Sea turtles can swim to varying depths depending on the species, but the deepest divers are leatherback sea turtles. Leatherbacks have been recorded diving to depths over 1,000 meters (3,280 feet), with some dives reaching as deep as 1,344 meters (4,409 feet), which is deeper than any other reptile. Other hard-shelled sea turtle species typically dive to shallower depths, generally up to around 300 meters (980 feet) or less, with some common diving depths around 30 to 150 feet for foraging or migration. Leatherbacks have unique adaptations such as a flexible shell, collapsible lungs, and the ability to store large amounts of oxygen in their blood and muscles, enabling them to withstand intense pressure and low temperatures during deep dives. They use these deep dives primarily to find jellyfish, their preferred prey, which migrate to the deep ocean during the day. In summary:
- Leatherback turtles: dive over 1,000 meters (up to about 1,344 meters or 4,409 feet)
- Hard-shelled species: usually up to about 300 meters (980 feet), often shallower around 30 to 150 feet
- Deep dives serve feeding and possibly reconnaissance functions for leatherbacks
These depths and behaviors demonstrate remarkable physiological adaptations of sea turtles for aquatic life.
