Where to See Manatees in West Palm Beach

Want to see a Manatee in West Palm Beach, FL? Get all my tips and tricks on where to see manatees in West Palm Beach at Manatee Lagoon. I will share all about FL Manatee Festival, the FPL Manatee Lagoon Webcam, and wedding options at Manatee Lagoon. And questions like when is manatee season?

Have you ever seen a manatee? They are big marine mammals that live in the coastal waterways of Florida. They are icons of Florida and are sometimes called sea cows. Manatees average weigh up to 1,000 pounds and can be up to 10 feet long. They are herbivores. Manatees feed on seagrass and algae. They are truly gentle giants. Manatees are easy to see because they must come to the surface for air. They move slowly and can be hit by boaters.

In South Florida, we are lucky to get to see manatees often. Growing up, I lived on the water, so I have been blessed to see them off our dock and while on the boat. But, don't worry, you don't have to hit the water for the best viewing of them.

Manatee Lagoon - Florida Power & Light Manatee Viewing

Our favorite place to see manatees is at Manatee Lagoon in West Palm Beach. They have a great visitor center with hands-on exhibits for the whole family. This FPL Eco-Discovery Center is free to explore. Their mission is to enhance environmental education and stewardship. Even during the off-season, it is a great place to visit because they have views of Peanut Island. You can watch the boats go by and see tropical fish. The warm-water outflows into the clear water Manatee Lagoon offers Lagoonside Chats with their Manatee Masters on the first-floor observation deck. On select days of the week, you can join the Manatee Masters for a morning Waterfront Walk to learn about the Lake Worth Lagoon ecosystem. They also have outdoor yoga classes and Manatee Tales Story Time for the kids. There's also a new augmented reality solar exhibit, where guests can use their smartphone to interact with Sunny the Solar Tree and learn about clean-energy initiatives.

Riviera Beach Energy Center

Manatee Lagoon opened in February 2016. Every winter, Manatees congregate at the Riviera Beach Next Generation Clean Energy Center. Because the power plant's clean, warmer water outflows meet Lake Worth Lagoon manatee come. Are you a fan of marine life? Especially manatees? If so, the Riviera Beach Energy Center is a must-visit destination for you and your family. This energy center is an essential facility for electricity generation and a sanctuary for these gentle creatures. Located in West Palm Beach, Florida, the Riviera Beach Energy Center is home to a unique ecosystem that attracts various marine life, including manatees. During the cooler months, manatees seek refuge in the warm water discharged by the center's power plant. The Riviera Beach Energy Center creates a rare opportunity for visitors to observe these creatures in their natural habitat. The Riviera Beach Energy Center offers guided manatee viewing tours that are both fun and educational. Tours are led by guides who will share their knowledge about manatees and their importance to the ecosystem. Visitors can observe manatees swimming, playing, and feeding while learning about their biology, behavior, and conservation. In addition to the manatee tours, the Riviera Beach Energy Center also offers bird-watching opportunities. The center's surrounding habitats are home to various bird species, including ospreys, herons, egrets, and pelicans. Visitors can observe these beautiful birds in their natural habitat and learn about their importance to the local ecosystem. If you're planning a trip to West Palm Beach, add the Riviera Beach Energy Center to your itinerary. This destination offers a unique experience for families who love nature and wildlife. Book a guided manatee tour, or enjoy bird-watching and the peaceful surroundings. You are guaranteed to create great memories with your loved ones.

Time of Year: When is Manatee Season

Florida manatees follow an annual migratory route that leads them to areas of Florida where they warm themselves during the winter months. The manatees come to Florida coasts on cold winter days for warmer inland water. So, manatee season in Florida is from November 15th to March 31st.

Tips for Seeing a Manatee in West Palm Beach

Here are our tips after our recent trip to Manatee Lagoon.

Go on a chilly day. The manatees are attracted to Manatee Lagoon because the power plant next door puts out warm water. They learn about this location from their moms. They come to warm up on cold days.
Bundle up. The wind is chilly on a cold day coming off the water.
They have a parking lot with free parking.
Going first thing in the morning is the best time for the best chance to see the most manatees when the temperature is the coldest, and there are fewer people.
There are two viewing platforms. Head upstairs for the best place to view the manatees. You can see them from the first floor but from the top deck even better.
Pack a lunch or a snack. There are picnic tables along the water and under the FPL solar panels.
Spend time inside the education center learning more about the manatees and the Florida ecosystem. They have two levels of exhibit. They also offer Manatee talks outside.
Find a staff member to ask any questions. They are super knowledgeable.
Check out the gift shop and enjoy an ice cream.
Check out the FPL solar panels and solar trees. They are a great way to teach kids about different types of energy.
Pack a lunch. They have a picnic area right on the peaceful water.

The Florida manatee is part of the West Indian manatee subspecies. Because they are a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act, which protects manatees under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, and you cannot touch, feed or harm a manatee. If you do, you could face up to a $100,000 fine.

FPL Manatee Lagoon Webcam

Can you not visit West Palm Beach to see the manatees, or do you want to ensure they are there today? No worries, you can check out the FPL Manatee Lagoon Webcam here. They have an underwater and an above-water camera. The webcam offers a live feed of manatees in their natural habitat. It's a great way to see these gentle giants up close without disturbing them. The FPL Manatee Lagoon Webcam is part of the Florida Power & Light Company's Manatee Lagoon facility. The facility is a dedicated educational center that aims to raise awareness about manatees and their habitat. The webcam is one of the center's many features that visitors can enjoy. The webcam is available 24/7, so you can tune in anytime to see what the manatees are up to. The feed is live, so you can see the manatees in real time. The webcam is also equipped with sound, so you can hear the manatees as they swim and interact with each other.

Manatee Lagoon Wedding

Manatee Lagoon features a Key West architecturally styled structure along the Intracoastal Waterway in Palm Beach County. It is an ideal location for a wedding or event.

FL Manatee Festival

Looking for more ways to support the manatees. Come and check out ManateeFest. WHERE: 6000 N. Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach, FL 33407 Visit the Save the Manatee Club booth at ManateeFest 2022 at Manatee Lagoon in West Palm Beach to learn more about manatees, pick up educational material and gifts, and Adopt-A-Manatee®. Want to see other marine animals in South Florida? Check out Gumbo Limbo for Sea Turtles

When in Florida, you may also want to check out the Beaches closest to Orlando, Things to Do in Kissimmee with Kids, Things to Do in Cocoa Beach with Kids, and Things to Do in Amelia Island with Kids.