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Adventure Guide Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

FSAP and PETA

Tour Crew Positions

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$18.50/hr

With multiple crews on the road, you have endless opportunities for adventure and to make a difference! TeachKind tours bring our animatronic educators, Carly the cow and Ellie the elephant, to ...

sportsmans

Part Time Store Outfitter

Fredericksburg, VA · On-site

$14.25 - $16.25/hr

Be a Knowledgeable Guide: Share your passion and expertise about outdoor activities, products, and destinations. Help customers find exactly what they need for their next adventure, whether it ...

sportsmans

Part Time Store Outfitter

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$15 - $17.25/hr

Be a Knowledgeable Guide: Share your passion and expertise about outdoor activities, products, and destinations. Help customers find exactly what they need for their next adventure, whether it ...

511 Inc

Retail Store Manager

Virginia Beach, VA

$23 - $27/hr

Born in Yosemite, forged in Quantico and built for adventure. 5.11 is a purpose-driven lifestyle ... You'll guide your team to meet ambitious goals, exceed customer expectations, and uphold the high ...

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All JobsAdventure Guide JobsAdventure Guide Jobs in Virginia

Adventure Guide information

See Virginia salary details

$7

$14

$20

How much do adventure guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for adventure guide in Virginia is $14.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.61 and $15.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Adventure Guide vs Tour Guide?

AspectAdventure GuideTour Guide
CertificationsFirst aid, outdoor activity certificationsTourism or history certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, active, often remote locationsIndoor and outdoor, urban or rural settings
Industry UsageAdventure tourism, outdoor recreationTravel, sightseeing, cultural tours
Common Search IntentOutdoor adventure activities, extreme sports guidesCity tours, historical sites, sightseeing

Adventure Guides focus on outdoor, active experiences like hiking, rafting, or zip-lining, requiring outdoor certifications and working in natural environments. Tour Guides typically lead groups through city landmarks or cultural sites, often needing tourism-related certifications. Both roles involve guiding groups, but Adventure Guides emphasize outdoor adventure, while Tour Guides focus on cultural and historical education.

What are Adventure Guides?

Adventure Guides are professionals who lead and assist individuals or groups on outdoor activities such as hiking, rafting, climbing, or wildlife tours. Their main responsibilities include ensuring safety, providing instruction, sharing knowledge about the natural environment, and enhancing the overall experience for participants. Adventure Guides often work in diverse settings like national parks, wilderness areas, or travel destinations, and they require strong leadership, communication, and survival skills.

What are some common challenges Adventure Guides face when leading groups in the outdoors?

Adventure Guides often encounter challenges such as managing group dynamics, ensuring safety in unpredictable outdoor conditions, and adapting activities to suit varying skill levels. Effective communication and quick decision-making are crucial when dealing with unexpected weather, injuries, or changes in itinerary. Guides must also balance providing an enjoyable experience while strictly adhering to safety protocols and environmental regulations.

What Is an Adventure Guide?

An adventure guide is a type of tour guide who takes a group of people out to do recreational and adrenaline-filled activities. In this career, an excursion you lead is usually one that is more exciting and interactive than a typical tour. You may go out on ATV's into the mountains of a foreign country, whitewater raft through the Grand Canyon, or canoe down the Amazon River, leading the way. Creating an exciting recreation environment is only one of the duties of an adventure guide. You must also keep groups safe, keep the trip educational and interactive, and sometimes even cook for your groups.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Adventure Guide, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Adventure Guide, you need strong outdoor skills, first aid certification, and knowledge of local terrain and safety protocols. Familiarity with GPS navigation devices, rescue equipment, and communication radios is typically required. Leadership, clear communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are standout soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure both the safety and enjoyment of participants, as well as effective management of unexpected situations during excursions.
More about Adventure Guide jobs
What are popular job titles related to Adventure Guide jobs in Virginia? For Adventure Guide jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Adventure Guide jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Adventure Guide jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Adventure Guide jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Adventure Guide job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Adventure Guide jobs in VA? For Adventure Guide jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Adventure Guide jobs near you
Challenge Course Facilitator

Challenge Course Facilitator

Girl Scout Council of the Nation's Capital

Oakton, VA • On-site

$17.65 - $25/hr

Other

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Primary Responsibility: Assist in the planning, supervision, and implementation of the high ropes and low ropes course as Camp Crowell. Comply with all Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital procedures for high adventure activities, industry standards, and in accordance with any relevant county/state guidelines.

Specific Duties:

  • Attend a two-day training at Camp Crowell in Early Spring as well as one training day throughout the year.
    1. Training will include but is not limited to: set-up, break down, course operation, safety orientations, knot tying, belay techniques and rescues.
  • Work at least 3 days each season (Spring, Summer, Fall).
  • Assist Course Supervisor in planning adventure course programming.
  • Ensure all volunteers and/or chaperones properly assist in program implementation as needed.
  • Learn, understand and practice risk assessment/management through the course and camp.
  • Ensure participants are safe and always follow safety procedures.
  • Complete required reporting to the Course Supervisor after each session in a timely manner.
  • Maintains all high adventure equipment, ensuring that equipment is clean, orderly, accounted for and reconciled after each session.
  • Work cooperatively with all course/camp staff.
  • Discuss with Course Supervisor any problems or concerns with adventure equipment, areas or programs as well as bring any concerns about participants or staff up promptly.
  • Complete other tasks and duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

  • Certified or willing to become certified in high adventure, specifically high ropes.
  • Healthy enough to operate a high ropes course including guiding participants, conducting rescues and course setup/breakdowns.
  • Experience working with kids preferred but not required.
  • Comfortable working at heights upwards of 30ft or more.
  • Interest, knowledge, planning and teaching ability in adventure program concepts.
  • Willingness to learn and take direction
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Certified in CPR & First-Aid or willing to become certified
  • Committed to the goals and purpose of Girl Scouts and the Council of Girl Scouts of Nation’s Capital.

Apply