FOSSIL HUNTING 101
Several million years ago Florida was not the size it is today, in fact, it looked more like a small island. Sea levels
constantly fluctuated with Earth's climate cycles and when the ocean recessed, Florida emerged. Many of the marine and
land animals that lived millions of years ago left behind evidence, which can be found today in the Peace River and in other fossil rich areas of Florida. A timetable of life and fossils are classified by age in epochs. Fossils found in the Peace River and in areas near Venice,FL have been classified to be from the Miocene Epoch 23.7 - 5.3 million years ago, the Pliocene Epoch 5.3 – 1.8 million years ago and Pleistocene Epoch 1.8 million years ago - 10,000 years ago.
Fossils are sometimes found on dry land, in spoil piles or along river banks, but generally you won’t find the variety, which hide
buried beneath the water. You will be equipped with sanitized equipment consisting of a shovel/scoop, sifter and collection apron. You will then receive brief instruction on how to dig, sift and ID the fossils you find. After that, the race is on to find
your own Florida prehistoric treasures.
The 5 "w"'s
WHO: We've had quite a diverse population of both kiddos and adults, male and female, come out in the quest to fossil hunt with us. Our fossil hunters have ranged in age from a tiny 2 up to a mature 76, have been from all walks of life and from all over the world. Several of our fossil hunters found it to be fascinating and many said they couldn’t wait to do it again. Any child under the age of 12 who comes out hunting with us will also receive a “Fossil Hunter” certificate.
WHAT: We've found an extensive variety of prehistoric remains of both marine and land animals. The variety of fossils have come from the following animals: shark, dugong, mammoth, mastodon, horse, tapir, alligator, drum fish, burrfish, sperm whale, dolphin, peccary, barracuda, turtle, deer, camel/llama, sloth, alligator, armadillo, glyptodont, stingray, sand dollars, agatized coral, shells, bryozoans, bivalves and more. The only type of fossils you will not find in Florida are dinosaur fossils, because by the time Florida rose from the sea they were already extinct.
WHERE: We hunt fossils year round in Florida as conditions permit, as well as, in other fossil rich areas within the United States. Here in Florida we frequent the Peace River and its tributaries, both via kayak and on foot and in the Venice area from beaches, where no kayak is needed. The best way to find fossils in the river is to come out on one of our paddle, dig & sift events or to rent a kayak so you are able to reach rich fossil hunting grounds away from public access (boat ramps and parks) that are not frequented and picked over.
WHEN: Fossil hunting on the Peace River is best when water levels are 12” below normal, which is normally late winter or in the springtime. However, if conditions (water level and weather) are favorable, then it's time to hunt. The water level of the Peace is solely controlled by rainwater, so with more rain, the water table becomes higher and the current becomes stronger. Fossil hunting in the tributaries and at the beach is a little different. In the tributaries, the water level is usually one to two feet deep so it's relatively easy to navigate and at the beach you have options to wade in the water to dig and sift or you may
snorkel and/or dive in search of fossils. We constantly monitor weather, wind, marine and beach forecasts for optimum hunting conditions and may have to amend an adventure based on changes in these forecasts.
WHY: Because it is so much fun! We guarantee you will find a shark tooth and once you do, you will not want to stop looking for more. !!! Warning !!! Fossil hunting can be addicting.
H2O Adventures & More LLC complies with Florida Statute 1004.5, which sets forth the State of Florida’s declared intent to protect and preserve vertebrate fossils and vertebrate paleontology sites. What that means, is that you are allowed to search for shark teeth, plant and invertebrate fossils, which do not require a permit. However, we strongly encourage you to apply and obtain your own Fossil Permit, which is $5.00 annually. We've even made it a little easier for you, just click the button on the bottom of this page to be connected to the Florida Museum of Natural History page where you can click on the application, print, complete then mail it with your $5.00 payment.
Fossil Related Pricing
Fossil Hunting Tours on the Peace River 4hr & 6hr (via kayak)
Pricing for adults starts at $150 for 4 hrs and $200 for 6 hrs. Kiddos <12 are a flat rate of $70 for any duration and will receive an official "Fossil Hunter" certificate. On the day of the event, the guide will meet you at a designated location, have a safety briefing and answer any questions before leading you to the gravel. Upon arrival at the dig site, the guide will secure all kayaks to the anchor then will do a demonstration to show you how to search and ID fossils. All sanitized kayaking, fossil hunting and safety gear will be provided for your use up to the agreed upon timeframe (weather permitting).
Fossil Hunting combo Creek & River Hike (on foot)
$100 adults $35 kiddos <12
The guide will provide a meeting location then after a 20+/- minute hike to the river will show you how to search and ID fossils. Sanitized fossil hunting equipment will be provided for your use up to a four (4) hour period of time (weather permitting).
Fossil Hunting at the Creek (on foot)
$80 adults $35 kiddos <12
The guide will provide a meeting location then after a short hike into the creek will show you how to search and ID fossils. Sanitized fossil hunting equipment will be provided for your use up to a three (3) hour period of time (weather permitting).
Fossil Hunting at the Beach (on foot)
$80 adults $35 kiddos <12
The guide will provide a meeting location then will show you how to search and ID fossils. Sanitized fossil hunting equipment will be provided for your use up to a four (4) hour +/- period of time (weather permitting).
Fossil Hunting Tag Along (creek/river/beach)
Starting at $35 join us as a tag along for any publicly advertised fossil hunting event at the creek, river and/or at the beach utilizing your own fossil hunting equipment, PFD and paddle-craft. This is great if you need an adventurous buddy, two or three to go out digging with, and remember there's safety in numbers!
Annual Fossil Hunting Passes
The fine print...Aside from paying the annual fee, we require a completed waiver and the FWC Pre-Rental/Pre-Ride Checklist. We also request for you to contact us within 48 hours of any adventure you wish to attend so we can adequately prepare for your arrival. Please note, we will make every effort to get you on and in the water but any requests made less than 48 hours may be declined. Annual passes are valid one year from the purchase date. Each year we host between 50-70 different fossil hunting events so there are ample opportunities to get you out hunting. If you are serious about fossil hunting the annual pass will pay for itself in no time.
Annual Fossil Hunting Pass
$1000 This all access pass allows you to join us for as many or as few of our publicly advertised fossil hunting events on the river, at the creek or the beach. Use of equipment such as kayak, kayaking and safety gear, as well as, fossil hunting equipment is included.
Annual Fossil Hunting Tag Along Pass
$500 All access pass to join us for as many publicly advertised fossil hunting events on the river, at the creek or beach utilizing your own paddle-craft, PFD and fossil hunting gear. This is great if you need an adventurous buddy, two or three to go out with, and remember there's safety in numbers!
Annual Beach & Creek Fossil Hunting Pass
$400 All access pass to join us for as many publicly advertised fossil hunting events at the beach or at the creek. Use of fossil hunting equipment is included.
OTHER OPTIONS...purchase a shark tooth grab bag.
If you'd like to add fossilized shark teeth from Florida to your collection we have two sized grab bags, which contain a variety of shark teeth for you to identify. Check out "OUR STORE" where we also sell fossil hunting kits, sifters, scoops, shovels, dry bags, t-shirts, shark tooth candles, art, bracelets, key chains and domino sets.