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Is the word tartaruga the same in Brazilian and European Portuguese?

Yes

The word "tartaruga" is identical in meaning, spelling, and grammar in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. The only difference is pronunciation. In Brazilian Portuguese, the vowels are generally more open and clearly articulated. In Continental Portuguese, there is significant "vowel reduction," where unstressed vowels (like the 'a' in tartaruga) become more closed, neutralized, or even nearly silent, resulting in a more compressed phonetic sound.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

  1. A tartaruga está nadando no aquário. (The turtle is swimming in the aquarium.)
  2. A tartaruga botou os ovos na areia. (The turtle laid the eggs in the sand.)
  3. Ele é uma tartaruga, faz tudo muito devagar. (He is a turtle, he does everything very slowly.)
  4. Vi uma tartaruga marinha na praia. (I saw a sea turtle at the beach.)
  5. Adoro observar as tartarugas no mar. (I love observing the turtles in the sea.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

  1. A tartaruga está a nadar no aquário. (The turtle is swimming in the aquarium.)
  2. A tartaruga pôs os ovos na areia. (The turtle laid the eggs in the sand.)
  3. Ele é uma tartaruga, faz tudo com muita lentidão. (He is a turtle, he does everything with much slowness.)
  4. Vi uma tartaruga marinha na praia. (I saw a sea turtle at the beach.)
  5. Gosto de observar as tartarugas no mar. (I like observing the turtles in the sea.)