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Day Shift Whale Watch information

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$23K

$43.2K

$108K

How much do day shift whale watch jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for day shift whale watch in the United States is $43,208.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32,000.00 and $43,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a day shift whale watch?

Day Shift Whale Watch jobs typically involve working on boats or at observation points to guide, educate, and ensure the safety of guests during daytime whale watching tours. Responsibilities may include spotting and identifying whale species, providing commentary about marine life, and assisting with customer service tasks. These positions often require knowledge of marine biology, strong communication skills, and the ability to work outdoors for extended periods. Day shifts generally run during daylight hours when whales are most visible and tours are scheduled.

What are the typical responsibilities and team dynamics for a day shift whale watch crew member?

As a Day Shift Whale Watch crew member, your daily responsibilities generally include assisting with vessel preparation, engaging with guests to provide educational information about marine wildlife, and ensuring passenger safety during the tour. You’ll work closely with captains, naturalists, and other crew members, collaborating to deliver an enjoyable and informative experience. The role often involves adapting to changing weather conditions and maintaining a positive attitude during busy peak seasons, making teamwork and communication essential. This position offers opportunities to develop customer service skills and marine knowledge, which can lead to advancement in marine tourism or environmental education roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a day shift whale watch guide, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Day Shift Whale Watch Guide, you need a solid understanding of marine biology, local wildlife, and safety protocols, often supported by certifications in first aid or marine operations. Familiarity with navigation equipment, marine radio systems, and binoculars is typically required. Excellent communication, public speaking, and customer service skills help you engage and educate guests while ensuring their safety and enjoyment. These skills are important to provide a safe, informative, and memorable experience for passengers while protecting marine environments.

What is the difference between Day Shift Whale Watch vs Day Shift Marine Tour Guide?

AspectDay Shift Whale WatchDay Shift Marine Tour Guide
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, Coast Guard License (if applicable)CPR, First Aid, sometimes Coast Guard License
Work EnvironmentOn boats, outdoors, marine settingsOn boats, outdoors, marine settings
Industry UsagePrimarily focused on whale watching toursBroader marine tours including wildlife, sightseeing
Search & Comparison IntentPeople comparing whale watching jobs with other marine tour rolesPeople exploring various marine tour jobs including whale watching

Both roles involve working outdoors on boats and may require similar certifications. The main difference is that Day Shift Whale Watch specialists focus specifically on whale observation, while Day Shift Marine Tour Guides may cover a variety of marine sightseeing activities. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers find the right role aligned with their interests and credentials.

More about Day Shift Whale Watch jobs

What cities are hiring for Day Shift Whale Watch jobs?

Cities with the most Day Shift Whale Watch job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Shift Whale Watch jobs?

The most popular types of Shift Whale Watch jobs are:

What states have the most Day Shift Whale Watch jobs?

States with the most job openings for Day Shift Whale Watch jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Day Shift Whale Watch jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Day Shift Whale Watch jobs are:

Day Shift Whale Watch jobs near you
Infographic showing various Day Shift Whale Watch job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,208 per year, or $20.8 per hour.

USCG Captain - Dive / Snorkel / Whale Watch

Dive Kauai Scuba Center Inc

Koloa, HI • On-site

$30 - $45/hr

Full-time

Medical

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Dive Kauai Scuba Center | Koloa, Kauai

Do you love being on the water? Enjoy sharing Hawaii with visitors from around the world?

Dive Kauai Scuba Center has been creating unforgettable ocean adventures for more than 24 years. We're looking for experienced, safety-minded captains who are passionate about delivering exceptional guest experiences while operating our snorkeling, scuba diving, whale watching, and sightseeing 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. Captains are also responsible for the daily transportation, launching, retrieval, and care of company vessels using trucks and trailers, ensuring every tour begins and ends safely and efficiently.

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 commercial vessels.
  • Deliver engaging narration, island history, marine life education, and safety briefings.
  • Provide exceptional customer service before, during, and after every tour.
  • Assist guests boarding and exiting the vessel.
  • Assist scuba staff with loading, unloading, and handling scuba equipment.
  • Lead snorkeling, whale watching, and sightseeing experiences.
  • 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.
  • Work closely with captains, instructors, divemasters, and office staff to deliver an exceptional guest experience.
  • 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).
  • FullTime Applicants: Minimum Master 25 GRT credential.
  • PartTime Applicants: Minimum OUPV ("6Pack") credential.
  • Be legally authorized to work in the United States.
  • 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.
  • Have or be able to obtain an FCC Marine Radio Operator Permit before your first day of work.
  • Be available to work weekends, holidays, and peak tourism seasons.
  • Be physically able to lift and carry equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
  • Be capable of operating two to three tours per day as business demands.
  • Scuba certification is not required, but an interest in learning about scuba diving is a plus.
    • Preferred Qualifications
  • Two or more years of commercial captain experience on Kauai.
  • Current CPR/First Aid certification.
  • Experience towing and launching trailered vessels.
  • Knowledge of Kauai's coastline, marine life, weather patterns, and local history.
  • Experience working in hospitality, tourism, or adventure recreation.
  • Strong public speaking and guest engagement skills.
    • Compensation & Benefits
  • Starting at $30/hour, with higher starting pay based on experience.
  • Generous gratuities.
  • Health insurance (eligible employees).
  • Employee activity benefits.
  • Consistent 4day workweek / 3 days off.
  • Monthly schedules published in advance.
  • Yearround employment.
  • Opportunities for growth and advancement.
  • Work with one of Kauai's premier ocean adventure companies.
    • 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 Dive Kauai?

    Every day is different. One day you may be leading guests along Kauai's breathtaking coastline in search of dolphins, whales, or sea turtles. The next, you'll be transporting divers to world-class dive sites while sharing the stories, history, and beauty that make Kauai unforgettable.

    We're looking for dependable, positive professionals who take pride in safety, teamwork, and delivering exceptional guest experiences. If you're ready to build a career—not just another captain job—we'd love to hear from you.

Apply