Our Adventure at Sharktooth Island & Hollis Marsh: A Hidden Gem of the Potomac River

This week, we set out on an unforgettable adventure via our dinghy, leaving our catamaran, American Honey, anchored nearby. As our family glided across the calm waters of the Potomac River, everyone’s excitement grew—the prospect of exploring Sharktooth Island was too enticing to resist.
Upon arrival, we kicked off our shoes to feel the soft, warm sand beneath our feet. We were immediately drawn to the sandbars and stunning scenery that surrounded us. The evidence of nature’s forces was visible in the shifting sands, yet the island stood resilient, beckoning treasure hunters like us to uncover its secrets. Over countless millennia, the relentless process of longshore erosion has shaped this area, as sand from the towering bluffs upstream—located in front of Stratford Hall and Westmoreland State Park—gradually washes away. This natural phenomenon has resulted in the island’s shoreline being strewn with an abundance of shark teeth, scallop shells, and various Miocene fossils. For those who enjoy coastal scavenging, it’s truly paradise. We spent hours beachcombing, our finds leaving us in awe. 

Remember to get your permit – yes, you need a seasonal permit to visit Shark Tooth Island, also known as Hollis Island, in Virginia:
How to get a permit: Email 2islandfox@gmail.com to request an application. (They never responded to us)

Permit costs: The permit costs $250 for most boats, $255 for jet skis, and $100 for kayaks. 
Permit validity: Permits are valid through September 15.

Each discovery sparked stories of the ancient sea creatures that once swam these waters and still exist in our oceans. Once we got back to the big boat, we spent some time delving into just what kinds of sharks the teeth we found came from. We found teeth from Cow sharks, Makos, Tiger sharks, and more. 

Throughout our day, we were greeted by the harmonious sounds of wildlife. Ospreys wheeled overhead while herons stood watch at the water’s edge. Gulls squawked at us from the point of the sandbar. Beneath the water, we learned that many species of fish and the area’s famous blue crabs make their homes here. The vibrant ecosystem around us was a reminder of the delicate balance of life in the marsh.
The historical significance of the area didn’t escape us either. We learned of Captain John Smith’s encounters with the Onawmanient Indians in 1608 as well as about the nearby plantations that once thrived here in the 18th and 19th centuries. Imagining those bygone eras added another rich layer of depth to our exploration.

As we made our way back to American Honey, we couldn’t help but feel grateful for our family’s experience. Sharktooth Island and Hollis Marsh had revealed so much beauty and history to us, and we left with memories—and treasures—this enchanting spot had gifted us. And now, our next adventure awaits!