Many people use the words “turtle” and “tortoise” interchangeably, but they’re actually quite different.
While both belong to the reptile family and share a similar shell-covered body structure, their lifestyles, habitats, and even diets set them apart. If you’ve ever wondered what makes a turtle different from a tortoise, knowing these distinctions can help. Here are 10 key differences to clear up the confusion once and for all.
1. Tortoises live on land, turtles live in water.
The most obvious difference between turtles and tortoises is their habitat. Tortoises are land-dwellers, spending almost all of their lives on dry ground. They’re built for walking and have adapted to live in deserts, grasslands, and forests.
Turtles, on the other hand, are aquatic creatures that thrive in water. Whether they live in oceans, lakes, or rivers, turtles spend most of their time swimming. Some species, like sea turtles, only come ashore to lay eggs before returning to the water. Their body structures have evolved to suit these very different environments.
2. Turtles have webbed feet, tortoises have stumpy legs.
If you look closely at their legs, the difference is clear. Tortoises have thick, sturdy legs with rounded feet, built for walking on rough terrain and carrying their heavy shells. Their legs are more like those of an elephant, helping them navigate their dry, rocky environments.
Turtles, however, have webbed feet or flippers, depending on the species. Freshwater turtles have webbing between their toes, helping them paddle through water, while sea turtles have full flippers that allow them to glide gracefully through the ocean. Their limbs are designed for swimming, making them awkward walkers on land.
3. Tortoises have heavier, dome-shaped shells.
A tortoise’s shell is thick, heavy, and dome-shaped, built to provide maximum protection from predators. Since they move slowly and don’t have water to escape into, their strong shells act as their best defence.
Turtles, on the other hand, have lighter, flatter shells that help them swim efficiently. A bulky, domed shell would make swimming difficult, so turtles evolved to have streamlined bodies that allow them to move quickly through the water. Their shells may not be as tough as a tortoise’s, but they provide enough protection while allowing for fast movement.
4. Turtles are more social, tortoises prefer solitude.
If you ever see a group of turtles basking together on a log or rock, it’s because they tend to be more social creatures. Many turtle species live in groups and are comfortable in the presence of others, often gathering in the same spots to warm themselves under the sun.
Tortoises, however, are solitary animals. They prefer to roam alone and generally avoid contact with others unless it’s mating season. Some species of tortoises are even territorial and can become aggressive if another tortoise enters their space.
5. Tortoises live longer than turtles.
Both turtles and tortoises have long lifespans, but tortoises are among the longest-living reptiles on Earth. Some species, like the Galápagos tortoise, can live well over 100 years, with the oldest recorded tortoise reaching 190 years old!
Turtles, while still long-lived, generally don’t reach such extreme ages. Most live between 20 and 50 years, although certain sea turtles can surpass 80 years if they avoid predators and human interference.
6. Turtles can be omnivores, while tortoises are strict herbivores.
Another key difference between turtles and tortoises is their diet. Tortoises are strict herbivores, meaning they only eat plants, leaves, flowers, and fruits. Their slow metabolism suits their plant-based diet, which provides the nutrients they need without requiring them to chase prey.
Turtles, however, are more adaptable eaters. Many freshwater and sea turtles are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. Depending on the species, turtles may consume insects, small fish, jellyfish, or even carrion in addition to vegetation. Their aquatic environments provide a wider range of food sources, making their diets more varied than a tortoise’s.
7. Turtles can swim, but tortoises can’t.
One of the most crucial distinctions is that turtles are excellent swimmers, while tortoises are not. Their bodies have evolved for completely different lifestyles — turtles are naturally buoyant, while tortoises are heavy and not built to stay afloat.
In fact, dropping a tortoise into water can be dangerous, as they lack the ability to swim and can easily drown. If you ever find yourself unsure whether an animal is a turtle or a tortoise, their environment will often tell you all you need to know.
8. Tortoises have stronger, more curved claws.
Because tortoises spend their lives walking on land, their feet are adapted for digging, climbing, and navigating rough terrain. Their thick, curved claws help them burrow into the ground, which is useful in hot environments where they need to escape extreme temperatures.
Turtles, on the other hand, have flatter, less powerful claws. Some species, like snapping turtles, have sharp claws to catch prey, but most turtles use their feet primarily for swimming and gripping onto surfaces like logs or rocks.
9. Turtle shells feel smoother, while tortoise shells are rougher.
Another easy way to tell the difference between turtles and tortoises is by touching their shells. A turtle’s shell is smoother and more streamlined, helping them move through the water with minimal resistance.
Tortoises, however, have rougher, more textured shells. Their shells help with camouflage and protection, allowing them to blend in with their environment while shielding them from predators. The difference in texture is a result of their drastically different lifestyles.
10. Turtles and tortoises have different nesting habits.
Both turtles and tortoises lay eggs, but the way they do it differs. Tortoises dig nests in dry soil, lay their eggs, and then leave them to hatch on their own. They don’t provide any parental care — once the eggs are buried, their job is done.
Turtles, particularly sea turtles, have a much more dramatic nesting process. Female sea turtles travel long distances back to the beaches where they were born to lay their eggs. They dig deep holes in the sand, carefully bury their eggs, and then return to the ocean, leaving their offspring to hatch and make their own way to the water.
For freshwater turtles, the process is similar but happens closer to rivers, lakes, or ponds. Regardless of species, the hatchlings must fend for themselves from the moment they emerge.
While turtles and tortoises may look similar at first glance, their differences are clear once you know what to look for. From their habitats and physical features to their diets and behaviours, these two reptiles have evolved in unique ways to thrive in their respective environments. So, the next time you see a shelled reptile, you’ll know exactly whether it’s a turtle or a tortoise!
