How to Find Shark Teeth in Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach is known for its pristine beaches, family fun, and warm waters. But did you know the Grand Strand is also a treasure trove for finding shark teeth?Booking your getaway at the Ocean Creek Resort, just south of 48th Ave, puts you in the prime spot for fossil hunting.
Whether you're a beachcombing novice or a seasoned shark tooth hunter, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina offers the perfect opportunity to discover these fascinating fossil teeth.
Here’s everything you need to know about finding shark teeth in Myrtle Beach, including the best spots, tips, and what to do with your finds once you get them!
About Myrtle Beach’s Plentiful Shark Teeth
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The waters off Myrtle Beach are teeming with sea life, and sharks are a big part of that ecosystem. When sharks lose their teeth (which they do frequently—more than 30,000 in a lifetime!), those teeth settle on the ocean floor.
Over time, currents and waves bring them to shore. The beaches here are natural collection points for these ancient relics.
Fun Fact: Shark teeth can be hundreds to thousands of years old, especially those blackened with age, which makes each find a piece of history!
What Do Shark Teeth Look Like?
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Shark teeth come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, but here’s what to look for. Most shark teeth are triangular, with a sharp point and serrated edges. Older shark teeth, which have fossilized over time, are typically black or dark brown.
Teeth can range from tiny, almost needle-sized ones to larger ones as big as 2-3 inches. Shark teeth have a distinct smoothness, especially if they’ve been worn down by the water over time. If you’re unsure whether you’ve found a tooth, gently feel it—teeth are harder and smoother than shell fragments or rocks.
Best Time To Find Shark Teeth at Myrtle Beach
Timing is key when hunting for shark teeth. You’ll increase your chances of success by knowing when to go.
- Early Morning: Being the first on the beach just after sunrise gives you the best opportunity to snag what the tide has left behind.
- After a Storm: Storms churn up the ocean floor and deposit more debris (and teeth!) on the beach. If it’s been windy or there’s been a storm, plan your hunt for the next day.
- Low Tide: Check the tide charts and aim for low tide. This is when the tide rolls back, exposing more of the sand where shark teeth often hide. Prime spots are along the tide line.
- Fall and Winter: While you can find shark teeth year-round, fall and winter months tend to be less crowded, giving you better chances at scoring prime finds. The weather during these months tends stir up the sand, uncovering more teeth.
Best Locations to Find Shark Teeth in Myrtle Beach
Shark teeth are most commonly discovered along the central section of Myrtle Beach, stretching from 50th Avenue North to 10th Avenue South. While you can find shark teeth anywhere along Myrtle Beach, there are a few hot spots known for excellent hunting!
Cherry Grove Beach
This beach, located in North Myrtle Beach between 24th and 23rd, is one of the best places to hunt for shark teeth. The currents in this area tend to deposit more debris (and teeth) on the shore.
Myrtle Beach State Park
South of 29th Ave and right in the heart of Myrtle Beach, this state park offers easy access and a high chance of finding shark teeth. It’s a favorite among locals.
The Pier Areas
Whether it’s the Apache Pier, just south of Ocean Creek Resort, or the 2nd Avenue Pier near Family Kingdom Amusement Park, searching near the piers is a smart move. The structures tend to create pockets where debris, including shark teeth, can collect.
Coincidentally, if you’re into surfing, you can watch the surfers catching waves around these areas early in the morning. It’s a great vibe.
What Type of Shark Teeth You’ll Find
Here are some of the most common types you might find.
Fun Fact: Just recently, a family of fossil hunters found a 6.5-inch megalodon tooth off the coast in South Carolina. The tooth was the size of a soup bowl from a shark that was around 60 to 65 feet long.
Great White
These are the holy grail of shark tooth hunting! Large and triangular with serrated edges, Great White teeth are a rare but exciting find.
Tiger Shark
These teeth are wide and distinctively curved, with pronounced serrations along the edges.
Sand Tiger Shark
These are long and narrow with smooth edges, often found in Myrtle Beach.
Bull Shark
Similar to Great White teeth, but generally smaller, Bull Shark teeth are triangular and serrated.
Lemon Shark
These are smaller and more delicate, usually less than an inch long.
Top Tips for Finding Shark Teeth
Finding shark teeth is part luck, part strategy. Here’s how you can improve your odds.
Shark teeth often wash up in areas where there are small shell fragments. These “shell beds” are key spots to find teeth.
If you want to get serious about your shark tooth hunting, bring a sifter or small shovel. Scoop up sand from the tidal zone and sift through it to find teeth hidden beneath the surface.
Ready to head out on your shark tooth hunt? Here are a few final tips to maximize your chances:
- Bring a Bag or Container. You’ll want something to store all your treasures! A mesh bag works great because you can rinse off sand easily.
- Stay Patient. Finding shark teeth takes time, but the thrill of discovery is worth it.
- Go After High Tide. The best time to search is between high tide and low tide as more debris (including teeth) will have washed ashore.
- Keep Your Eyes Peeled. Once you find one shark tooth, you’ll get the hang of what to look for, and more will start appearing!
Pro Tip: Have kiddos in tow? Make it a scavenger hunt! Create a fun map with a key letting them know what to look for. Look for triangular shapes—most shark teeth have a distinctive point and serrated edges.
What to Do with Your Shark Teeth
Now that you’ve found some amazing shark teeth, what should you do with them? Here are a few fun ideas.
Start a Collection
Photo Credit: Erin Westgate
Free souvenirs! Create a beachy display in a glass jar or shadow box, mixing your shark teeth with seashells and other beach finds.
Make Jewelry
Photo Credit: Agarianna76
Shark teeth necklaces are both trendy and unique. Use your find to craft a personal piece of jewelry you can wear as a reminder of your trip. Stop into any craft store on the beach for a fun activity.
Gift Them
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Shark teeth make a fun and memorable gift. Put one in a small keepsake box and give it to a friend or family member as a token of your beach adventure.
Pro Tip: You can also learn to polish your shark teeth to bring out their natural shine. With a little care, they can look just as amazing as they did in the ocean.
Enjoy Hunting Shark Teeth In Myrtle Beach
Finding shark teeth during your stay at the Ocean Creek Resort in Myrtle Beach is a fun, family-friendly activity that adds an extra layer of adventure to your beach trip.
Whether you’re strolling the shore at sunrise or sifting through the sand on a quiet afternoon, you never know when you’ll discover a piece of ancient ocean history! Happy hunting!
