How Fast Are Turtles? (in Water and On Land)

Turtles are commonly associated with a slow and steady pace, yet did you know that some turtles can travel up to 150 mph?

So, How fast are turtles? On average, the walking speed for most turtles is 2 mph (3.2 km/h) while swimming at 10mph (16km/h). But the world’s fastest turtle speeds by an astonishing 22 MPH (35 km/h)! Softshell turtles make this look easy as they move along comfortably, averaging three miles per hour-the same approximate rate as human walking.

When it comes to running, turtles are only fast when they need to be. They can run at a speed of 3-4 mph (5 to 6.5 km/hr). Sea turtles have the ability to swim up to 20 mph (9 m/s).

So while turtles may not be known for their speed, they certainly have the capability to move quickly if needed!

How Fast Can Turtles Run?

3-4 mph (5 to 6.5 km/hr). This may not seem very fast, but it is actually quite impressive for a reptile! The fastest turtle in the world can reach speeds up to 22 mph (9.8 m/s), which is even faster than some mammals.

Soft-shelled turtles are the fastest on land, while sea turtles are faster in water. They can swim at speeds of 10 MPH (16km/h). Turtles have adapted to their environment and use their speed to escape predators or find food quickly.

Turtles also have an interesting running technique; they move both feet on one side of their body simultaneously and then switch sides. This helps them to maintain balance and stay upright while running at high speeds. It also allows them to move quickly over uneven terrain without tripping or falling over.

The Fastest Turtle on Land

The fastest turtles on land are the soft-shelled turtles with an impressive maximum speed of 3 miles per hour. Soft-shelled turtles can often be seen sunbathing on rocks, logs or other surfaces in shallow water.

Soft-shelled turtles are turtles that have a shell that is soft and leathery. The turtles’ unique shells consist of flexible carapace which is covered in dermal tissue, rather than hard plates like other turtles. This allows the turtles to move more quickly and with greater agility. Soft-shelled turtles use their speed to escape predators, catch prey, and navigate around obstacles in their environment.

The Fastest Turtle in the Water

Sea turtles are some of the most fascinating creatures in the ocean. With their unique adaptations and abilities, they can swim at incredible speeds. But how fast do different species of sea turtles swim?

Leatherback turtles are one of the fastest swimming sea turtle species, with an average speed of up to 6 mph and a maximum speed of 22 mph.

Green sea turtles can reach an average speed of up to 5 mph and a maximum speed of 20 mph.

Loggerhead turtles have an average speed of up to 4 mph and a maximum speed of 18 mph.

Hawksbill turtles have an average speed of up to 3 mph and a maximum speed of 15 mph.

Ridley turtles have an average speed of up to 2 mph and a maximum speed of 10 mph.

Turtle Species	Average Speed (mph)	Maximum Speed (mph)
Leatherback sea turtles	6	22
Green sea turtles	5	20
Loggerhead sea turtles	4	18
Hawksbill Sea turtles	3	15
Ridley turtles	2	10

*This turtle’s speeds much vary based on the turtle’s size and age

These speeds may not seem particularly impressive when compared to other animals. Still, it is important to remember that these animals spend most of their lives underwater, where they must contend with currents, tides, and other obstacles that slow them down significantly. Despite this, sea turtles are still capable swimmers who can cover large distances quickly when necessary.

The Slowest Turtle in the World 

The turtles that are considered the slowest turtles in the world are the giant tortoises. These turtles can move very slowly, with a maximum speed of just 0.17 miles per hour (0.27 km/h). This turtle species is one of the oldest living turtles and have adapted over time to their environment by moving slower and conserving more energy.

Giant tortoises are the longest-living turtles in the world, with some individuals living up to 150 years! They have adapted to survive in a range of habitats, from tropical rainforests and deserts to grasslands. Their slow speed helps them conserve energy while they look for food and water in their environments. Giant tortoises also have a strong sense of smell, allowing them to detect food from far away.

Why Are Turtles So Slow?

Turtles are some of the slowest moving creatures on the planet, and it’s easy to see why. Turtles have a unique body structure that makes them slow, as well as a low metabolic rate and lack of need for speed.

Turtle shell

The most obvious reason why turtles move slowly is their shell. Turtles carry around an armor-like shell on their back which can weigh up to 10% of their body weight. This extra weight makes it difficult for them to move quickly, and they must use more energy to do so. Additionally, the shape of the shell also affects their speed; it is designed for protection rather than agility.

Slow Metabolism

Another reason why turtles are relatively slow is because they have a low metabolic rate. Being cold-blooded, turtles depend on external sources like sunlight or warm water to maintain their body temperature. Consequently, they do not produce much energy internally and thus lack the speed of animals with higher metabolism rates.

Finally, turtles don’t need to move quickly in order to survive in the wild. They are herbivores, so they don’t need to chase after prey or run away from predators like many other animals do. Furthermore, they have enough protection from their shells that they don’t need to flee danger quickly either.

Food hunting

Turtles have no need for quick movement to endure in the wild. Most turtles are herbivorous, and some are omnivores meaning they don’t have to pursue prey or escape predators like many other animals do. Their shells also provide them with sufficient protection that there is rarely a need for a speedy reaction when endangered.

The Bottom Line

So, how fast are turtles? Well, it depends on the species. While turtles can be quite slow, some turtles like leatherback turtles and green sea turtle, can reach speeds of up to 22 mph (35 km/h)!

Generally speaking, though, turtles tend to move at a much more leisurely pace, and they will never be mistaken for turtles fast swimmers. As turtles are one of the oldest creatures on earth, they have had plenty of time to get used to their slow speeds, and it has become part of their nature!

FAQ