Professional fossil guide service offering shark, mammal and reptile fossil collecting day trips in SW Florida. The books we authored are available in our …
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Tripadvisor
5.0/5 · 57 reviews
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Dec 15, 2023
My fossil hunting experience with this company was a bucket list thing for me and I am so glad I did it. I went on the land fossil dig along the Peace River near Arcadia Florida. I was among 6 or 7…Full review by Anarmchairadventure
Apr 21, 2023
Knowledgeable guide, beautiful weather and willing treasure seekers. All this made for an excellent day! Mark was fun, engaging and a wanna be singer/comedian. We found fossils of both land and water…Full review by 784jillo
Mar 18, 2023
Our goal was just to find one or two fossils, but we got so much more. Not only did we bring home several cool finds, but we had fun doing it too. This was our first time fossil hunting so we weren…Full review by Trini3de
As a South Floridian for nearly 50 years, with a fair amount of exposure to various nature areas from The Everglades and points north, I am curious to know about the alligator population density and behavior in the area(s) you visit for your tours. Looking at the pictures posted on this website of people wading in murky waist-deep waters with kids and pets is a concern to me. Don't want to scare anyone--just want to be prepared. I look forward to your response. Thank you in advance.
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I've been fossil hunting with Mark Renz numerous times. As a long time naturalist he's familiar with the layout of the area relative to the wildlife. He scouts the area thoroughly to …
I've been fossil hunting with Mark Renz numerous times. As a long time naturalist he's familiar with the layout of the area relative to the wildlife. He scouts the area thoroughly to assure there won't be any "surprises." There's never been a problem with an alligator on his tours. We need to also remember that an alligator, not fed by humans, behaving naturally, tends to steer clear of us at all costs. We are loud alien creatures that are not part of their diet, therefore to be avoided. The one time I saw an alligator as we noisily approached with our shovels and screens, it took off in the opposite direction. I vouch for Mark's common sense and the safety of his fossil expeditions.
The best place to stay. We want to fossil hunt for at least 3 days. Then go to the ocean where there is lots of shells. Then come home through New Orleans
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Depending on what you are looking for, there is NOT a lot of high quality hotels/motels in the immediate vicinity of Arcadia. If you ware looking for something a little more …
Depending on what you are looking for, there is NOT a lot of high quality hotels/motels in the immediate vicinity of Arcadia. If you ware looking for something a little more upscale/comfortable, I'd recommend staying a little way out of town as there are a lot of nice locations less than 30 mins away. If not too icky, then there are the usual Holiday Inn/Comfort Inn/Best Western type facilities near by.
how much is this attraction per 2 adults and 2 teenagers 13yrs of age, where in arcadia is this located?
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I believe the posted rates for walk-in are $75 per adult and $50 for kids 5-12 years old. I do know his wife offered us a discount for a group of four, so she may do the same for you. If …
I believe the posted rates for walk-in are $75 per adult and $50 for kids 5-12 years old. I do know his wife offered us a discount for a group of four, so she may do the same for you. If memory serves, we paid less than $200 for two adults and two children on the walk-in. I know the kayak trip is a little more expensive, but for our first trip we wanted to walk. Arcadia, FL is located at the intersection of Highway 17 and Highway 70. Northwest of Port Charlotte/Punta Gorda and Southeast of Orlando. We had a blast, did NOT find any megoladon teeth but lots of other interesting fossils, including many nice shark teeth (Tiger and Snaggletooth), a equine tooth, turtle shell fossils, lots of bird parts, shell prints, stingray grinding parts, jaw bones, etc. We came home with over 100 fossils for about 4 hours of work. Water in the Peace River is cold, but your body gets used to it (or just numb ;) after a while.
I would like to know where it is and the cost per person. we will be in St Petersburg visiting and looking for unusual things to do. No Disney land for us.
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This is located in the Arcadia area, so around an hour and a half away from St Pete. Actual location will depend on the weather and water levels. Cost is based on the number and ages …
This is located in the Arcadia area, so around an hour and a half away from St Pete. Actual location will depend on the weather and water levels. Cost is based on the number and ages of your group. Group discounts start at a low threshold. You also might want to try swimming with manatees...try the Best Western in Crystal River. You can rent a small boat from their dock and they'll give you a map and tips.
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