ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Boat Instructor Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

American Cruise Lines

Excursions Director

Petersburg, VA · On-site

Manage launch boat operations with the Mate. * Coordinate weekly office inventory. * Coordinate the ... Meet with Cruise Director, Guest Speakers, Guest Instructors and Resident Entertainers at the start ...

American Cruise Lines

Excursions Director

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

Manage launch boat operations with the Mate. * Coordinate weekly office inventory. * Coordinate the ... Meet with Cruise Director, Guest Speakers, Guest Instructors and Resident Entertainers at the start ...

previous page

Showing results 21-27

All JobsBoat Instructor JobsBoat Instructor Jobs in Virginia

Boat Instructor information

See Virginia salary details

$9

$21

$35

How much do boat instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for boat instructor in Virginia is $21.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.72 and $23.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a boat instructor?

A Boat Instructor is responsible for teaching individuals or groups how to safely operate and navigate boats. They provide hands-on training, safety instructions, and guidelines on water regulations. Boat Instructors often work for boating schools, resorts, or recreational facilities, ensuring students gain confidence and skills on the water. They may also offer certification courses and assessments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a boat instructor?

To thrive as a Boat Instructor, you need comprehensive knowledge of boating techniques, safety protocols, and navigation, usually supported by relevant boating licenses or instructor certifications. Familiarity with various types of boats, safety equipment, and sometimes GPS or marine radio systems is important. Outstanding communication, patience, and leadership skills help instructors effectively teach and motivate students with differing skill levels. These qualifications ensure safe, engaging, and effective instruction on the water for all participants.

What are some common challenges boat instructors face during lessons, and how can they be managed?

Boat Instructors often encounter challenges such as varying weather conditions, differing experience levels among students, and ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols. Managing these challenges typically involves preparing flexible lesson plans, performing thorough safety briefings, and remaining calm and authoritative in unexpected situations. Instructors may adjust teaching methods on the fly to match student needs and prioritize clear communication at all times. With experience, instructors develop strong situational awareness and problem-solving abilities, making each lesson both safe and enjoyable for everyone involved.

What are popular job titles related to Boat Instructor jobs in Virginia?

For Boat Instructor jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Boat Instructor jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Boat Instructor jobs in Virginia are:

Boat Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Boat Instructor job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,724 per year, or $21 per hour.

Cruise & Excursions Director

American Cruise Lines

Petersburg, VA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Cruise amp; Excursions Director
American Cruise Lines, the largest USA flagged cruise line in the United States, is looking to add Cruise amp; Excursions Directors to our shipboard team for our 2026 season. American Cruise Lines only operates within the United States and has no more than 200 passenger vessels that create a one-of-a-kind small ship experience. With newly constructed vessels being added to our fleet, it is a great opportunity to join our shipboard management team.

The Cruise amp; Excursions Director is a hybrid role responsible for engaging guests both on board and ashore. On board, the Cruise amp; Excursions Director is the most visible advocate for guests and is responsible for creating a fun atmosphere while always engaging guests through a series of activities, shows, events, presentations, communications and socializing throughout the cruise. Ashore, the Cruise amp; Excursions Director engages guests in each destination through a series of shoreside excursions, explorations and adventures while managing all shore excursions and transfer operations, external vendor/operator communications, premium excursion upselling and inventory management.

This role has the highest level of guest interaction and can be very demanding, with long hours. The role requires an energetic and creative person with extraordinarily polished presentation skills, a collaborative team spirit and a passion for guest satisfaction. The Cruise amp; Excursions Director reports to the Hotel General Manager.
At American Cruise Lines, we are driven by our values—Optimism, Commitment, Patriotism, and Merit. These values shape our culture, our service, and our people, guiding us as we work together to Share America’s Story on the Finest American Ships.
Responsibilities
  • Schedule and execute engaging entertainment, enrichment and activity programs that enhance and elevate the guest experience.
  • Create the Ship to Shore.
  • Effectively communicate to guests via the shipboard daily program, stage, public address system and one-on-one interaction and socialization.
  • Be extraordinarily well-versed in the cruising region, ports of call and excursions offered.
  • Confirm and adjust, as necessary, all shore excursions, explorations, adventures and transfers.
  • Greet guests as they depart for and return from shore excursions.
  • Accompany guests on daily excursions as a company representative and brand ambassador.
  • Coordinate, communicate and confirm all logistics with vendors, coach companies, guides, ground operators and entertainers to ensure timely and smooth service.
  • Accommodate guest requests, including highly personalized ones such as kayaking, golf tee times, and private transportation arrangements.
  • Socialize with guests at every opportunity including, but not limited to, mealtimes and cocktail hour.
  • Make daily midday announcement/update; make every effort to make all PA announcements as the “voice” of the cruise.
  • Present a detailed Officer’s Introduction and Excursions Briefing to guests at the beginning of every cruise.
  • Assist in the delivery of the Safety Briefing with the Captain.
  • Ensure lounges are prepared for activities, events, presentations and shows (lounge configuration, stage set-up, background music, A/V requirements, etc.).
  • Meet and greet step-on entertainers when they join the ship; conduct sound check and inspect stage set-up.
  • Oversee excursion inventory and invoicing system; be fully responsible and accountable for system hardware.
  • Manage launch boat operations with the Mate.
  • Purchase morning newspapers in port each day.
  • Oversee, manage inventory and display port information collateral for guests; coordinate with local CVBs to obtain and refresh maps, brochures and other port-/region-specific materials of interest to guests.
  • Ensure that approved background music is playing in lounges before and after each activity, presentation and show.
  • Create and update bulletin board daily.
  • Coordinate weekly office inventory.
  • Prepare folders and materials for turnaround day.
  • Inform crew members of daily excursion offerings.
  • Monitor and evaluate performance of vendors, coach companies, guides, ground operators, motor coaches, entertainers and guest speakers, providing immediate course corrections when necessary.
  • Oversee company representation at pre-cruise hotels on turnaround day (when applicable).
  • Meet with Guest Speakers, Guest Instructors and Resident Entertainers at the start of every cruise to review scheduling.
  • Promote on board sales and brand loyalty program.
  • Communicate and report regularly to the Home Office as to the status of the cruise, excursion counts, guest issues and recovery, entertainment, enrichment and activities.
  • Perform other reasonable duties as assigned by the Hotel General Manager.
  • Perform bartending duties as needed with other management personnel.
Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s Degree in hospitality, tourism, or event management is preferred.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications.
  • Enthusiasm, confidence, and a can-do attitude.
  • Strong public speaking skills.
  • Strong social skills.
  • Strong critical thinking skills.
  • Strong sense of production and presentation.
  • Basic knowledge of audio/visual equipment required.
  • Excellent time management and attention to detail.
  • Strong knowledge of U.S. Geography preferred.
  • Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
  • Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.
Attributes for Success:
  • Ability to engage guests throughout each cruise.
  • Superior time management.
  • Ability to manage and solve problems.
  • Sense of urgency in all guest, crew, and home office requests.
  • Positive attitude and receptive to continuous performance feedback.
Work Schedule:
  • 7 days per week while onboard the ship.
  • 6 to 8 weeks working and living onboard the ship / 1 to 2 weeks off.
  • This is a full-time, exempt position.
Essential Functions:
  • Ships experience forces from wind, waves, and currents, prompting them to exhibit six distinct motions known as ship motions. The six motions are surge, sway, heave, roll, pitch, and yaw. This position requires the ability to live and satisfactorily perform job duties in an environment that is subject to constant motion.
  • Ability to work around 12 hours per day.
  • Ability to assist in the event of an on-board emergency by quickly climbing up a ladder, opening, and passing through a 20” diameter hatch.
  • Ability to stand for your entire shift.
  • Ability to frequently lift up to 20 lbs. and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Ability to frequently bend, squat and reach.
  • Ability to work outside during inclement weather, staying agile, and maintaining balance over wet terrain.
  • Ability to work outside with frequent and direct sun and heat exposure.
  • Ability to live and work on board a vessel for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to use stairs frequently.
Compensation and Benefits:
  • Competitive daily rate.
  • Health, dental, vision, and 401(k) with match.
  • Covered Expenses: American Cruise Lines provides travel, room and board, uniforms, and training.
Applicant Acknowledgment
By proceeding to apply for the above position, I acknowledge that I have read and understand the description of the job position for which I am applying, I agree that it accurately reflects the essential functions of the position, and I represent that I can complete the essential functions of the position.

Equal Opportunity Employer
American Cruise Lines is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants. ‎American Cruise Lines bases all employment decisions on business needs, job requirements, and individual ‎qualifications without regard to protected characteristics, including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin and citizenship, age (40 and over), disability (including perceived disability), generic information, military service, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law. ‎This policy applies to all aspects of employment and employment decisions, including, but not limited to, ‎hiring, selection, job assignment, training, compensation, promotion, discipline, termination, and access ‎to benefits.‎
*Job sites across the nation.
**This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position and such duties and responsibilities may change without notice.

Apply