How Long Can Snakes Stay Underwater? [Longer Than You Think]

You’re at the zoo with your kids, and they see a snake in the water.

They want to know how long the snake can stay underwater.

Most people don’t know the answer to this question, and even fewer know that snakes can hold their breath for up to an hour.

It is a valid question since we often see snakes swimming in the water or even crossing roads.

How Long Can Snakes Stay Underwater?

Snakes can hold their breath for a long time, but how long they can stay underwater depends on the species and the temperature of the water. Some snakes, like the anaconda, have been known to stay submerged for up to 20 minutes. Whereas sea snakes can stay underwater for up to 2 hours at a time.

Did you know that snakes can stay underwater for extended periods of time? 

While many people think that they will drown if they stay underwater too long, this isn’t actually the case.

In this article, we will explore the various factors that affect how long a snake can stay underwater. 

We’ll also take a look at some of the most common myths about snakes and water!

We researched the internet for the most reliable sources on this topic. 

We also contacted several zoos and reptile experts to get their professional opinions. 

The results of our research are compiled in this article so that you can have a better understanding of how long snakes can stay underwater.

How Long Can Snakes Stay Underwater?

Though they aren’t often thought of as aquatic creatures, snakes are actually quite good swimmers. 

They have a flexible body that allows them to move easily through the water, and their skin is covered in scales that provide a natural form of protection against predators. 

But one of the most interesting things about snakes is their ability to hold their breath underwater for extended periods of time. 

So how long can they stay submerged?

Snakes are air-breathing reptiles and need to surface at regular intervals to replenish their oxygen supply. 

However, some snakes are more adept at holding their breath than others. 

Some species, such as the common garter snake, have well-developed lungs and can stay submerged for several hours at a time. 

Other snakes, such as sea snakes, can stay underwater for up to two hours, thanks to their specialized liver and kidney functions. 

By contrast, land-dwelling snakes can only hold their breath for a few minutes at a time.

Though it depends on the species, most snakes can stay underwater for up to an hour without coming up for air. 

This is made possible by their special lungs, which are filled with pockets of air that help them to float. 

When a snake is swimming, its body presses down on these pockets of air, forcing them to collapse. 

This forces the snake to exhale and then re-inhale when it reaches the surface. 

As a result, snakes don’t actually need to take many breaths while they’re underwater; they can simply let the air pockets in their lungs do all the work.

Ultimately, the length of time a snake can hold its breath underwater is determined by its physiology and habitat.

So, the next time you see a snake swimming in a pond or river, don’t be too surprised. 

They may not be fish, but they’re certainly capable of holding their own in the water.

Factors Affecting Snakes Ability to Stay Underwater

It’s a common misconception that snakes will drown if they stay underwater for too long.

In reality, snakes are very good swimmers and can hold their breath for extended periods of time. 

The length of time a snake can stay underwater depends on several factors, including the temperature of the water, the size of the snake, and the type of respiratory system the snake has.

One factor that affects how long a snake can stay underwater is the temperature of the water. 

Since snakes are cold-blooded creatures, they rely on the environment to regulate their body temperature.

According to one study, snakes can stay submerged for longer periods of time in cold waters because they tend to breathe less.

This is due to the fact that cold-blooded animals have a lower metabolic rate, which means they don’t need as much oxygen.

Another factor that affects how long a snake can stay underwater is the size of the snake. 

Smaller snakes tend to have a higher surface area to volume ratio, which means they lose heat faster than larger snakes.

As a result, smaller snakes need to come up for air more frequently in order to regulate their body temperature.

The size of the snake is also a factor that affects how long it can stay underwater. 

Smaller snakes have a higher surface-area-to-volume ratio, which means they lose heat faster than larger snakes. As a result, smaller snakes must surface more frequently to prevent their body temperature from dropping too low.

The type of respiratory system the snake has is also a factor in how long it can stay underwater. 

Snakes with well-developed lungs, such as garter snakes, can stay submerged for longer periods than those with vestigial lungs, such as sea snakes. 

This is because well-developed lungs allow for more efficient oxygen exchange while underwater.

How Long Can Pythons Stay Underwater?

Though commonly thought to be unable to hold their breath for extended periods of time, pythons are actually quite good at it. 

They are known to be proficient at staying submerged for up to 20 minutes at a time. 

This is particularly helpful for them when they are hunting prey, as they can wait patiently underwater for an unsuspecting victim to swim by. 

In addition to their natural ability to hold their breath, ball pythons will often voluntarily choose to spend time in the water as a way to regulate their body temperature.

So, while they may not be able to stay underwater forever, ball pythons are certainly more capable than most people give them credit for.

How Long Can Sea Snakes Stay Underwater?

One of the reasons sea snakes are able to stay submerged for such long periods of time is because they have a special type of respiratory system that allows them to extract oxygen from the water.

This process, known as buccal pumping, occurs when the snake opens its mouth and expands its throat. 

This causes a decrease in pressure, which allows water to be drawn into the mouth and over the gills.

The gills then absorb oxygen from the water and transfer it to the bloodstream.

A few species of sea snakes have a large number of tiny blood vessels just beneath the skin of their head. 

These vessels help to absorb oxygen from the water and transport it to the rest of the body.

This type of respiratory system is known as cutaneous respiration, and it allows sea snakes to stay submerged for up to two hours at a time.

Another reason sea snakes are able to hold their breath for extended periods of time is because they have a slow metabolic rate.

This means they don’t need as much oxygen as other animals, so they can go longer without taking a breath. 

In addition, sea snakes often spend a large portion of their time resting in the water, which further conserves oxygen.

What Is the Longest a Snake Has Been Underwater?

While there is no definitive answer to this question, one study found that a snake can stay submerged for up to eight hours if the temperature of the water is cool enough. 

Some species of sea snakes have been known to stay underwater for up to two hours at a time. 

So, while there is no clear answer as to how long a snake can stay underwater, it is safe to say that they are capable of holding their breath for extended periods of time.

Common Myths About Snake and Water

One of the most common myths about snakes is that they are afraid of water. 

This is simply not true. 

In fact, many snakes are quite comfortable in the water and will even choose to spend time in it voluntarily.

Another myth about snakes is that they can’t swim. 

This is also untrue.

While some species of snakes are better swimmers than others, all snakes are capable of propelling themselves through water using their body and their tail.

The last myth we will dispel is that snakes drown if they stay underwater for too long.

This is not the case, as snakes are able to extract oxygen from the water using their buccal pumping system.

So, even if a snake stays underwater for an extended period of time, it will not drown.

In conclusion, snakes are fascinating creatures that are often misunderstood. 

Though they are capable of holding their breath for long periods of time, they are not afraid of water and can even swim quite well.

So, next time you see a snake swimming in a river or pond, don’t be alarmed; it’s just taking a dip!