In short
- Access requires a 2 to 2.5-hour boat tour.
- Tours provide 45 to 60 minutes of beachcombing time.
- Only collect empty shells, teeth, and fossils.
In this article
Because Morris Island sits completely offshore and remains uninhabited, its shores collect treasures that heavily trafficked beaches miss. Tides wash up dark, triangular shark teeth along the tide lines. A guided boat tour drops you directly on these quiet sands to hunt for fossils.
Where to find shark teeth near Charleston
Morris Island is a prime destination for beachcombers searching for shark teeth and marine fossils.
This is an uninhabited barrier island accessible only by water. Boat tours from Folly Beach drop you off for 45 to 60 minutes of shore exploration.
Reaching the fossil beaches
You must take a boat tour or kayak to reach the island.
Eco-tours depart from Bowens Island or the Folly Beach Boat Landing. A standard shared tour costs $50 to $70 per adult and lasts 2 to 2.5 hours total.
What to look for on the shore
Visitors frequently find shark teeth, ancient marine fossils, and abundant sea shells.
Focus your search along the tide lines. Look carefully for small, dark, triangular shapes. These are often fossilized shark teeth brought in by ocean currents.
Rules for beachcombing
You may keep empty shells, shark teeth, and fossils, but you cannot take live creatures.
Removing any living organism from the beach is strictly prohibited. You must also pack out all your trash, leaving no trace on the uninhabited island.
Essential gear for collecting
Bring a small mesh pouch or bag for your finds and water-friendly shoes.
- Small bag or mesh pouch to hold shark teeth
- Water-friendly shoes (sport sandals or water shoes)
- Reef-safe sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat
- At least two reusable water bottles per person
The best season for boat trips
Tours operate year-round, but March to October offers warm weather and high dolphin activity.
While the fossils are present all year, the boat journey is most comfortable in the warmer months. You will likely spot resident Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in the estuarine creeks along the way.
Questions travellers ask
Can you drive to Morris Island?
No. Morris Island is completely surrounded by water. You must take a boat or kayak from Folly Beach or Bowens Island.
How long do tours stay on the beach?
Most eco-tours include 45 to 60 minutes of dedicated shore time to search for shells and shark teeth.
Are there restrooms on the island?
No. The island is uninhabited and lacks facilities. Tour boats also do not have bathrooms, so use the facilities at your departure point.
