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Boat Tour Guide Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Icy Strait Point LLC

Kayak Tour Guide

Hoonah, AK · On-site

$18/hr

... boat during tours in a safe and appropriate manner. · Perform lead guide, chase guide, outfitter, safety boat and other duties as assigned. · Care for and maintain ISP equipment, vehicles and ...

Alaska X

Guide I

Juneau, AK

Provides a narrated tour using accurate, quality information while transporting the guests. May ... the Small Boat Harbor as needed QUALIFICATIONS: Must be at least 21 years of age Must possess ...

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Icy Strait Point

Boat Captain

Hoonah, AK

$30/hr

... guiding principles: Best, Authentic and Profitable Tour Destination. • Steer and operate vessels ... boat to ensure efficient and safe operation of vessels and equipment and their conformity to ...

Icy Strait Point LLC

Boat Captain

Hoonah, AK · On-site

$30/hr

... guiding principles: Best, Authentic and Profitable Tour Destination. · Steer and operate vessels ... boat to ensure efficient and safe operation of vessels and equipment and their conformity to ...

Yurok Tribe (CA)

Jet Boat Deckhand

Klamath, CA · On-site

$21.30 - $32.21/hr

The Jet Boat Deckhand will assist the Jet Boat Captain for the operation of providing river ferry ... tour guide experience preferred but not necessary. 6. Must be capable of using escape hatches and ...

Yurok Tribe

Jet Boat Deckhand

Klamath, CA · On-site

$21.30 - $32.21/hr

The Jet Boat Deckhand will assist the Jet Boat Captain for the operation of providing river ferry ... tour guide experience preferred but not necessary. 6. Must be capable of using escape hatches and ...

ANTELOPE POINT HOLDINGS LLC

Boat Captain

Page, AZ

Safely operate and navigate tour and charter vessels while ensuring compliance with all applicable ... Experience providing guided tours, live narration, or educational commentary for guest (preferred)

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How much do boat tour guide jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for boat tour guide in the United States is $18.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Boat Tour Guide, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Boat Tour Guide, you need knowledge of local waterways, navigation skills, and often a boating license or certification in CPR and first aid. Familiarity with marine radios, GPS systems, and safety equipment is typically required. Outstanding communication, storytelling, and customer service skills help create engaging and enjoyable experiences for guests. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring passenger safety, delivering informative tours, and building positive customer relationships.

What are some common challenges faced by Boat Tour Guides during a typical tour?

Boat Tour Guides often encounter challenges such as adapting to changing weather conditions, ensuring passenger safety, and keeping tours engaging for diverse groups. They must be prepared to adjust their route or narration based on unexpected events, like wildlife sightings or waterway traffic. Managing a group with varying interests and comfort levels requires strong communication and customer service skills, as well as the ability to remain calm and resourceful in dynamic situations.

What does a Boat Tour Guide do?

A Boat Tour Guide leads groups of people on water-based tours, providing commentary about the sights, history, and local wildlife. They ensure passenger safety, answer questions, and often share interesting facts or stories to make the tour engaging. Boat Tour Guides may also assist with basic boat operations, enforce safety regulations, and handle emergencies if needed. Their main goal is to create an enjoyable and informative experience for everyone on board.

What is the difference between Boat Tour Guide vs Marine Naturalist?

AspectBoat Tour GuideMarine Naturalist
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, boating licensesMarine biology, environmental science certifications
Work EnvironmentOn boats, tourist settings, outdoorMarine habitats, research vessels, outdoor
Employer & IndustryTour companies, cruise linesResearch institutions, parks, eco-tours
Search & ComparisonTour guiding, customer serviceMarine education, conservation

While both roles involve working on or near water, a Boat Tour Guide primarily focuses on leading tourists and providing entertainment or information about the area. A Marine Naturalist emphasizes educating visitors about marine ecosystems and conservation, often requiring specialized biological knowledge. The roles overlap in outdoor work environments and some certifications but differ in focus and expertise.

More about Boat Tour Guide jobs
What states have the most Boat Tour Guide jobs? States with the most job openings for Boat Tour Guide jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Boat Tour Guide jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Boat Tour Guide jobs are:
Boat Tour Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Boat Tour Guide job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,124 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

Boat Tour Guide

LAKE JUNALUSKA ASSEMBLY INC

Lake Junaluska, NC

Other

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

LJA Mission Statement:

The mission of Lake Junaluska is to be a place of Christian hospitality where lives are transformed through renewal of soul, mind and body.  

Position Summary: Join our team and become the friendly face and knowledgeable voice guiding visitors on boat tours aboard the historic Cherokee IV. As a Boat Tour Guide, you will have the opportunity to showcase the beautiful waterfront of Lake Junaluska, share engaging historical tidbits, and provide a memorable experience for families, tourists, and private event groups.

Essential Functions: 

  • Operate and navigate the Cherokee IV safely, following established protocols and regulations for passenger safety.

  • Conduct guided boat tours, following a script that shares lake history and insights in an engaging and informative manner.

  • Ensure passengers feel welcome, comfortable, and safe throughout the tour.

  • Adapt your approach to suit various audiences, from casual visitors to private cruise participants.

  • Answer guests' questions about Lake Junaluska’s history, scenic surroundings, and boat tour services.

  • Collaborate with staff to ensure boat tours operate smoothly and on schedule.

  • Assist guests with ticketing processes, including helping them purchase tickets and manage reservations.

  • Provide support at the Lake Junaluska Outfitters and Recreation Department, assisting with customer inquiries, reservations, and daily operations as needed.

  • Provide support for the Lake Junaluska Services and Media Department, assisting with event set-up and break-down as needed. 

  • Must possess excellent hospitality skills and a strong desire to foster an attitude of Christian hospitality to “exceed guest expectations”.

  • Comply with all safety policies, practices and procedures and report any unsafe activities or conditions immediately to supervisor or the Human Resources department.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Required Boater Education Card issued by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, with completion of NASBLA-approved boating safety course. Reimbursement is available.

  • Preferred CPR/First Aid Certification. 

  • Required Minimum age of 18 with a valid Driver’s License

  • Hospitality and public speaking experience are strongly desired.  

  • Demonstrated experience in maintaining composure and professionalism while managing passenger safety and expectations.

  • Ability to engage and inform guests with clear, enthusiastic, and entertaining narration.

  • Must be able to communicate with Director of Event Operations and Recreation Manager through a variety of communication methods, i.e. Email, text, phone, and radio.

  • Must be flexible and able to adapt to changing needs, multiple task demands, and work structures.

  • Ability to effectively present job related information upon request to customers, clients, and employees of the organization. 

  • Ability to solve practical problems and handle a variety of customer, clients and employee questions. 

  • Must be willing to work a flexible schedule.

Working conditions

  • Moderate to heavy physical activity performing strenuous and non-strenuous activities with moderate to loud noise. 

  • Primarily working outdoors exposed to elements such as; heat, sun, cold, snow, rain and wind.

  • Ability to coordinate work, continuously moves about, able to stand for prolonged periods of time, walk, sit, manual dexterity to handle or feel.

  • Ability to reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, talk to and hear staff and customer requests,  and also lifts or otherwise move objects weighing up to 75  pounds.

  • Must have adequate vision to carry out daily activities. Good peripheral vision is necessary.

  • Work schedule; Boat Tours run Thursday – Sunday, from 3:00 pm to 7:30 pm. Nights, weekends, and holidays as required.

Lake Junaluska is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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