Calvert Cliffs Fossil Hunting Guide
Explore our complete Calvert Cliffs fossil hunting guide for expert tips, collecting spots, fossil identification help, and everything you need to find Miocene shark teeth and marine fossils along Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay.
Calvert Cliffs Maryland
Fossil Hunting Guide to the Calvert Cliffs - Including Fossil Shark Teeth
Calvert County, Maryland
~ 23 - 8 Million Years Old
Early to Middle Miocene
Chesapeake Group: Calvert, Choptank, and St. Mary's Formations
Early to Middle Miocene
Chesapeake Group: Calvert, Choptank, and St. Mary's Formations
Videos of Calvert Cliffs Fossil Hunts
YOUTUBE VIDEO
This is a short video from one of my fossil Shark tooth hunts along the Miocene Calvert formation
YOUTUBE VIDEO
This is another of one of my fossil Shark tooth hunts along the Miocene Calvert formation
Megalodon Unearthed:
Dr. Jay M. Lipoff , 2026
New Megalodon Book: Expert insight and vivid fossil photography strip away myths to reveal the true science of history's most fearsome shark.
About the Calvert Cliffs of Maryland
The fossil-rich Calvert Cliffs of Maryland are part of the Chesapeake Group, which spans exposures around the Chesapeake Bay, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. These deposits formed in the Salisbury Embayment, a shallow marine area covering parts of the Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia coastal plains (Kent, 1994, p.111).
The cliffs stretch roughly 24 miles from Chesapeake Beach to Drum Point in Calvert County and preserve a remarkable Miocene fauna. Over 600 species of plants and animals have been documented (Glaser, 1979, p.56), including marine mammals like dolphins, whales, seals, sea turtles, and sea cows. Land mammals, such as peccaries, mastodons, woolly rhinos, and camels, are occasionally found. The cliffs also yield a diverse array of sharks, rays, and other fish, though most fossils are fragmentary bones or isolated teeth.
During the early to middle Miocene, the Salisbury Embayment was a warm, shallow sea and likely a calving ground for early dolphins and whales. It attracted large predatory sharks, including C. megalodon, which fed extensively in the area. Onshore, a variety of plants, from cypress to oak, thrived in the warmer climate.
Calvert Cliffs are a top destination for fossil enthusiasts, especially those hunting fossil shark teeth.
The map above shows the Miocene geologic formations along Calvert Cliffs.
Each formation is layered with the youngest on top, but the deposits tilt slightly, dipping about 10 feet per mile toward the south (Gernant, 1970, p.6).
As a result, the Calvert Formation disappears underground near Scientists Cliffs, and the Choptank Formation goes underground near Cove Point. Essentially, the further south you go, the younger the deposits become; almost like traveling forward in time, as illustrated on the map.
St. Mary's Formation is roughly 8 - 12 million years old.
Choptank Formation is roughly 12 - 18 million years old.
Calvert Formation is roughly 18 - 22 million years old.
Fossil Shark Tooth Collecting Sites along the Calvert Cliffs and Chesapeake Bay
Google Map of the Calvert Cliffs Area
The Calvert Cliffs area is a great place to take your family fossil hunting - Kids love finding the fossil shark teeth.
Although these are some of the best miocene exposures on earth, most of it is private property, so
it's difficult to gain access to the Calvert Cliffs. Also, the parks do not let you enter the cliff areas, as the cliffs are dangerous as they frequently collapse.
Below is a list of available fossil collecting locations along the Calvert Cliffs of Maryland in no particualar order
(linked to locations when available).
Remember the cliffs can be dangerous. Please adhear to the following guidelines:
Stay away from the Cliff areas, they fall all the time!!! You simply need to beach comb for fossils that wash up.
Do not dig in the cliffs! This is illegal on federal and state lands and incredibly dangerous.
Please check ahead to make sure the times the fossil collecting locations are open did not change
Finally, check the tides! If you arrive at high tide, the beach may be submerged.
1. Flag Ponds Nature Park
This is a park halfway up Calvert County. It again, contains nice hiking trails that lead to a large beach area. There are no cliff exposures present here, but fossils wash up via the currents.
- There is no cliff access at this park. However, some fossils can be found washing in the surf.
- Small fee
- Open Memorial Day to Labor Day and Weekends in Winter
- On route 2/4, 9 miles N. of Solomons, you will see signs for it.
2. Breezy Point Beach and Campground
Small fossils wash up from the Calvert Formation, however the Beach is small, and no cliffs are present. Therefore, the teeth found are the TINY ones that wash up from other locations. However, it's a convenient place to camp at if you are collecting at the cliffs for a few days.
- Small Entrance Fee
- Open April 15 to October 15
- On Rt. 261, a few miles south of Chesapeake Beach, turn onto Breezy Point Rd.
3. Matoaka Beach Cabins
Matoaka Beach Cabins is a rustic camping and cabin area pearched right on top of the southern part of the Calvert Cliffs. You can hear the waves crash when you sleep! Matoaka is open year round for day fossil collecting and open from spring through fall for camping and cabin rental.
- Choptank Formation is exposed.
- When at the cliffs, walk north and search for the fossils in the surf.
- Open year round for day fossil collecting for a small cash entrance fee.
- Open for Cambing and Cabin rental from spring to fall.
- Address: 4510 Mataoka Ln. Saint Leonard, Maryland 20685
- Visit their website for updated/detailed information
4. Calvert Cliffs State Park
This is probably the worst public location to collect at. It is a park toward the southern end of Calvert County. The park has scenic hiking trails, with one that leads to a VERY TINY beach. One can fossil hunt at the small beach, but cannot go near the cliff sections. It's a very scenic park, nice for hiking, but not for fossil collecting.
- St. Marys Formation is exposed. A very nice park that allows collecting at a VERY tiny beach.
- There is a 2 mile? scenic hike to get to the beach.
- Small Park Enterance Fee.
- Collecting under cliffs here is illegal
- On Rt. 2/4, 5 miles N. of Solomons, you will see signs for it.
5. Bay Front Park - CLOSED TO PUBLIC
6. Westmoreland State Park in VA
This is not at the Calvert Cliffs, but it has the same cliff formations present. They are called the Horsehead Cliffs.
- Cliff access is prohibited, however, they have a nice "fossil beach" next to the cliffs where fossils can be found.
- The park also offers a "Fossils, Fun and Fitness River Kayak Trip." This kayak trip is offered Wednesdays, Sundays, and some Saturdays. It takes you below the Horsehead cliffs to a beach with fossils.
- Small Fee. Use the link above to see hours, fees, maps, directions, and more information.
7. Calvert Marine Museum
This is not a site, but they have scheduled fossil collecting tours. They also have a HUGE fossil exhibit from the cliffs that is worth a visit.
The museum is in Solomons. To get to Solomons, on Rt. 2-4 S, Bear right (onto Rt. 2) just before crossing the large bridge leading to St. Marys county.
Check their website, via the link above, to see their hours and fees.
If you don't want to try going alone, you can always join a guided tour. Chesapeake Heritage and Paleonotlogy Tours offer small and private fossil hunting tours along the Chesapeake Bay. These tours are run by my friend Paul, he's a great guy and is incredibly knowledgeable about the Paleontology of the Cliffs!
Fossil Identifaction for the Calvert Cliffs of Maryland
If you plan on collecting shark teeth fossils or any other fossils at the cliffs, or need Calvert fossils identified, this is your place.
click the image below to go to the fossils that can be found at Calvert Cliffs.
Recommended Fossil Collecting Equipment and Collecting Tips
The following is a list of recommended equipment to bring with you when fossil hunting at the Calvert Cliffs:
Small Shovel and Sifter with a 1/8" or 1/4" screen or a Sand Sifter
Remember, it is illegal to dig in the cliffs. Plus they fall all the time, you want to stay away from them.
The small shovel is for screening. Go to the surf, where you see pebbles and small rocks, toss a shovel full in your sifter and see what fossils you get!
RELODECOR Beachcombing Shark Tooth Sifter - Lightweight Sand Sifter for Shark Teeth and Fossil Hunting
This lightweight 14.5" x 11" shark tooth mesh sifter is made from PVC and pool floaties, so it floats! The fine mesh makes it easy to sift and hunt for shark teeth
POILKMNI New Upgraded 2 Pcs Shark Tooth Sifter, Beach Sand Sifter
Skip the shovel and sifter! These lightweight 41" extendable scoops make it easy to pick up shark teeth in the surf without bending over.
Hiearcool Waterproof Phone Pouch, Waterproof Phone Case for iPhone 15 14 13 12 Pro Max XS Samsung, IPX8 Cellphone Dry Bag Beach Essentials 2Pack-8.3 inches
Keep your phone safe while fossil hunting! This waterproof holder protects against mud, sand, and salt. Fits most phones.
Waders
If you don't want to stung by sea nettles or are collecting in cold weather, waders are a good idea.
Note:Felt bottomed waders are illegal in Maryland. They help spread invasive algae. Use non-felt lined waders
Sunscreen/Water/Snacks
Anytime you are outdoors, you should have adequate amounts of water, insect repellent, some food, water resistant suntan lotion, and a hat.
Don't Overpack
I often see collectors who look like they are hiking the appalachian trail for 6 months.
Don't overdo it. You want to have fun while collecting and don't want to carry
30 pounds of MRE's, 2 tents, 3 changes of clothes, a rubber ducky, etc...
Idealy, pack light and come home heavy with fossils.
Tips for fossil collecting at the Calvert Cliffs
Make sure you check the tides, winds, and weather for the bay before collecting.
If you show up at high tide, the collecting beach may be submerged!
Here is a page where you can find all of the Meteorological data.
Stay away from the base of the cliffs. Large chunks that could turn you into a pancake fall off quite often.
It is best to collect at low tide, so check the tide charts.
Walk along the shore slowly, the teeth are mixed in with shell fragments and small pebbles, making them hard to spot. If you are not careful, you will walk over many of the teeth.
Beware of the swarms of biting flies and stinging jellyfish in late summer!!!
Recommended Books for Fossils and Nature of the Calvert Cliffs
The Geology and Vertebrate Paleontology of Calvert Cliffs, Maryland
Stephen J. Godfrey (Volume editor) - 2018
This comprehensive review of Calvert Cliffs fossils covers sharks, skates, rays, ray-finned fish, crocodiles, and sea cows. The shark section is particularly detailed. Volume two focuses on Miocene turtles and cetaceans. These technical volumes are ideal for paleontologists and avid fossil collectors.
Both volumes are available to download for free on the openSI website. Search ISSN 1943-6688 for the first volume and ISSN 1943-6688 for the second.
Fossil Shark Teeth of the World: A Collectors Guide
by Joe Cocke, 2002
A handy guide for identifying shark teeth, designed for simplicity and portability. Covers teeth from around the world, including all those found at Calvert Cliffs.
Outdoor and Nature Books about the Chesapeake Bay
These are good reads to explore the surrounding Chesapeake Bay area when your are done fossil hunting!
Chesapeake Bay Explorer's Guide
David Malmquist, 2021
This guide is the perfect companion for exploring the estuary, highlighting its beauty, history, 14,415 miles of shoreline, hiking trails, wildlife preserves, and more.
A Year across Maryland: A Week-by-Week Guide to Discovering Nature in the Chesapeake Region
Bryan MacKay, 2013
This is a week-by-week guide to the state's wildlife and plants. From January's nesting bald eagles to December's mistletoe harvest, it offers tips for both spontaneous adventurers and serious planners, illustrated with over seventy species photographs.
Additional Photos / Images of the Calvert Cliff Fossil Area
To use or purchase any of these photos, please contanct me. I have high res, unwatermarked versions of most of them, plus many others.
Get Your Very Own Megalodon Tooth:
These are Authentic Megalodon teeth sold by Fossil Era , a reputable fossil dealer (that I personally know) who turned his fossil passion into a business. His Megalodon teeth come in all sizes and prices, from small and inexpensive to large muesum quality teeth. Each tooth has a detailed descriptions and images that include its collecting location and formation. If you are looking for a megalodon tooth, browse through these selections!
