Tortoises are land-dwelling reptiles with a shell. They are also known as land turtles and can live worldwide other than in Australia and Antarctica. There are about 50 species of tortoises varying in terms of size, shell color, shell pattern, ability to retract their necks, etc. Although most are wild, some tortoises are pets. Tortoises, turtles, and terrapins belong to the order of Testudines’’. Turtles are aquatic, and they can swim. But people often wonder; can tortoises swim?

So, can tortoises swim?

No. Tortoises can’t swim. Tortoises live on land, and their feet and body are not adapted to swimming. They can sometimes float but not swim.

At times people use the words tortoise and turtle interchangeably. But these two are distinct. Tortoises are land-dwelling, turtles are aquatic, and terrapins are semi-aquatic, meaning that terrapins are both land-dwelling and aquatic. Terrapins are often found in dark waters, especially in rivers, lakes, and swamps.

Turtles are good swimmers; after all, they are aquatic. They hardly leave the sea other than to lay eggs or bask. Terrapins are also good swimmers but not as good as turtles. On the other hand, tortoises adapt to living on dry land.

Why Can’t Tortoises Swim?

Aquatic animals require particular adaptations in their body for swimming as a means of survival in water bodies. While turtles are adapted to this, tortoises lack these particular adaptations making it impossible for them to swim.

Here are the key reasons why tortoises can’t swim.

1.    Feet and Flippers

Turtles have flippers, while terrapins have webbed feet. Terrapins use their webbed front feet like paddles and behind feet to push water backward. Turtles use the exact mechanism to cut through the water. They can move in either direction and even deeper in the water body. Because of the shape of their feet, both turtles and terrapins can swim swiftly in water bodies.

On the other hand, tortoises have flat front feet and enormous hind feet. These feet are strong, robust, and thick as a result of millions of years of evolution. The front limbs are adapted to help them walk on land and dig burrows in the desert. The huge limbs are for supporting their weight when walking and lift the heavy body after resting. The feet also have claws bearing more appendages.

The primary reason why tortoises can’t swim is because of their feet. For a tortoise to swim, the feet would require to be webbed. The web-like design makes the feet push water when swimming, as is the case with terrapins or flippers for turtles. But if a tortoise had webbed feet, they would not be able to remain stable and support their body weight when moving on land. This is why turtles are fast in the water but slow on the ground. Turtles come to the land or beach to bask or lay eggs if female.

2.    Shell

The shell of a tortoise has a rough surface and is rounded, forming a doom shape. The shape is a defense mechanism that protects the tortoise from a predator’s claws or teeth. It also helps the tortoise get back to the proper position if it rolls over or it flips.

The doom-like shape makes it hard for a tortoise to swim. The rough outer part of the shell also increases resistance if a tortoise was to swim in the water. For a tortoise to swim, the cover would need to be almost flat shaped and be smooth to make it streamlined. Being streamlined reduces the resistance between the turtle and water, allowing the reptile to move easily, faster and quicker.

3.    Natural Habitat

Like any other animal, the natural habitat into which an animal grows plays a significant role in determining its behavior and features. Turtles hatch on the sand, but they grow older in water bodies. As such, they naturally learn to swim and live in water.

On the other hand, tortoises spend their entire life on land and adapt to this environment. They walk and survive on land seamlessly, be it the arid or semi-arid areas. Their shell is also an adaptation to defending the reptile against wild predators.

Tortoises live best on land, and they are most comfortable and adapted there. Their most suitable habitat is an area without deep water. Because of their adaptation to dry land, tortoises can’t swim.

Are Tortoises Born Swimmers?

Female tortoises lay their eggs and bury them to hatch. Some stay around till the hatchlings are out, which takes between 90 to 120 days. Others walk away. No tortoise nurtures their young ones, not even the ones that stick around during the hatching period.

Baby tortoises are born with adaptations for trucking and burrowing around on land. Unlike baby terrapins and turtles whose feet are webbed and act like flippers, baby tortoises are born with tiny flat elephantine feet. Even as hatchlings, the shell of baby tortoises still has a doom-like shape instead of a flat one for the baby terrapins and turtles.

Tortoises are not born swimmers because they are born with features for efficient survival on land. Some people are unable to distinguish between turtles and tortoises. Due to this, some people throw baby tortoises into water bodies, thinking they are rescuing a baby turtle.

Do Tortoises Drown?

Tortoises bear heavy rough doom-shaped shells, and their enormous feet are clawed. The doom shape allows the tortoise room to retract its four limbs, head, and tail in case a predator attacks. Besides protection, the shell also enables this reptile to absorb light, balance pH, absorb heat and prevent the body from overheating.

When a tortoise is thrown or falls in the water, the natural reaction is for it to fight to come to the surface, keep its head above water, and, if lucky, drift to dry land. It can only float and not swim. Their ability to float is not because of their feet but because of the air they have breathed in. When floating, they can attempt to control the direction they are move using their feet, but this isn’t very effective.

Yes, tortoises do drown. While terrapins are adapted to live both on land and water, tortoises can only survive in dry ground. When a tortoise gets in the water, it, in most cases, ends up drowning because its body is not created to swim. In this case, the tortoise begins to drown, and water gets into its body.

This might be a bit surprising, but turtles and terrapins also do drown. It happens when they run out of breath or get stuck in the water. Even so, tortoises are known to drown more often and faster than turtles and terrapins.

Can a Drowning Tortoise Be Saved?

A tortoise can end up in a pool of water in many ways. It could accidentally fall in a water body or swimming pool, be put in the water by a person mistaking it for a turtle, or be washed away by flash floods, among many other ways. Because a tortoise is not adapted to aquatic life, it would struggle to survive.

When a tortoise sinks in water, it might suffer from two severe conditions: Anoxia and ventricular fibrillation. Anoxia refers to the lack of oxygen resulting from extreme reflex laryngospasm or because of the lungs flooding with a liquid. Another possible effect of a tortoise drowning is the heart beating in an unorderly manner leading to no flow of blood, a condition known as ventricular fibrillation.  

After the tortoise drowns, it swallows a lot of water. If you come across a drowning tortoise, the first thing is to rescue it into a safe place. To do so, you need to understand asphyxiation, the medical term for drowning. Symptoms of asphyxiation include being unconscious, declining pulse, cold, and turning blue because of lack of oxygen.

There are no apparent signs of death, and once saved from drowning, resuscitation should start right away.

Here are first aid tips to help you save a drowning tortoise:

1. Remove the drowning tortoise from water to a safe, dry area. As a golden rule, do not turn the tortoise upside down. Doing so will prevent the tortoise from using any air that might have been left in the lungs, thus reducing their chances of survival.
2. Hold the tortoise upright, open its mouth and press the flanks. This will help you remove some water from the tortoise’s body. Tortoises breathe as a result of the fusion between their ribs and shell.
3. After the water stops dripping, close the mouth of the tortoise and firmly hold it.
4. Next is mouth to nostrils or to-mouth resuscitation. Blow into its nostrils or mouth at high pressure. And repeat this for an average of 15 minutes. This will get air into the tortoise’s lungs, and its heart might start beating again.
5. Alternatively, you may place the tortoise on a flat surface and extend its neck. Straighten the front limbs as much as possible, keeping the limbs straight, push them inwards as much as possible and keep repeating this. The push and pull on the tortoise’s limbs improve airflow in its breathing system.
6. If you notice any improvement, take the turtle to an exotics vet near you. The vet will remove any excess water from the tortoise using a tube and also administer oxygen.

A tortoise that survives after drowning remains delicate for a few weeks. Besides the strong antibiotics or steroids, the vet may recommend, it is advisable that one constantly monitors the animal and takes it back for checkups after some time.

How Long Can a Tortoise Survive Underwater?

Some tortoise species can float in water, but not all. The ability to do so and how long a tortoise can float depends on factors such as the species, size, age, etc. In stagnant water, the tortoises float by creating a perfect ratio of their size to weight. The air in the body also aids the floating. However, in fast-flowing water, no tortoise species can float. If unable to float, the tortoise would ultimately drown.

Once below water, a tortoise can only manage to hold its head above the surface for a maximum of 3 minutes. If not supported or rescued, the tortoise will start to sink. Below water, a tortoise can only hold its breath for up to 45 minutes. This is because tortoises’ lungs are unable to function underwater effectively.

If you come across a drowning tortoise, the first thing to do is remove it from water, then try to resuscitate it before going to the nearest vet for examination.

How Can One Keep a Tortoise Safe from Drowning?

Tortoises may not be aquatic or semi-aquatic, but they still need to drink water. They are given water primarily for drinking but also for soaking. Water can’t be avoided, but there are crucial measures you may put in place to protect your tortoise from drowning.

Here are the essential actions to observe.

1. Provide the tortoise with clean, fresh drinking water at least once daily.
2. Keep the water feeding dish at a level easily accessible to the tortoise.
3. When soaking the tortoise, ensure that you only use a soaking container the tortoise can quickly get in and out.
4. Keep the water levels in check. An ideal level is a third of the tortoise’s height.
5. Tortoises are cold-blooded, and it is best that you only soak them in warm cozy water.

Why is it Important to Soak a Tortoise?

Soaking a tortoise is a vital routine for its well-being and health. It is a simple, effortless process yet rewarding. It would be best to have a water tub or container that the tortoise will fit in well. Add water to a level below half the tortoise’s height. The height helps avoid drowning but still allows the animal room to feel comfortable and stay warm. The water should be clean free from impurities and chemicals. It should also be warm but not hot, 35 degrees Celsius at most. While soaking, the tortoise can drink water or chill.

The number of times you should soak the tortoise boils down to your presence and availability. Now that we know how to soak a tortoise, here are the main benefits of doing this.

1.    Relaxation

As human beings, we can use a break from daily activities to enjoy a relaxing session. Though surprising, tortoises need this relaxation too. A soak in warm water will relieve the tortoise from stress and consequently boost the reptile’s general health.

2.    Hydration

Because tortoises are land-dwelling and survive in arid areas, some people assume they don’t drink water. This isn’t right. Tortoises need to stay hydrated. Although their shells prevent their bodies from over-heating, which results in dehydration, they still need to drink water.

Although turtles get water from food and fruits, soaking them gives it an opportunity to drink water directly. Hydration is an essential aspect of keeping the body healthy and functioning at optimal levels.

3.    Excretion

Excretion is a natural process of any animal. For pet tortoises, they have limited space, and all their space is pretty much their home. A soaking water bowl provides the tortoises with an excellent environment to dispose of bodily waste.

4.    Cleanliness

Giving a tortoise a full cleaning session can be time-consuming and intense. Soaking comes in handy. It provides you with an excellent chance to get some of the dirt off the tortoise. Given the intense activities a tortoise engages in daily, from climbing, laying on soil, crawling to digging, frequent rinses go a long way in keeping the pet clean.

In addition to soaking, it is also essential to bathe the tortoise. Bathing entails purposefully cleaning. It leaves the tortoise cleaner than soaking. Use a soft material or brush to wipe off any debris that may be on the tortoise’s body. Because baths are more involving, most pet owners have more soaking sessions with their tortoises than bath sessions.

How Do Tortoises Bathe?

Although tortoises can’t swim, they enjoy bathing. They avoid large water bodies to avoid the risk of drowning. Tortoises, however, frequent shallow waters to bathe. Pet tortoises also enjoy freshening up in a bathtub. If you have a turtle, you should never leave it in the tub unattended. There is a risk that the pet might flip over and drown.

Do Tortoises Drink Water?

Just like other animals, tortoises need to drink water for survival. However, they consume less water because their bodies are adapted to surviving in arid and semi-arid areas. Tortoises get water from foods and the water they feed. They also drink water from shallow water bodies such as ponds, streams, and water collected in depressions.

If you have a pet tortoise, ensure that you feed it with fresh, clean water. You should also clean the container frequently and change the water daily.

How Long Can a Tortoise Survive Without Water?

This totally depends on the tortoise species. Some are more equipped to live in deserts than others. The desert species can survive for up to 5 months without drinking water. The rest would require water after a maximum of 2 months if they are to continue surviving.

Will My Tortoise Survive If It Falls Out of the Pool?

This might be a scary experience, but the good news is that there’s a chance that your tortoise will survive. First, remove the animal from water and hold it upright. Next, open the mouth and squeeze the flanks, then perform a mouth-to-mouth resuscitation for about 20 minutes.

Whether or not the tortoise is responsive after the resuscitation, you should take the animal to the nearest vet for further assistance.

Can a Tortoise Chill by a Pool of Water?

Even though tortoises can’t swim, they can chill in shallow waters on a hot day to cool off. The water level has to be shallow enough for the reptile to walk since tortoises can’t swim.

Can a Tortoise Float?

You might have seen videos depicting that a tortoise can float. While this might be the case, it only lasts for the first few minutes a tortoise is in deep waters. The tortoise seems to be floating because of the air in the body. How long a tortoise can float depends on factors such as its age, size, and species.

If not rescued after the first few minutes in water, the tortoise will start to drown. You should not try to experiment whether your turtle can float because this can traumatize the animal.

How Long Can a Tortoise Survive Underwater?

When a tortoise is put in water, it will first struggle to stay afloat, but after a few minutes, the tortoise will start drowning. Unlike turtles, tortoises are not adapted to surviving for long below in the water. A tortoise can only hold its breath underwater for about 45 minutes.

Conclusion

Tortoises can’t swim, making them different from terrapins and turtles. Tortoises can’t swim due to their big flat feet that are adapted for walking on sand and grasslands. They also lack smooth flat shells that would make their bodies streamlined, an adaptation required for aquatic survival.

In addition, tortoises’ natural habitat is the land where they are born and mature. The lack of exposure to large water bodies makes these animals unable to swim when placed in the new environment. Further, tortoises can’t hold their breath for longer than 45 minutes. All these reasons make tortoises poor at swimming.

Tortoises can, however, can cool off in shallow waters. It allows them to relax and also hydrate. If you find a drowning tortoise, immediately remove it from water, hold it upright and perform resuscitation. You might just save a life.