ManateeFest: 9th Anniversary Celebration - Experience The Wonders Of Manatee Lagoon This Cool Weather Season

From November 15th through March 31st (Manatee Season), Manatees seek out the warm waters near Florida Power & Light Company’s (FPL) Rivera Beach Clean Energy Center outflow, creating a unique opportunity for the public to observe these gentle giants up close.

Manatee Lagoon – An FPL Eco-Discovery Center®, provides the perfect viewing conditions for families, nature enthusiasts and tourists alike.

Here’s what to expect when visiting Manatee Lagoon:

Close encounters with Manatees: Observe Manatees basking in the warm waters, an engaging and educational experience for all ages.

Educational exhibits, interactive displays and tours: Discover the importance of Manatee Conservation and learn about Manatee Lagoon’s ongoing environmental preservation efforts. Explore exhibits such as a seagrass nursery and mangrove tank and join tours throughout the day.

Scenic views and amenities: Enjoy the serene beauty of the lagoon, complete with picturesque views and comfortable facilities to enhance your visit.

"We are excited to welcome guests to Manatee Lagoon this winter season," said Rachel Shanker, Education and Conservation Manager at Manatee Lagoon. "Winter is a great time to witness Manatees in their natural habitat and to appreciate the crucial role they serve in our ecosystem. With cooler temperatures expected in the coming weeks, there's no better opportunity to experience the magic of these gentle giants and to learn about our collective conservation efforts."

Manatee Lagoon is committed to providing a safe, educational and enjoyable experience for all visitors. With free admission and a range of activities designed to inspire a passion for wildlife and conservation, this is an ideal destination for a day trip.

Make sure to keep an eye out for various educational programs and events hosted by Manatee Lagoon. Notably, its 9th anniversary celebration, ManateeFest, will take place on Saturday, February 1st.

Manatee Lagoon – An FPL Eco-Discovery Center

Manatee Lagoon – An FPL Eco-Discovery Center® is a free Palm Beach County educational attraction with a dedicated area to view manatees up close. The 16,000-square-foot center features engaging, hands-on exhibits for visitors to learn all about the unique creatures as well as the natural wonders of the surrounding Lake Worth Lagoon. During the colder winter months, the facility’s observation deck is the ideal spot to view manatees basking in the clean, warm-water outflows from Florida Power & Light Company’s adjacent Riviera Beach Next Generation Clean Energy Center. Manatee Lagoon also offers digital resources and educational virtual content for Manatee fans near and far on its website: www.VisitManateeLagoon.com.  

The center is open seven days a week, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., except for major holidays, through Manatee Season, which runs November 15th through March 31st, 2025. Manatee Lagoon is open the rest of the year Tuesday through Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

For more information about visiting Manatee Lagoon, please visit: www.VisitManateeLagoon.com.