Anna Maria Island is a prime location to find shark’s teeth, shells, and much more on a day at the beach. With several top spots right on the island to find these fascinating ocean treasures, you won’t have to travel very far from your vacation rental for some exciting shell and shark tooth hunting trips.
Below is a guide to where you can go and what tools you need to find shark’s teeth from some of the most spectacular Gulf shark species.
What Beaches are Best for Sharks Teeth Hunting?
Anna Maria Island is a premium location for snatching some teeth from the many gulf coast sharks due to the water currents. It takes patience and going to the right location to find them. It can also be easier to find them earlier in the morning when there are less people around.
Most of the best beaches for teeth hunting actually face the gulf coast on the western side of the island. This includes Bean Point on the northern tip of the island, Coquina Beach and Manatee Beach.
One very common area to find sharks’ teeth is Coquina Public Beach (2650 Gulf Dr. S, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217). Coquina Beach closes at 10 p.m.
Another option to explore is Manatee Public Beach (4000 State Road 64 and Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, FL 34217). The available grills, picnic tables, and playground help make it a great family friendly location.
You can buy beach gear nearby for the hunt at Island Bazaar (3304 E Bay Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217) or the Sand Dollar Gift Shop (5302 Marina Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217), both right off the beach. Easy parking makes the area a prime candidate for spending the whole day at the beach.
Tools for the Hunt
There are three tools that all good sharks’ teeth hunters come properly equipped with. The first is a sifting tool, similar to a rake, which can shift the sands at standing level. Do not be afraid to bend down and delicately shift the sands on the lookout for the pointy teeth poking out from below.
The second tool is a mesh bag. Once you find a solid area, you can grab a section and sift it through the bag. Any teeth will be caught in the threads. The last necessary tool for the hunt is a bag for all your findings. Once verified as a shark tooth, it can properly be tucked away in the bag.
Where to Search in the Sands
Often, shark’s teeth will set in large piles of pebbles and rocks, collected with other heavier items from the waters. Find sections of pebbles clumped in a small area. There’s a chance that you’ll find a tooth hidden within.
Shark teeth have a thin body and a pointy top, with most teeth being around 1/8” up to 1”. Finding larger teeth is a possibility. Some teeth can be Y shaped while others are more triangular. Fossilized shark teeth are also black and likely to be found on the shore, but they can also be grey, brown or white.
Consider searching the water line for fresh shark’s teeth. The water line at Coquina Beach is often perfect for finding plenty of them. Shark’s teeth will often tumble and collect right along where the water crests at the sand. Scan the area with a sifting tool heavily to find fresh finds from the gulf. You can head to the knee-deep waters for some larger finds, but tools, gloves, and safety guidance is strongly advised.
How Often Can You Find a Shark Tooth?
If you have the proper tools and have some patience while searching, you are likely to find at least a few. Some visitors report filling a bag full, bringing several back home. Don’t be afraid to get a little dirty, using the mesh bags, and digging deep.
Consider visiting the smaller nearby creeks in northern Anna Maria Island. There are quite a few small creeks by both Palmetto Avenue Beach and Bayfront Park which collect teeth from the larger waters nearby.
Find a hidden shark tooth buried in the sands, fulfilling the end of an incredible family experience. Give us a call to find affordable Anna Maria Island vacation rentals while you enjoy these beachside experiences and many others. You can stay right on your own stretch of private beach and explore it to your heart’s content!