Beachcombing for shark teeth and seashells is fun, but venture inland to unearth fossils of dolphins, whales, horses, mastodons, lions, and bears, along with Native American artifacts. Fossil Recovery Exploration (FRE), located in DeSoto County along the Peace River, offers fossil-hunting expeditions that immerse you in the natural beauty and history of old Florida.
Choose from airboat and swamp buggy expeditions, dig into Ice Age “Bone Shelves” for mammal and reptile fossils, or opt for a “dry dig” experience with shovels and sifters. For a premium adventure, FRE guides you to some of West Florida’s best-hidden fossil sites. Each expedition includes tools and transport, so all you need is a curious mindset and the right gear. FRE recommends dive boots, water shoes, or old sneakers, and during cooler months, wearing a wetsuit or bringing a change of clothes and a towel.
The best time to hunt fossils is December through May
Florida’s dry season, from December to May, is ideal for fossil hunting. With lower water levels and mild weather, you’ll have easier access to the riverbed. Expeditions take place along the Peace River, which flows through Bone Valley—a sediment-rich area with fossils dating back millions of years.
The unique geography of Bone Valley ensures a rewarding experience. As the river erodes ancient sediment, it reveals new treasures each year, from marine fossils to Ice Age relics. FRE assures explorers, “If you don’t find anything, you’d be the first.”
For more information, visit the Fossil Recovery Exploration website here.
