The 8.5 trip was probably the best part of my trip to Alaska. We saw Humpbacks and Orca's within 2 hrs. We encountered Humpback's throughout the excursion and then on the way back saw more Orca's. It felt like a couple hrs, not all day. The scenery is beautiful. Really cool to see the rock craggles that are bird rookeries and all the sea lions/seals hanging out on.
Another absolutely incredible part of the trip was hanging out next to the glacier. We could hear it cracking, it sounded like thunder/lightning. Didn't see calving except one little clump, but it was a WoW experience. The ice chunks were hittiing the boat and it was pretty chilly hanging out there next to it. Make sure to hike to Exit Glacier where you can see the rear end of a glacier, but take bear spray! That is a short drive from the dock and not a long drive. It also accessible for disabled people, even people in wheel chairs, though they can go up as high, as close, but TOTALLY worth it! We also had a drink with glacier ice for cubes!
I highly recommend wearing waterproof pant pullovers and a waterproof coat or pullover. I bought a set at the Army/Navy store in Anchorage (brand-Toggs) for 24.99.
The only detriment, which I had read before was the food at Fox Island. I knew that going in, but I did get diarrhea from the salmon which was overcooked, mushy as well. Joe thought the prime rib was overcooked.
OK. One more detriment. The captain quoted the life span of an Orca as 30 years, which is NOT true. They live as long as humans. In captivity they die that young. Also, it was mentioned that Orca's and seals are in trouble, starving, but it was not mentioned that it is because humans are eating so many fish, that there isn't enough for them. So, I was surprised they serve salmon at the island. There are 3 types of salmon: Chinook, King, and Sockeye. I do not actually know what type the resident Orca population eats, but all sources have conflicted.
I would post pics, but they are on my camera and I haven't gone through them yet.
Staff was great. Ranger was great. The experience was great.