How long can sea turtles hold their breath

On 14 October 2026, marine biologists published a comprehensive study detailing the physiological mechanisms that allow sea turtles to remain submerged for extended periods. While it is widely known that sea turtles can hold their breath for several hours while resting, this new research clarifies the specific metabolic adaptations that facilitate these feats. The study confirms that during periods of inactivity or sleep, green sea turtles can remain underwater for up to five to seven hours. This is achieved through a combination of a significantly slowed heart rate, known as bradycardia, and the ability to shunt blood away from non-essential organs to prioritize oxygen delivery to the brain and heart. The researchers noted that these durations decrease drastically when the turtles are active or foraging, as increased physical exertion rapidly depletes oxygen stores. The findings emphasize how environmental stressors, such as rising ocean temperatures, may impact these breath-holding capacities by increasing the turtles' metabolic rates, potentially forcing them to surface more frequently and altering their natural behavioral patterns in the wild.