How fast do alligators swim?

Alligators don't have much endurance on land because of their short limbs. When alligators are at their swiftest on land, they can go as rapidly as 11 mph. This still can't measure up to their water swimming speed, however. When alligators are in the water, they sometimes can go as speedily as a maximum of 20 mph or so. read more

The alligator prefers to sneak up on its prey in the water. It's a much faster swimmer than runner -- it can swim 20 miles per hour (32 kph) [source: San Diego Zoo]. And it's silent as it moves through water. Its eyes are set on top of its head, so it can swim while watching what's happening on the surface. read more