Manatee Lagoon – An FPL Eco-Discovery Center
A free manatee viewing spot beside a power plant's warm water outflow, where dozens of manatees can be seen in winter.
The Manatee Lagoon observation center was built by Florida Power & Light (FPL) beside the power plant at Riviera Beach. When temperatures drop in winter, manatees gather in the warm water discharged by the plant to escape the cold. From the observation deck, you can watch groups of manatees surface to breathe, with the largest numbers appearing after cold fronts pass. The center has marine ecology interactive exhibits, is free to enter, and is usually open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 to 16:00. The best time to visit is mid-November through March, since most manatees disperse in summer. From the center, you can look out across to Peanut Island.
Opening hours
Tue–Sun 9:00–16:00; closed Mondays
Nearby sights
- Peanut Island
- Lake Trail
- Flagler Museum (Whitehall)
- Clematis Street
- The Breakers
- Bethesda-by-the-Sea
- Rosemary Square
- Society of the Four Arts