Turtles Are Slow. They do not need to move fast because they are primarily herbivores, and since plants don’t move, they don’t have to chase their food, like most creatures. One of the main reasons box turtles are so slow is.

Box turtles are comparatively slower than most other turtles and are documented to walk at speeds of 0.25 miles per hour. Turtles are slow simply because there is no need for them to move fast. The leatherback sea turtle has been recorded swimming as fast as 35 km/h (22 mph), according to the san diego zoo.