Exploring the Khao Lak Turtle Sanctuary: A Conservation Adventure

If you’re looking for things to do in and around Khao Lak and fancy supporting a great cause at the same time then I highly recommend a visit to the Sea Turtle Conservation centre. The Khao Lak Turtle Sanctuary looks after all ages of sick and injured turtles. The aim is to return them to the ocean when they can be sure they will survive. All Thai sea turtles are considered the property of the Thai Royal family so they are highly protected and respected.

This is not a hugely funded slick tourist attraction, the genuine aim is to look after the turtles and you really feel that as you wander the centre. It feels like a real privilege to visit.

You are free to walk around all the tanks which are all open topped. You are not allowed to touch the turtles, and make sure you let your kids know that this is to keep the turtles safe. It’s all about education and conservation which is an incredibly powerful message to help your kids understand.

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Meet the residents of Khao Lak Turtle Rescue

As the turtle sanctuary looks after all ages of Sea turtles you’ll get to see them in all ages of maturity. Each tank groups like ages together so you’ll get to see turtles of all shapes and sizes. Sea turtles take around 15 years to reach full maturity so they can live at the centre for quite a while.

You will see Green Sea Turtles and Olive Ridley Turtles during your visit and signs located on each tank will tell you how old each turtle is. There are larger informational signs around the centre if you want more information. If you see any employees of the sanctuary around during your visit, they will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

A Glimpse into Khao Lak’s Sea Turtle Conservation Efforts

Sea turtles have it hard in the wild, they are at risk from many threats, both natural and manmade. Only around 1% of sea turtle hatchlings make it to maturity. Eggs and babies are snatched by birds on the beach and they re at risk from other marine life if the reach the sea. Sea turtles often get caught in fishing nets, consume plastic pollution in the ocean and are under threat from poachers. With the help of the Royal Navy, the Khao Lak turtle sanctuary releases thousands of turtles back into the wild each year.

Baby sea turtles will be raised to a healthy weight and age before being returned to the sea. Older, injured turtles that would not survive being released are looked after at the centre permanently.

Where to eat at the Khao Lak turtle sanctuary

There is a small cafe onsite selling light snacks, cold drinks and coffee. Or you could pack yourselves a picnic and eat on the charming beach next to the sanctuary.

Get Involved: Volunteering at Khao Lak Turtle Sanctuary

There are volunteer programs available at the Khao Lak Turtle sanctuary, these run from 1 to 2 months. You can get hands on looking after the turtles and ensure their safety heading back to sea. This is an incredible learning experience. Have a look at the GVI website for more information.

How much does it cost to visit the Khao Lak Turtle Sanctuary

If you would like to visit independently, Turtle Sanctuary Khao Lak tickets cost under 100 Baht per person. Or you could sign up to an organised tour which takes the pressure off finding the centre, driving yourselves or finding a taxi. This tour will pick you up from Khao Lak and includes a bamboo rafting experience, a visit to a stunning waterfall and a trip to the turtle sanctuary.

When you get your tickets they will give you a visitors pass which you must wear all over the centre. Then hand it back to the gate man when leaving the naval base.

I recommend bring your passports with you to visit the turtle sanctuary. As it is located on a naval base, they sometimes will ask to see them.

How to get to the Turtle Sanctuary in Khao Lak

The Sea turtle conservation centre is located on the Phang Nga Royal Thai Navy base in Thai Mung about twenty minutes South of Khao Lak. If you’re driving yourselves its a little complex but google maps should get you to the gate of the naval base. Tell the guard on the gate where you are headed and they will let you through. Just be aware that they may not speak much english. Once through the gate keep driving. You’ll be following the signs to the Sea Turtle centre. But if you miss these, follow the signs to the golf course or Tsunami Memorial. Obviously if you are on an organised tour or have hired a driver, they will know where they are going.

There is plenty of parking just outside the turtle sanctuary. The drive should take just over 20 minutes from Khao Lak or 2 hours from Patong in Phuket.

What else is near the turtle sanctuary

Being located near Khao Lak, this part of the coastline was hugely impacted by the 2004 tsunami. Outside the Sanctuary you will see a boat on the ground. Demonstrating how far the tsunami waves came in. It’s not quite as far in as the Police boat at the Tsunami Museum in Khao Lak but it really does help you visualise the horrors experienced by the area.

The beach next to the turtle centre is stunning and pretty much deserted. It has some huge turtle statues which are used to collect plastics after local beach clean ups. Another great way to envisage some of the challenges conservationists face.

The sanctuary is next to the Royal Navy Golf course which is open to the public. We didn’t try it but could be a good place if you fancy playing a few holes.

We were staying at The Waters Hotel in Khao Lak and the drive to the turtle sanctuary took around 25 minutes. Have a look at some more things to do in Khao Lak to add to your itinerary.

How long should I spend at the turtle conservation centre

In total we only spent a couple of hours at the centre. This included a walk along the beach and a cold drink. Once you’ve wandered around the tanks, there’s not that much to do or see.

Can you swim with sea turtles in Khao Lak?

If you want to swim with wild turtles then Khao Lak is a great place to base yourselves. The best place to snorkel with these magnificent creatures is on a day trip to the Similan or Surin islands. This is a stunning part of Thailand, almost always quiet and peaceful and home to fabulous marine life.

In conclusion, a visit to the Khao Lak Turtle Sanctuary is not just an opportunity to witness the incredible work being done to protect and rehabilitate these magnificent creatures; it’s also a chance to be part of a global effort to preserve our oceans and the incredible species that inhabit them. Whether you’re a marine enthusiast, a family seeking a meaningful adventure, or simply someone who cares about the environment, this sanctuary offers a powerful and memorable experience.

Pin for later to learn about the sea turtle conservation, Khao Lak.