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Your Guide to Finding Prehistoric Shark’s Teeth Near Siesta Key
Did you know that just south of Siesta Key is the “Shark’s Tooth Capital of the World?” The best place to hunt for shark’s teeth is in the Gulf of Mexico at Caspersen Beach in Venice. With its converging currents washing sediment and fossilized treasures into shallow waters along the beach, shark’s teeth are often tumbling and burrowing down into the sand, ready to be found. While you search for these remarkable and prehistoric prizes, your friends here at Best Western Siesta Key have some tips for you to keep in mind once you arrive at Caspersen Beach.
When Is the Best Time to Go Hunting for Shark’s Teeth?
What was once home to giant prehistoric sharks, like Carcharodon megalodon, is now a favored destination for shark’s teeth hunters. As the tide rolls in and out on Caspersen Beach it leaves behind an impressive collection of sediment, shells, rocks, and shark’s teeth. The best time to keep your eyes peeled for shark’s teeth is at low tide after a storm, since the surf is sure to disturb the sand and expose what has been hiding underneath. During low tide, as the waves crash onto the beach, take your chance at sifting through the sand and sorting out shark’s teeth.
What Tools Do You Need For Hunting Shark’s Teeth?
Like any treasure hunt, garden picks and shovels and a bucket to carry your finds are great tools to have accessible during your search for shark’s teeth along the beach. In addition, we recommend picking up a sieve or sifter so you can scoop up a fair amount of sand, sift out the small sediment, and sort through the larger remains. You can also visit gift shops around Venice and Caspersen Beach and purchase or rent “Florida Snow Shovels,” which prove themselves to be perfect for hunting shark’s teeth.
What Do Shark’s Teeth Look Like?
Whether you are strolling near the water’s edge, wading through shallow waters, or snorkeling and diving for shark’s teeth, you should have a good picture of what it is you are searching for. Shark’s teeth can be fairly easy to decipher between other rocks, shells, and sediment found in the ocean or Gulf of Mexico. They are distinctly triangular, with one long point and two short points at the base, and are likely to be shiny black, similar in color to a piece of coal or onyx. Shark’s teeth are extremely hard and very difficult to break, so if you find yourself guessing if you successfully captured a shark’s tooth, try breaking it. If it crumbles, then you should keep hunting.
How Can You Identify Your Collection of Shark’s Teeth?
Once you begin to grow your collection of shark’s teeth, you will quickly realize that shark’s teeth can range in size from ones that are as small as a dime to ones that measure three inches long. This means that you have accumulated a variety of teeth that may have once belonged to sand tiger sharks, lemon sharks, mako sharks, bull sharks, reef sharks, megalodons, and other prehistoric sharks. To help you identify which sharks’ teeth you have, stop into one of the many local bookstores near Siesta Key and pick up a handy guide for assistance.
Although Caspersen Beach is full of shark’s teeth, persistence is key as these little treasures can still be hard to find. However, with our tips in mind and a bit of patience, you will certainly have a successful day of shark’s teeth hunting on Venice beaches near Siesta Key. The reward for finding shark’s teeth on your vacation is truly amazing as you bring home your own treasures and souvenirs. Share them with friends, family, or even turn them into unique pieces of jewelry. For more helpful hints when it comes to hunting shark’s teeth or enjoying your Siesta Key vacation, don’t hesitate to ask the experts here at Best Western Siesta Key.