Can Tortoises Swim?

While all turtles are capable of swimming, not all tortoises are. Tortoises, especially terrestrial species like the desert-dwelling tortoise, have limbs adapted for land-based activity and are not designed for swimming. They have thicker, sturdier legs and curved feet for walking on land, unlike their aquatic counterparts.

As a result, most tortoises, if placed in deep water have inefficient swimming skills. However, there are certain species of tortoises, like the semi-aquatic Asian forest tortoise, that can swim in shallow water.

Do Tortoises Like to Swim?

Most wild tortoises dislike swimming and avoid water. This is because they instinctively know they won’t be able to tread water and get back to land.

However, tortoises enjoy soaking in shallow water that’s beneath their jawline. Just make sure to supervise all soaks to avoid getting your tortoise into difficulty.

Why Can Turtles Swim But Not Tortoises?

Turtles and tortoises are reptiles with a similar appearance. Many people use “tortoise” and “turtle” interchangeably, believing the terms are based on semantics. To some extent, this is true because tortoises and turtles belong to the testudine group. However, in practical terms, turtles and tortoises are very different animals with different physiology.

Webbed Feet

Turtles possess webbed feet that are ideal for navigating aquatic environments. These webbed feet function like flippers, enabling turtles to swim efficiently in the water. Unlike tortoises, which have sturdy, curved feet adapted for walking on land, turtles' feet are anatomically structured for swimming. The webbing increases the surface area of their feet, providing more push against the water and contributing to their agility and speed underwater. In contrast, tortoises' feet are not webbed, which is one factor that impedes their swimming capability.

Shell Shapes

The shapes of their shells also play a significant role in their swimming abilities. Turtles have a streamlined shell design, which is comparatively flatter and aids in reducing drag in the water, thus enhancing their swimming speed and agility. Conversely, tortoises usually have a dome-shaped shell, which is more conducive to their terrestrial lifestyle but makes them more buoyant in water. This buoyancy hinders them from diving or moving efficiently in the water, making swimming a challenge.

Habitats

Turtles and tortoises are also adapted to diverse habitats, which influences their swimming capabilities. Turtles are mostly found in aquatic environments like oceans, rivers, and ponds, where their swimming abilities are essential for survival. The webbed feet and streamlined shells are evolutionary adaptations for life in these environments. On the other hand, tortoises are land dwellers, inhabiting a variety of environments ranging from deserts to grasslands. They are adapted for a terrestrial lifestyle, with their sturdy legs and dome-shaped shells making them efficient land navigators but poor swimmers. Therefore, habitat plays a significant role in the swimming abilities of turtles and tortoises.

Can Tortoises Breathe Underwater?

Tortoises, unlike their aquatic relatives, cannot breathe underwater. They are air-breathing animals, relying on lungs to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide, similar to humans. This means they need to come up for air and cannot stay submerged indefinitely. When a tortoise is underwater and cannot reach the surface, it risks the danger of drowning. Therefore, while they may enjoy a soak in shallow water where their feet can touch the ground, tortoises should never be placed in deep water where they cannot easily access air.

Do Tortoises Float in Water?

Some tortoises can float, including the leopard tortoise. However, not all tortoises can do so because it depends on their age and weight. Some experts speculate that it also has to do with the stillness of the water. Lighter species of tortoises can float much better than heavier species. Young and energetic tortoises also float better because they don’t have heavy and bulky shells.

The buoyancy of tortoises is due to their hollow shell which contains air, causing them to float rather than sink. However, their dome-shaped shell and non-webbed feet hinder their ability to control their movement or direction while floating. This inability to maneuver in water can lead to potential danger, as they may flip onto their backs and be unable to right themselves, increasing the risk of drowning. Hence, while tortoises can technically float in water, it is not a comfortable or safe situation for them.

Can Tortoises Drown?

As we have explained above, most tortoises will drown in water, especially if the water is choppy and exceeds head height. If even one factor is off, this can lead to almost instant drowning. So, never leave an unsupervised tortoise around water that could entirely submerge it.

The Bottom Line

Although tortoises and turtles may seem similar, their adaptations and lifestyles are distinctly different. While turtles are well-equipped for an aquatic lifestyle with webbed feet and streamlined shells, tortoises are terrestrial creatures with sturdy feet and dome-shaped shells. Their ability to swim is limited, and they are prone to drowning if left unsupervised in deep water. Therefore, it is essential to provide an environment for your tortoise that aligns with its natural habitat, avoiding deep water and ensuring access to dry, safe land areas.