ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Charter Boat Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Island Dream Productions

HI

$60 - $100/hr

Communicate effectively with boat captains, crew, and fellow photographers to ensure smooth ... Work aboard charter boats for snorkel and sunset tours * You'll be comfortable swimming and taking ...

Red Hospitality & Leisure

The Charter Operations Manager is ultimately responsible for daily management of all captains, crew ... boat rentals and equipment, and for the delegation/follow through to Market Director and/or ...

Navis Consulting

FL · On-site

The Yacht Manager will serve as the primary point of contact between the owner, captain, crew ... Be the principal point of contact for the yachts under their management - mainly Brokers & Charter ...

previous page

Showing results 21-31

All JobsSports and Recreation JobsBoat JobsBoater JobsCharter Boat Captain Jobs

Charter Boat Captain information

See salary details

$5

$25

$48

How much do charter boat captain jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for charter boat captain in the United States is $25.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $30.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a charter boat captain do?

A Charter Boat Captain is responsible for operating boats that are rented out for private trips, fishing excursions, sightseeing tours, or other recreational activities. They navigate the vessel, ensure passenger safety, and often provide guidance or instruction related to the activity, such as fishing techniques or local information. Additionally, Charter Boat Captains must maintain their boats, adhere to maritime regulations, and ensure all necessary permits and licenses are up to date. Their role combines maritime expertise with customer service skills to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for clients.

What does a charter boat captain do?

As a charter boat captain, your job is to take passengers on tours to their requested destination. This may involve travel along lakes, a river, or the ocean. Some guests are there solely to sightsee, while others plan to go fishing, participate in water sports, or even learn more about operating boats. Trips that focus on adults usually have some food and entertainment aboard, while trips with children usually leave the alcohol behind. Some charter boat captains are independent operators, while others work exclusively for a single company. Even if you plan to eventually operate your own commercial boat, working for a charter company is a great way to get started.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a charter boat captain, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Charter Boat Captain, you need a valid captain’s license (such as the USCG OUPV or Master), strong navigational skills, and a solid understanding of maritime laws and safety procedures. Familiarity with GPS, radar, marine radios, and vessel maintenance systems is crucial. Excellent communication, customer service, and problem-solving abilities set outstanding captains apart in managing clients and handling unexpected situations. These skills and qualities ensure safe voyages, satisfied customers, and compliance with regulatory requirements.

What are some common challenges faced by charter boat captains during busy seasons, and how can they be managed?

During peak seasons, Charter Boat Captains often face challenges such as managing high demand, ensuring guest safety, and maintaining their vessel under a tight schedule. It's important to stay organized by developing a clear booking system and preparing backup plans for weather or equipment issues. Effective communication with crew members and guests helps ensure smooth operations and a positive experience for everyone on board. Additionally, regular maintenance checks and proactive planning can minimize downtime and safety risks.

What is the difference between Charter Boat Captain vs Marine Deckhand?

AspectCharter Boat CaptainMarine Deckhand
CertificationsCaptain's license, CPR, first aidSTCW certification, basic safety training
Work EnvironmentLeads trips, manages crew, interacts with clientsAssists with maintenance, safety, and docking
Industry UsageOwned or operated by individuals or companies for passenger tripsEmployed on commercial or private vessels for support roles

The main difference is that a Charter Boat Captain is responsible for leading trips, managing the vessel, and ensuring passenger safety, while a Marine Deckhand assists with vessel operations, maintenance, and safety tasks. Both roles require safety certifications, but the Captain holds a higher license level and has more leadership responsibilities.

More about Charter Boat Captain jobs

What cities are hiring for Charter Boat Captain jobs?

Cities with the most Charter Boat Captain job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Charter Boat Captain jobs?

The most popular types of Charter Boat Captain jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Charter Boat Captain jobs?

The top employers for Charter Boat Captain jobs are:

What states have the most Charter Boat Captain jobs?

States with the most job openings for Charter Boat Captain jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Charter Boat Captain jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Charter Boat Captain jobs are:

What are popular job titles related to Charter Boat Captain jobs?

For Charter Boat Captain jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Charter Boat Captain jobs near you
Infographic showing various Charter Boat Captain job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $53,531 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

Napali Coast Boat Tour Photographer - Training Provided

Island Dream Productions

HI • Remote

$60/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Location: Port Allen Harbor - Eleele, Hawaii - Kauai

Job Type: Full-Time and Part-Time opportunities

Hours: 6:45AM - 2PM  


No prior photography experience needed and we provide all the camera equipment and comprehensive training to teach you the skills needed to excel in this role. 


About Us
We are a photography team specializing in capturing unforgettable moments on boat tour adventures, including snorkeling and sunset tours. Our photographers work alongside Hawaii's best boat companies to document guests’ experiences and provide high-quality images for purchase. We are passionate about storytelling, marine life, and delivering excellent customer service. 


If you love working outdoors, interacting with people, and being on a boat, this is the perfect opportunity for you.


Position Overview

We are looking for motivated individuals passionate about working with people, who thrive in fast-paced, outdoor environments. As a team member, you will be responsible for photographing guests, managing photo sales, and maintaining positive relationships with boat crews and customers. The ideal candidate is adaptable, professional, and able to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team atmosphere.

Key Responsibilities

  • Capture high-quality images of guests during marine excursions, ensuring excellent composition and lighting.
  • Engage with guests to create a fun and memorable experience while maintaining professionalism.
  • Edit and organize images efficiently on board for same day sales
  • Manage and facilitate photo sales, including handling payments and digital delivery.
  • Communicate effectively with boat captains, crew, and fellow photographers to ensure smooth operations.
  • Strong organizational skills to keep guests coordinated and efficiently manage all related tasks.
  • Follow all safety protocols while working on and around boats.


Additional Requirements

  • MacBook Pro, 2020 or newer.
  • Lightroom Classic Subscription ($10/month)
  • External Hard-drive
  • Wi-Fi
  • Strong swimming skills
  • Must currently reside on Kauai

You’ll Stand Out If:

  • You have previous photography experience
  • You have sales or tour guide experience
  • Lightroom Experience
  • Experience working on boats

Work Environment:

  • Work aboard charter boats for snorkel and sunset tours
  • You'll be comfortable swimming and taking photography in the water

Compensation:

  • Commission Based: Average $60-$100/hr