Salty Bum gets
Join us on our guided canoe tour in search of Florida's fossilized history! Our fossil hunting tours take you into the Peace River to dig for shark teeth and ancient marine fossils with experienced guides. We supply the canoe, equipment, and experience needed to find these extraordinary shark teeth.
While wading in specially selected river beds in shallow waters you will learn to find and identify a variety of fossil material. Many visitors travel from across the country to experience fossil hunting in Florida's rivers containing million year old fossils. No prior experience needed!
During your short canoe ride downriver, you'll enjoy scenic views, native wildlife, and learn the types of shark teeth & fossils you may find during your dig. Your experienced guides are with you every step of the way, helping you spot, identify, and understand your discoveries. We focus on small groups ranging from 5 to 10 people.
Discounts
Children 12 & under get $50 off - Use code "12 & under"
Groups of 5 or more people get 10% off (code applies automatically)
What to expect on your trip
- Hands-on digging
- Sifting for shark teeth & Ice Age fossils
- Fossil identification & education throughout the trip
What you can expect to find
- Megalodon Shark teeth
- Smaller shark teeth such as Lemon, Bull, Mako, Tiger, Snaggletooth, Hemipristis & more
- Stingray mouth plates / barbs
- Ice Age horse teeth, mammoth & mastodon tooth fragments
- Sloth, bison, deer, & fossilized bones
- Fossilized alligator & crocodile teeth
- Turtle fossils & prehistoric whale or dolphin bones
*Arrowheads & pottery must be returned to the river in accordance with Florida law.
What's included on the tour?
- Fossil hunting instruction & guidance
- Sifter & leash
- Shovels
- Wildlife encounters
- Mesh fanny pack for fossils
- Ziplocs to take your fossils home
- Canoe transportation to fossil site
- 2 Knowledgeable guides
What Should you bring?
*Pack what you need but pack light.
- Water (No glass drinks)
- Snacks
- Sunscreen
- Bug Spray
- Cash ($2 parking, tip & possible tour extension)
- Personal coolers (up to 30 quarts)
- Gloves (to protect against sharp objects such as glass & teeth)
- Mask & snorkel (recommend under water flashlight)
- Waterproof bag incase of rain
- Waterproof phone case
- Rain jacket
*Dogs not recommended
What Should you wear?
- Hat & glasses
- Reading glasses if you use them (helpful for spotting small fossils)
- Bathing suit
- Long thin shirt that dries easily
- Shorts or long pants
- Shoes (dive booties, water shoes, rain boots, tennis shoes etc... No sandals or barefoot due to sharp objects)
- Recommended: Bring dry clothes & a towel for the ride home
Meet Your Tour Guides
Sam & Nate
Sam is dedicated to finding you that massive megalodon tooth you've dreamt of your whole life. She was born and raised on Florida's west coast with years of experience searching for shark teeth. She'll be one of your guides, offering in-depth knowledge and tips on how to sift for teeth the RIGHT way.
Nate is known for bringing the energy, knowledge, and enthusiasm! Born and raised in Clearwater, on Florida’s west coast. From the Gulf waters to the rivers and swamps, his passion for fossils, wildlife, and the ocean has shaped who he is today.
As a lifelong fossil hunter and wildlife conservationist, they started this business to help others discover and identify ancient shark teeth, Ice Age mammoth fossils, and other prehistoric predators, along with the incredible wildlife that still thrives here today.
Wildlife & Safety
This is Florida, wildlife will be present. Alligators will not bother you if you do not bother them. Safety is our top priority.
You may see:
- Alligators, birds, turtles, and fish are common sights
- We operate safely and respectfully in their habitat
- Fossil hunting takes place in shallow water with guides present at all times
- No swimming required
Important Notice for Out-of-State Guests
If you are traveling from out of state or a long distance, we strongly recommend contacting us prior to booking. This helps ensure minimum guest requirements are met and weather conditions are favorable.
Occasionally, trips may be canceled due to weather or insufficient bookings. Reaching out ahead of time helps avoid travel inconvenience.
Meeting Point & Launch Location Details
Please meet us at the location sent via email after tour booking confirmation.
Please contact us via email with any questions or concerns.
Ready to Hunt Fossils?
Book your Peace River Fossil Tour today and experience one of Florida’s most unique prehistoric adventures!
Frequently asked questions
Are there alligators on the Peace River?
Alligators are native to the river, but they are rarely seen at our fossil hunting locations. They naturally avoid human activity, and we operate in open, shallow areas.
Do I need experience to fossil hunt?
No experience is required. This tour is beginner-friendly and fully guided.
How deep is the water?
Most digging takes place in shin deep water, depending on river conditions.
Is this tour family-friendly?
Yes. Children are welcome and must be supervised by an adult at all times.
Can I keep what I find?
Yes. Fossils found on the tour are yours to keep.
Is this a private tour?
This is a public guided tour with small groups. Private tours are available — please contact us to inquire.