Peace River Fossil Hunting Tours

Join Fossil Junkies for an unforgettable fossil hunting adventure on the legendary Peace River — one of the richest Ice Age fossil sites in the United States.

This guided airboat fossil hunt takes you deep into Old Florida, where you’ll dig and sift for real prehistoric fossils dating back 10,000 to over 10 million years. From shark teeth to fossilized bones, every trip offers the chance to uncover history with your own hands.

No experience required. Just show up ready to explore.

Climb aboard our high-powered, 6-passenger fossil-hunting airboat, designed to safely access shallow, fossil-rich sections of the Peace River.

As we cruise upriver, you’ll enjoy scenic views, native wildlife, and a glimpse into untouched Florida landscapes. Once we reach the fossil beds, we’ll gear up and head into the water to dig and sift the river’s gravel beds — where prehistoric fossils are found.

Our experienced guides are with you every step of the way, helping you spot, identify, and understand your discoveries.

• Small group experience (no crowds)

• Proven fossil sites on the Peace River

• Hands-on digging and sifting

• Local, experienced captain and guides

• Real fossils — not staged or planted

• A true Old Florida river adventure

Every trip is different, and every group finds something.

• Guided airboat ride through scenic Old Florida
• Hands-on fossil hunting in knee- to waist-deep water
• Digging and sifting real Ice Age fossil beds
• Small group sizes for a personalized experience
• Fossil identification and education throughout the trip

Each tour lasts a minimum of 4 hours, with some trips running longer depending on group pace and conditions.

The Peace River is famous for its fossil diversity. Common finds include:

• Megalodon Shark teeth
• Tons of small shark teeth
• Ice Age horse teeth
• Stingray mouth plates / barbs 
• Mammoth and mastodon tooth fragments
• Sloth, bison, deer, and fossilized bones
• Fossilized alligator and crocodile teeth
• Turtle fossils and prehistoric whale or dolphin bones

With a little luck, you may even uncover a Megalodon tooth — millions of years old.

Any human artifacts (such as arrowheads) must be returned to the river in accordance with Florida law.

• 4-hour guided airboat fossil hunt

• Airboat transportation to fossil sites

• Fossil hunting instruction and guidance

• Digging scoops

• Sifters

• Fossil collecting bags

• Ziploc baggies for your finds

• Ear protection (earmuffs)

• Knowledgeable local guides

• Ice-cold bottled water 

Wetsuits and booties available for rent, contact us!  (Winter months, November - March) Make digging more comfortable 

You keep what you find (within Florida fossil regulations).

• Water shoes or booties (closed-toe recommended, crocs not recommended)
• Comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting wet
• Sunscreen
• Snacks and drinks of your choice
• Reading glasses if you use them (helpful for spotting small fossils)
• Snacks and drinks of your choice (no personal coolers, please — we provide cooler space onboard)

Wetsuits are recommended November–March.

Please pack light — airboats perform best with minimal gear.

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 knee- to waist-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.

Yes, this is real Florida — and that includes wildlife.

• 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

Your captain knows the river and the conditions. Safety is always the priority.

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.

Tips are never required but are greatly appreciated.

A standard gratuity of $20–$30 per person is customary.

Private Peace River airboat fossil hunts are available Monday through Thursday for families, groups, and special occasions, as long as a public guided tour is not scheduled that day.

Private tours offer a more personalized experience and are arranged separately from our public trips.

Availability is limited.

For private tour inquiries and pricing, please contact us directly.

Spots are limited due to small group sizes.

Our Peace River fossil hunting tours are designed for small groups seeking hands-on fossil discovery along the river with experienced guides

Closest Airports

• TPA – Tampa International Airport (most flight options)
• RSW – Southwest Florida International Airport (Fort Myers)

Rental cars are recommended, as the launch location is rural.

Most guests choose lodging in:

• Arcadia, FL
• Venice, FL
• Punta Gorda, FL
• Port Charlotte, FL

These locations offer the best mix of proximity, lodging options, and dining.

Commonly used options in the area include:

• Holiday Inn Express (Arcadia / Punta Gorda area)
• Hampton Inn (Port Charlotte / Punta Gorda)
• Comfort Inn & Suites (Arcadia / Port Charlotte)
• Local vacation rentals and riverfront Airbnbs

We are not affiliated with any hotels or transportation providers. This information is provided as a courtesy to help guests plan their trip.