We went with our guide, Bill, on March 13 - warm and sunny day and the river was quiet. The warmer it gets, the less the manatees congregate in the warm spring that feeds the river, so we missed the large gathering of manatees which happens until early March, but that did not stop us from having an AMAZING time! We did see two manatees - snoozing and coming up for air - early in our trip. We also saw dozens of alligators of all sizes and shapes, turtles, various fish (both jumping and swimming) and loads of birds including bald eagles, osprey, cormorants, anhingas, limpkins, a wood stork, and far too many others to name, all VERY close and amazing to see. Kayaking was very easy - don't worry if you don't know how - and beautiful, some on the open river (which moves VERY slowly) and some down a small creek area packed with foliage and wildlife which made us feel we were in the swamps of the Everglades. This was a magical and beautiful experience, Bill was an outstanding guide, quietly pointing out the area fauna and being very respectful that this is their space and we are the interlopers. Highly recommended for couples, families, individuals of all ages reasonable to go in a kayak, provided you can stay quiet and appreciate nature (no splashing or screaming, able to sit for a few hours in a kayak). Recommend you bring a waterproof camera - we did not (we did not bring one on our trip), and we wish we had! Lovely and we would absolutely go again!