SURF CITY SURF FIELD GUIDE
Hunt for Fossils by Jet Ski: Two Hours from Surf City to Lea Island or Rich’s Inlet
A guided, two-hour jet-ski excursion from Surf City that lands on undeveloped barrier islands for shark-tooth and shell hunting — this guide distills what to expect and how to prepare.
Hunt for Fossils by Jet Ski: Two Hours from Surf City to Lea Island or Rich’s Inlet.
From Surf City, a guided two-hour jet-ski outing threads down coastal waterways to the undeveloped barrier islands of Lea Island or Rich’s Inlet, where riders dismount and search for shark teeth, shells and coastal wildlife on remote shorelines.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Barrier-Island Landings
The trip runs south from Surf City and makes landfall on pristine, undeveloped barrier islands — either Lea Island or Rich’s Inlet — for hands-on time on the beach.
Shark-Tooth and Shell Hunting
These islands are known for shark teeth and unique shells; participants spend their stop combing sand and surf for fossils and finds.
Guided Jet-Ski Excursion
One of the operator’s most requested jet-ski excursions, the tour pairs expert guides with scenic coastal waterways for a compact, discovery-driven outing.
What the day feels like
What the Two-Hour Adventure Feels Like
Expect a high-energy stretch of riding punctuated by a beach stop: the guide leads the group south from Surf City, skimming bays and inlets before pulling up at a remote island where participants disembark to hunt for shark teeth and shells and scan for coastal wildlife.
THE ROUTE
Barrier-Island Landings
The trip runs south from Surf City and makes landfall on pristine, undeveloped barrier islands — either Lea Island or Rich’s Inlet — for hands-on time on the beach.
THE TREASURE
Shark-Tooth and Shell Hunting
These islands are known for shark teeth and unique shells; participants spend their stop combing sand and surf for fossils and finds.
THE RIDE
Guided Jet-Ski Excursion
One of the operator’s most requested jet-ski excursions, the tour pairs expert guides with scenic coastal waterways for a compact, discovery-driven outing.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this outing suits — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The excursion is a two-hour experience.
Drivers aged 16 and older MUST bring a form of ID to verify age; other items are at the participant’s discretion.
Arrive 35 minutes early for your reserved time slot so the operator can prepare you; arriving late can result in loss of riding time.
Full refunds are issued with 24 hours’ notice; the operator also issues full refunds if the operator cancels for weather or other unforeseen circumstances. No-shows are charged the full price.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the excursion?
The trip duration is two hours.
Which islands will we visit?
The tour goes south from Surf City to either Lea Island or Rich’s Inlet; the specific island depends on conditions and group pace.
How much time do we get on the island?
You can have up to one full hour at Lea Island or about a 30-minute stop at Rich’s Inlet, depending on conditions and pace.
Are there age or ID requirements to drive a jet ski?
Drivers 16 and older must show a form of ID to verify age. Ages 14 and 15 may drive only if an 18+ rider is onboard; the minimum age to participate on the trip is 5.
What is the check-in policy?
Participants should arrive 35 minutes early for their reserved time slot so the operator can prepare them; late arrival can reduce riding time.
What is the cancellation policy?
Customers receive a full refund with 24 hours’ notice; they also receive a full refund if the operator cancels due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Contact the operator by phone to cancel.