Peace River Fossil Hunting Guide

The Peace River is one of Florida’s most famous fossil-producing waterways and has drawn fossil hunters for decades. Flowing through central Florida, the river cuts through ancient sediment layers that date back tens of thousands of years, making it one of the best places in the state to discover fossilized shark teeth and Ice Age mammal remains.

This guide explains why fossils are found here, what you can expect to find, when conditions are best, and how fossil hunting works on the Peace River—whether you’re exploring on your own or joining a guided experience.

The Peace River flows through ancient marine and freshwater deposits laid down during Florida’s Ice Age. Over time, erosion and seasonal water changes expose fossils that were once buried deep underground.

As water levels rise and fall, sediment shifts, revealing:

• Fossilized shark teeth from ancient seas
• Mammoth, mastodon, and other Ice Age mammal remains
• Bone fragments and prehistoric material preserved in river gravel

This constant natural movement is what makes the Peace River such a productive fossil-hunting location.

Fossil hunters regularly discover:

• Fossilized shark teeth, including larger prehistoric species
• Ice Age mammal remains, such as mammoth, mastodon, bison, and horse
• Fossil bone fragments and ancient marine material

Every find is unique, and no two days on the river are the same. Fossil discovery depends on natural conditions, timing, and experience.

There are several ways people search for fossils along the Peace River:

Some areas allow shallow wading and surface searching. This method can be productive but is limited by access and water depth.

Paddling allows access to additional areas but requires experience navigating river conditions and understanding where fossils settle.

Guided trips provide:

• Access to known fossil-producing areas
• Instruction on where and how to search
• Proper sifting equipment
• A safer, more efficient experience for beginners

Guides help guests understand sediment layers, identify fossils correctly, and avoid restricted or unsafe areas.

Fossil hunting conditions change throughout the year.

Generally:

• Lower water levels offer better visibility and access
• Seasonal changes and rainfall affect sediment movement
• Some months provide more consistent conditions than others
• March through May tend to be the best months for low water levels and hunting

Because the river is dynamic, timing matters. Guided tours often plan around conditions that increase the likelihood of successful fossil discovery.

Fossil hunting conditions on the Peace River change with seasonal water levels and rainfall.  Lower water levels generally provide better visibility and access to fossil-producing gravel beds.

USGS Peace River Water Level Gauge 

Water levels on the Peace River play a major role in fossil visibility and accessibility.  Lower water levels generally expose gravel bars and sediment layers where fossils naturally settle, making searching more productive and safer.  Levels between roughly 0.5 and 2.0 feet on the USGS gauge tend to provide the best conditions, especially when water is gradually falling after rainfall.

Rising or higher water levels can limit visibility and access , while shifting sediment may temporarily cover fossil material.  Because the river is dynamic, conditions can change quickly, and successful fossil hunting depends on a combination of water level, recent weather, and experience reading the river.  Guided trips help guests understand these variables and hunt during the most favorable conditions.

Fossil hunting on the Peace River is legal when done responsibly and in accordance with Florida regulations.

Important considerations include:

• Understanding which types of fossils may be collected
• Knowing where collecting is permitted
• Following state guidelines for fossil removal
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Fossil collecting in Florida is regulated by the Florida Museum of Natural History. You can learn more about fossil permits and state guidelines here:

Florida Fossil Permit Information

Guided fossil tours help ensure guests remain compliant with regulations while safely enjoying the fossil-hunting experience.

The Peace River is popular with beginners because fossil hunting can be done in shallow water with basic techniques. With proper instruction and equipment, first-time fossil hunters can successfully search for real prehistoric material.

Guided trips are designed to be accessible for:

• Families
• First-time fossil hunters
• Visitors with no prior experience

The focus is on education, safety, and discovery rather than speed or competition.

For those interested in experiencing the Peace River with experienced local guides, Fossil Junkies offers guided airboat fossil hunts designed to maximize access, safety, and fossil discovery.

Learn more about guided Peace River fossil tours and current availability on our Peace River tour page.