Manatee Lagoon

What Manatee Lagoon does

Manatee Lagoon is a free, 16,000 sq ft two-story educational attraction and event venue located at 6000 N. Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach, FL, owned and operated by Florida Power & Light Company (FPL), a subsidiary of NextEra Energy. The facility is sited directly adjacent to FPL's Riviera Beach Next Generation Clean Energy Center, whose warm-water outflows reliably attract Florida manatees during the November 15 – March 31 season, making the site a consistent wildlife-viewing location. Core offerings include interactive educational exhibits (manatee skeletons, satellite-tag demonstrations, marine-life displays), an observation deck with live and above-water manatee cameras, and a curriculum-aligned K-12 marine science program co-developed with the Guy Harvey Foundation, The Reef Institute, and Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium.

The business model is structurally a corporate environmental mission / community engagement asset rather than a profit-maximizing enterprise. All general admission and parking are free. Monetized streams are venue rentals across five event spaces (Main Room 176 capacity, Interactive Exhibit 400 capacity, Waterfront Veranda 300 capacity, South Lawn, Banyan Tree area) for corporate events, weddings, and private functions, with catering routed through nine approved vendors; an on-site and online gift shop selling manatee-themed merchandise; and a small set of nominal-fee programs — Mindful Moments Adult Yoga ($5/student, capped at 50), Summer Camp Group Visits ($8/camper, $80 minimum, 10-60 students), and Private Tours ($50 deposit, up to 25 guests, $5 per additional guest, complimentary for 501(c)(3) organizations). Adult yoga, private tours, and summer camp programs are listed as "Multi-year contract" or "Pay-as-you-go" in pricing metadata. Go-to-market is direct-to-consumer: walk-in visitors, registered group bookings, venue rental inquiries, and online retail, supplemented by a live Manatee Cam with global reach, an educational YouTube/video library, and virtual summer camp delivery.

Customer segments span general public families, K-12 school groups, homeschool families, summer camps, adult wellness consumers, corporate and private event clients, and accessibility-focused visitors (via Certified Autism Friendly status from FAU CARD with sensory kits, social narratives, and a Sensory Friendly Hour). Marketing is multi-channel — organic social (@ManateeLagoon on Facebook/Instagram under the #ManateeMoments hashtag), website/content, email newsletter, press and earned media (Associated Press, WPTV, WPBF, WFLX), community events (ManateeFest, Mother's Day, Manatee Season Kickoff, Mia's Summer Shell-A-Bration), educational partnerships, and virtual programming. Backed by FPL balance sheet, the entity also operates a sister site, Solar Ranch at Babcock Ranch in Punta Gorda, FL (2,500 sq ft), extending the Eco-Discovery Center model to a second geographic site.

Name

Manatee Lagoon

Legal name

Florida Power & Light Company

Website

https://visitmanateelagoon.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1996

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Manatee Lagoon is a free, FPL-owned 16,000 sq ft educational attraction in West Palm Beach, Florida, offering manatee viewing, interactive exhibits, K-12 marine science programs, and waterfront venue rentals to families, schools, and corporate event clients.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Environmental Education Center

NAICS

Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (71219), Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (712190)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Wildlife Sanctuaries, Conservation Parks & Reserves (Visitor Operations) (THAAAAAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Whale Watching & Marine Mammal Tours (THAAAIAC), Marine Wildlife & Coastal Nature Tours (Whale/Dolphin Watching, Sea Kayaking) (THAAAEAD)

Keywords

• Environmental education center
• Wildlife viewing programs
• Marine conservation exhibits
• Interactive science learning
• Eco-discovery tours

Headquarters

HQ city

West Palm Beach

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Venue Rentals: Revenue from renting event spaces for corporate functions, weddings, and private events. Space rental rates vary for weddings versus meetings. Additional hours available for $200/hour. Catering services provided by approved vendors at client expense.
2. Adult Yoga Classes: $5 per student for Mindful Moments Adult Yoga classes held Tuesdays and Thursdays. Pre-registration required, capped at 50 students.
3. Summer Camp Group Programs: $8 per camper for 90-minute summer camp group visits; $80 minimum. Free parking and complimentary chaperones.
4. Private Tours: $50 deposit for private guided tours covering up to 25 guests; $5 per additional guest. Complimentary tours available for qualifying 501(c)(3) organizations.
5. Gift Shop Sales: On-site gift shop and online store selling manatee-themed merchandise, snacks, and beverages

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Manatee Lagoon operates a free public educational attraction featuring interactive exhibits, observation decks, and live underwater cameras for viewing Florida manatees and the Lake Worth Lagoon ecosystem. Beyond free admission, it offers paid and free educational programs (guided tours, school and homeschool field trips, summer camps, virtual camp, yoga, story time, lectures, sensory-friendly hours), venue rentals for events and weddings, and gift shop sales of manatee-themed merchandise.

Product overview

Manatee Lagoon is a free educational attraction operated by Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) as an Eco-Discovery Center. The facility offers a unified visitor experience centered on manatee conservation education, featuring interactive exhibits, observation decks for wildlife viewing, and guided tours led by Manatee Masters educators. The product portfolio includes core visitor center admission, educational programs (tours, school visits, summer camps, virtual camps), community programs (yoga, story time, lectures, sensory-friendly hours), and venue rental services for events. Educational content spans marine science curricula developed in partnership with organizations like The Reef Institute and Guy Harvey Foundation. The facility serves as both a public attraction and an educational resource for environmental stewardship.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Manatee Lagoon Visitor Center
• All About Manatees Tour
• Private Tours
• Mindful Moments Adult Yoga
• School Group Visits
• Summer Camp Group Visits
• Homeschool Group Visits
• Marine Science Series
• Manatee Rescue Adventure
• Manatee Tales Story Time
• Lectures at the Lagoon
• Sensory Friendly Hour
• WILD in the Palm Beaches Tour
• Wild About Wildlife Virtual Summer Camp
• Venue Rentals
• Manatee Lagoon Gift Shop

Quantifiable outcome

• Record-breaking attendance of nearly 10,000 at ManateeFest 2024
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

26 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Friends of Manatee LagooncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding environmental education in Palm Beach County through future enhanced exhibits and experiential learning opportunities. Manatee Lagoon refers volunteers and supporters to Friends of Manatee Lagoon for involvement opportunities.
• The Reef InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWest Palm Beach-based nonprofit working to protect and restore coral reefs through science, education, and community partnership. Jointly delivers Marine Science Series - 10-lesson educational program for fifth grade students aligned with Next Generation Sunshine State Standards.
• Guy Harvey FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNon-profit conducting scientific research and hosting educational programs aimed at conserving the marine environment. Partnered to create hands-on marine science content for middle and high school students including Manatee Adaptations, Manatee Behavior & Identification, and Properties of Seawater.
• Mote Marine Laboratory & AquariumminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNon-profit marine research laboratory and public aquarium with world-class marine scientists. Partners on Wild About Wildlife Virtual Summer Camp, providing educators for week-long virtual camp experiences focused on wildlife and environment.
• Florida Atlantic University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (FAU CARD)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides certification for Manatee Lagoon as autism-friendly business. Offers guidance on sensory accommodations, social narratives, and inclusive programming for visitors with autism and related disabilities.
• EarthEcho InternationalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEnvironmental nonprofit founded by Philippe Cousteau. Collaborated on virtual field trip 'Industry Nurturing Nature: The Bond Between Manatees and Power Plants' with Thompson Earth Systems Institute.
• Thompson Earth Systems Institute's Scientist in Every Florida School ProgramminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFlorida-based educational program. Collaborated on virtual field trip about manatees and power plants.
• The School District of Palm Beach CountyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal school district. Collaborated on virtual field trip to Manatee Lagoon recorded in December 2022 for students.
• Loggerhead Marinelife CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in WILD in the Palm Beaches Tour - half-day adventure connecting participants with three wildlife sanctuaries. Provides sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation education. Offers 10% discount at their Gift Store for tour participants.
• Busch Wildlife SanctuarycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner20-acre wildlife rehabilitation haven at Abramson & Schlaggar Reserve. Partner in WILD in the Palm Beaches Tour providing wildlife encounters with animal ambassadors.
• Save the Manatee ClubcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational nonprofit dedicated to protecting manatees and their habitats. Founded by Jimmy Buffett and former Florida Governor Bob Graham. Provides speakers for Lectures at the Lagoon including Dr. Beth Brady, Senior Science and Conservation Associate.
• Dr. Beth BradyminorOthersSenior Science and Conservation Associate at Save the Manatee Club. Presented lecture on innovative scientific methods to protect Florida's gentle giants including citizen science, drone technology, and acoustic monitoring.
• Leneita Fix / The Reef InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExecutive Director of The Reef Institute maintaining over 8,000 corals representing 28 Caribbean species. Presented June 2026 lecture 'Rebuilding the Reef: Florida's Corals and a Future Worth Saving' in honor of World Ocean Day.
• Keith Rossin / MANGminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-Founder and Chief Restoration Officer of MANG, dedicated to mangrove restoration. Presented June 2025 lecture on mangroves and coastal resilience. MANG has planted over 761,000 mangroves worldwide.
• Keith Rossin / MANGminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-Founder and Chief Restoration Officer of MANG. Presented on mangrove restoration efforts and the 'Buy One. Plant One.' initiative.
• Ann Z CateringcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPalm Beaches' premier women-owned and operated full-service catering company. 10 years of experience at Manatee Lagoon providing food, beverages, bar programs, staffing, rentals and decor.
• Catering BDSminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFull-service catering with diverse cuisine capabilities from Asian Fusion to Soul Food.
• Catering CCminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCatering company led by Chef Winston Williams with Caribbean cuisine background.
• Corks & ForksminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCatering company founded by certified Sommelier Melanie Ober with partner Certified Master Chef Michael Ober.
• Island Kitchen Catering & EventsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFull-service off-premises catering with mobile catering kitchens bringing high-quality product directly to venue.
• Laura Ashley Catering & EventsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFemale-owned and operated boutique gourmet catering company with focus on attention to detail for weddings, birthdays, corporate, and charity events.
• Recipes for SuccessminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFull-service catering program of Extraordinary Charities delivering cuisine while creating employment opportunities for culinary training graduates including neurotypical and neurodivergent individuals.
• Salute MarketminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCatering company led by Chef Michelle Lefkowitz and Leah Ballow focused on delivering best experience for events.
• Sandy James CateringminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCatering and event production company with 17 years of experience in West Palm Beach area.
• Florida Power & Light Company (FPL)coreOthersParent company and facility owner. FPL's Riviera Beach Next Generation Clean Energy Center creates warm-water outflows that attract manatees. FPL supports manatee research and has donated over $700,000 for manatee conservation.
• Babcock RanchminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSister facility - Solar Ranch An FPL Eco-Discovery Center located within Babcock Ranch in Punta Gorda, FL. 2,500 sq. ft. educational facility focused on solar energy education.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Georgia Aquarium: One of the largest aquariums in the Western Hemisphere. Comparable as a marine-mammal-focused visitor attraction and education venue, but operates at significantly larger scale and as a paid-admission institution.
• Discovery Cove: Orlando reservation-based marine animal encounter park. Overlaps with Manatee Lagoon on marine education and animal interactions but at a markedly different premium-resort scale.
• Miami Seaquarium: Historic marine park featuring marine mammal exhibits and educational shows. Comparable as a Florida marine education attraction, though at larger scale and as a paid-admission operator.
• SeaWorld Orlando: Major marine-life theme park featuring manatee exhibits, rescue programs, and educational programming. Comparable in marine-mammal education focus, but operates as a large-scale paid theme park rather than a free conservation center.

Direct peers

• Clearwater Marine Aquarium: Working marine animal hospital and public aquarium focused on rescue, rehabilitation, and release. Comparable as a Florida-based marine conservation education center with paid admissions, animal exhibits, and standards-aligned school programming.
• Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium: Sarasota-based marine research institute and public aquarium offering marine science education, animal encounters, and conservation programs. Closely comparable to Manatee Lagoon as a Florida marine education attraction, and is already an active programming partner.
• Florida Oceanographic Society: Stuart, Florida coastal environmental education center with nature trails, exhibits, and marine-life programs. Comparable as a regional Florida nonprofit wildlife/nature education attraction.
• Loggerhead Marinelife Center: Juno Beach oceanfront sea turtle hospital and education center. Directly comparable wildlife education venue in the same Florida region, and is a current Manatee Lagoon partner in the WILD in the Palm Beaches Tour.
• The Reef Institute: West Palm Beach-based nonprofit focused on coral reef restoration and marine science education. Comparable in scale and mission, and a current Manatee Lagoon co-developer of the Marine Science Series.
• Busch Wildlife Sanctuary: 20-acre wildlife rehabilitation and education facility in Palm Beach County. Directly comparable as a free Florida wildlife education venue and a current Manatee Lagoon partner in the WILD in the Palm Beaches Tour.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Manatee Lagoon