ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Boat Tour Guide Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Magnolia Plantation

Weekend Tour Guide

Charleston, SC · On-site

$15/hr

... Boat Tours, Slavery to Freedom Tour, Magnolia House Tour, Audubon Swamp Garden Tour, etc. Tour Guides at MPC are responsible for crafting a positive, educational experience for our visitors through ...

Island Dream Productions

HI

$60/hr

Our photographers work alongside Hawaii's best boat companies to document guests' experiences and ... You have sales or tour guide experience * Lightroom Experience * Experience working on boats Work ...

Island Dream Productions

HI

$60 - $100/hr

Our photographers work alongside Hawaii's best boat companies to document guests' experiences and ... You have sales or tour guide experience * Lightroom Experience * Experience working on boats Work ...

ZTourz Inc

Snorkel Guide / Crew

Koloa, HI · On-site

$16 - $26/hr

Every tour is an opportunity to help guests feel safe, welcomed, informed, and excited to experience Kauai's ocean environment. What You'll Do * Guide shore snorkel and zodiac boat snorkel tours with ...

Island Dreamer Sailing Llc

BOAT CAPTAIN

Homestead, FL · On-site

$23 - $27/hr

As a Boat Captain for Island Dreamer Sailing your duties will include learning the general ... interpretive tour guide is required. You will also be responsible for the safety of the guests ...

Island Dreamer Sailing Llc

BOAT CAPTAIN

Miami, FL · On-site

$23 - $27/hr

As a Boat Captain for Island Dreamer Sailing your duties will include learning the general ... interpretive tour guide is required. You will also be responsible for the safety of the guests ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSports and Recreation JobsBoat JobsBoater JobsBoat Tour Guide Jobs

Boat Tour Guide information

See salary details

$8

$18

$33

How much do boat tour guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 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 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 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 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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote 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 • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 6 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

Apply