Shark Tooth Hunting at Caspersen Beach

Can you imagine my surprise when I found out that Venice is the “Shark Tooth Capital of the World” and it was only an hour and a half from me? One packed beach bag and two pub subs later, and I was on my way.

Caspersen Beach has been giving up fossilized shark teeth for generations. Thinking about getting my hands on the same teeth from sharks that swam these waters millions of years before me was exciting enough.

What’s Actually Happening at Caspersen Right Now

Harbor Drive, the access road to Caspersen Beach, was destroyed by Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton in 2024. Vehicle parking is no longer available at Caspersen Beach itself, and the beach is open for pedestrian and bicycle access only.

I recommend South Brohard Park as your parking and entry point. It’s the southernmost spot on Venice Island accessible by car, and from there you walk approximately one mile south along the shoreline to reach Caspersen.

Restrooms are open at South Brohard Park, so I recommend going there before making your way to Caspersen Beach. Their restrooms and the playground remain closed. Road repairs are estimated to take 2 to 4 years. So pack everything you need: water, snacks, sunscreen, water shoes, etc.

Although vehicle access is gone, Caspersen still sees a good amount of crowds. So make sure to get there as early as possible, or wait until the early morning beachgoers finish their shift around the afternoon.

What to Bring

A sifter or mesh strainer – you can find them at Walmart for a few dollars, or bring a colander from your kitchen. (Or you can completely forget and buy one off the man riding around the bike offering to sell them for $20)
Shovel or spoon – to pull up loads on your sifter. I saw many different instruments used, from a beach shovel to a plastic ladle
Water shoes – the beach has rocky areas, so water shoes will make your walk and exploration much more comfortable
Snacks and water – no facilities, no concessions, make sure to bring extra water
Shade – the Florida sun is no joke; you will need shade. Bonus points if you bring a hat.
A small bag or container for your finds – seasoned hunters tie their bottles to their sifters for easy storage.

Where to Actually Look

The best zones are the wet sand at the tide line, shell pile accumulations, and the shallow water where waves break. Most finds range from an eighth to three-quarters of an inch, though larger specimens show up.

The teeth are black, fossilized, and have spent millions of years tumbling through the Gulf. Once your eye adjusts to what you’re looking for, you start seeing them everywhere. Until then, you’re mostly just staring at wet sand for a second while you hear the random cheers of people finding shark teeth next to you.

What I’m Doing with Mine

I came home with a small collection, and I’m turning them into wall art. I’m going to be arranging them in a shadow box. The more you have, the more opportunities you have to turn them into a nostalgic souvenir.

The Honest Take

The mile walk is real. If you’re not prepared for it, you’ll be annoyed. If you are prepared for it, you won’t even notice. The waters were crystal blue and refreshing.

Caspersen isn’t fully restored yet, but nothing beats the awe in holding a prehistoric shark tooth in the Gulf on a beautiful Tuesday afternoon.

For Lee County locals, it’s worth the drive up to Venice. For anyone relocating to this part of Florida, this is exactly the kind of day that captures the magic of living in SWFL.