Join us on a walking tour of our visitor center and learn about manatee anatomy, physiology and the importance of GPS tracking devices, as well as the Lake Worth Lagoon. Meet at the manatee skeleton display at the entrance of the building.

Manatee Lagoon – An FPL Eco-Discovery Center, is a new, FREE Palm Beach County educational attraction with a dedicated area for viewing manatees up close. The 16,000-square-foot center features engaging, hands-on exhibits for visitors to learn all about these endangered and unique creatures as well as the natural wonders of the surrounding Lake Worth Lagoon. On cold winter days, the facility’s observation deck is the ideal spot to view manatee herds basking in the warm-water outflows from Florida Power & Light Company’s adjacent Riviera Beach Next Generation Clean Energy Center.

Manatee Lagoon is dedicated to educating the public about manatees and Lake Worth Lagoon, and inspiring communities to preserve and protect Florida’s environment and wildlife for future generations. Please be aware all manatees that frequent Manatee Lagoon’s premises are wild. There are no captive manatees onsite. Manatees are a federally protected species and can only be held in captivity at facilities that meet all mandated requirements. *Please note; the upstairs space and observation decks will be closed during private events. Thank you for your understanding, as the proceeds from these events help offset Manatee Lagoon’s operating expenses and allow us to further support our mission.

It’s a fun-filled flippers-and-whiskers learning experience for the entire family! Visitors to Manatee Lagoon share an experience the whole family can enjoy in the company of endangered and unique Florida manatees as these gentle giants huddle and snuggle in the warm-water outflows of Florida Power & Light Company’s (FPL) Riviera Beach Next Generation Clean Energy Center during manatee season. The manatee center was built shortly after FPL modernized this natural gas plant. Test your knowledge of science and nature, and learn about FPL’s Riviera Beach Next Generation Clean Energy Center and the role it plays in the manatees migratory habits. For decades, manatees have been attracted to the warm-water discharges of FPL’s energy center, following a watery travel route that mother manatees have taught to manatee calves.

The best opportunity to witness these gentle giants at Manatee Lagoon is Nov. 15 through March 31. Increase your chances to spot sea cows as cooler weather attracts large pods of the marine mammals during this time of year. There are other fun family options that are offered at Manatee Lagoon throughout the year. Manatee Lagoon staffers have created an extensive calendar of free activities, ranging from children's art classes focusing on species found in the Lake Worth Lagoon, yoga on waterfront observation decks, educational aqua labs for kids to story and craft time for toddlers.

Visit our events calendar to access the schedule and registration details.

Manatee Lagoon is one of Palm Beach County’s newest fun and engaging family-friendly attractions, with interactive, entertaining exhibits that tickle your curiosity about the environment of the Lake Worth Lagoon and the wonderful world of manatees. FPL constructed Manatee Lagoon as part of its environmental mission to not only educate the public about the relationship it has with these wonderful creatures, but to “inspire communities to preserve and protect Florida’s environment and wildlife for future generations.”