Turtles vs Tortoises – Can you tell the difference?

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Let's learn about turtles and tortoises!

Is that a turtle… or a tortoise? What about this guy?

It’s easy to mix them up—but don’t worry, you’re not alone.

You’ve probably seen turtles and tortoises before—slow movers with tough shells on their backs. Maybe you’ve even heard someone call a tortoise a turtle… or a turtle a tortoise. It happens all the time.

Turtles and tortoises are similar in many ways – both are cold-blooded vertebrates that reproduce by laying eggs. But turtles and tortoises are actually quite different—especially when it comes to where they live, their appearance, how they move, and even what they eat.

And in this video, we’re going to break it all down. Let’s start with where they call home—their habitat.

Turtles and tortoises generally live in different environments.

Turtles are commonly found in or near water. Many species, called sea turtles, live in the ocean, while others prefer freshwater habitats like rivers, lakes, and ponds.

Tortoises, in contrast, are land animals. They live in dry areas such as deserts, grasslands, and forests, and are rarely found in water except to drink or cool off.

At first glance, turtles and tortoises look similar. Both have a hard shell, four limbs, and a head attached to long neck—but look a little closer, and the differences become clear.

Turtles have flatter, more streamlined shells. This shape helps them move easily through the water. Their limbs are adapted for swimming too, with webbed feet or even flippers, especially in sea turtles.

Tortoises, on the other hand, have high, dome-shaped shells. These heavier shells offer protection on land. Their legs are thick and sturdy—more like elephant legs—built for walking over rough, dry terrain.

Turtles and tortoises also have different diets, based on where they live.

Turtles are usually omnivores—which means they eat both plants and animals. Depending on the species, they might eat algae, insects, small fish, or even jellyfish. Their diet often changes as they grow, and many turtles need a mix of plant and animal food to stay healthy.

Tortoises, in contrast, are mostly herbivores—animals that eat only plants. They feed on grasses, leaves, flowers, and fruits. Living on land, they’ve adapted to survive on the vegetation they can find in dry environments.

Turtles and tortoises are both known for living a long time—but tortoises often take the lead when it comes to age.

Some species of sea turtles can live over 50 years, and a few even longer in the right conditions.

Tortoises, however, are some of the longest-living animals on Earth. Many can live past 100 years, and some have been recorded living for more than 150.

Their slow movements and strong shells aren’t just for protection—they’re part of a lifestyle built for long life.

Even though turtles and tortoises are reptiles, and they both breathe air using lungs, how they manage their breathing can be quite different.

Turtles spend a lot of time in the water, but they still need to come up to the surface to breathe. Some species can hold their breath for a long time—especially sea turtles, which can stay underwater for several hours while resting.

Tortoises, on the other hand, live entirely on land. They don’t swim and aren’t built to hold their breath for long. Instead, they breathe just like most land animals—by regularly taking in air from the environment around them.

So, is it a turtle or a tortoise?

Now you know how to tell. Turtles are adapted for life in the water—with flatter shells and webbed or flipper-like limbs. Think of the green sea turtle, gliding through the ocean, or the red-eared slider, swimming in ponds and lakes.

Tortoises, on the other hand, are land specialists. They have dome-shaped shells and sturdy legs for walking on dry ground. Famous examples include the giant Galápagos tortoise and the desert tortoise, found in the arid landscapes of North America.

Both turtles and tortoises are reptiles, and both play important roles in their ecosystems. And while they may share a family tree, their differences make each one unique.