Turtles vs tortoises: What is the difference?

Let’s break it down in plain terms.

Where they live

The most obvious difference between turtles and tortoises is their home turf.

Turtles spend most (or all) of their time in or around water. Whether it’s a pond, river, or ocean, turtles are built for life in the wet stuff. Their bodies are streamlined for swimming, and they’ve got webbed feet, or in the case of sea turtles, full-blown flippers, to help them glide through the water with ease.

Tortoises, on the other hand, are strictly land-dwellers. You won’t find them paddling around lakes or rivers. Their legs are chunky and strong, built more for slow, steady walking and digging than swimming.

Shell shape and body build

Another easy way to tell them apart is by looking at their shells.

Turtles have flatter, more streamlined shells to help them move easily through water, while tortoises have high-domed, heavy shells that protect them on land, like little walking bunkers.

Also, turtles tend to be lighter and more agile, while tortoises are bulkier and sturdier.

Tortoises have high-domed, heavy shells that protect them on land, like little walking bunkers (file)

What they eat

Their diets also reflect where they live.

Turtles are usually omnivores, they’ll eat plants, bugs, small fish, and even jellyfish, depending on the species and where they live.

Tortoises lean more towards being herbivores. Think leafy greens, grasses, fruits, and sometimes cacti. Their slower pace of life suits a plant-based diet.

How long they live

Tortoises take the crown here.

Most turtles live around 20 to 40 years, although some species, like sea turtles, can hit 60 or more.

Tortoises are the real slow-and-steady champs. Some have lived well past 150 years.

Turtles can do some pretty amazing things. Some species breathe through their butts (yes, seriously—it’s called cloacal respiration). Sea turtles can even “cry” to get rid of salt from their bodies. Tortoises don’t have flashy tricks like that, but they’re expert diggers and can survive in tough, dry environments like deserts.

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