We were hesitant to take the longer 8.5 hour tour, but so thankful we did! We had great luck with seeing wildlife (otters, puffins, seals, sea lions, jellyfish, and ORCAS!). While wildlife cannot viewing cannot be guaranteed, the captain and crew did an outstanding job to ensure we had the best viewing of the scenery, including islands, glaciers, waterfalls, and rainbows too! Everyone was welcoming, attentive, very knowledgeable, and happy to answer questions. They genuinely wanted us to have a great trip and made every effort to ensure a top-notch experience! If I did only one thing in Alaska, this tour would be it. Cannot recommend enough. Thank you to Captain Nat, Scott, and Talia for a SPECTACULAR experience and memories that will last a lifetime.