Leatherback turtles have the most hydrodynamic body of any sea turtle, with a large, teardrop-shaped body. A large pair of front flippers powers the turtles through the water.

Mar 16, 2026 · The leatherback turtle has the widest global distribution of any reptile, with nesting mainly on tropical or subtropical beaches. Once prevalent in every ocean except the Arctic and Antarctic, …

Feb 20, 2026 · The leatherback sea turtle lives in the world’s temperate and tropical oceans, from the high seas to intertidal habitats. It is the largest turtle species in the world, and it is both the widest …

The leatherback sea turtle is the largest turtle in the world (NMFS and USFWS 1992). Named for their rubbery shell, leatherbacks are covered with a firm, leathery skin and have seven ridges running …

The leatherback is the largest, deepest diving, and most migratory and wide ranging of all sea turtles. The adult leatherback can reach 4 to 8 feet in length and 500 to 2000 pounds in weight.

We are working to reverse this trend by tackling the 5 most deadly threats to leatherbacks and other sea turtles around the world. Our scientists conduct research at nesting beaches and at sea, collecting …

Leatherback turtles are named for their shell, which is leather-like rather than hard, like other turtles. They are the largest sea turtle species and also one of the most migratory, crossing both the Atlantic …

Most widely distributed of all sea turtles. Found world wide with the largest north and south range of all the sea turtle species. With its streamlined body shape and the powerful front flippers, a leatherback …

Unlike hard-shelled sea turtles, their carapace is thick, leathery skin, and even though leatherbacks are cold-blooded they have adaptations that enable them to thermoregulate which allows them to inhabit …

The leatherback turtle is the world's biggest turtle and one of the biggest reptiles in the world. Learn more about their diet, life cycle, and threats.