Sea Life

What is the Speed of a Green Sea Turtle?

One of the largest sea turtle species, the green sea turtle has a top shell covering its whole body except the head and flippers. These olive-colored turtles are often observed cruising in the ocean while swimmers go past them. So, at what speed do these green sea turtles swim? Let’s take a look.

What Is The Speed Of A Green Sea Turtle?

Green sea turtles can swim at the speed of 1.5 miles to 6.3 miles per hour. The strong flippers which have evolved for the purpose of swimming let them swim toward far places for both feeding and migration purposes. Their speed can also reach upto 22 miles per hour, but that lasts only for a short period of time.

Are Green Sea Turtles Fast Or Slow Swimmers?

Green sea turtles are one of the slowest simmers. Their physical structure and biological composition do not allow them to move at high speed along with the ocean currents. The inflexible shell and only one claw attached to their flippers for swimming are not sufficient for fast swimming. With this, they can only swim slowly to reach their destination.

Do Green Sea Turtles Move Fast On Land?

No. They are slow swimmers and cannot move quickly on land. They do move to land to nest or to hatch eggs, but their inability to move quickly puts them in danger. They can easily be caught by predators, thus, they prefer to stay in the oceans to evade attacks from predators.

What Is The Fastest Sea Turtle?

The leatherback sea turtle is the fastest sea turtle in the ocean. It is also the largest sea turtle and can move at a speed of 35 km per hour. The bodies of leatherback sea turtles are perfectly adapted for underwater swimming, with strong flippers and webbed feet. With the help of these features, they easily swim in the oceans enjoying their cruise time.

How Far Can Sea Turtles Swim?

For the purpose of mating, feeding, and migration; sea turtles do cover long distances of upto 3000 km. They have remarkable abilities to hold their breath underwater which let them swim toward far-away destinations. However, in-depth studies can explain the real potential of swimming.

The Final Word

Green sea turtles are slow swimmers and can only swim at the speed of 1.5 miles to 6.3 miles per hour for cruising, nesting, or feeding. Their physiological limitations like the limited number of flappers and webbed feet do not allow them to swim fast.

About the author

Yumna Ahmad

An experienced content writer, photographer, and avid reader amazed by the sea world and its creatures. I am lettin people become fascinated with the ocean planet through my writings.