Scholastic Canada Home Leatherback turtles are one of the oldest reptiles on earth, and one of the most endangered. At almost 2 metres long, over 1 metre wide, and over 450 kilograms, they are the largest turtles in the world.
Leatherbacks are strong swimmers.
They spend most of their time in the ocean. They use their front flippers like paddles and their back ones to steer. Find out more about Swimming. Leatherbacks eat jellyfish and other soft-bodied animals. A floating plastic bag looks just like a jellyfish, but it will choke a sea turtle.