100% this. It is more important then the size of your specific tour/boat. If there are hundreds of folks from the cattle boats at SRC the same time there you are, that usually means a lot less interaction you will get from the resident Rays.

I am not a morning person either, but the early morning trip was a a game changer for me. The Rays are hungrier than other times and there seem to be more than at other times. Now when we have guests who want to visit SRC, it's the only one I'll join them on. If the early morning trip is not viable, I'd opt for the latest one you can find in the afternoon to better avoid the crowds. Rays may be more satiated, but it'll feel less like zoo (metaphorically).