Venice, Florida is widely known as the Shark Tooth Capital of the World, attracting thousands of visitors each year who come to search for fossilized shark teeth along the shoreline and offshore. Whether you’re walking the beach for the first time or looking to understand why fossils are so abundant here, this guide covers everything you need to know before you hunt.
Millions of years ago, the Venice area was submerged beneath a shallow prehistoric sea. Over time, sea levels rose and fell, currents shifted, and ancient marine life—including massive sharks like the Megalodon—shed countless teeth that became fossilized in layers of sediment. As erosion continues today, these fossil layers are naturally exposed, allowing shark teeth to wash ashore or remain preserved offshore beneath the Gulf of Mexico.
Often considered the best beach for shark tooth hunting in Florida, Caspersen Beach is famous for its rocky shoreline and dark shell beds. Fossilized teeth are commonly found here, especially after storms or during low tide.
Located near downtown Venice, this area is popular with beginners. Teeth are often found along the waterline, and the pier helps concentrate shell and fossil material.
South of the pier, this stretch of beach tends to be less crowded and productive for walking and shallow wading.
Just north and south of Venice, these beaches also produce shark teeth, particularly for those willing to explore quieter areas.
Located just north of Venice, Nokomis Beach is frequently mentioned in shark tooth searches. While teeth can be found here, they are generally smaller and less concentrated than those found at Venice-area beaches like Caspersen. Success varies depending on tides and recent storms.
Stump Pass and Blind Pass, located near Englewood, are occasionally searched by visitors looking for shark teeth. These areas can produce fossils, but access and conditions vary, and finds are typically less consistent compared to Venice’s fossil-rich shoreline.
Most beginners succeed by following a few simple techniques:
• Walk the shell line, where waves deposit heavier material
• Look for black, shiny triangular shapes
• Wade ankle-deep near breaking waves
• Use a sand sifter or kitchen strainer
• Search after storms or during low tide
Fossilized shark teeth are usually darker than modern shells and feel heavier for their size.
Beach hunters frequently find teeth from:
• Sand Tiger Sharks
• Bull Sharks
• Lemon Sharks
• Mako Sharks
• Small fragments of Megalodon teeth
Larger Megalodon teeth are far more rare on the beach and are typically found offshore.
You don’t need much to get started:
• Sand sifter or strainer
• Mesh bag or bucket
• Water shoes
• Sunscreen and hat
Many local shops in Venice rent or sell sifters designed specifically for shark tooth hunting.
In Florida, fossil collecting on public land (any vertebrae fossils, NOT shark teeth) typically requires a Florida Fossil Permit. The permit is inexpensive and helps ensure fossils are collected legally and responsibly.
👉 Learn more about permits here:
Florida Fossil Permit Information
Native American artifacts and cultural remains are protected by law and must never be removed.
While beach hunting is fun and accessible, the largest and most impressive fossils are found offshore. Ancient fossil beds lie just a few miles off the Venice coast, preserved beneath the seabed.
Experienced divers explore these offshore environments to recover:
• Large Megalodon teeth
• Fossilized whale bones
• Ancient marine mammal remains
👉 Learn more about guided offshore fossil dives here:
Venice Shark Tooth Diving Tours
Many visitors start on the beach, then choose a guided experience to:
• Learn where fossils actually come from
• Increase their chances of finding larger specimens
• Explore areas inaccessible from shore
• Gain expert identification skills
Guided tours provide education, safety, and access to fossil-rich locations most people never see.
Can anyone find shark teeth in Venice?
Yes. Many people find teeth on their first visit, especially at Caspersen Beach.
What do fossilized shark teeth look like?
They are typically black, dark gray, or brown and feel heavier than shells.
Are shark teeth still forming today?
No. The teeth found in Venice are fossilized and millions of years old.
Do I need scuba gear to find shark teeth?
No. Beach hunting is very popular. Scuba diving is required for offshore fossil beds.
If you’re not finding teeth right away, don’t get discouraged. Conditions change daily. Some of the best finds happen when you least expect them.
Tide timing plays a huge role in fossil hunting success.
👉 Check live Venice tide charts here:
Station Home Page - NOAA Tides & Currents
(Search: Venice Inlet, FL)
Final Thoughts
Venice isn’t just a beach town—it’s one of the most fossil-rich coastlines in the world. Whether you’re casually searching the shore or ready to explore offshore fossil beds, understanding the history beneath your feet makes every discovery more meaningful.