Box turtles are terrestrial creatures that enjoy spending time on the ground. There are four species of box turtles. Answering the question “Can box turtles swim” will take a little longer than we expected.

But if you’re looking for a quick answer…

Can Box Turtles Swim?

Yes, box turtles can swim. Box turtles are a native of marshes and wetlands so they prefer to swim in shallower water. Although they aren’t great swimmers, and can look quite awkward while doing so, box turtles love to swim in shallow waters. They swim in simple floating and doggie-paddling styles.

Let’s now dig deeper to see how each box turtle fare.

Can Eastern Box Turtles Swim?

The eastern United States’ eastern box turtles are found in the meadows and ponds of the fields, fields, and woods. They love to swim in the shallow water of streams, puddles and ponds during the hot season.

Eastern box turtles aren’t afraid of submerging in water for long periods of time.

However, if the water becomes too deep for them to handle, they can drown easily.

Can Florida Box Turtles Swim?

Florida box turtles can be found in swamps, marshlands and wetlands throughout Florida, as the name suggests. These box turtles like water that is deep enough to allow them to lay down but not too deep for swimming.

Florida box turtles prefer to swim and sit in the water.

Can Three-toed Box Turtles Swim?

Three-toed box tortoises are found in the south of the US. They don’t swim well. They prefer water that is only deep enough to reach their legs.

Three-toed box turtles are not great swimmers but they love to swim for longer periods of time than any other species.

Can Gulf Coast Box Turtles Swim?

The Gulf Coast box turtles are fond of being near water. They can be found in swamps and marshes along Mexico’s northern gulf. This is why the gulf coast turtles prefer to swim in shallow water with a constant water level throughout the year.

They will often swim in shallow water to enjoy the natural environment.

Do Box Turtles Live in Water?

Terrestrial box turtles do not live in water. They live near shallow water bodies such as streams, creeks, and marsh. They prefer to be on the ground more where they can forage and dig all day.

Why can’t box turtles swim well?

It is well-known that box turtles swim very averagely.

Here’s why.

Box turtles’ feet are usually shorter and have individual toes. This is in contrast to the long webbed feet found in aquatic turtle species such as red-eared sliders or cooters. The individual toes are not designed to provide much support for swimming.

How long can box turtles swim?

Box turtles can’t swim longer distances because they aren’t aquatic animals. Box turtles swim for their food in the wild to get to places. They can cross creeks easily, for example. This is also why box turtles swim on the surface.

I found some turtle owners on forums that were sharing their turtle can excellent’ swimmers who can complete quite a few laps.

However, I think the answer is yes. Can box turtles swim? How long do they live?

Can Box Turtles Swim Underwater?

According to what I’ve seen and learned, box turtles swim on the surface. Box turtles that swim in deep water often drown and sink to the bottom. It is a different topic entirely to talk about how long they can live underwater.

Box turtles can sometimes swim deeper in the wild to escape predators. They may become quite skilled at this if they practice it regularly. However, the same cannot be said about a pet turtle.

How Long Can a Box Turtle Stay Underwater?

The underwater holding time of terrestrial turtle species is anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes. The same is true for box turtles. Box turtles can live for several months underwater, but that is not the case with some turtle species.

You don’t want your box turtle to be in danger. If you take your box turtle fishing, be vigilant and watch out for signs of danger.

How Do Box Turtles Breathe Underwater?

Box turtles, like other members of the subspecies, lack gills. They can’t breathe underwater. They will often need to swim to get air.

Box turtles can gasp for air quickly because they swim at the top.

The cloaca, which is a tiny opening at the back of the body of box turtles, facilitates breathing.

Their cloaca, however, is not as well-developed at underwater breathing support as it is for other species.

Can a Box Turtle drown?

Yes, it is possible for a box turtle to drown. A box turtle can drown in shallower water, but it’s more likely than a swimmer.

The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), however, lists deep pools and tanks as potential drowning hazards for box turtles.

Even though they can still breathe underwater for a few moments, drowning or sinking is almost always fatal.

Therefore, your box turtle shouldn’t be allowed to swim in uncharted waters.

How much water do box turtles need?

Box turtles typically measure between 4 and 7 inches in height. If your turtle is not keen to swim, the water should be at least half its height. If the turtle has been swimming before, the water can be as deep as its height or even deeper.

Can I Use Tap Water for My Box Water?

The box turtle doesn’t require much water so it is tempting to drink tap water. This is not a good idea. Tap water can contain fluoride and aluminum as well as arsenic, iron or lead. If your turtle drinks water while swimming, it could become seriously ill.

Even though it may sound impossible, you should always opt for distilled water.

Even though they are terrestrial animals, turtles’ health is greatly affected by water quality.

You must ensure that your pet has a clean filtration system.

Can I add water to my Box Turtle’s tank?

Avoid adding water to a turtle box’s tank. You can add water to your pet’s swimming pool if you have a spare tank.

However, don’t add any water to the main tank.

You can make your pet’s favorite beach if you have enough tank. Otherwise, don’t.

When raising two turtle species, some new owners make the error of overfilling their tank. Let’s take, for example, a three-toed turtle and a slider with red eyes.

Your box turtle will be very unhappy in this situation. As it attempts to breathe, keep your heater or filter nearby.

Three Things to Consider When Taking Your Box Turtle Out for Swimming

Box turtles can’t swim well so it is important to ensure that they can get out of the water quickly. Running water and deep water can be equally deadly. Last but not least, never let your box turtle go unsupervised.

They Should Exit Water Easily

Box turtles don’t have the ability to swim well so they will quickly become tired. They need to get out of the water quickly. They may have to swim a long distance from the shore.

Also, ensure that the water body in which your box turtle is swimming isn’t too large.

The Water Shouldn’t Be Deep or Running

As we’ve seen, water shouldn’t run or be too deep.

Box turtles, for the most part, like to just sit and relax in the water.

Swimming skills can be hindered if the water is too deep or fast. This increases the chance of drowning.

Don’t Leave Box Turtle Unsupervised When Swimming

Box turtles can drown so it is important to keep an eye on them when they are swimming.

You should always monitor your turtle’s attempts to breathe in air, its swimming depth, and whether it is trying to reach the shore.

Can My Box Turtle Get Sick from Swimming?

Box turtles can quickly become sick if they are overexposed to water. Your turtle can get sick if the water has a high mineral content.

Second, turtles require plenty of rest after swimming. Without a good place to rest, turtles will not be able to dry their shells or get rid of them. Shell and skin problems such as shell pyramiding can result in your pet’s shell.

This is when the top of the skin, also called carapace or shell swelling, occurs due to excess protein in the body.

A turtle requires a long bath to increase its body temperature. The body’s temperature should not rise if it is to reduce immunity, digestion, or metabolism.

How High Should A Box Turtle’s Water Container Be?

The water container should not be more than half the height of a box turtle’s shell. It should be between 1.5 and 2 inches in height. Baby turtles need to be kept in shallower water.

This will ensure that your turtle drowns in a safe manner.

Because turtles love to poo in the water, it is important to change the water every day and clean out the container.

Final Words On Can Box Turtles Swim

Box turtles can swim in shallow water with difficulty. It is possible to answer the question “Can box turtles swim?” in different ways depending on which subspecies. The eastern box turtle is a better swimmer than the three-toed turtle. It can also come down to how much practice a turtle has.

Box turtles are not very good swimmers so it is important to watch them when you’re in the water. Box turtles don’t have webbed feet, which makes it harder for them to swim. They are also susceptible to getting tired very early.

You need to be able to recognize that different turtles love swimming. Understanding your turtle’s anatomy and personality will help you ensure that your box turtle has a healthy, long-lasting life.