Sea turtle hatchlings move on sand at speeds comparable to their maximal speeds on hard surfaces, although their average speed on sand is about 28% slower than on hard ground. On sand, they use their flippers to push against and dig into the sand to prevent slipping, allowing them to rapidly lurch forward. Their maximal speed on sand can be similar to their maximal speed on hard-packed sand, despite the challenging surface.
Adult sea turtles, unlike hatchlings, move much slower on land, with land speeds of turtles generally being very low (e.g., about 0.15 miles per hour for land turtles). Hatchlings specifically have adaptations allowing fast movement on sand toward the ocean, but adults are not known to be fast on sand.
In summary:
- Hatchling sea turtles can move relatively fast on sand, adapting their locomotion to maintain good traction.
- Their average speed on sand is slower than on hard ground but maximal speeds can be comparable.
- Adult sea turtles are generally very slow on land or sand.
This information is based mainly on studies of loggerhead sea turtle hatchlings crossing beach sand to reach the ocean.