Last reviewed: August 13, 2026.
Visitors sometimes find fossil shark teeth while beachcombing in Cherry Grove. Finding one is never guaranteed, but a slow search through natural shell deposits can be an enjoyable, low-cost beach activity.
What to bring
- Sun protection, water and secure water-friendly footwear
- A small container for anything you find
- Optional: a small hand scoop or mesh sifter that can be used without creating a hazard for other beachgoers
Shark teeth can be sharp. Supervise children, do not reach blindly into debris, and stay clear of unsafe surf or storm conditions.
Where and when to look
Look carefully in shell beds and along the line of material left by the most recent waves. A receding tide exposes more beach, but conditions vary from day to day. Check NOAA’s official predictions for Cherry Grove (inside), station 8660265 before planning around the tide.
Do not enter closed or protected areas, climb on dunes, or treat any one stretch of beach as a guaranteed hunting location. Leave wildlife and nesting areas undisturbed.
Leave the beach safe
North Myrtle Beach requires people to fill holes in the sand before leaving. Keep any digging small, remain within current City rules, and restore the surface so it does not endanger people, wildlife or emergency vehicles. Review our current beach-laws guide and follow posted instructions.
Identification can be difficult from color or shape alone. If the species or age matters to you, photograph the find with a ruler for scale and ask a qualified museum, university or fossil specialist.
