Furcifer lateralis Taking a Swim

Chameleons are not natural swimmers, but they can navigate through water when absolutely necessary. They seldom swim, typically doing so only when they accidentally fall into water or when they need to cross a body of water while moving to a new location.

When forced to swim, chameleons use a paddling motion, extending their legs and moving them alternately, similar to a slow, struggling walk. Their lightweight bodies and gripping toes help them stay afloat for short distances, but they lack the streamlined shape or efficient movement of true aquatic reptiles.

To aid in buoyancy, chameleons fully inflate their bodies using their pulmonary sacs, expanding significantly like a balloon. This allows them to remain afloat longer and prevents immediate sinking. Despite this adaptation, their swimming ability remains inefficient, and they struggle to maintain control in water.

Swimming is always a rare and stressful event for chameleons, as they prefer climbing and staying in trees. If a chameleon ends up in water, it instinctively seeks the nearest exit—scrambling towards solid ground as quickly as possible.