What you'll do:

You and your crew paddle out on a guided kayak tour through the coastal waterways of Wilmington, NC, land on a barrier beach locals call Shark Tooth Island, and spend an hour combing the sand for fossilized shark teeth — the kind that washed out of ancient ocean sediment and have been sitting there ever since.

• Guided paddle: Your certified guide leads the group along a scenic coastal route, pointing out wildlife and local landmarks along the way.

• Shark tooth hunting: Once on the beach, you search the shoreline for fossilized shark teeth and other marine fossils that wash up naturally in this stretch of coast.

• Beach time: Between hunting sessions, you have open time to wade, relax, and take in the views of the surrounding barrier islands.

• Photo stops: The route and beach setting offer plenty of natural backdrops, so bring your phone or camera.

• Return paddle: The trip back gives you another stretch of open water and a chance to compare what everyone found on the beach.

Your guide handles navigation and safety the entire time, so your only job is to show up, paddle, and start digging.

Why we love it for your group:

1. Accessible for most fitness levels: Kayaking this route does not require prior experience, making it a realistic option for mixed-ability groups.

2. Built-in conversation: Searching for fossils side by side keeps people engaged without the pressure of structured games or activities.

3. Something concrete to take home: Found shark teeth are yours to keep, which makes this feel more like a real find than a tourist checkbox.

4. Great for photos: The coastal scenery, kayaks on the water, and beach setting all photograph well without any staging.

5. Private feel: The tour goes out as a group, so you are not sharing the beach or the guide with strangers.

About this experience partner:

Wilmington Outdoor Adventures runs guided coastal kayak tours and outdoor experiences along the North Carolina coast. Their guides are certified in Wilderness First Aid and trained in kayak rescue, and the company holds more than 100 five-star Google reviews with no rating below five stars. Wilmington Outdoor Adventures has been featured on the cover of Wilmington Magazine for their work connecting locals and visitors with the natural coastal environment.

Additional information:

- This experience is weather-dependent and may need to be rescheduled if wind speeds exceed safety thresholds or if thunderstorms are forecast.

- No prior kayaking experience is required.

- Guests should wear clothing they are comfortable getting wet and bring water and sun protection.

- Exact meeting location details are provided after booking.