Biggest Tortoises in the World | Top 10 Giants

The biggest tortoises in the world include the Galápagos giant tortoise, Aldabra giant tortoise, African spurred tortoise, leopard tortoise, and Asian giant forest tortoise. These species can reach sizes that most pet tortoise keepers will never see in person.

This guide ranks the largest tortoise species by adult size, explains where they live, and shows which ones are protected wildlife rather than pets. It also clears up a common point of confusion. The largest tortoise is not the same animal as the largest turtle.

For a broader species overview, visit our tortoise species guide. For care planning, start with our tortoise setup guide and outdoor tortoise enclosure guide.

Biggest tortoises ranked by adult size

Sizes vary by sex, age, island population, nutrition, and source. The table below uses typical adult size ranges and notes record or upper-end sizes when helpful.

How we ranked the biggest tortoises

This list ranks tortoises by overall adult size, with weight and shell length both considered. That is why the order can look slightly different from one source to another.

A species with a longer shell may not always be heavier than a shorter species with a deeper body. Males also tend to be larger than females in several giant tortoise species.

We also separate normal adult size from record size. A record animal can be much larger than a typical adult of the same species.

Find tortoise species by size and care needs

Use the AllTurtles species finder to compare tortoises by adult size, region, habitat, and care level. This is especially useful if you are comparing a large tortoise with a smaller captive-bred species.

Biggest tortoises in the world

1. Galápagos giant tortoise

• Scientific name Chelonoidis species complex
• Adult size Often 4 ft or more and several hundred pounds
• Range Galápagos Islands
• Status Several island forms are threatened or endangered
• Pet suitability Protected wildlife, not a pet

The Galápagos giant tortoise is the largest living tortoise group. These tortoises are famous for their huge bodies, long lives, and island-specific shell shapes.

Some Galápagos tortoises have domed shells. Others have saddleback shells that help them stretch their necks higher while feeding. These differences are part of what makes the Galápagos tortoise complex so important to conservation and evolutionary biology.

Galápagos tortoises are protected wildlife. They are not suitable for private pet keeping. Conservation programs focus on habitat protection, breeding, reintroduction, and control of introduced predators.

Learn more in our guide to tortoises in the Galápagos Islands.

2. Aldabra giant tortoise

• Scientific name Aldabrachelys gigantea
• Adult size Often 3 to 4 ft and several hundred pounds
• Range Aldabra Atoll in Seychelles, with managed populations on other islands
• Status Conservation dependent and protected in much of its range
• Pet suitability Specialist care only

The Aldabra giant tortoise is one of the only living tortoises that can rival the Galápagos giant tortoise in size. Males are much larger than females and can become truly massive.

This species comes from Aldabra Atoll in Seychelles. It lives in grasslands, scrub, coastal areas, and other open habitats where it grazes and browses.

Aldabra giant tortoises are sometimes kept in zoos and specialist private collections. They need enormous outdoor space, strong fencing, warm conditions, shade, clean water, and long-term veterinary planning.

3. African spurred tortoise

• Scientific name Centrochelys sulcata
• Other names Sulcata tortoise
• Adult size Often 24 to 30 in and over 100 lb
• Range Sahel region of Africa
• Status Threatened by habitat pressure and trade concerns
• Pet suitability Captive-bred animals only, advanced space needs

The African spurred tortoise is the largest mainland tortoise in the world. It is smaller than the Galápagos and Aldabra giants, but it is still far too large for a small indoor enclosure.

Sulcatas come from dry grassland and savanna-edge habitats. They dig powerful burrows and can damage weak fencing, garden structures, and irrigation systems when housed carelessly.

Captive-bred sulcatas are common in the pet trade, but many are rehomed when they outgrow their owners’ space. Before choosing one, review our tortoise setup guide, outdoor tortoise enclosure guide, and tortoise diet guide.

4. Leopard tortoise

• Scientific name Stigmochelys pardalis
• Adult size Often 16 to 24 in, with some larger adults
• Range Eastern and southern Africa
• Status Least Concern in many listings, with local pressures in some areas
• Pet suitability Captive-bred animals only, large outdoor setup preferred

The leopard tortoise is one of the largest tortoises commonly discussed in private care. Its high domed shell has yellow, tan, and dark markings that give the species its common name.

Leopard tortoises are grazing tortoises. They need a high-fiber diet, strong UVB, correct basking temperatures, and dry housing with access to safe outdoor space in suitable climates.

They are not small beginner tortoises. A person who wants a manageable species should compare them with options in our small tortoises guide.

5. Asian giant forest tortoise

• Scientific name Manouria emys
• Other names Asian giant tortoise, Asian forest tortoise, Burmese mountain tortoise
• Adult size Up to about 24 in and more than 70 lb
• Range South and Southeast Asia
• Status Threatened by habitat loss and trade pressure
• Pet suitability Not recommended for most keepers

The Asian giant forest tortoise is the largest tortoise in Asia. It lives in humid forest habitat rather than dry desert or open grassland.

This species needs very different care from sulcatas and other arid-zone tortoises. It requires space, warm humid conditions, shade, a varied plant-based diet, and careful hydration.

Because of its size, conservation status, and specialized habitat needs, this species should not be treated as a casual pet option.

6. Yellow-footed tortoise

• Scientific name Chelonoidis denticulatus
• Adult size Often 16 to 28 in, with large adults heavier
• Range Northern South America
• Status Pressured by habitat loss and collection in some regions
• Pet suitability Specialist care only

The yellow-footed tortoise is one of the larger South American mainland tortoises. It is related to the red-footed tortoise, but large yellow-footed tortoises can grow noticeably bigger.

This species comes from warm, humid habitats. It needs different conditions from desert tortoises, including humidity control, shaded space, and a varied diet that matches forest tortoise needs.

Yellow-footed tortoises are not the best choice for casual keepers. Anyone considering one should research local laws and choose only legally produced captive-bred animals.

7. Ploughshare tortoise

• Scientific name Astrochelys yniphora
• Other names Angonoka tortoise
• Adult size Often 12 to 19 in
• Range Baly Bay region of Madagascar
• Status Critically endangered
• Pet suitability Protected wildlife, not a pet

The ploughshare tortoise is not as large as the Galápagos, Aldabra, or sulcata, but it is one of the larger and most endangered tortoises from Madagascar.

Its name comes from the projecting gular scute on the lower shell, which resembles a ploughshare. This feature makes the species easy to recognize and sadly also makes it a target in illegal wildlife trade.

This tortoise should never be promoted as a pet. Conservation work focuses on anti-poaching protection, habitat management, and breeding programs.

8. Radiated tortoise

• Scientific name Astrochelys radiata
• Adult size Often 12 to 16 in
• Range Southern Madagascar
• Status Critically endangered
• Pet suitability Protected or restricted in many areas

The radiated tortoise is famous for its striking shell pattern. Yellow lines radiate from each dark scute, creating one of the most recognizable tortoise shells in the world.

Radiated tortoises are native to dry spiny forest and scrub habitat in Madagascar. They feed on grasses, succulents, cactus pads, and other plant material.

This species faces severe pressure from habitat loss, local collection, and illegal trade. It should be discussed as a conservation species before it is discussed as a pet.

9. Bolson tortoise

• Scientific name Gopherus flavomarginatus
• Other names Mexican giant tortoise, yellow-margined tortoise
• Adult size Up to about 16 in, sometimes reported larger
• Range Bolsón de Mapimí region of northern Mexico
• Status Protected and conservation-sensitive
• Pet suitability Protected wildlife, not a pet

The Bolson tortoise is the largest living tortoise native to North America. It is much smaller than the oceanic giant tortoises, but it is still a major species within the genus Gopherus.

This tortoise lives in desert grassland and scrub habitats. Like other gopher tortoises, it digs burrows that provide shelter from heat and cold.

Older sources sometimes repeat unusually high weight claims for Bolson tortoises. Modern conservation profiles focus on shell length and do not support treating it like a 100 lb or 200 lb tortoise.

10. Marginated tortoise

• Scientific name Testudo marginata
• Adult size Often 12 to 15 in and up to about 11 lb
• Range Mediterranean Europe
• Status Least Concern in many listings, with local legal protections
• Pet suitability Captive-bred animals only, large setup needed

The marginated tortoise is the largest tortoise native to Europe. It is not a giant by Galápagos or Aldabra standards, but it is large for a Mediterranean tortoise.

Adults have a long, dark shell with flared rear marginals. This shell shape helps separate them from Hermann’s tortoises and Greek tortoises.

Captive-bred marginated tortoises can be kept legally in some regions, but they still need strong UVB, seasonal planning, secure space, and a long-term diet based on weeds, grasses, and safe leafy plants.

Biggest tortoise by region

The gopher tortoise is also worth mentioning in North America. It is smaller than the Bolson tortoise, but it is a keystone species because many animals use its burrows.

Biggest tortoise vs biggest turtle

The biggest tortoise is the Galápagos giant tortoise. The biggest turtle is the leatherback sea turtle.

This distinction matters because all tortoises are turtles, but not all turtles are tortoises. Tortoises are land-dwelling members of the turtle order. Sea turtles are aquatic turtles and belong to a different group.

For more about marine species, see our sea turtle species guide.

Can you keep a giant tortoise as a pet?

Most giant tortoises should not be kept as pets. Galápagos tortoises, ploughshare tortoises, Bolson tortoises, and many other protected species are wildlife conservation animals rather than private pets.

Captive-bred sulcatas, leopard tortoises, and marginated tortoises are seen in private care in some places. They still require serious planning. A large tortoise may outlive its owner and may need outdoor space for decades.

• Check local laws before buying any tortoise.
• Choose only legally produced captive-bred animals.
• Plan adult space before buying a hatchling.
• Budget for UVB lighting, heat, fencing, food, shelter, and reptile veterinary care.
• Avoid wild-caught, protected, smuggled, or restricted species.

Use our turtle and tortoise space calculator as a planning tool, then confirm the details with species-specific care resources.

Infographic about the biggest tortoises in the world

Keep the existing infographic only if the size data is updated to match the revised table above. If the old graphic includes incorrect Bolson tortoise weight data or treats protected species as pets, replace it.

Video of the top 5 largest tortoises

Related AllTurtles guides

• Tortoise Species Guide
• Small Tortoises That Stay Small
• Tortoise Setup Guide
• Outdoor Tortoise Enclosure Guide
• What Do Tortoises Eat?
• Turtle and Tortoise Species Finder

Frequently asked questions

Sources and further reading

• Britannica, How Big Can Tortoises Get?
• Smithsonian National Zoo, Aldabra tortoise
• San Diego Zoo Wildlife Explorers, Galápagos giant tortoise
• San Diego Zoo Wildlife Explorers, African spurred tortoise
• World Wildlife Fund, Galápagos tortoise
• Galapagos Conservation Trust, About giant tortoises
• Turtle Survival Alliance, Asian giant tortoise
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bolson tortoise
• Animal Diversity Web, Ploughshare tortoise
• NOAA Fisheries, Leatherback turtle

Final thoughts

The biggest tortoises in the world are impressive, long-lived reptiles. The Galápagos and Aldabra giants show how large island tortoises can become, while the sulcata shows how large a mainland tortoise can get.

Large size also brings responsibility. Many of these species are protected, threatened, or difficult to house correctly. For private keepers, the best choice is usually a legally produced captive-bred species with adult size and care needs that match the keeper’s space, climate, and long-term plan.