25 Baby Turtles, One Big Mission: Inside Laguna Phuket’s Marine Conservation Journey
Watching a young green sea turtle make its way across the sand before disappearing into the waves of the Andaman Sea is the moment that says with you. On 20th June 2026, guests, locals and Laguna Phuket associates gathered at Angsana Laguna Phuket to witness 25 one-year-old turtles take their first steps towards life in the open ocean.
More than a symbolic return to the sea, the annual turtle release reflects Laguna Phuket’s long-standing commitment to protecting Thailand’s marine environment. Before beginning their journey, the young green sea turtles benefit from a scientifically managed head-starting programme supported by the Phuket Marine Biological Centre. During their vulnerable first year, the turtles are carefully nurtured to give them a stronger chance of survival once released into the wild.
This year’s event also saw 10 young bamboo sharks released into the wild, further supporting the health and biodiversity of Phuket’s coastal ecosystem. Throughout the day, marine experts brought conservation to life through interactive workshops, allowing participants to learn more about the sea turtle life cycle, ocean biodiversity, and simple ways we can all help protect our oceans.
While turtle release day may be one of the most memorable moments, it represents just one chapter in Laguna Phuket’s wider conservation journey. Since launching its Sea Turtle Conservation Initiative in 1994, Laguna Phuket has helped raise and release 2,294 sea turtles into the wild. The initiative has also generated more than THB 8 million from event proceeds to support the Phuket Marine Biological Centre’s marine wildlife protection and research project, while more than 4,800 guests, locals, and associates have taken part in hands-on conservation activities over the years.
Protecting the Andaman Sea, however, extends far beyond a single day on the beach. Healthy coastal habitats are essential for marine life, which is why Laguna Phuket continues to organise mangrove-planting activities along local coastlines. Beyond providing natural protection against erosion, mangroves also help capture carbon from the atmosphere. The commitment to more sustainable practices continues across the destination. Last year, Laguna Phuket introduced a fleet of eight fully electric shuttles, providing guests with a seamless, more sustainable way to explore the resort while supporting the destination’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote low-carbon mobility.
As each tiny turtle paddles towards the horizon, it carries with it a reminder of what can happen when a community comes together with a shared purpose. For Laguna Phuket, marine conservation is not simply about protecting the environment for future generations. It is also about creating meaningful experiences that enable guests and the local community to connect with the destination more purposefully.
