Manatees in Paradise

Supporting Florida’s Gentle Giants

At Camp Margaritaville Resort Auburndale, paradise is about more than sunshine, music, and good vibes. It’s also about protecting the natural beauty and wildlife that make Florida such a special place.

That’s why we’re proud to host Manatees in Paradise, a special event dedicated to celebrating and supporting one of Florida’s most beloved creatures — the manatee.

A Cause Close to Jimmy Buffett’s Heart

Manatee conservation has long been connected to the Margaritaville story. Jimmy Buffett helped co-found the Save the Manatee Club, an organization dedicated to protecting manatees and their aquatic habitats.

For decades, the organization has worked to educate the public, support conservation research, and advocate for policies that protect these gentle marine mammals.

The club is led by Patrick Rose, a renowned aquatic biologist and conservation leader with more than 46 years of experience protecting manatees and shaping policy that helps ensure their future.

Their mission aligns perfectly with the Margaritaville philosophy of protecting the paradise we all love.

A Fin-Tastic Day for a Great Cause

On March 14, 2026 from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, guests are invited to join us for Manatees in Paradise, a fun-filled day of creativity, education, and conservation.

Families, kids, and ocean lovers alike can enjoy activities that celebrate these incredible animals while raising money to support the work of Save the Manatee Club.

Event Highlights

Manatee Community Painting

• Guests can help create a one-of-a-kind community manatee painting.
• $10 per 5-minute painting session
• Open to all ages
• Each participant receives a raffle ticket
• One lucky winner will be drawn at the end of the event
• 100% of the painting proceeds will be donated to Save the Manatee Club.

Save the Manatee Club Information & Adoption Table

Meet representatives from Save the Manatee Club and learn more about how you can help protect manatees.

• Guests will be able to:
• Adopt a manatee
• Stuff their very own manatee plush
• Pick up educational materials and stickers
• Enjoy manatee-themed coloring pages
• HART Manatee Art & Merch

Browse unique manatee-inspired artwork and merchandise from HART Art.

Even better — 50% of all HART Art sales will be donated to Save the Manatee Club, helping support ongoing conservation efforts.

Celebrating and Protecting Paradise

Events like Manatees in Paradise remind us that protecting Florida’s wildlife is something we can all be part of. Whether you paint, adopt a manatee, or simply stop by to learn more, every little bit helps support the future of these gentle giants.

We’re incredibly excited to bring the community together to raise awareness and funds for such an important cause.

So come join us for a day filled with island vibes, creativity, and conservation — all in support of the manatees who call Florida home.

We can’t wait to see you in paradise.