ARCADIA AIRBOAT FIELD GUIDE
Boneshelf to Bow: An Ice‑Age Fossil Dig That Ends with a High‑Speed Peace River Airboat Ride
A combined five‑hour Ice Age fossil dig and extended airboat eco‑tour on the Peace River that pairs a mammal‑ and reptile‑focused 'boneshelf' excavation with miles of shoreline cruising and wildlife interpretation.
Boneshelf to Bow: An Ice‑Age Fossil Dig That Ends with a High‑Speed Peace River Airboat Ride.
On the Peace River around Arcadia, Florida, this outing pairs an intensive, hands‑on Ice Age fossil dig—focused on ancient mammals and reptiles—with an extended airboat eco‑ride; the result is a half‑day that moves from methodical searching of a river 'boneshelf' to high‑speed runs, shoreline interpretation and wildlife viewing.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Boneshelf: An Ice‑Age Fossil Intensive
The day begins with a concentrated river dig focused on Ice Age mammal and reptile bones—an intensive search across the Peace River 'boneshelf' where visitors may uncover significant ancient remains.
Extended Airboat Eco Tour Along Pristine Shoreline
After the dig, the experience opens up into an extended airboat ride that covers miles of Peace River shoreline, pairing high‑speed runs, splashes and turns with on‑board interpretation of local history and ecology.
Mammals, Reptiles—and the Occasional Monster Shark Tooth
The focus is squarely on Ice Age mammal and reptile material rather than shark‑tooth recovery; still, large shark teeth do occasionally surface amid the boneshelf finds.
What the day feels like
What the Half‑Day Feels Like
The rhythm is deliberate at first: methodical sifting and scanning of river substrate for Ice Age mammal and reptile remains, followed by a kinetic shift onto the airboat—an extended, interpretive cruise that slices along the Peace River shoreline, trading trowels for wind and the chance to spot wildlife while enjoying extra splashes and turns.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits—and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is a five‑hour outing.
The experience operates on the Peace River in Arcadia, Florida, and is run by Fossil Recovery Exploration.
Confirm specific gear and clothing recommendations with the operator before arrival.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the trip?
The outing lasts five hours.
What do we dig for?
The dig is focused on Ice Age fossils—primarily mammal and reptile bones recovered from a river 'boneshelf.'
Is this a shark‑tooth intensive trip?
No—this is not a shark‑tooth intensive dig, although large shark teeth do occasionally surface during the boneshelf excavation.
What happens during the airboat portion?
The airboat portion is an extended eco‑tour that covers miles of Peace River shoreline, includes wildlife and history interpretation, and features extra splashes and turns.
Who operates the tour and where does it run?
The operator is Fossil Recovery Exploration and the activity takes place on the Peace River near Arcadia, Florida.