Sea turtles move significantly slower on sand compared to in the water, with sea turtle hatchlings averaging a speed reduction of about 28% on sand compared to hard surfaces. While adult sea turtles swim at speeds typically between 0.9 and 5.6 miles per hour (with short bursts up to 21.7 mph for the fastest species, the leatherback), on land, their speed is much slower, approximately around 0.15 miles per hour. Hatchling sea turtles push off sand with their flippers using a combination of claw digging and pushing against solid sand to avoid slipping, but the sandy terrain still greatly limits their speed compared to swimming.
Sea Turtle Movement on Sand
- Hatchling sea turtles adapt their limb movement to move on loose and compact sand by digging claws into the sand and pushing off solidified sand behind their flippers.
- Their average speed on loose sand is reduced by about 28% compared to hard ground.
- Despite the reduction in average speed, hatchling sea turtles can reach their maximal speeds on sand similar to hard surfaces due to their specialized movement technique.
Typical Speed Estimates
- Sea turtles on land: about 0.15 miles per hour (very slow compared to swimming).
- Hatchlings quickly traverse several hundred feet of sand to reach the ocean.
- Adult sea turtles swim generally between 0.9 and 5.6 mph; bursts up to 21.7 mph are observed in some species, but these speeds are only in water.
Thus, the movement speed of sea turtles on sand is very slow relative to their swimming speed, but hatchlings employ specific biomechanical strategies to maximize traction and speed on sand surfaces. The typical on-sand speed is roughly 0.15 miles per hour.
