What is the fastest turtle in the water?

Short Answer: The leatherback sea turtle holds the crown as the fastest swimmer among turtles, reaching impressive speeds of up to 22 miles per hour (35 km/h) and is 10,900% Faster in water than on land.

This speed is even more remarkable when you consider the turtle’s size. Leatherbacks are the largest of all sea turtle species, weighing up to 2,000 pounds (900 kg) and growing up to 6.5 feet (2 meters) long. Their streamlined bodies and powerful front flippers allow them to navigate the ocean currents with speed and precision.

How Fast Can Turtles Swim?

The speed at which a turtle can swim depends on its species, size, and environmental factors like ocean currents. On average, most sea turtles can swim at speeds of 1 to 3 miles per hour. However, they can burst into higher speeds when necessary, especially when escaping predators or migrating long distances.

• Leatherback Sea Turtle: 22 mph (35 km/h)
• Loggerhead Sea Turtle: 15 mph (24 km/h)
• Green Sea Turtle: 1-2 mph (1.6-3.2 km/h) (with bursts of up to 5 mph or 8 km/h)
• Hawksbill Sea Turtle: 14 mph (22.5 km/h)

Speed of Sea Turtles vs. Their Land Speeds

Turtles are known for their slow pace on land, and this is where the contrast between their land and water speeds becomes most apparent. On land, turtles are sluggish and move at a pace of around 0.2 miles per hour (0.3 km/h). This slow crawl is due to the shape and structure of their bodies, as well as the effort required to support their weight on land.

Here’s a look at their top speeds on land vs. water:

• Leatherback Sea Turtle (on land): 0.2 mph (0.3 km/h) ~ 10,900% faster in water
• Loggerhead Sea Turtle (on land): 0.2 mph (0.3 km/h) ~ 7,400% faster in water
• Hawksbill Sea Turtle (on land): 0.2 mph (0.3 km/h) ~ 6,900% faster in water
• Green Sea Turtle (on land): 0.2 mph (0.3 km/h) ~ 2,400% faster in water

What Affects the Speed of a Turtle?

Several factors can influence a turtle’s speed in the water:

• Current and Environment: Turtles often swim faster when moving with the ocean current, helping them conserve energy.
• Species Differences: As seen, different species of turtles have varying top speeds, with some being faster swimmers than others.
• Health and Age: Younger, healthier turtles tend to swim faster, while older turtles might swim at a slower pace.

Conclusion: The Speedy Swimmers of the Sea

While turtles may not be known for their land-speed prowess, underwater, they can be surprisingly fast, especially the leatherback sea turtle. These fascinating creatures are built for the sea, and when they need to, they can really move, making them one of the ocean’s fastest swimmers. Their ability to glide through the water with such power and precision is nothing short of impressive, cementing their place as the fastest turtle in the water.