how fast do penguins swim
Penguins are remarkably fast swimmers, adapted for life in icy waters with flipper-like wings that propel them efficiently. Their speeds vary by species, context (cruising vs. burst), and conditions, but they generally outpace average human swimmers.
Penguin Speed Overview
Different species show distinct swimming abilities, with Gentoo penguins often cited as the fastest in bursts up to 22 mph (35 km/h) , while Emperor penguins hit 15 km/h (9.3 mph) peaks for endurance. Most penguins cruise at 6-10 km/h (3.7-6.2 mph) , using "porpoising"—leaping from waves—to conserve energy and breathe. Smaller species like Little Blue penguins top out at 10 km/h (6.2 mph) but excel in agility around obstacles.
Here's a species comparison table:
| Species | Avg Speed (km/h) | Avg Speed (mph) | Burst Speed (km/h) | Burst Speed (mph) | Habitat Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emperor | 9 | 5.6 | 15 | 9.3 | Antarctic ice |
| Gentoo | 10 | 6.2 | 35 | 22 | Sub- Antarctic |
| King | 8.5 | 5.3 | 13 | 8.1 | Sub- Antarctic Islands |
| Little Blue | 6 | 3.7 | 10 | 6.2 | Australia, NZ coasts |
| Adélie | 7.9 | 4.9 | 30-40 | 18.6-24.8 | Antarctic |
How They Swim So Fast
Penguins "fly" underwater with powerful flipper strokes, reaching efficiencies rivaling fish—up to four times faster than elite humans (~6 km/h). Feet serve as rudders, not main propulsion, aiding sharp turns in turbulent seas. Imagine a Gentoo porpoising like a dolphin: it bursts from waves at 22 mph, glimpsed in recent 2025 footage from South Georgia waters.
Comparisons to Other Swimmers
Penguins lag behind dolphins (35 km/h) or sharks (50 km/h) in raw speed but thrive where predators falter—in freezing, obstacle-filled Antarctic currents.
| Animal | Top Speed (km/h) | Top Speed (mph) |
|---|---|---|
| Emperor Penguin | 15 | 9.3 |
| Bottlenose Dolphin | 35 | 22 |
| Sea Lion | 40 | 25 |
| Great White Shark | 50 | 31 |
| Tuna | 70 | 43 |
Fun Facts and Variations
- Burst vs. Cruise : Bursts for hunting krill; cruises for migrations up to 1,000 km.
- Human Edge? No—penguins beat casual swimmers handily.
- 2025 Insights : Recent studies affirm Gentoo's lead, with video evidence of porpoising in icy blasts.
TL;DR : Penguins swim 6-15 km/h on average, with Gentoo bursts to 35 km/h—flight underwater.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.