Manatee Lagoon Discovery Center
If you are visiting Fort Lauderdale or West Palm Beach areas in Florida a visit to Manatee Lagon is a must. Explore the hands-on exhibits at the education center and see the manatees swimming in the warm waters. This unique opportunity to see the amazing gentle giants known as the Florida Manatees is something the whole family will enjoy.
Visiting Manatee Lagoon
Manatees are one of my favorite animals and they are my favorite sea animal. Any chance I get to go somewhere that I can see them I am all about it. When we were snorkeling on our snorkel tour the tour guide told us about this amazing place called Manatee lagoon that was the ideal spot in the area to see manatees and learn about them. Loving manatees as much as I do I added visiting Manatee Lagoon a must do with the kids. I can sit for hours watching the peaceful creatures just swim in the water and it is so calming to me. My kids always love it when we see wildlife and get to learn about it so it was perfect.
After our snorkeling we went to check out Manatee Lagoon. Along with being able to see manatees from the facility’s observation deck outside you will learn about FPL’s Riviera Beach Next Generation Clean Energy Center, the role it plays in the manatee’s migratory habits, and manatees in general.
Is Manatee Lagoon a Good Place for kids?
Yes! This free Florida attraction was perfect for the kids. Actually I think it is perfect for the whole family and will be enjoyed by everyone as well.
The kids all enjoyed walking thru the exhibits, and the interactive displays, and learning about the manatees and the conservation efforts of the power company. We spent a lot of time outside on the wraparound decks watching the manatees swim in the water. Then we took lots of photos with the large manatee statue and the large sunglasses. It was the perfect way to learn about the manatees and enjoy them.
What is Manatee Lagoon?
Manatee Lagoon is a water area located adjacent to FPL’s Riviera Beach Next Generation Clean Energy Center where the manatees gather during cold and chilly seasonal weather and can be seen enjoying the plant’s warm 97 degrees warm water. It is an FLP eco-discovery center that is dedicated to helping people learn all about manatees and environmental conservation. It is run by the Florida Power and light company and the water area and education center are part of its environmental mission to the Palm beach area and the manatees.
In the cold months when the water gets cold, the Florida manatees gather in the warm water that flows out of the Florida Power and Light company’s Riviera Beach Next Generation Clean Energy Center. The manatees over the years have learned of this warm water and it has become a part of their normal activity. So much so that mother manatees bring their baby sea cows there so they to learn that is the place to go.
What is there to do at Manatee Lagoon with kids?
With 2 levels of exhibits and the outdoor manatee viewing on the wrap around deck there is plenty for the whole family to do and explore when you are visiting the unique Florida manatees and the learning center.
View the indoor exhibits. Inside the center there are many hands on exhibits and displays to read and interact with that will teach you all about the manatees and the power company.
Take a guided tour. Daily there are walking tours of Manatee Lagoon’s exhibits, that provide insight about “all things manatee” and the Lake Worth Lagoon ecosystem. The tours are daily excluding the first Sunday of each month and take between 45 minutes and one hour. You can sign up for a tour 45 days in advance on the Manatee Lagoon website.
Watch the manatees in the water. Head outside to the observation decks and watch the manatees swim in the water below.
How Much is Manatee Lagoon?
The great thing about manatee lagoon is that there is free admission. You will get to learn about Florida’s environment and the manatees at the Fpl Eco-discovery center all at no cost. The guided tours, self guided tours, parking, and admission are all FREE! That is also perfect for those who are wanting to have an amazing Florida trip on a budget.
When is the best time to visit Manatee Lagoon?
The best time to go for your visit is when there is cold weather, so you will want to go in the wintertime. Manatee viewing and the opening times of the Manatee Lagoon are daily from November 15 through March 31 and they are closed on Mondays from April 1 through November 14. The daily hours are 9am to 4pm.
When is Manatee Season?
Manatee season is when the water starts getting cold and the manatees are looking for warmer waters to hang out in. The best time to go is November thru March if you are wanting to see the manatees swimming in the warm-water outflows of Florida Power and light.
If you are visiting other places in Florida like Crystal river to see Manatees you want to go in the winter months as well. This is when all over Florida the manatees go to where they know the water is warm.
Where is Manatee Lagoon Located?
Manatee Lagoon is located in south Florida and the address is: 6000 N. Flagler Drive West Palm Beach, FL 33407
How far is Manatee Lagoon from Fort Lauderdale?
It is roughly a 1 hour drive from center city of Fort Lauderdale to Manatee Lagoon.
Can I see the Florida Manatees at home?
Yes! If you are at home and can not make it to the lagoon to see them in person you can go online to their website and watch the underwater camera called the manatee cam so you can get a peek of them from home. Since visiting the kids have gone online to check out the manatee cameras just to see them and love watching them.
