Manatees in north Central Florida

[simpsontruckdriver]

If you will be anywhere near Orange City FL (north of Orlando) within the next 30 days, this is Manatee Season! They didn't post on the site, but on their Facebook page today, they counted 420 manatees.

TS

 

[Jan M.]

If you are down towards us this is a great place to go. Manatee Lagoon – An FPL Eco-Discovery Center

For GPS or driving directions to the entrance of Manatee Lagoon, use:

6000 N. Flagler Drive

West Palm Beach, FL

Events & Programs

Manatees and so much more!
Make your plans to visit us today to learn more about these gentle giants and Lake Worth Lagoon.

Photo Exhibit: Wonderlands of the Lake Worth Lagoon Watershed
Palm Beach County Department of Environmental Resources Management presents an educational photographic nature walk showcasing wonderlands of woods, wetlands and ancient sand dunes located within the Lake Worth Lagoon watershed. The exhibit is showcased at Manatee Lagoon – An FPL Eco-Discovery Center®, located at 6000 N. Flagler Dr., West Palm Beach.

*Please note that Manatee Lagoon’s second floor, which includes this exhibit, will be closed during private events.

Date: Through 2018
Time: During open hours*
Cost: FREE


Photo Exhibit: Perspectives of Lake Worth Lagoon
Palm Beach County Department of Environmental Resources Management presents the twelve photos featured in the 2019 Lake Worth Lagoon calendar. The exhibit is showcased at Manatee Lagoon – An FPL Eco-Discovery Center®, located at 6000 N. Flagler Dr., West Palm Beach.

Date: Through 2018
Time: During open hours
Cost: FREE


School and Camp Group Visits
Our field trip options offer a look into the world of manatees and their local habitat, Lake Worth Lagoon.

Date: By reservation
Time: By reservation
Cost: FREE (all school and camp group visits are by reservation only)


Manatee Tales Story Time
Listen as a Manatee Master storyteller reads colorful books about aquatic species that live in Lake Worth Lagoon. Children ages 2 to 5 are welcome.

Date: First Saturday of the month
Time: 10 -10:30 a.m.
Cost: FREE (but pre-registration is requested)


Sunday Lecture Series
Join Manatee Lagoon’s Manatee Masters and an expert speaker for an opportunity to learn about a new environmental topic every month. All ages are welcome to take a seat, listen and ask questions.

Date: First Sunday of the month; and other Sundays as noted on the calendar
Time: 2:00-3:00 p.m.
Cost: FREE (but pre-registration is requested)


Manatee Lagoon Tours
Learn about Manatees and Lake Worth Lagoon from one of our very own Manatee Masters.

Date: Tuesday through Saturday
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Cost: FREE


Junior Aqua Labs
Explore scientific wonders at Manatee Lagoon. Activities are geared towards children ages 9-14.

Date: Second and fourth Saturday of the month, April through September
Time: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Cost: Free (but pre-registering required)


Mindful Moments
Yoga
Join us for free classes led by certified instructors. Participants must be 21 or older.

Date: Yoga: Tuesday and Thursday evening; Saturday morning
Cost: FREE, but advance registration is required

*Please note, Manatee Lagoon’s October Spa & Wellness Month promotion will only take place during our Saturday morning yoga classes. Advance registration is required.

Artful Learning – Kids
Learn about ocean creatures as you create your own painting under the instruction of our Manatee Masters. Kids classes are open to children ages 6 to 12. Registration opens at 3 p.m. on the Saturday of the weekend prior to each class.

Date: Every Sunday, June through October
Time: 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Cost: FREE (but pre-registering is required)

Face Painting
Enjoy a fun face painting session by a Manatee Master!

Date: Select dates noted on event calendar
Time: TBD
Cost: FREE

 

[JudyH]

Crystal River, up where FL makes the turn to the panhandle is a great place to see them Dec thru early March. They are semi-hibernating and there are companies that will take you snorkeling around them. Lots of places to kayak and beautiful parks.

 

[rapmarks]

Manatee park, off Palm Beach Boulevard exit of I75, is a great place to see manatees in Fort Myers area. It is across the street from a power plant and the manatees swim up and down the river and rest in a cove whenever the weather is cool. Parking $2 per hour

 

[LisaH]

If you will be anywhere near Orange City FL (north of Orlando) within the next 30 days, this is Manatee Season! They didn't post on the site, but on their Facebook page today, they counted 420 manatees.

TS

Is this near Blue Spring State Park? We drove over there one year while visiting Orlando in Jan. It's about an hour's drive. Well worth it!

 

[Jan M.]

Is this near Blue Spring State Park? We drove over there one year while visiting Orlando in Jan. It's about an hour's drive. Well worth it!

Yes that would be the place the OP is posting about. We've been there too. One time we drove over when we were staying in Orlando and they told us at the entrance booth before they took our money that it was too warm and there were no manatees in that day. If it is warm enough the manatees prefer to be out in the river where they can feed. You might want to call ahead before you make the drive over. 386-775-3663

Hours - 8am-Sundown 365 days a year
$6 - Vehicle with 2-8 people
$4 - Vehicle with 1 person
$2 - Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of annual individual pass

Camping $24 per night, plus tax, plus a non-refundable $6.70 reservation fee. Includes water and electricity. They also have cabins you can rent.