They have flippers. They travel all over the world. All turtles have some type of shell, but there are big differences in the protection those shells provide. The American mud and musk turtles also have hinges, but can't completely close up. Aquatics such as the painteds , cooters , sliders and map turtles have large protective shells, but no hinges.
Flesh is exposed, front and rear, even when the turtles are completely tucked in.
The Snapping Turtles are not very well protected by their shells. The lower shell in particular is tiny and doesn't begin to cover the animal. They are shy, not inclined to look for trouble, but if threatened, they will put up a fierce fight. The Softshell Turtles have leathery shells, a type of thick skin rather than the hard scutes that other turtles have. They stay hidden in water most of the time, and use camouflage for protection.