Manatee Lagoon – An FPL Eco-Discovery Center® is a 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 threatened 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.
Florida manatee season runs from November 15 to March 31. Although there is no guarantee you will spot a manatee at Manatee Lagoon — because these amazing, wild creatures are operating on their own time, not ours — during manatee season, you might see dozens of manatees at one time congregating within plain view of the observation deck. Manatee Lagoon is an optimal location for seeing sea cows, although you should understand that they won’t always be there and there is no guarantee that they’ll be present.
PREPARING FOR YOUR VISIT
Admission
Manatee Lagoon is free to visit, and free onsite parking is available. Guests can visit the facility during our regular hours of operation without a reservation. We also offer a variety of free programs available to the public. Some programs require pre-registration, so please be sure to check the website for more information on specific programs you are interested in attending.
Second Floor Closures:
- May 3, 2025
- May 8, 2025
- May 9, 2025
- May 17, 2025
- May 21, 2025
- May 24, 2025
- May 29, 2025
Updated monthly.
To ensure a safe and family-friendly environment for all visitors and wildlife, the following are prohibited:
- Pets (service animals, as defined by the ADA, are permitted)
- Luggage, large or rolling backpacks, and duffel bags (no on-site storage)
- Drones (takeoff or landing)
- Feeding wildlife, including manatees
- Fishing and swimming (no water access)
- Shirts and shoes must be worn; bathing suits should be covered.
- Smoking, vaping, and e-cigarettes (inside and outside)
- Alcohol
- Grilling
- Skateboarding and skates
- Weapons of any kind
- Solicitation
- Private parties (unless booked through official Venue Rentals)
- Tablecloths or celebration decorations on picnic table.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Hours and days of operation
Manatee Lagoon is closed on Mondays until manatee season, which begins on November 15.
April 1 through November 14:
- Monday: CLOSED
- Tuesday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Wednesday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Thursday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Friday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Saturday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Sunday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Monday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Tuesday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Wednesday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Thursday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Friday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Saturday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Sunday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Holidays
We will be closed on:
- New Year’s Day
- Easter
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day (July 4th)
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving
- Christmas Day
We will close at 2 p.m. on:
- Christmas Eve
- New Year’s Eve
We will be open on the following holidays:
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Presidents Day
- Veterans Day
Directions to Manatee Lagoon
Address:
6000 N. Flagler Drive
West Palm Beach, FL 33407
Parking
When you visit Manatee Lagoon, please park in one of the free lots near our Visitor Center. These lots are indicated by the parking symbols in the map.
Amenities
Manatee Lagoon has a wide range of amenities for the entire family to enjoy! Amenities include:
- Free admission and parking
- Multifunctional education center
- Two levels of interactive exhibit space and observation areas
- Picnic area and shaded solar canopies
- Gift store
- Snacks, ice cream and beverages available for purchase in on-site gift store
- Manatee webcam
- Americans with Disability Act (ADA) accessibility
