offer Walk in Tours for ALL ages! Our family-friendly environment is sure to keep the kids entertained and learning, and MOM and DAD TOO! Our basic tour is a 5 HOUR TOUR starting at only $90.00 with EVERYTHING provided*.

*(sifter,shovel, fossil bag, bottled water,light snacks, and guide)

We monitor the USGS water level of the PEACE RIVER and many of her tributaries on a daily basis, and conduct "prospecting" runs seasonally in search of fossil rich locations. This allows us to assure each tour to the BEST location that will be accessible and productive for our Hunters.

For a more in-depth experience, contact us about our Kayak eco-tours where we combine fossil hunting with environmental clean-up!

Weather you have a small family or a large group, we cater to your needs on the water...tell us what YOU look forward to, and Fossil Funatics will make it happen.

We hope to see you out on the Water SOON! Check back later for new posts, we LOVE to show off our guests Finds.

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Finding Fossils in Florida? A Peace River Adventure

By Diane Bedard • Posted on August 5, 2021

In May of 2021, we embarked on an adventure to discover Florida’s ancient history with some friends. Trent Anthney, owner of Canoe Outpost-Peace River had offered to take us on a guided tour. We would hunt for mammoth bones and mastodon teeth with our good friend, Jennifer Huber of Solo Travel Girl , on a Florida Outdoor Writers’ Association field trip.

First, we needed to order a Florida Fossil Permit from the Florida Museum of Natural History. It is required for taking vertebrae fossils from lands owned or leased by the state. It takes a few weeks to arrive and costs $5 for a year. The adventure was starting early!

Canoe Outpost is located right on the banks of the Peace River just two miles west of Arcadia off State Road 70, right behind the Arcadia Peace River Campground. The drive was less than three hours from Florida’s Nature Coast, but we opted to stay overnight before and after our Saturday adventure because we figured we would be tired after a day on the river – and we were right!

Canoe Outpost-Peace River is Florida’s oldest professional paddlesport outfitter, having been founded in 1969. It has a really funky, hippy sort-of vibe, which immediately put me in a throwback mindset. We were going hunting for remnants of a land before time !

We met at 8 am at the Outpost, boarded a small bus, and were transported to our launching spot upriver. We followed a large group into the water after Jenn assembled her fold-up kayak. What a great idea for easy transport, but would it work?

Trent grew up on the Peace River. His grandmother, then his mother and her brother, and now Trent, as the third generation of native Floridians involved in the Canoe Outpost, would share his love of the outdoors, paddling, and the Peace River on our journey – and of course – guide us to the megalodon tooth we were sure to find!

Why are there Fossils in Florida?

Learning the history of how this area ended up with so many fossils and what we might find was part of the fun of our Florida fossil-finding adventure. I began by visiting fossil hunting websites and learned that about 50 million years ago Florida was simply under the sea. Limestone accumulated on the ocean floor, and over the next 20 million years, an island of limestone emerged in north-central Florida.

The landmass grew with tectonic plate shifts. Land animals roamed central Florida, while a very shallow sea covered the coastal areas. At this time, nutrient-rich deposits washed in from the Appalachia Mountain building event. Heavy sediment-laden and nutrient-rich waters flooded Florida’s landmass. These sediments sank to the bottom trapping marine animals, including sharks and dugongs (the manatee’s cousin) when sea levels rose.

This trend continued until about 5 million years ago. As the Ice Age entered, glacial periods would cause sea levels to drop, and Florida’s landmass would grow. Wooly mammoths, horses, giant ground sloths, dire wolves, giant beavers were part of this era. When the glaciers would melt, these mammals would be covered over by sediment, entrapping their remains in the layers of Pleistocene sands and gravels of Florida.

Today the sediments form phosphate-rich formations, including the Peace River Formation, which is mostly underground,

The Peace River provides access to a Unique Geologic Phenomenon

Fall through Spring is the best time to hunt for fossils on the Peace River. This is because it is Florida’s dry season. The Peace River cuts through 100-plus miles of an area known as Bone Valley , and as it flows, the sediment from millions of years ago erodes, freeing some of those fragments of prehistoric millennia.

“The lower the river level, the easier it is to spot areas of gravel along the river, which is where we find the fossils,” Trent told us as we ventured out in our canoe. On our adventure, the river was nearly 2 feet below average depth. This made for good sighting of places to stop and dig.

Along with our canoe, we were provided with shovels (yes, a spade shovel like I use to dig at home), and sifters with pool floaties zip-tied around them for buoyancy. Simple, inexpensive tools.

We made sure that we wore plenty of sunscreen and hats, along with our bathing suits and some aquatic shoes to protect the toes. We wore UV blocking shirts also for sun protection.

On the Water – In the Water

The Peace River has a slow, steady current. Paddling wasn’t difficult. Trent took a paddleboard for its view. We brought water and lunch, as this was a full day’s adventure. After less than a half-hour of paddling, we stopped at our first gravel bar to look for Otodus megalodon.

We got out of our canoe and dug a shovelful, placing it gingerly in the sifter. “Now just shake it in the water and – Voila – a hammerhead shark tooth!” Trent pulled out the tiniest shark tooth I had ever seen. It was maybe a quarter inch in size.

Part of me was happy and part of me was disappointed. Then he pulled out a lemon shark tooth, a bull shark tooth, a snaggletooth shark tooth… it got more interesting and it was really amazing. These shark’s teeth were millions of years old!

“There are turtle shell fragments, stingray mouth plates…” Trent pulled more small pieces from the sand we had shoveled, “Try again.”

We put several shovel loads through our sifters and found something nearly every time. But no megalodon tooth.

On we went to a little beach with a sand bar.

Searching for the Big One

While I had high hopes and was somewhat single-purposed to find a megalodon tooth on our Peace River Fossil Hunt, I found the whole adventure very relaxing with just enough challenge to make it an experience I would gladly repeat.

Over the course of the day, my attitude changed to one of discovery and identification of each fossil we found, and there was a huge variety! Imagining all these prehistoric creatures roaming or swimming the area we were paddling was part of the fun.

As the day wore on, my husband decided he was going to look for larger fossils. He dug deeper and found part of a mastodon or giant sloth bone!

We began to get tired when Trent pointed across the river and said, “If I were going to hunt for a megalodon tooth, I would do it over there,” pointing to a tree with roots and branches all around it in the bend of the river. “The current is likely to have pushed up more stuff.”

It was deeper than we had ventured into. I didn’t have the moxie to swim across the river and dive for the prize after paddling, digging, and sifting for several hours already. “Next time,” I thought.

We decided to head back to the Outpost and arrived at their docks about 5 pm. There were young, strong men to help us get out of our canoes and take them back to their homes, and I was really grateful for that.

The Best Part of Our Fossil Finding Trip to the Peace River

The canoe trip itself is very relaxing. The river is quiet and an easy paddle when it is low. Having friends to paddle with makes it better and having a local as our guide was a big part of what made this adventure so special. It can certainly be done without a guide, however.

Canoe Outpost-Peace River did a great job of providing all of our equipment and making sure we got back to the outpost safely. They have a full-service operation with changing rooms and souvenirs, as well as huge fossils that have been found over the years to inspire us.

Staying overnight both before and after our adventure was a great idea because it was exhausting as well as exhilarating.

Canoe Outpost offers overnight packages where they will deliver your entire camp to one of their riverfront sites. There are picnic tables too. It looked like a great plan for next time.

The very best part of this adventure was sharing a couple of the sharks’ teeth we found with a friend’s eight-year-old daughter and watching her face light up with the knowledge that she was holding a real fossil that was here millions of years ago from Florida!

Be aware of the airboat traffic on the river as this causes unsafe conditions sue to excessive speeds and wakes!

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There are no wooly mammoth fossils in Florida. However, there are Columbian Mammoth fossils.

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Fossil Hunting on the Peace River

Florida is teeming with diversity. But the state we know today is a far cry from the ancient world from which this modern wonderland arose. The Peace River in southwest Florida flows from north to south from Lake Hancock in Polk County near Bartow to Charlotte Harbor at Punta Gorda in Charlotte County. Its gentle current makes it a favorite for kayaking and canoeing. What makes it unique is that is a popular destination for fossil hunting.

Life Along the Peace River

The Spanish originally charted the Peace River in the 1500s. They called it the Rio De La Paz or River of Peace. The Seminole People later had another name for it. They called it Talakchopco, or River of Long Peas, for the abundance of wild peas along its banks. The river provided a home for Florida frontiersmen, those seeking sanctuary from the war-torn south, and a new life for freed slaves with very few places to go. Living along the river was not an easy life. Many worked in early phosphate mines. Others tackled farming a land constantly battered by intense sun, flooding rains, and drought.

Like many of the rivers in the southern half of Florida, the 2300-square-mile river basin consists of bald cypress, scrub oak, palmetto prairies, and pine hammocks. Wildlife is abundant, particularly in the upper, less inhabited portion of the river. Alligators abound. Snakes, turtles, eagles, hawks, osprey, deer, wild pigs, and coyotes are often spotted on the bank or in the trees above. Maybe a river otter will make an appearance among the slew of wading birds searching for their next meal. Large stretches of the river are as wild as they were during the days of the Spanish explorers. You never know what you might encounter.

The River Flows South

For more than a hundred miles, the Peace River flows steadily south. Farms dot the upper river north of Zolfo Springs to Bartow. Fed by creeks that flow into the river from east and west, the river gains momentum as it flows south. Passing Zolfo Springs, you are more likely to run into more people and boat traffic. Still, it is much less populated than other Florida rivers. There are no major cities along the river route until it reaches the mouth at Punta Gorda and Charlotte Harbor.

The river current is inconsistent throughout its journey. In some place wide banks narrow rapidly and the water shallows causing the currents to speed up. When wading, it’s imperative to exercise cation. Deep holes hide obstacles like sharp rocks, old debris, sunken trees, and vessels in what is otherwise shallow, tea-like water. And of course, keep an eye out for those gators, particularly in the warmer months.

Fossil Hunting

Because of the current and geography of the Peace River, it has become one of the most popular fossil hunting destinations in Florida. One crown jewel for every fossil hunter’s collection is the mighty megalodon. These giant shark’s teeth are embedded in the banks along the more remote parts of the river. Transport yourself back in time to when the forests of today were the underwater kingdoms of yesterday, home to the largest ocean predator to ever exist. But Megalodon is not the only fossil. You can also find mammoth teeth and bones, giant sloths, ancient horses, and wolf fossils.

The best time to find fossils is during the Florida dry season, from late October through May, when the water levels drop. Look for gravel beds along the bank or in the shallows. You may have to bite the bullet and get a little wet. Some of the gravel beds are submerged even with the lower water levels. Use a shovel and a sifter. Find a secluded spot and get to work.

One note, however, is that collecting fossils from land animals in the state of Florida requires a fossil permit. This excludes sharks’ teeth including Megalodon, but pretty much all fossilzed vertebrates require a permit. Also, collecting artifacts on public land is illegal. Don’t get caught with arrowheads or anything else considered an artifact. Take a picture and leave it where you found it. A fossil permit costs $5 and are available by mail.

Peace River Tours

The Peace River is a gentle flowing river so navigating is not all that difficult. You can explore on your own or take a guided tour. There is plenty to choose from. Rent a Kayak or take a guided tour with Kayak Eco Tours near Arcadia. Take a fossil hunting tour with Paleo Discoveries . Wade the shallower areas to find those submerged gravel beds but beware of cold water in the cooler months. Oh, watch out for alligators as well.

If you’re not into fossil hunting and exploring the river on your own is not what you have in mind, take a two-hour river tour with Wilderness Boat Tours out of Punta sh. From Arcadia, Peace River Charters , offers a variety of river tours. Their have a pontoon boat tour on The Calusa Queen, air boat tours, swam buggies, horseback tours as well as group tours.

Visit the Peace River

There are many places in Florida where you can visit and feel like you are stepping back in time. It’s not hard to imagine a group of Seminoles sitting around a fire along a sandy bank cooking fish and smoking their pipes while children chased tadpoles in the shallows. What sets this river apart from the rest is the tangible evidence that can be found entombed in its banks. The Peace River is a Fossil lover’s paradise.

Get Directions

The Peace River runs parallel to U.S Hwy 17 from Punta Gorda in South Florida to Lake Hancock north of Bartow in Central Florida. You’ll encounter various boat launches, outposts and tours along the route.

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The Travel Adventures of a Family of Six

Fossil Hunting in the Peace River

There is something captivating about hunting for fossils in Florida. I certainly never imagined myself wading waist or chest-deep for miles in a river of murky water in Florida – Hello?! Gators!   Snapping turtles! – armed with a shovel to heave loads of gravel and pebble and sand onto sifters under the blazing sun just to find some fossils.

And yet, there we were.

We, my two youngest children and I, found ourselves along a stretch of the Peace River near Wauchula in Hardee County on a homeschool adventure. Anyone can go fossil hunting for shark’s teeth without a permit (but you need a $5 annual permit to collect other vertebrate fossils) and this particular field trip was led by a fossils expert, which helped a great deal because my 10-year-old had a lot of questions I would not have been able to answer. Where I could identify shark tooth with some level of confidence, our guide could reel out long Latin names I couldn’t recall 30 seconds later. And what looked like a chipped black rock to me might actually turn out to be prehistoric giant armadillo shell or a piece of some large creature’s tusk.

You won’t find dinosaur fossils in Florida since this land was underwater in their time, but you can find a lot else! Our treasures (helped by generous shovel loads provided by or artifacts gifted by our guide) included: an array of sharks’ teeth from the common lemon shark to a rarer now-extinct type of shark whose name escapes me now, stingray parts (crusher plates and barbs), Megalodon teeth parts, dugong ribs, fish vertebrae, bird bones, tortoise shell, some sort of prehistoric mouse or mole skull, and a horse tooth.

My kids loved it. My son’s prized possession from the adventure is the horse tooth pictured above. Did you know that horses evolved here in North America? Many people think they were brought to the Americas from Europe, and eventually they were, but before that, they actually evolved here. While we found a horse tooth, another member in our group actually found what appeared to be an ankle bone from a camel. Pretty cool stuff. You just never know what you’ll find in the sifter next. We found at least one thing in virtually every shovelful. This is how people stay neck-deep in the river for hours and hours at a time. You might just find that perfectly preserved Megalodon tooth you’ve been hoping for in the next tray!

We had built sifters to prepare for this adventure. We made one with wood and one with pipe and they worked equally well. Both sifters were approximately 12″ x 24″ in size and we stapled or glued on 1/4 inch wire mesh, which was perfect for sifting sediment quickly while keeping even small shark teeth easy to find, and we used pool noodles zip-tied on to the sides to keep them afloat. The building process in itself was a fun and educational element to this experience, plus we can also use them for shelling at beaches.

We also brought our backpack cooler with lunch, snacks and drinks, sunscreen, hats, a box and a mesh bag for our treasures, a shovel per person (full size garden shovel for me and two kids’ shovels), a tube in which to transport all this up and down the river, rope to keep it all from floating away (the rope attached to my waistband with a carabiner), and of course my waterproof camera.

You’ll have the most luck finding fossils when the river is at least 12″ below normal level. We went when it was 29″ lower than usual. Check before you go by contacting a kayak and canoe outfitter place because they always keep an eye on water levels as they will not operate if the water is too low or too high. Or check the U. S. Geological Survey website for water levels at the location you want to visit. If the water is clear enough, and you’re feeling brave enough, you can bring a snorkel mask to look for fossils beneath the surface too.

One thing is for sure: fossil hunting is physical! My shoulders ached from shoveling loads of sediment through water for 6 hours, my feet ached from walking miles along a river bottom that varied from sandy ( easy and pleasant! ) to rocky and mossy ( very slippery! ) to covered in swaying vegetation ( eek!! ), and my left arm ached from a stretch of sunburn where I somehow missed with the sunscreen ( ugh! ). All well worth it though! It was a fun and memorable experience and my boy has been showing off his fossil treasures to anyone who will listen ever since. Check them out:

If you’d like to try your hand at fossil hunting along the Peace River, check out the Canoe Outpost  for lots of information on fossils and how and when to find them! Good luck!

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Airboat Tours

Our Peace River airboat tour is fun,exciting and family oriented, moving at fast speeds covering over 20 miles of river you will travel down the lower peace river as your guide  shows your various wildlife and reptiles and amazing scenery. Our goal is to give our customers a personalized tour for all ages. The river has so much to offer with its amazing scenery with hundreds of species of animal and plant life.   Come on a memorable REAL FLORIDA RIDE .

Helicopter Tours

We have partnered with Big Sky Helicopters to offer you a tour of scenic Peace River. Depart from our upriver location and experience the thrill of flying while taking in the beautiful Florida landscapes.

– OR CALL 941-315-4354 –

• Fossil Hunting

Join our partner, Fossil Recovery Exploration, on exciting airboat and swamp buggy excursions, all in search of Florida’s fossilized history! You can find treasures from megalodon teeth to mammoth remains.

– OR CALL 585-880-3150 –

Wildlife Park & Animal Interactions

Come see Jungle Doria’s! You’ll have the opportunity to see and learn about a variety of wildlife from all over the world. From emus and turtles to crocs and snakes, we have something for everyone to enjoy.

Wildlife Park Only

• The wildlife park is free for anyone taking a Peace River Charters tour. 
• Child (10 and under)

Animal Interactions

– OR EMAIL [email protected] –

CUSTOMIZE A CHARTER

Are you looking for a truly unique outdoor experience tailored specifically for you? Are you looking to add a little adventure into your life under the tutelage of experienced guides? Are you looking to gain some outdoor experience in areas new to you? If any of this sounds appealing – a custom charter from Peace River Charters is for you. You pick what we do, how long we do it for and we create a package tailored specifically for your trip. Fish in the morning, hunt in the early evening, cookout over an open fire at night, spend the night under the stars and wake up to a morning of fossil hunting…the choices are limited only by your imagination.

Custom Charter Options

Below you will find some options and activities that we offer for customized charters.

• Bow Fishing
• Frog Gigging
• Airboat Ride / Tour
• Swamp Buggy Ride / Tour
• Overnight Camping
• Rustic Cookouts

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Florida fossil hunting tips on peace river & venice beach.

Once you know where to look, you'll uncover pieces of Florida's past.

Looking to dig into Florida’s past? Fragments from all manner of prehistoric creatures are commonly found all over the state. Mastodon teeth, shells from ancient turtles, fossilized bones of dinosaur-sized armadillos and other amazing finds are all potential discoveries – if you know how and where to go fossil hunting in Florida.

To collect most vertebrate fossils, you’ll first need to obtain a permit that’s issued by the Florida Museum of Natural History. It’s only $5, and you’ll need it for vertebrate fossil hunting on lands and waterways owned or leased by the state.

If you’re looking for fossilized plants or invertebrates, such as mollusks, sea urchins and crabs, you won’t need a permit. Collecting shark teeth, one of the most popular finds, also doesn’t require a permit – and they’re some of the easiest to find.

On the Peace River, flowing from Central Florida to the Charlotte Harbor area, you are almost guaranteed to find shark teeth. Start your search during periods of low water and sift around exposed sandbars. Often, they’ll be right on top.

Venice Beach is known as the “Shark Tooth Capital of the World” for its abundant finds. Search along the beach or snorkel close to the shoreline, and you are sure to turn up a treasure.

Ready to dig in? Go on your own, or go with a group – there are lots of clubs and guided Florida fossil hunting tours. The Florida Museum of Natural History website offers resources such as permits, fossil hunting rules, photo galleries and information on Florida fossil clubs.

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