Any point swimming Crystal River out of season?

[Tea]

If the manatees are only there til March is there any point swimming there in late April, early May or would we be as well off in Kelly or Wekiwa springs which is closer to Orlando?

[hermione25]

We’ve done Crystal River 3 times - August was a waste - murky water and only 1 manatee. However both times we swam in April we saw loads. Admittedly the early April was better - Crystal clear water in shallow pools and loads of manatees just swimming around you, later in April the water wasn’t quite as clear and we did have to swim in more open water to find them but still saw lots.

[returnplanning]

I think that the skippered trips are all year round, presumably they wouldn't offer them if you couldn't see nay manatees

[Tea]

Thanks, that's really reassuring.
We did an airboat tour before and it was fairly bereft of any wildlife even though we were there first thing in the morning so I'm a little hesitant about these things!