Can Bearded Dragons Swim? (15 Surprisingly Shocking Facts)

To most people, the mere thought of a bearded dragon being able to swim is almost impossible because they tend to stick to what’s most familiar to them. Is it possible for a bearded dragons to be able to swim?

Bearded Dragons are one of the easiest pets you can have especially if you take good care of them. They are a type of lizard that you can take care of. They are the best pets if you aren’t able to have bigger animals such as cats, dogs or fishes at home.

All pet owners have a misconception about Bearded dragons being able to live only on land since they only see them in captivity within a cage or terrarium mostly. Bearded dragons in the wild are also associated with desert areas and woodlands in Australia, so swimming never comes into anyone’s thought when thinking about Beardies.

Can bearded dragons swim? Yes, Bearded dragons can swim but not in any water body. Beardies can swim in water that is not extremely deep and free of harmful chemical additives and is warm close to bearded dragon’s body temperature. Make sure your baby bearded dragon never swims unsupervised.

Let’s see in detail about bearded dragons and swimming in multiple water bodies and what is good for beardie and what is not recommended.

Can Bearded Dragons Swim?

Yes, bearded dragons can swim. They will often swim in their water dishes after digging around the substrate for a while.

They can also be observed swimming across aquariums and ponds when they are trying to get away from predators or if female bearded dragons (the ones that have never laid eggs) choose to explore new territory, which is fairly common.

The only time I’ve ever seen a bearded dragon swim is when I actually saw one duck diving. It was swimming under water, and I’m not exactly sure how it’s possible to do that with their tiny arms, but they don’t seem to mind doing so anyway!

Is Swimming Safe For Bearded Dragons?

Swimming is completely safe for bearded dragons as long as the water is clean and healthy.

Bearded dragon owners put their pets in a tank of salt water from time to time, but this doesn’t hurt them at all! In fact, some owners like to give their pet bearded dragon a bath in salt water because it makes them feel clean and fresh!

Bearded dragons can swim underwater for a long time and they will be perfectly safe if you give them plenty of space to do so. If the water doesn’t look clean then don’t put your bearded dragon in it. They love to swim, but they’ll never go swimming if their tank looks gross!

Bearded dragons normally don’t care about their tank unless it’s dirty. They won’t swim around much if the water is gross, but they’ll do it as often as possible if you clean their tank!

Do Bearded Dragons Float In Water?

One thing that people often wonder is if bearded dragons could float on the surface of water.

When I first started keeping bearded dragons, I was told that they would sink like a stone once they were placed in water. This is completely false! At least not for adults anyway…

Younger bearded dragons might float like a rock depending on their size and how well their arm muscles have developed, but the adult ones will never sink and will always stay at the very top of the water surface.

I’m not exactly sure why this is, but I believe it has something to do with their large lung capacity which allows them to pull oxygen from the air directly after they’ve been submerged for a short period of time.

Can Bearded Dragons Swim Underwater?

Bearded dragons can swim underwater, but it will only last for a short period of time. Once the beardie’s head is submerged under water, they often try to break free and come back up or turn around in order to get out of the water.

Bearded dragon swimming underwater is a common sight when you dive in to a pool or lake or any other shallow water body.

Do Bearded Dragons Like Swimming?

Do bearded dragons like to swim? Yes! If you’ve been observing your bearded dragon for a while, you must be aware of its love for water.

I’ve seen my baby bearded dragons playing in their water dish and trying to hide from me when I would attempt to catch them.

Bearded dragons are extremely fast swimmers and definitely know how to have fun!

There were even times where our adult beardies would run to the bathtub or swimming pool when I would turn on the water.

They definitely enjoy spending time around water and will even go in after a newly laid egg just like chicken do. If your bearded dragon doesn’t appear to be enjoying itself, try giving it something new to explore!

Bearded dragons love digging around in sand or soil which makes them the perfect pet to have if you’re into keeping a terrarium.

Of course, there are other species of reptiles that love swimming as well so my bearded dragon was not an exception!

Do Bearded Dragons Drown?

I’ve never observed a bearded dragon drowning in water, but I believe it’s possible for them to do so if they are not strong enough to break free and make it to the surface.

Hatchlings or young bearded dragons might need a little help escaping from water, but that’s normal! Just be sure not to leave them unsupervised!

If you ever see your pet swimming in a pool for too long, it would be best to reach out and pull it out. I recommend that you never turn your back on them because they might need a little help to get out of the water.

If you notice that your bearded dragon is gasping for air, then it’s probably been under water for too long!

Can Bearded Dragons Swim In Cold Water?

do bearded dragons swim in cold conditions? Bearded dragons definitely can swim in cold water, but they will only do so for a few seconds or less.

The reason why bearded dragons quickly come out of the water is because they don’t really like how it feels on their skin. If you ever see your pet swimming in cold water, then just use tongs to reach out and grab them.

Bearded dragons will eventually learn that swimming in cold water makes them feel bad, so they usually avoid it after a few tries.

Just be sure to keep an eye out for other changes too such as breathing abnormally or if their skin looks abnormal.

Bearded dragons don’t like being in cold water and it might even be fatal to them!

Can Bearded Dragons Swim In Hot Water?

Although bearded dragons can withstand high temperatures, they can’t really handle the heat of very warm or hot water. I’ve noticed that they start to behave abnormally if they continue swimming for too long in very warm water which is why it’s best to avoid putting them in such conditions.

Bearded dragons have a body temperature of around 90-100°F (30-37.5°C) and although they can handle those extreme temperatures, very hot water will still give them a hard time making it uncomfortable for them to be in.

Even an adult beardie will start to act unusually once its head is submerged for too long in very hot water.

I’ve never really observed a bearded dragon suffering from the effects of very warm water, but I’m sure it’s not impossible!

Can Bearded Dragons Swim In Pools?

If you have a pool, then it’s best to provide your bearded dragon with plenty of cool and clean water in order to enjoy their time. You don’t need to build an entire tank for them, but just make sure that they can easily get into the water whenever they feel like doing so.

Bearded dragons love playing around in water so a pool would definitely be a perfect addition to any bearded dragon enclosure! Make sure that the water is not too hot or cold for them, and always keep an eye on them while they are swimming.

Bearded dragons can have a lot of fun in pools and it’s also great for their health! Just make sure to maintain good hygiene and give them clean water.

A pool adds a lot of value to any bearded dragon enclosure as it gives them plenty of room to explore and play around in!

If you have an outdoor pool, then you shouldn’t worry because bearded dragons are very adaptable creatures!

Just remember that they might drown if the pool is too deep for them, so you will have to be extra cautious.

Can Bearded Dragons Swim In Chlorine Pools?

Chlorinated pools are bad news for bearded dragons! can bearded dragons swim in chlorine? Yes, but not recommended.

Even though a bearded dragon can swim in chlorine, it’s best to take them out as soon as you see signs of discomfort.

If you notice that your bearded dragon is acting strangely near the pool or if its skin and eyes appear burned or irritated, then it might be time to get them out!

Bearded dragons are not really fond of chlorine and they will even start to have breathing problems if you leave them in there for too long.

I’ve never seen a bearded dragon swimming in a pool that contains chlorine and I don’t really recommend doing so because it might hurt their skin

Although most types of chlorine won’t hurt your bearded dragon, I recommend that you avoid swimming in chlorinated pools because it can make them uncomfortable.

Bearded dragons definitely don’t like the effects of chlorine and they will react to its presence by breathing abnormally. It’s also not good for their skin which is why I believe it’s best if you get them out as soon as possible.

Bearded dragons can indeed tolerate chlorine, but why risk it if you don’t have to? It’s better to be safe than sorry!

How Deep Can Bearded Dragons Swim?

Bearded dragons will usually swim towards the surface of the water if you place them in deeper regions. They are not really fond of deep waters which is why they might act abnormally as soon as they hit the bottom!

can bearded dragons swim in deep water? Yes, but they prefer the surface and hate deep water.

If your bearded dragon has landed at the bottom, then it’s best to reach out and grab it so that you can force it to the surface.

If the entire water tank has a depth that is more than 8′, then I recommend that you place something at the bottom of your tank for support. A rock or a plant should work just fine!

Bearded dragons can’t swim in deep waters that have a significant depth so it’s best if you get them out as soon as possible. They won’t be able to swim towards the surface if they are at the bottom so you need to get them out as quickly as you can!

If your bearded dragon ends up swimming in a shallow pond or lake, then it’s best that you reach out and grab him before he starts to drown. It’s rather unlikely that a bearded dragon can drown in water, but just be sure to get him out of the water as soon as you see trouble.

How Fast Can Bearded Dragons Swim?

Bearded dragons can swim as fast as they want to, and it’s actually quite exhilarating to watch them race through the water!

They usually stay close to the surface of the water which is where they feel safest.

Bearded dragons are pretty good swimmers thanks to their webbed feet but don’t expect them to out swim an average fish that has a top speed of 14mph!

How Long Can Bearded Dragons Swim?

Bearded dragons are pretty good swimmers because they can swim for as long as 15 minutes although I wouldn’t recommend having them in the water for too long before you get them out. They can breathe and move around just fine underwater, but still it’s better to keep an eye on your bearded dragon.

Bearded dragons do not really have limits when it comes to swimming, but I would recommend that you get them out of the water as soon as they seem tired or uncomfortable.

If your bearded dragon is having trouble swimming around then try and grab him before he sinks to the bottom of the tank! I know it’s dangerous but it’s better to be safe than sorry!

If you notice that your bearded dragon is tired, then I recommend that you reach out and grab him so that he can rest in a dry place. He might have had too much swimming for the day and he’ll need time to recover.

Bearded dragons are not really good swimmers but their webbed feet do allow them to swim around in the water.

Bearded dragon swimming is fun and exciting but it’s usually best if you put your bearded dragon back on land so that he can rest and recover.

What Is The Ideal Bearded Dragon Swimming Water Temperature?

Bearded dragons can usually get used to a wide range of water temperatures which is why I believe that you should design your tank accordingly. A lot of people think that the right temperature for the bearded dragon tank is around 70 degrees Fahrenheit because it’s what their native habitat holds. As long as you keep things relatively warm, then your bearded dragon will be just fine.

Bearded dragon water temperature is not something to be concerned about as long as the habitat has a nice temperature that can range between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Anything below or above this, and your bearded dragon might develop some health problems which is why it’s best if you stick to the recommended temperature range of 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Bearded dragon water temperature can be pretty much anything as long as it’s within the recommended range of 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit, And a lot of people tend to go with this range because it keeps their bearded dragons healthy and happy!

Can Baby Bearded Dragons Swim?

You might be surprised to find out that bearded dragons can swim when they are hatchlings!

Younger bearded dragons can definitely swim and it’s actually common to see them do so. They have a better swimming ability than adults because their bodies aren’t as heavy yet (although they will start losing muscle mass as they get older).

Bearded dragons can actually swim at a very young age and it’s common to see them swimming in shallow areas of water. Just because they are capable of swimming doesn’t mean that they will be able to do so as soon as they hatch!

Bearded dragons are still babies even when their bodies reach full maturity, which is why you need a shallow pool to welcome them into the water. If you have a shallow pool, then it’s safe to place your bearded dragon in there even if he is still young!

Younger bearded dragons can be placed in 1-2″ of water and they will most likely swim around or just play with their toys. They are not as adept swimmers as adults, but they still have a certain degree of swimming ability!

It’s best if you keep your younger bearded dragon in shallow water until he is older. This will allow him to make his first swims safely and it will also give him time to play with toys!

Bearded dragons can be placed in deeper waters as soon as they are able to grip onto something. Until then, don’t put them in deeper waters because they won’t be able to swim!

Younger bearded dragons will often develop a better swimming ability than adults so it’s rare to see an older bearded dragon that can hardly move when placed in water. Just make sure you keep them away from deep waters!

Why Is My Bearded Dragon Swimming In Water Dish?

Bearded dragons can and do drink water just like humans do. Their bodies are designed to absorb enough moisture from their food so that they don’t have to constantly drink water.

If you add a bowl of fresh water in the tank, then your bearded dragon should definitely drink from it! Just make sure you place it where it’s accessible at all times and that it doesn’t contain too much chlorine.

Should I Let My Bearded Dragon Swim?

It depends on a lot of factors, but yes!

Adult bearded dragons are able to swim so it’s best that you allow them to have fun in the water. If they can swim, then there is no reason you should stop them from doing so; just make sure your tank has enough space for them to move around and enjoy themselves.

Bearded dragons can be frightened of water, so it’s best that you introduce them to the tank gradually. Allow them time to explore and get used to their new home before you force them into the pool of water.

Bearded dragons are naturally inclined towards water, so there is a good chance they will have fun in your tank! If you don’t like the idea of a bearded dragon being in a tank that is filled with water, then you can always fill it halfway and allow them to dip their toes into the water.

Bearded dragons are smart enough to realize that they can swim even if they have never done so before. If you give them time, then they will naturally want to explore and swim!

You can have your bearded dragon swimming in no time if they are able to do so. They will become accustomed to their surroundings and will eventually decide that exploring the water is better than sitting around on land!

Follow these tips and you should have your bearded dragon swimming in no time (just make sure you keep an eye on them)!

How Many Times A Day Should You Let Your Bearded Dragon Swim?

How many times a day should you let your bearded dragon swim? There is not an exact number that you should follow.

Bearded dragons are special pets, which means that they have different needs than other reptiles. While some lizards only need to swim once a week, others will want to swim more often! It really depends on your dragon and their personality.

Bearded dragons all have personalities and if yours is more active then you know that they will want to swim a lot more often! If your bearded dragon isn’t very active then it might be best to let them go swimming less often. This is because they won’t use up as much energy and they will also be able to enjoy their time in the water for longer.

Bearded dragons are great pets, which means that they can act however they want. They will let you know if you are doing something wrong, so make sure that you check on your pet often to see how they are reacting!

Can Bearded Dragons Swim In Tap Water?

Danger! Bearded dragons should not be allowed to swim in tap water. Tap water contains chlorine and other chemicals that are not good for your bearded dragon. These chemicals can cause severe damage to their insides and it may even kill them if they ingest it!

Do not put a bearded dragon into water that is directly from the faucet. It’s better to use a bucket of water that has been left out overnight so the chlorine can evaporate. This will allow you to put your bearded dragon into cleaner water!

If you want clean water for your bearded dragon, then make sure you invest in an inline filter or another form of filtration system. These systems should be hooked up to your water source so that dangerous chemicals are not in the water.

Bearded dragons can be put into clean tap water, but you have to make sure it is safe for them! They should always be allowed to drink from a separate bowl or tank of fresh water that has been left out overnight. This will ensure that they do not get sick from their drinking water!

Can Bearded Dragons Swim In Saltwater?

can bearded dragons swim in saltwater pools? Yes, but not recommended. Salt water can be dangerous for your bearded dragon.

Bearded dragons are not used to salt water and it contains a lot of chemicals that they have probably never encountered before. It’s possible that you could get away with putting them in a pool full of saltwater, but there is always the risk that these chemicals will kill them.

Even if they don’t get sick, there is a chance that they may die at a later time because of the chemicals in their body.

Bearded dragons are better off on land than swimming in saltwater. They can have fun without having to worry about dying from ingestion of harmful chemicals!

Can Bearded Dragons Swim In Lake?

Bearded dragon swimming in lake is a great sight to have and completely safe for your pet.

Lake water is usually fine for your bearded dragon to swim in. They can also drink from it if they are thirsty! It’s a lot better than tap water because lakes typically do not contain chlorine or other harmful chemicals.

Bearded dragons can have fun swimming around in lake water without having to worry about dying from drinking chemicals!

Can Bearded Dragons Swim With Fish?

Can bearded dragons swim with fish? Fish are a mortal enemy of the bearded dragon.

Bearded dragons will eat anything that they can get their hands on and they love to hunt fish for their next meal. If you put a bearded dragon in a tank with fish, there is no doubt that your pet dragon will try and catch them. This could cause harm to them and it could also cause harm to your bearded dragon!

Bearded dragons are naturally attracted to fish, which means that they may try and hunt them. Do not put a bearded dragon in the same tank as fish if you want your pet to survive!

Can Bearded Dragons Swim With Turtles?

Can bearded dragons swim with turtles? Only if you want them to be killed!

Bearded dragons and turtles are mortal enemies. These two cannot live in the same tank together without one of them dying. The turtle will probably try to eat your bearded dragon, while your pet dragon will hunt the turtle relentlessly until they are eaten!

Bearded dragons should never be put into a tank with turtles. This is because turtles are too big to be eaten by bearded dragons, which makes them a target! You don’t want your beloved pet dragon to become food for the turtle and you certainly don’t want your turtle to become food for the bearded dragon!

Bearded dragon’s need to stay away from turtles as much as possible. They might be safe sharing a tank on their own, but you should never put them together!

Can Bearded Dragons Swim In The Ocean?

Can bearded dragons swim in the ocean? Only with a wetsuit.

Bearded dragons can be put into saltwater, but it’s not recommended at all! Salt water can cause serious side effects to your dragon and if they ingest it then they could become very sick or die! This is why you should only put them in salt water if they are wearing a wetsuit.

Bearded dragons should not be put into the ocean at all! If you do want to take your bearded dragon swimming, then get them a wetsuit so that they can handle the salt water without getting sick!

How To Teach A Bearded Dragon To Swim?

Teaching your bearded dragon to swim can be very easy.

Bearded dragons are naturally attracted to water, so it is possible that they may try and swim in a tank all on their own. If this happens then you should definitely let them! This way, you will teach them how to swim without trying yourself. It’s also safer for them because they won’t need your help!

Bearded dragons enjoy swimming a lot. They will get used to it very quickly and you may even find them jumping in on their own! This is a great way to spend time with your pet dragon, but make sure that they are comfortable before doing this. As long as there isn’t anything blocking the way for them to get back out, then it is perfectly fine!

Bearded dragons really enjoy swimming and if you give them a chance they can become great swimmers!

What Are The Health Benefits Of Bearded Dragons Swimming?

I feel like it is pretty safe to say, that bearded dragons should be able to swim.  Bearded Dragons are aquatic lizards after all!  It seems silly for us to force them into a tank filled with land when swimming would definitely be more fun and probably healthier too.  We all know how important water and exercise is for bearded dragons; it’s why we get them to climb and run around on a daily basis.  But, what about swimming?

Is there any potential benefits that your beardie might get from taking a dip in the water?

Well, yes!  Bearded dragons are actually built to swim, but like all reptiles, they are cold blooded and they need heat to swim.  The easiest way to provide this is by keeping the water warm, but you can also provide it from underneath your tank with a heat mat or run an electric cord under your tank so that it heats up on contact.

There will be some initial setup involved in setting up a pool for your beardie, but it is definitely worth it.  It will be a lot easier if you have an enclosure built on a rack that sits on top of the water underneath the screen lid.  This way, you can get all of the setup out of the way and once you put your bearded dragon in there he will automatically be in all of the water.

If you really want to get fancy, you could build an artificial cascading waterfall or put some plants around his pool so that it is like a little mini oasis for your little lizard buddy!  Not only are you providing him with a cool spot to chill out and swim, but you also are giving him a fun area to explore and climb on.

What Are The Risks For Bearded Dragons While Swimming?

Temperature

One thing that you will need to be careful about is the temperature of the water.  Bearded Dragons are cold blooded and they need heat in order to swim, but if it gets too hot for them they can suffer from a condition called thermal shock and they could die.

As long as you keep your tank well ventilated and make sure that you do not put a heat mat right underneath the tank then this should not be a problem.  It is also important to monitor your beardie carefully while he is swimming, even if he seems like he is having fun!

Eating

Another thing that you will need to keep in mind when giving your bearded dragon a pool is getting him to eat when he gets out of the water.  Bearded Dragons cannot drink while they are in water, so their mouths will be dry and they might not take a food item from you right away.

Sometimes, I have seen beardies that lick themselves after swimming for awhile, but don’t do much else other than that.  You will have to try to offer them a food item soon after they get out of the water, or you might find yourself having tank flare ups again where your beardie goes into shed and gets their skin stuck on the sides of his enclosure.

If this occurs, it is important to examine him quickly and see if he is soaking his skin.  If he is, you have to get him out of the water right away and dry him off with a towel or cloth before removing his skin from the sides of his tank.

Even though there are some risks for your bearded dragon when swimming, it really isn’t that hard to provide them with baths once in awhile.  I do not recommend putting your bearded dragon into a full sized swimming pool, but you can certainly provide them with a smaller bath tub or even just a bowl that stays in the cage most of the time so that they can get used to it and you have already made sure it is safe.

Final Verdict – Can Bearded Dragons Swim

Bearded dragons can swim safely in shallow water. However, you need to be aware of dangers and take precautions such as enclosures on the sides and the presence of a floating platform (a plant pot).

Bearded Dragons are aquatic animals that spend most of their lives in water or hiding under rocks and logs in water habitats. They are excellent swimmers with powerful legs and feet.

Bearded dragons have little difficulty swimming underwater with their eyes open or closed, and can also stay submerged for several minutes.

When it comes to bearded dragon care, one common question that many owners have is whether Bearded Dragons can swim . This article will discuss this issue and shed some light on whether bearded dragons can swim.

Bearded Dragon Swimming and Can Bearded Dragons Swim? As we’ve said, Bearded Dragons are excellent swimmers. They have powerful legs and feet, which are used for swimming underwater. However, this doesn’t mean that they can swim anytime or anywhere because there are some dangers involved in aquatic habitats.

Rajkumar Ravichandran

Welcome to Learn About Pet. My name is Rajkumar Ravichandran and I love all pets, travel, and amazing food. I write about my passion and personal experience caring for multiple pets in this blog! ❤️