Scuba Diving for Shark Teeth in Venice, Florida

When I'm not underwater capturing critters with my camera, you'll often find me submerged in search of fossilized shark teeth along the beaches on the west coast of Florida, nestled along the Gulf of Mexico near Venice, Florida. Fondly known as "shark toothing" by the locals, it's a fun pursuit filled with excitement upon each discovered tooth. The dives are relatively shallow, ranging from 15 to 32 feet (5 to 10 meters), allowing for ample exploration time. During a typical shore dive, I reach a maximum depth of around 20 feet (6 meters), spending an average of 2.5 hours scouring the seabed. It's not uncommon to unearth over a hundred teeth in a single dive.

Unveiling Venice's Shark Tooth Paradise

Venice, Florida, holds a prestigious title in the realm of fossilized shark tooth collecting, beckoning enthusiasts from near and far to its sandy shores. While the sheer abundance of these prehistoric treasures is a major draw, Venice's allure extends beyond mere quantity. From Casperson Beach to Manasota Beach, and Venice Beach itself, the hunt for shark teeth becomes an addictive adventure, with the tantalizing hope of stumbling upon a coveted megalodon tooth.

Why Does Venice Reign Supreme?

The answer lies in a combination of factors. Sharks, prolific tooth-shedders, contribute to the vast supply, with estimates suggesting they lose tens of thousands of teeth over a lifetime. Florida's role as a shark nursery further amplifies this phenomenon, with generations of sharks congregating to birth and nurture their young before migrating northward. The fossil-rich layers beneath Venice's surface, particularly the Peace River Formation, play a pivotal role. Exposed through natural processes like erosion and river currents, these layers yield a steady supply of fossilized treasures, fueling the fascination of collectors.

How Did Florida Become the Epicenter of Shark Tooth Fossil Discoveries?

The geological history of the region provides clues. It all began around 50 million years ago, during the Cretaceous period, when Florida lay submerged beneath high sea levels. Over millions of years, layers of limestone accumulated on the ocean floor, laying the foundation for the Sunshine State's geological riches., and Venice Beach itself, the hunt for shark teeth becomes an addictive adventure, with the tantalizing hope of stumbling upon a coveted Megalodon tooth.

Fast forward to the Oligocene period, about 30 million years ago, when global cooling and dropping sea levels gave rise to Orange Island, the precursor to modern-day Florida. Erosion sculpted the porous limestone, creating the intricate cave systems and sinkholes characteristic of the region.

During the Miocene epoch, approximately 20 million years ago, tectonic activity uplifted Florida, gradually transforming it into the landmass we recognize today. Meanwhile, nutrient-rich sediments from the Appalachians enriched the coastal waters, creating fertile grounds for marine life to thrive.

This marine abundance persisted into the Early Pliocene, around 5 million years ago, contributing to the formation of phosphate-rich deposits, including the Peace River Formation. While mostly underground, rivers like the Peace River expose these fossil-rich layers, providing a treasure trove for fossil hunters.

In addition to the Peace River fossils, Venice's shores boast remnants from the Pleistocene epoch, spanning 2.5 million to 11,000 years ago. During this period of glacial cycles, Florida experienced fluctuating sea levels, hosting a diverse array of Ice Age megafauna, from mammoths to giant ground sloths.

Today, Venice Beach serves as a prime hunting ground for fossil enthusiasts, offering a glimpse into the region's rich geological past. The prevalence of shark teeth, in particular, speaks to the density of these fossils and the constant turnover of shark dentition. With each tide, a new chapter of prehistory unfolds, inviting adventurers to explore the hidden treasures washed ashore.

And while many people come to Venice to walk the beaches and look for teeth, the better quality and more abundant teeth can be found by scuba diving just offshore.

Shore or Boat Diving

Shore diving is certainly the more economical way to go and while you can find larger teeth while shore diving, you’ll have a much better chance of snatching the elusive megalodon if you go by boat. The charter boats typically take you out into the deeper water and the boat captains have all done their research having GPS numbers for good fossil beds. At the time of this writing, a charter costs anywhere from $175-$200 for a three-tank dive depending on the charter company. One charter company offers two-tank dives for $110. Included in all charters are tanks and weights; you should bring everything else although most boats will provide a mesh bag if you don’t have one; check ahead of time to make sure it is still the case.

I periodically dive by boat but for the most part, since I’m diving fairly frequently, I do a lot of shore diving when hunting for teeth and the best dive beaches are literally 15 minutes from my home.

Shore Diving

To embark on your underwater quest, start by selecting a public beach, such as Venice Public Beach, Service Club Beach, or South Brohard Beach. However, any public beach between Venice and Manasota Key promises good hunting grounds.

Once you've chosen your beach, gear up in the parking lot and make your way down to the water's edge. With your scuba equipment secured, it's time to begin your adventure.

Begin with a surface swim out into the Gulf of Mexico, venturing a few hundred feet from the shore. Keep an eye out for landmarks like the Venice Pier or swim buoys. If you spot the pier, aim to reach a point even with its end, or extend your swim just beyond any swim buoys you encounter. Once you descend, head westward.

The ideal depth for tooth hunting is typically around 16 feet (5 meters) or deeper. Look for patches of sand adorned with black specks—signs of fossilized bone fragments. These specks are your breadcrumbs, guiding you to the hidden troves of shark teeth. If you find yourself surrounded by shells or devoid of black specks, continue searching. There's no need for extensive digging or sifting through sand; often, the teeth lie on the surface or protrude slightly from the seabed. A dive light can prove invaluable, casting a shimmering glow on the enamel of the teeth, making them stand out against the sandy backdrop.

To stay oriented during your dive, consider bringing along a compass. With east leading back to the shore and west guiding you further offshore, this simple tool ensures you remain on course as you explore.

Typical Finds

Typical finds are shark teeth from several species such as lemon, bull, and sand tiger sharks. Less common teeth to find are tiger sharks and snaggletooth sharks (Hemipristis serra - now extinct). Even less common are an extinct species of Mako shark (Isurus hastalis).

The shark tooth everyone wants to find is the Megalodon. Living from 30 to 2 million years ago, these sharks grew up to 70 feet (21 meters) in length with a mouth about 6 feet (1.8 meters) wide and 6 feet tall! They preyed on whales and dugong which were plentiful in this area during that period.

Other Fossils

Besides shark teeth, there are lots of other fossils to find while diving in Venice. A common find are dugong and whale ribs, sometimes with marks from a megalodon bite. Less frequently found are mammoth and mastodon teeth, camel teeth, dire wolf teeth, and deer antler to name just a few.

Other Unique Finds

Among the non-fossil discoveries, one intriguing find is the remnants of 50 caliber shells, and sometimes even complete rounds. This curious artifact harkens back to World War II when the area surrounding present-day Sarasota and Venice airports was home to two air bases. These bases served as training grounds for pilots, honing their skills in gunnery, firing, and bombing.

In the skies above, pilots maneuvered P-40 Kittyhawks and P-51 Mustangs, engaging in rigorous training exercises that included dive bombing and target shooting with their formidable 50-caliber guns. The bullets and casings discovered today likely date back to those intense training sessions conducted amid the wartime urgency of the 1940s.

Choosing the Best Time to Dive

When planning your underwater excursion in search of shark teeth, timing is key to optimizing your experience.

Post-Storm Exploration: During a storm, the turbulent waters churn up the sea floor, unveiling new layers of the fossil bed ripe for exploration. Keep an eye on the weather forecast, and seize the opportunity to dive shortly after a storm for the best chance of discovering hidden treasures.

Optimal Visibility: Visibility in the waters off Venice can vary dramatically, ranging from less than 5 feet to a stunning (for Venice) 30 feet. While 30 feet of visibility is considered exceptional, it's relatively rare to encounter. To maximize your chances of clear waters, wait for a stretch of east winds to calm the surf after a storm, allowing sediment to settle and visibility to improve.

Temperature Considerations: Water temperature is another factor to consider when planning your dive adventure. During the winter months, water temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico can plummet to as low as 59°F (15°C), while in the summer, they can soar close to a balmy 90°F (32°C). Despite the chillier temperatures in winter, diving enthusiasts like myself often don dry suits for added comfort, enabling year-round exploration.

What to Bring

Fine Mesh Bag: A fine mesh bag is indispensable for safely stowing your precious finds. With some teeth, like those from hammerhead sharks, being particularly small, it's essential to choose a bag with mesh small enough to prevent anything from slipping through.

Dive Light: Illuminate your search with a reliable dive light. I use a head mounted dive light to keep my hands free.

Dive Flag: Compliance with Florida law mandates the use of a dive flag while underwater. To keep your hands free for exploration, consider attaching a weight to the end of your reel, allowing you to place the flag in one spot while you search around it, then moving the reel and weight to a new area as you explore further afield.

Compass: Stay oriented with the shore by bringing along a compass which serves as a reliable navigational aid, ensuring you can find your way back to shore without having to pop up to the surface constantly.

Avoid Gloves: Resist the temptation to wear gloves during your search for shark teeth. When combing through the sand, your eyes and fingers are your primary tools. Wearing gloves can hinder your tactile sensitivity, making it more challenging to discern the texture and shape of potential finds.

Local Dive Shops & Charters

Florida Underwater Sports - North of Venice in Sarasota you’ll find a full service dive shop that will cater to all your needs for shore diving. They are a friendly bunch and will be happy to rent you gear or give you info on the latest beach conditions.

Aquanutz Fossil Dive Charters. Captain Mike has been diving Venice for years. He hunts for teeth nearly every day and will be happy to take you out to his favorite grounds. Aquanutz runs three tank dives and can take up to 6 divers. There is no time limit on the dives, you come up when you hit 500 PSI or 50 Bar. They typically meet at the dock at 7:30am and get back to the dock by 5pm. Tanks, weights, bags, and snacks are provided.

Black Gold Fossil Charters Captain Michael is full of energy and ready to get you on the teeth or as he likes to call it “Black Gold!” Black Gold Fossil Charters takes up to 4 divers. There is no time limit on the dives, you come up when you hit 500 PSI or 50 Bar.

Aristakat Scuba Diving Charter Captain Jamie runs morning and afternoon two tank dives. Dives are usually 60 - 90 minutes depending on the time of year.

Conclusion

The shores of Venice, Florida, reveal more than just sandy beaches—they unveil a window into the distant past. With each dive, explorers are transported back in time, surrounded by the remnants of ancient marine life and Ice Age megafauna. From the thrill of discovering a rare megalodon tooth to the quiet contemplation of a mammoth bone, the shores of Venice hold endless wonders waiting to be unearthed.