Water turtles, including freshwater and sea turtle species, are adapted to life in water. While they need to come up for air periodically, they are capable of staying underwater for various lengths of time depending on species, environmental conditions, and activity levels. Unlike land-based reptiles, water turtles are specialized for aquatic life, with many species exhibiting impressive breath-holding abilities.

How Long Can Water Turtles Stay Underwater?

The time a water turtle can stay underwater largely depends on factors such as species, age, health, water temperature, and activity level. On average, most water turtles can hold their breath for anywhere from 20 minutes to 1 hour. Some species, especially those that are more aquatic in nature, can stay submerged for longer periods. However, prolonged submersion without surfacing for air is typically rare and can cause stress to the turtle.

Factors That Influence How Long Water Turtles Can Stay Underwater

1. Species

Different species of water turtles have varying breath-holding capacities. Here’s an overview of how long different types of water turtles typically stay underwater:

• Red-Eared Sliders: Red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans) are one of the most commonly kept pet turtles. They can typically hold their breath for 20 to 30 minutes. In calm, cool water, they may even stay submerged for up to an hour, though they usually surface more frequently to breathe.
• Snapping Turtles: Snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentina), which are larger and more aquatic, can remain submerged for 30 minutes to 1 hour in cooler water. They have a slower metabolism than many other turtles, allowing them to hold their breath for longer periods.
• Painted Turtles: Painted turtles (Chrysemys picta) are another common species that can hold their breath for about 20 to 30 minutes. In colder conditions, their metabolism slows, which may allow them to stay underwater longer.
• Leatherback Sea Turtles: Leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea), the largest species of sea turtle, are known to dive deep and stay submerged for long durations. They can remain underwater for up to 85 minutes when diving for food. However, they typically surface every 20 to 30 minutes to breathe while swimming at the surface.
• Box Turtles: Though considered semi-aquatic, box turtles (Terrapene carolina) generally spend less time underwater compared to fully aquatic species. They are not great swimmers and are more commonly found on land or in shallow water, so they typically don't stay submerged for extended periods.

2. Water Temperature

The water temperature plays a significant role in how long a turtle can stay submerged. Turtles are cold-blooded animals, meaning their body temperature is regulated by the surrounding environment. In colder water, a turtle’s metabolism slows down, allowing it to conserve energy and stay submerged for longer periods.

• Cold Water: In cooler temperatures (around 50 to 60°F / 10 to 15°C), turtles may remain submerged for longer periods, as their metabolic rate is slower. This allows them to hold their breath for up to 45 minutes to an hour or even longer in some species.
• Warm Water: In warmer water (around 75 to 85°F / 24 to 29°C), turtles will typically stay submerged for shorter periods. They may need to surface more frequently to breathe due to their increased metabolism.

3. Activity Level

A turtle's activity level is another crucial factor affecting how long it can stay underwater. Active turtles that are swimming, hunting, or exploring may need to surface more often to replenish oxygen levels. In contrast, when a turtle is resting or basking on the water's surface, it may hold its breath longer.

• Active Turtles: Turtles that are actively swimming or foraging for food typically need to breathe more often, so they tend to come up to the surface every 15 to 20 minutes. Active turtles might stay submerged for 20 to 30 minutes at a time.
• Resting or Sleeping Turtles: When resting or sleeping, turtles are generally more relaxed and may stay underwater for longer periods, especially in cooler temperatures. Some species, such as snapping turtles, can remain submerged for an hour or more when they are at rest.

4. Health and Age

The overall health and age of the turtle also influence its breath-holding abilities.

• Healthy Turtles: A healthy, adult water turtle will generally be able to stay underwater for the maximum amount of time that its species is capable of. However, if a turtle is ill or stressed, it may be more likely to surface more frequently.
• Juvenile Turtles: Younger turtles generally have smaller lung capacities, meaning they may need to breathe more frequently. They typically stay submerged for less time than adults, averaging 15 to 20 minutes.

5. Oxygen Use and Metabolism

Water turtles are efficient at using oxygen, especially in cooler water, which allows them to stay submerged for extended periods. When submerged, they conserve oxygen by slowing their metabolism. This process is similar to hibernation (called brumation) during the winter months, where turtles can stay submerged for days or even weeks without surfacing for air.

• Brumation: During colder months, some species, such as painted turtles and red-eared sliders, enter a state of reduced activity called brumation. This is similar to hibernation, where the turtle’s metabolism drops significantly, allowing them to remain underwater for extended periods. Turtles in brumation can survive without breathing for several weeks or longer, depending on water temperature.

What Happens if a Turtle Stays Underwater Too Long?

While turtles are excellent swimmers and can hold their breath for extended periods, they do still need to come up for air regularly. Staying underwater for too long can lead to oxygen deprivation, causing stress and potential health problems. If a turtle is unable to surface for air, it could experience:

• Oxygen Deprivation: If the turtle stays underwater for too long without surfacing, it may suffer from a lack of oxygen, leading to dizziness, weakness, and possibly even death in extreme cases.
• Stress and Injury: Prolonged periods without air can stress the turtle’s body, leading to behavioral changes and decreased activity levels.

Conclusion: How Long Can Water Turtles Stay Underwater?

Water turtles can generally stay submerged for 20 to 30 minutes, although some species can remain underwater for longer periods, up to 1 hour or more, especially in cooler water. However, turtles need to surface regularly to breathe and maintain healthy oxygen levels. Turtles that are actively swimming, foraging, or playing will typically surface more frequently than those that are resting or brumating.

It’s essential to provide water turtles with a habitat where they have access to both water and air. In the wild, most water turtles will naturally emerge from the water when they need to breathe, and in captivity, it’s crucial to ensure they have an appropriate setup for their physical needs.