Can Tortoises Swim? Facts & Safety Guide

If you’re here, chances are you have a pet tortoise, and you’re wondering if it’s okay to keep them close to a small body of water. Or maybe you are simply curious. Regardless, it’s important to know the answer to this question, as it could literally be the thing that saves your pal’s life.

Well, we’re sad to report that tortoises can’t really swim. But to understand why, you first have to understand the difference between a tortoise, and a turtle. These two names are often used interchangeably, even though there are some significant differences that can’t be ignored.

Are Turtles the Same as Tortoises?

The word “turtle” is often used more or less as an umbrella term. However, turtles and tortoises have different preferences and anatomy. The latter, for instance, prefers spending most of its time on land, whereas the former species feel a lot more comfortable in the water. They both have bodily features that are well-adapted to their preferred habitats.

Physical Traits That Distinguish Turtles from Tortoises

Legs

How about we start by looking at their feet? When you compare the two, you’ll realize that the feet of a turtle are more like flippers, and not actual feet. If they weren’t designed that way, they wouldn’t be able to seamlessly propel themselves through water or be able to swim away from predators.

Contrary to the turtle, the tortoise has feet that are strong and bent, with toes that are clawed. The tortoise’s sturdy features are the reason why they are able to survive in a wide range of environments. Their claws are designed to dig burrows, but they wouldn’t be great in water.

Shells

Both turtles and tortoises have shells. However, their shapes are different. For the turtle, its shell has to be smooth and streamlined, to enable it to move through water without facing any resisting force. The same shell also appears to be lighter, and flatter in comparison to what a tortoise possesses.

Aerodynamism is not something that the tortoise cares about, hence the reason why their shells are normally domed-shaped. They are also larger and heavier to protect them against predatory attacks.

Can Tortoises Swim?

While turtles evolved to glide through deep waters, their compatriots need ways to survive on land. And this is an evolution that went on for thousands of years. To be able to survive in water, body features have to be light and streamlined. But in the case of the tortoise, it usually comes with heavy and strong attributes that are not ideal for water.

At most, a tortoise may be able to float and drift until it finds land, but you have to consider the size of the species, the age, etc. But they certainly cannot swim and will likely drown in deep water.

Our advice to you is not to risk your pet’s life on a hunch. Even if they’re able to float, it won’t be fun as they’ll be stressed throughout the experience.

Do Tortoises Hate Water?

To set the record straight, we’re not implying that tortoises always try to steer clear of water. They do love water, but only when they want to clean themselves, stay hydrated, or cool themselves down on a hot summer afternoon. You’ll never see one try to go inside deep water, because they intuitively know that they can cater to all their needs while on the water’s edge.

Is It Okay to Bathe My Tortoise?

There’s nothing wrong with making sure that your pet tortoise is clean. And you can use a tub of water or a sink. Just don’t forget that tortoises are not aquatic in nature and can thus drown if left to swim alone. Therefore, their head must be above water at all times.

If you’re planning to use a rounded sink, don’t leave them unsupervised even for a second. They may inadvertently flip upside down, and drown. Also, your water has to be lukewarm. Not too hot or too cold, as tortoises are sensitive to extreme temperatures.

Is it okay to use soap? No. The chemicals used in producing such products could irritate their skin or be toxic once ingested. One other thing to take note of is that not all tortoises enjoy bathing. So, they’ll try to climb out of the tub the minute you put them in. If that happens, just clean them using a damp towel to avoid stressing them more.

Conclusion

Tortoises are different from turtles. They can’t swim because they don’t have flippers or a light, streamlined shell. They do, however, enjoy having baths at times, but you’ll never find them wandering in the deep waters. If you’re thinking of bathing your tortoise, use warm water, without soap, and remember to dry them off before putting them in their enclosure.

Related Reads:

• How Fast Can a Tortoise Run? Speed Comparison & FAQ
• How Big Does a Sulcata Tortoise Get? Average Weight & Growth Chart

Featured Image Credit: reptiles4all,Shutterstock