Tybee Island in Georgia is a hidden gem for so many reasons.
It’s one of my favorite places on Earth — charming, friendly, and a little off the beaten path.
It’s also a terrific destination for fossil hunters, especially those on the hunt for shark teeth.
This charming island is home to several beaches where you can find these ancient treasures, including North Beach, South Beach, and the aptly named Shark Tooth Island. But the fun doesn’t stop there! Just a short drive away in Savannah, you can explore the fossil-rich Skidaway Island State Park.
So let’s talk all about everything you need to know about hunting for shark teeth in Tybee Island, Georgia.
Shark teeth hunters in Tybee Island should plan to take a charter boat over to Shark Tooth Island for the best finds — the tours take a few hours and a good deal of physical labor, but you’re almost guaranteed to find fossilized shark teeth from sharks like sand tigers, bull sharks, and even Megalodons!
Whether you’re a seasoned fossil hunter or just starting out, Tybee Island and Savannah offer a wealth of opportunities to discover the secrets of the past. So grab your bucket and shovel and get ready for an adventure you won’t soon forget!
Where To Find Shark Teeth and Fossils in Tybee Island
What makes Tybee Island, GA so good for finding shark teeth?
In recent years, there’s been an effort to dredge the nearby Savannah River to a greater depth, which has dug up an enormous amount of shells, shark teeth, and other fossils.
Much of this material has been dumped on various islands lining the river, including Hog Island, Barnwell, and Jones Island.
There’s also a small island here called, literally, Shark Tooth Island! It’s probably the most famous place in the region to look for fossils.
Visitors say you can sometimes find massive Megalodon teeth just lying exposed in the surf.
Wild!
Of course, there’s never a guarantee of what you’ll find, but a trip to Shark Tooth Island off of Tybee is usually your best bet.
Several companies run charter boats and tours over to the island, which is otherwise difficult to get to. It’s muddy, marshy, and not developed at all.
Companies like Tybee Shark Teeth Tours and Sundial Charters not only get you there, but they have expert guides that know all the best spots and tips for finding fossils or sharks teeth.
Of course, you can try your luck anywhere around Tybee on your own, be it at Shark Tooth Island, the main Tybee Beaches (North and South Beach), or other small islands around the Savannah River area.
You might just get lucky!
What To Bring to Shark Tooth Island in Tybee/Savannah (or Anywhere Else You’re Hunting for Shark Teeth)
If you’re planning a shark tooth-hunting expedition, you won’t need much in the way of equipment, but there are a few staples you should be prepared with:
Hat and sunscreen and other sun protection
A good fossil excursion to Shark Tooth Island or the other Savannah River islands can take a few hours.
You’ll be fully exposed to the sun that entire time, so lather the sunscreen on thick, and bring extra!
A hat is also an excellent idea to protect your scalp and face from too much sun.
Water shoes and active clothing
Hunting for fossils isn’t exactly a leisurely walk on the beach. A bikini might not be the most comfortable option. Ideally, shorts and a tank top or t-shirt that you don’t mind getting wet/dirty are best!
You’ll definitely want water shoes and not just flip flops. You may be plodding through mud, or around shell mounds in the water, or over rocky beach terrain.
Protect your feet!
Water
Again, all this time out in the sun will be HOT, and dehydration is a risk. Especially since you’ll be moving and active for most of the day.
Bring a good durable water bottle that will keep your water cool for as long as possible.
Bucket or bag
You might want a bucket or shell bag to keep your findings safe. Some charter tours may provide one for you, but best to be safe.
Your swim trunks pockets aren’t going to cut it if you find a Megalodon tooth!
Sunglasses?
I’ve heard some folks specifically advise not to bring sunglasses when shark tooth hunting.
That’s likely because you’ll spend a lot of time bent down, looking at the sand, and it’d be real easy for your sunglasses to fall off your face and wash away.
There is a such thing as special Shark Shades which allegedly increase contrast and help you find shark teeth in the sand, though those won’t be necessary for most people.
Similarly, be aware of any jewelry that could fall off, get lost, or become damaged.
Types of Shark Teeth and Fossils You Might Find in Tybee Island
There’s no guarantee of what you’ll find when combing the beaches in Tybee or Savannah.
Even if you go with a shark teeth tour, they won’t promise you anything.
However, the Tybee area is home to a number of fascinating shark species. Their teeth are constantly collecting at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean and Savannah River, many finding their way to shore over time.
Here are some types of shark teeth you might be lucky enough to find in Tybee Island, Georgia:
Megalodon
Megalodon teeth aren’t as rare as you think.
They’ve been found in every continent on the planet (except Antartica) and can absolutely be found in and around Tybee Island.
If you’re not familiar with the Megalodon, they’re the largest species of shark to ever exist. Though extinct now, they could be up to three times the size of modern great white sharks.
Yikes!
Their teeth can be up to 7 inches long.
The larger the Megalodon tooth, the rarer it is to find. Smaller ones can be found quite often.
Tiger Shark
Tiger Sharks, some of the fiercest of the shark species, have been known to enjoy the waters off of Tybee Island, Georgia.
So their teeth can definitely be found here!
Tiger shark teeth are much smaller than those of the Megalodon, measuring in anywhere from 1-2 inches.
They’re jagged and serrated, with a distinctive curvature.
Bull Shark
Coming in a little bit smaller are the teeth of the notorious bull shark.
Bull sharks are one of the few sharks that tolerate fresh water and can be found in some rivers.
Along with tiger sharks, they’re responsible for a good percentage of attacks on humans (though your odds of having an encounter with one are still unimaginably low).
Bull shark teeth are only about an inch long. They’re serrated but not curved like the teeth of the tiger shark.
Sand Tiger Shark
Sand tiger shark teeth are an extremely common find around Tybee Island and Shark Tooth Island!
These guys look incredibly fierce, but are not typically much of a threat to people.
Their teeth are often about one inch long, thin and pointy, without as much of the serration as seen on larger predators like the tiger and bull sharks.
And that’s just the beginning. At least a dozen other species of sharks populate the waters around Tybee Island and the mouth of the Savannah River.
If you take a charter tour, your guide will be able to help you identify the teeth you find and teach you all sorts of interesting facts about Georgia’s native sharks!
Wrapping Up
Any visit to Tybee Island should include dolphin watching, visiting the famous lighthouse, and a day trip to Shark Tooth Island!
Your odds of finding shark teeth and fossils on the main Tybee beaches are only so-so, but if you venture to the Savannah River islands you’ll find an absolute gold mine of teeth belonging to Megalodons, tiger sharks, bull sharks, mako, and more!
For more Tybee guides, check out my piece on jellyfish season in Tybee Island.
And don’t miss:
Hope this helps!