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Boat Tour Guide Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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)

Alaska X

Adventure Guide - CDL + Passenger

Juneau, AK · On-site

Provides a narrated tour using accurate, quality information while transporting the guests. May ... Acting as a shuttle to transport Glacier Point guests to and from the Small Boat Harbor as needed ...

Alaska X

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 ...

Banner Health

Acute Ultrasound Technologist I

Page, AZ · On-site

Cruise the clear blue-green waters on a panoramic boat tour, or rent water skis, or kayaks. Visit ... Performs ultrasound guided procedures and works closely with radiologist or provider. 2. Educates ...

Contentoo

Senior Customer Success Manager

... guiding them from first collaboration to long-term results. Your role is to make sure they get the ... a boat tour, over lunch, on our rooftop terrace, or during a friendly FIFA or Mario Kart match in ...

AMN Healthcare Allied

Travel MRI Technologist

Easton, PA · On-site

$2.8K - $2.9K/wk

Visit the National Canal Museum, or experience the waterways first hand by taking a guided boat tour. Job Benefits Allied travel assignments are typically for 13 weeks and offer generous packages ...

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Boat Tour Guide information

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$33

How much do boat tour guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 12, 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 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.

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.
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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $39,124 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

USCG Captain - Snorkel / Whale Watch Tours

ZTourz Inc

Koloa, HI • On-site

$30 - $45/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Kauai Z Tours | Koloa, Kauai

Love being on the water? Enjoy sharing Hawaii with visitors from around the world?

Kauai Z Tours has been creating unforgettable ocean adventures on Kauai for more than 25 years. We're looking for experienced, safety-minded captains who are passionate about delivering exceptional guest experiences while leading our snorkeling and seasonal whale watching tours.

This is much more than operating a boat. Our captains are professional mariners, hospitality professionals, safety leaders, tour guides, and ambassadors for the island of Kauai. Every tour is an opportunity to introduce guests to Hawaii's incredible marine life while providing a safe, educational, and unforgettable experience.

If you enjoy working outdoors, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and love creating memorable experiences for guests, we'd love to hear from you.

What You'll Do
  • Safely operate U.S. Coast Guardinspected Zodiac vessels.
  • Lead snorkeling and seasonal whale watching tours.
  • Deliver engaging narration about Kauai's marine life, history, culture, and coastline.
  • Conduct professional safety briefings before every tour.
  • Monitor weather, ocean, and sea conditions to ensure safe operations.
  • Assist guests boarding and exiting the vessel.
  • Help snorkel guides ensure guests have a safe and enjoyable experience in the water.
  • Safely launch and retrieve company vessels each day.
  • Drive company trucks while towing boat trailers to and from the harbor.
  • Confidently back trailers down boat ramps and safely retrieve vessels at the end of the day.
  • Perform daily inspections of vessels, trailers, and company vehicles while reporting maintenance concerns.
  • Fuel, clean, stock, and prepare vessels for daily operations.
  • Maintain captain's logs and required U.S. Coast Guard documentation.
  • Work closely with snorkel guides, office staff, and management to deliver exceptional guest experiences.
  • Maintain all U.S. Coast Guard, company, and safety standards.

    • Minimum Qualifications

    Applicants must:
  • Hold a current U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with a minimum Master 25 GRT license.
  • Be legally authorized to work in the United States.
  • Be able to provide documentation verifying authorization to work in the United States on the first day of employment.
  • Pass preemployment and random drug testing.
  • Hold a valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
  • Be comfortable driving fullsize pickup trucks while towing boat trailers.
  • Be able to safely launch and retrieve boats using company trucks and trailers.
  • Be physically able to lift and carry equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
  • Be comfortable working outdoors in changing weather and ocean conditions.
  • Be available to work weekends, holidays, and peak tourism seasons.
    • Preferred Qualifications
  • Two or more years of commercial boating experience.
  • Current CPR and First Aid certification (or ability to obtain before your first day of work).
  • Previous experience towing and launching trailered vessels.
  • Familiarity with vessel maintenance and mechanical troubleshooting.
  • Strong public speaking and guest engagement skills.
  • Experience working in hospitality or tourism.
  • Knowledge of Hawaiian marine life and ocean safety.
    • Compensation & Benefits
  • Competitive hourly pay based on experience.
  • Generous gratuities.
  • Health insurance (eligible employees).
  • Employee activity benefits.
  • Consistent monthly schedules.
  • Yearround employment.
  • Opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
    • Availability Requirements

    We operate year-round and are busiest during holidays and peak tourism seasons.

    Applicants must be available to work:
  • Weekends and holidays.
  • June through September.
  • December 15 through January 15.

    • These are blackout periods, and time-off requests during these dates generally cannot be accommodated.

    Why Join Kauai Z Tours?

    Every day is different. One tour may feature Hawaiian green sea turtles and vibrant reef fish, while another may bring guests face-to-face with humpback whales during the winter migration. You'll work alongside a professional team dedicated to providing safe, educational, and unforgettable ocean adventures.

    We're looking for dependable, positive professionals who take pride in safety, teamwork, and outstanding hospitality. If you're ready to help guests experience the very best of Kauai from the water, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply