Royal Thai Navy Sea Turtle Conservation Center was not originally established as a tourist attraction. It was born from the royal initiative of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother, who was deeply concerned about the rapid decline of sea turtles in Thai waters. Consequently, the Royal Thai Navy dedicated a strategic area within the Air and Coastal Defense Command to serve as a sanctuary and a systematic research facility. The Sattahip area, particularly Kram Island and its surroundings, is the most vital nesting ground for Green and Hawksbill turtles in the upper Gulf of Thailand. Due to the pristine white sands and the strict security maintained by the Navy, mother turtles feel safe returning to these shores to lay their eggs according to their natural instincts.

The most fascinating aspect of this center is its Natural Simulation Incubation Innovation. When naval patrols discover turtle nests on islands where they are at risk from predators or natural disasters the eggs are carefully relocated to the center. They are then incubated in sand pits where temperature and humidity are controlled to mimic nature as closely as possible. Once hatched, the "tiny hatchlings" are nurtured in nursery ponds categorized by size and age. This care is not just about feeding; it is about Physical Preparedness, ensuring their shells and immune systems are strong enough to survive. In the wild, only 1 out of 1,000 hatchlings may survive to adulthood, but the center’s process significantly increases these survival rates.

Beyond the nursery ponds, the facility houses a Sea Turtle Hospital equipped with modern medical tools and specialized veterinarians. They treat turtles injured by fishing nets or those that have fallen ill from ingesting plastic waste. A key takeaway for visitors is the awareness of the Microplastic Crisis and marine pollution, illustrated through case studies of the turtles currently under treatment. The exhibition tells the epic story of sea turtles traveling thousands of miles across oceans and the miracle of their navigation systemwhere mother turtles remember the scent of the sand and the Earth’s magnetic field to return to the exact beach where they were born.

For researchers and nature enthusiasts, this center is a massive database containing nesting statistics, migration tracking (tagging), and DNA sampling to study the genetics of Thai sea turtles. For photographers, you will capture a beautiful reflection of "gentleness beneath strength" as you see naval officers in their fatigues carefully cleaning turtle shells or tending to the ponds. It is a stunning visual contrast between a "National Defense Mission" and a "Life Protection Mission."

A visit here is more than just seeing exotic animals; it is about providing moral support to the officers and becoming part of the process to restore the balance of the ocean. Every smile shared while watching a tiny turtle swim energetically represents new hope for the ecosystem of the Gulf of Thailand a hope you can feel for yourself when you visit this home of the sea turtles.

• By Private Car: Drive along Sukhumvit Road towards Sattahip. At the Queen Sirikit Hospital intersection, head towards Sattahip town and enter the Air and Coastal Defense Command through the main gate. (You must present your ID card or Passport to the military officers at the gate)

• By Public Transport: Take a van or minibus (Bangkok–Sattahip route) and get off in front of the ACDC unit. From there, take a local motorcycle taxi to the center approximately 1.5 km.

• The Golden Rule: Do not touch the turtles under any circumstances. The oils and bacteria from human hands can damage the turtle’s protective skin layer. Also, never throw coins into the ponds, as turtles may swallow them, which is often fatal.

• Special Events: Check the Royal Thai Navy’s schedule; if you are lucky, you may be able to join a turtle release ceremony, which is a truly moving experience.

• Photography: The nursery lighting can be green with reflections. Try shooting from a top-down angle to avoid glare and do not use flash, as it startles the turtles.

• Souvenirs: Visit the souvenir shop run by naval families. A portion of the proceeds goes directly toward food and medicine for the sea turtles.

Admission Fee:

• Admission is free for both Thai and foreign visitors.

Opening Hours:

• Open Daily: 08:30 AM – 04:30 PM.