Royal Thai Navy Sea Turtle Conservation Center Thai Mueang
A vital conservation hub on a naval base, rescuing and rehabilitating sea turtles, with a nearby beach and tsunami memorial.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
More staff interaction
Royal Thai Navy Sea Turtle Conservation Center Thai Mueang
Best Time
More staff interaction
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vital conservation hub on a naval base, rescuing and rehabilitating sea turtles, with a nearby beach and tsunami memorial.
"Great work being done here, with rescued turtles and a chance to see them at all growth stages."
🛂 Naval Base Entry
Bring your passport or driver's license for gate entry; it's returned upon exit.
💰 Affordable Admission
Entry is very reasonably priced at 60 THB, making it a budget-friendly visit.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Turtles of All Ages
Holding Tanks
Witness rescued turtles, from hatchlings to mature adults, in various stages of care and rehabilitation.
Tsunami Memorial
Near the beach
A poignant memorial featuring a naval patrol boat, honoring the 2004 tsunami.
Adjacent Beach
Next to the center
Enjoy a walk along a calm and clean beach, perfect for a relaxing stroll after visiting the turtles.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Naval Base Entry & Turtle Care
Best Viewing & Release Info
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🛂 Naval Base Entry
Bring your passport or driver's license for gate entry; it's returned upon exit.
💰 Affordable Admission
Entry is very reasonably priced at 60 THB, making it a budget-friendly visit.
🐢 Turtle Rescue Focus
Understand the center's mission: rescuing injured turtles and protecting hatchlings.
☕ Refreshments Available
A small cafe offers coffee, drinks, and snacks, perfect for a break.
Tips
from all over the internet
🛂 Naval Base Entry
Bring your passport or driver's license for gate entry; it's returned upon exit.
💰 Affordable Admission
Entry is very reasonably priced at 60 THB, making it a budget-friendly visit.
🐢 Turtle Rescue Focus
Understand the center's mission: rescuing injured turtles and protecting hatchlings.
☕ Refreshments Available
A small cafe offers coffee, drinks, and snacks, perfect for a break.
🚶♀️ Beach Access
The nearby beach is clean and calm, ideal for a post-visit walk.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate the conservation work being done, from hatching eggs to rescuing injured turtles. The affordable entry and the opportunity to see turtles of all sizes are highlights. However, some find the tanks too small and the experience a bit depressing, questioning the long-term captivity of some turtles.
"Great work being done here. Eggs are recovered from locations that would place the young at very high risk. They are hatched in safety, grown-on then released back into the ocean.
You get to see different types of turtle at all growth stages, even some quite large and mature ones as they keep a few back to support a breeding program.
There's a tsunami memorial that features a naval patrol boat that was wrecked just off the coast locally and a nice little cafe that serves decent coffee and a range of other drinks and snacks.
There's also a really nice beach that you can walk along.
Remember though that this is an active naval base, there are clearly marked restricted areas that you keep clear of. When you enter the base, you pass through a check point. If you are in a tour, your driver deals with everything but, if you are in a hire car or bike, you have to surrender a passport or driving licence at the gate. This is returned to you when you leave."
Perry Wheeler
"Pools way too small and no natural surrounding. A couple of dead corals doesn’t make a turtle pool. Some of the turtles were old and I doubt that the idea is to save the turtles, it’s more a place to present them. No turtle showed any sign of wounds / damage. Turtles don’t need a pool to survive, they need the ocean. As a turtle lover and diver I found the whole presentation and place very depressing. Would not recommend to support and will certainly not come again."
Theresa Kotthoff
"This was a really good visit, to see the protected turtles.
Admission is 60 THB.
The project consists of a series of holding tanks where turtles range from newly hatched to much larger turtles, some of which had been rescued after being caught in discarded fishing gear or had tried to eat plastic carrier bags, mistaking them for jelly fish. Some were injured and received "care" from one of the volunteers. Although it seemed sad that the turtles are only in tanks and nothing to do, this is still an important work."
Kati Tuomikivi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The center is located within an active naval base. If you're driving a rental car or motorbike, you'll need to surrender your passport or driver's license at the gate for a temporary pass. Tour groups usually have their drivers handle this process.
Follow signs for the naval base. Once inside, the conservation center is clearly marked.
While specific hours can vary, it's generally open during daylight hours. Arriving early in the morning is recommended for a more interactive experience.
Yes, there is parking available for visitors at the center.
Yes, taxis and ride-sharing services like Grab can take you to the naval base entrance, where you'll then proceed with the entry procedures.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is very affordable, typically around 60 THB per person, making it an accessible attraction.
No, advance booking is generally not required. You can purchase tickets upon arrival at the center.
As it's on a naval base, you'll need to present identification (passport or driver's license) at the gate, which will be returned when you leave.
There are no specific age restrictions mentioned for entry into the conservation center.
Yes, the center is open to all visitors, and the admission fee is minimal.
🎫 🐢 Onsite Experience
You can see various stages of turtle life, from newly hatched to larger rescued turtles. The center focuses on rehabilitation and conservation.
Release events are not a daily occurrence and are often scheduled for specific times. It's best to inquire locally or hope for a fortunate visit.
Some visitors have noted that the pools can be small and not entirely natural, which has led to mixed feelings about the conditions.
Direct interaction with the turtles is generally not permitted to ensure their safety and well-being.
Yes, there's a tsunami memorial, a nice beach nearby, and a cafe for refreshments.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed, but it's always good practice to be respectful and avoid flash photography that might disturb the turtles.
The tanks with turtles of different sizes offer good photo opportunities. The tsunami memorial and the beach also provide scenic backdrops.
Photography of active naval base facilities might be restricted. Focus your camera on the conservation center and its exhibits.
Be mindful of signs or staff instructions regarding photography, especially in sensitive areas.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. Consider a lens that can zoom slightly to capture details without getting too close to the turtles.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the center's primary focus is rehabilitation, the presence of a nearby beach and a small cafe provides additional amenities for families. Be prepared for the naval base entry procedure, which requires surrendering an ID at the gate.
💰 Budget Travelers
Remember to factor in the potential need to surrender your passport or driver's license at the naval base gate, which is a minor logistical step but doesn't incur any cost. The nearby beach is also a free attraction.
🐢 Animal Lovers & Conservationists
While some may find the tank conditions less than ideal, it's crucial to appreciate the center's dedication to saving individual animals and contributing to the species' survival. Engaging with the staff, especially if you visit early, can offer deeper insights into their work.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Conservation Mission
Beyond hatching, the center also rescues and rehabilitates injured turtles. These often include individuals entangled in fishing gear or those who have ingested plastic debris. The dedicated staff and volunteers provide care, treatment, and a safe haven for these animals until they are well enough to be released back into the ocean.
While the center's mission is commendable, some visitors have expressed concerns about the size of the holding tanks and the overall environment for the turtles. It's important to remember that this is a conservation and rehabilitation facility, not a natural habitat, and the primary goal is the turtles' eventual return to the sea.
Naval Base Logistics
Tour groups typically have their drivers or guides manage the entry process, making it smoother for passengers. It's advisable to be aware of this requirement beforehand to avoid any delays or confusion. Clearly marked restricted areas within the base must be respected at all times.
Despite being on a naval base, the conservation center itself is accessible and clearly signposted. The presence of the naval base also means the area is generally well-maintained and secure.
Beyond the Turtles: Amenities and Memorials
Adding a layer of historical significance, the site features a tsunami memorial. This poignant monument includes a naval patrol boat that was wrecked offshore during the devastating 2004 tsunami, serving as a reminder of the event's impact.
For refreshments, a small cafe is available on-site, serving decent coffee, other drinks, and snacks. This provides a convenient spot to rest and recharge after exploring the center and its surroundings.
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