Where to Find Sharks Teeth on South Carolina Beaches!

Myrtle Beach at Day Break

Imagine the thrill of discovering your first shark tooth glinting in the sand, a tiny, fossilized treasure that connects you to an ancient marine world. For beachcombers and fossil hunters, South Carolina’s beaches are a paradise of possibility. Known for their bountiful finds and stunning coastal views, they offer an unbeatable combination of adventure, education, and fun. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just hoping to stumble across your first tooth, this guide has everything you need to know to maximize your chances of success.  

What Are Shark Teeth, and Why Are They on Beaches?  

Shark teeth are the fossilized remains of a shark's lost teeth. Over a shark’s lifetime, it can lose thousands of teeth, which often sink to the ocean floor. Over time, minerals slowly replace the organic materials in the teeth, forming fossils. These little time travelers wash ashore on beaches due to natural wave action, storms, and even dredging activities.  New teeth are not as obvious to find in the sand, unlike the fossil shark teeth, due to the darker colors to the teeth.

South Carolina’s beaches, particularly near ancient riverbeds and fossil-rich sediment beds, make the perfect excavation grounds for these fascinating relics.  I have a friend who can find a shark's tooth any time of the day or year. She has the skill for it. One trip to Myrtle Beach she found over 20 in one day.

Many Shark Teeth found at Myrtle Beach

Where to Find Sharks Teeth on South Carolina Beaches

Looking for the best places or spots to start your hunt? South Carolina boasts plenty of beaches where shark teeth often make an appearance. Here’s a breakdown of the top locations and why they are so productive:  

1. North Myrtle Beach and Myrtle Beach  

Known as vacation hot spots, both North Myrtle and Myrtle Beach also deliver for fossil hunters. The wide shoreline and frequent dredging in the area churn up ancient treasures like shark teeth, making them surprisingly common sights for patient observers.  The Myrtle Beach area is tourist hot spot in the summer, so even though it is the ideal location, you may spend a lot of time looking because so many others are on the beach looking too.

Local Tip: After a storm or at low tide, focus on areas with shell beds along the tide line. Bring a small sifter for better results!  

2. Folly Beach  

Folly Beach enjoys a reputation as shark tooth heaven. Located near ancient riverbeds, it consistently yields teeth from several shark species, including the iconic megalodon.  The Beaches near the Folly Beach Pier are a great area. You will have a good time at Folly Beach, with its family-friendly atmosphere. Finding Shark teeth will be the icing on the cake to a visit here.

Local Tip: Check out the eastern side near the Morris Island Lighthouse. The tides there seem to favor fossil hunters.  

3. Kiawah Island  

Kiawah Island boasts pristine beaches and a treasure trove of shark teeth. It’s less crowded than Myrtle Beach or Folly Beach, giving you a more tranquil, focused hunting environment.  This is one of my favorite islands to visit.

Local Tip: Look for darker, triangular shapes among the sand and shells. Teeth that have fossilized are often black or deep brown.  

4. Pawleys Island  

For a less commercialized experience, Pawleys Island is ideal. Its uncrowded shores often yield a decent haul of shark teeth after storms.  This area is still considered part of the Grand Strand of Myrtle Beach, but it has a totally different feel from being further away from the most popular areas of the Grand Strand.

Local Tip: Search near drainpipes and small creek outlets where waterflow brings debris and treasures ashore.  

5. Hilton Head  

Hilton Head is another gem for fossil hunters. The calm waters and sandy banks make shark teeth plentiful here, especially after a storm.  

Local Tip: Sea Pines Beach is a particular favorite among locals hunting for larger shark teeth.  

6. Edisto Beach State Park  

Edisto Beach’s waters frequently yield both common shark teeth and rarities like megalodon teeth. The mixture of fossil-laden sand and protected waters makes it a must-visit destination.  

Local Tip: Visit the state park’s interpretative center for tips from rangers on the best collecting spots.  

7. Morris Island  

Accessible only by boat, Morris Island is a secluded treasure trove for fossil hunters. Its remote location combined with its proximity to ancient sediment beds makes it an exceptional spot for finding shark teeth.  The harder places to reach have fewer people, so chances are the best.

Local Tip: Guided boat tours often offer insights into the best spots to explore, saving you the guesswork.  

I do have an honorable mention, as it is in North Carolina, but not far from the state line. The East End of Holden Beach is a great place to find sharks teeth.

Large Shark Tooth in the sand

Tips for Finding Shark Teeth  

Even in the best locations, knowing how and when to search can make all the difference. Use these tips to boost your chances of success:  

1. Go at Low Tide: The period just after the tide goes out exposes more of the shoreline, revealing hidden treasures.  High tide is absolutely the worst time to go look

2. Search After a Storm: Storms churn up the ocean floor, bringing buried relics to the surface.  Shark tooth hunters use this trick often.

3. Bring Tools: A small sifter or sand flea rake can help you sift through shell beds more efficiently.  

4. Look at Waters Edge: some people have luck there. A corner of the tooth could be sticking up out of the wet sand at the water's edge. I have not but some have a better chance finding the shark's teeth on the water's edge or a tidal pool.

5. Know What to Look For: Shark teeth are often black, brown, or grey and triangular in shape. Look for shiny surfaces among the dull shells and stones.  When you find your first one, your eyes will always gravitate to them.

6. Focus on Shell Beds: These areas often trap shark teeth along with other debris.  This is the best way to find them. Spot a pretty shell and a sharks tooth could be nearby or under it. You might even find Sand Dollars too. (Or at least pieces of Sand Dollars) Ocean waves can be rough in places in SC, but they usually don't damage the sharks teeth as much as the waves damage the shells or sand dollars.

7. Take a Specialty Tour: If you are in Charleston SC book a trip with Charleston Fossil Adventures. They are the professionals here on the east coast and can help you find shark teeth if you have never had luck in the past. They have many different tours, and you have a paleontologist guide. They even take a trip to Morris Island which is on my list of the best places.

For me the best time of day to find shark teeth is at daybreak, but only if 6AM has a lower tide level. There are less people out looking and gives you an advantage. Summer is busy vacation time for visits to the Atlantic Ocean, so visiting at low tide in the off season can give you another advantage too.

Stay Safe and Collect Responsibly  

Same large shark tooth as in the picture above

While the hunt is fun, safety and etiquette come first. Here’s how to keep yourself and the environment safe while collecting shark teeth:  

• Avoid Sea Turtle Nests: From May to October, sea turtles' nest along South Carolina beaches. Take care to avoid marked nesting areas.  

• Be Aware of Jellyfish: Portuguese Man-of-War and other jellyfish species occasionally wash ashore. Steer clear of them to avoid painful stings.  

• Follow Local Regulations: Some beaches have rules about digging or using tools, so check ahead of time.  

• Leave No Trace: Carry your trash with you and avoid disturbing dunes or wildlife.  

Shark teeth found with shells

Common Shark Teeth Found in South Carolina  

South Carolina is home to a range of shark teeth fossils, from small ones to jaw-dropping meg teeth. Here’s a quick guide to some of the most common types you might find in South Carolina or even North Carolina:  

• Tiger Shark Teeth: Narrow, with a distinct hook shape.  

• Sand Tiger Teeth: Long and slender, with a sharp point.  

• Lemon Shark Teeth: Short, wide, and triangular.  

• Megalodon Teeth: Massive, triangular, and often black. A true prize for any hunter!  

• Great White Shark Teeth: Triangular in shape with serrated edges, resembling a sharp, jagged blade. Can be 2 to 3 inches long,

• Bull Shark Teeth. Smaller than Great White teeth but are distinctively triangular and broad, with a slightly curved edge and serrations.

Your Adventure Awaits  

There’s something undeniably thrilling about combing the sand for pieces of prehistory. South Carolina’s beaches offer endless opportunities for discovery, making each trip an adventure. Whether you’re lucky enough to find a giant megalodon tooth or a handful of smaller teeth to add to your collection, every find is a story waiting to be told.  

Don’t forget to share your shark tooth treasures with the world! Tag your photos with #SCSharkToothHunt and help inspire others to join the hunt. Happy hunting, good luck, and remember—even a day without finding a tooth is still a great day by the ocean!  Have a great time!

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