How deep can penguins dive?
Emperor penguins are the deepest-diving penguins, with a confirmed record of 564 meters (1,850 feet) — deeper than any other bird on Earth. They can hold their breath for over 20 minutes during deep dives. King penguins regularly dive to 300 meters. Most smaller species dive much shallower: gentoo penguins typically reach 20 to 100 meters, while little blue penguins rarely go below 30 meters. Penguins manage these dives by slowing their heart rate, diverting blood to essential organs, and carrying oxygen in their muscles via high concentrations of myoglobin.
Related Species
Profiles connected to this answer — continue into habitat, diet, and conservation detail.
Emperor Penguin
Aptenodytes forsteri
King Penguin
Aptenodytes patagonicus
Gentoo Penguin
Pygoscelis papua
Little Blue Penguin
Eudyptula minor
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Where this answer comes from
Reference bodies behind our behavior answers. Links last checked August 5, 2026.
- Smithsonian Ocean Portal - Penguin biology, anatomy, and breeding explainers.
- British Antarctic Survey - Antarctic penguin ecology, diving, and sea-ice context.
- Penguins International - Species explainers and conservation context focused on penguins.