Recently my family visited Shark Tooth Island NC. Now when I say family, I mean like my whole, whole, whole family! Whew 😅. We’re talking four generations. I’m the 2nd of 4 children, tell me my parents aren’t crazy?! My Sister and her family didn’t make the trip but 3 siblings still make for an interesting trip, just ask my husband and sister-in-laws. I actually ended up having a great time and hopefully so did the rest of the group.
What’s in this Post?
About River Road Park + the island
A couple of days into our beach vacation we decided to go on a kayaking adventure to Shark Tooth Island. 6 adults + 1 teen + 1 tween + 1 child + 1 toddler = perfect FAMILY adventue!
Weather
Why Visit Shark Tooth Island?
- Break Up the Monotony
The beach is realaxing and beautiful dont get me wrong, but it’s nice to take a little break from just popping up an umbrella and a couple of beach chairs to people watch.
- Exercise mixed with a little family adventure
Kayaking is a great way to get our bodies moving in a fun way and it’s something the entire family can do together.
- Sharks Teeth of Course!
Finding a single shark tooth is pretty exciting but finding handfuls in one trip is next level!
How do I get there?
To access the island, put River Road Park in your gps. If you put in shark tooth island it will take you to the middle of town to a random building.
How long from…
Carolina Beach ~15 min drive
Kure Beach ~17 min drive
Wrightsville beach ~ 29 min drive
About River Road Park+ Shark Tooth Island
Entrance to the park is free.
River Park Road is a simple park with a couple of small covered picnic areas, a playground, decently maintained restrooms, a boat launch, and a fishing pier. (Unfortunately the pier has been damaged by a storm so it’s currently closed).
Once you enter the park, keep driving straight until you hit the boat launch. There isn’t much space to turn around so you may prefer to back in.
Shark tooth island is visible from the boat launch and is an easy ~10-15 minute paddle to reach.
As I looked across I thought to myself I bet I could swim there, it was that close but I do NOT reccommend this.
I can just picture myself now, exhausted, trying to back stroke to the island. Lord help me!
Once you get to the island, get out walk around. There were other people who arrived by boat sharing the island with us , but was in no way crowded. It took my daughter less than an hour to find close to 40 shark teeth. After a little exploration we headed out to Keg Island right next door. If you want an intense workout do this by paddleboard. I’m used to calm waters so working against the tide was work…whew!
Just as an FYI Shark Tooth Island is slightly to the right from the boat launch and Keg Island is straight across.
Kayaks, Paddleboards, Canoes
Bring your own
We actually brought 4 kayaks and a paddle board with us. My dad was kind enough to lug them from our hometown for this very purpose. Another option is have a best friend that lives in Wilmington. She let us use her paddle board and a kayak. She’s the best! I understand a bestie in the area isn’t an option for everyone, so proceed to the next line…
Rent a Kayak
We had a rough experiance with our rental company and though we didn’t rent from
Tony Silvagni Surf School they were very helpful. I would start with them!! Boo to the guys we used (I will leave them nameless).
Several companies in the area will deliver your equipment for a “shark tooth island” tour. Guided and self-guided options available.
What to wear
- Swimsuits – We visited in summer so that was the obvious choice. (Check out the ones I had on above…top and bottoms)
- Rash gaurds – If you need to protect your shoulders + back from too much sun
- Sunglasses – It’s Summer! The sun was bright on our visit
- Waterproof phone case – Your pictures must be protected 🙂
- Water shoes/sandals – I made the mistake of taking mine off for a minute. Once you arrive at shark tooth island the sand under the water consists of tons and tons of shells, rocks, coral, and I don’t even want to know what else. As you can see in the picture where Lily is sun bathing, the sand is not powder soft. Shoes are a must!
- Life Vests – Be smart, this is tidal water.
- Hats – Skin Cancer + Wrinkles stay away, don’t forget your sunscreen
I hope these tips + pics help you plan you day trip . I enjoyed sharing this memory on my blog. Shark Tooth Island was a fun little whole, whole, whole family adventure. If you find yourself on vacay at one of the local NC beaches I hope you add this to your list of must dos!
Thanks for reading and until next time Keep Adventuring 💜
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