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Dive Boat Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

BOAT CAPTAIN

Homestead, FL · On-site

$23 - $27/hr

As a Boat Captain for Island Dreamer Sailing your duties will include learning the general ... You will be loading paddle boards, kayaks and dive gear on the boat, therefore the ability to lift ...

BOAT CAPTAIN

Miami, FL · On-site

$23 - $27/hr

As a Boat Captain for Island Dreamer Sailing your duties will include learning the general ... You will be loading paddle boards, kayaks and dive gear on the boat, therefore the ability to lift ...

Dive Supervisor

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$45 - $50/hr

Boat License * Confined space / fall arrest certification * Ability to obtain or currently hold a ... NCCCO Rigger * Captain's License * Additional advanced certifications or specialized training ...

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Dive Boat Captain information

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$5

$25

$48

How much do dive boat captain jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for dive 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 are some common challenges faced by Dive Boat Captains during dive excursions?

Dive Boat Captains often navigate challenges such as rapidly changing weather conditions, ensuring passenger safety, and maintaining clear communication with dive teams. They must manage time efficiently to accommodate multiple dive sites while adhering to strict safety protocols. Additionally, Captains work closely with dive instructors and crew to coordinate logistics, handle emergencies, and provide a positive experience for divers of varying skill levels.

What does a Dive Boat Captain do?

A Dive Boat Captain is responsible for safely operating a boat that transports divers to and from dive sites. Their duties include navigating the vessel, ensuring the safety of passengers and crew, managing the boat’s equipment, and often briefing divers on safety procedures. They may also be responsible for maintaining the boat and coordinating with dive guides to provide a smooth diving experience. Dive Boat Captains must have specialized maritime licenses and in-depth knowledge of local waters. Their role is crucial to ensuring safe and enjoyable diving trips.

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

To thrive as a Dive Boat Captain, you need a strong background in seamanship, navigation, and dive operations, typically supported by a captain’s license and relevant diving certifications. Familiarity with GPS systems, marine radios, emergency equipment, and boat maintenance tools is crucial. Leadership, situational awareness, and effective communication are essential soft skills for managing crew and ensuring passenger safety. These abilities are vital to guarantee safe dive trips, compliance with maritime regulations, and a positive experience for divers.

What is the difference between Dive Boat Captain vs Dive Instructor?

AspectDive Boat CaptainDive Instructor
CertificationsCaptain's license, CPR, First AidOpen Water, Advanced, Rescue Diver, Instructor certifications
Work EnvironmentOperate boats, oversee dive trips, ensure safety at seaConduct training sessions, lead dives, teach students
Employer & Industry UsageMarinas, dive tour companies, charter boatsDive shops, training agencies, resorts

The main difference is that a Dive Boat Captain is responsible for operating the boat and ensuring safety during dive trips, while a Dive Instructor focuses on teaching divers and leading training dives. Both roles require certifications related to safety and diving, but their daily duties and work environments differ significantly.

More about Dive Boat Captain jobs
What cities are hiring for Dive Boat Captain jobs? Cities with the most Dive Boat Captain job openings:
What states have the most Dive Boat Captain jobs? States with the most job openings for Dive Boat Captain jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Dive Boat Captain jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Dive Boat Captain jobs are:
Infographic showing various Dive Boat Captain job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $53,531 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

$23 - $27/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

As a Boat Captain for Island Dreamer Sailing your duties will include learning the general mechanics and safety equipment for each boat, boat handling, and learning the inlets, shallow reefs, snorkel spots and dangerous shoals of the Biscayne National Park. Great leadership, first aid knowledge and VHF radio communication skills are essential to this job. Internal training on the history and marine biology of the Park is provided and the ability to be an interpretive tour guide is required.

You will also be responsible for the safety of the guests snorkeling and/or diving off the boat as well as helping them with their snorkel/dive gear. You will be responsible for the safety of the passengers while paddle boarding and kayaking off the boat while exploring the Jones Lagoon, and learning to navigate around the Jones Lagoon is essential. You will be loading paddle boards, kayaks and dive gear on the boat, therefore the ability to lift 50 lbs is required.

Being a Team Player is essential to join our operation as we have a dedicated group of employees who have bought in to a culture of teamwork, and many have been with us for years.


Working weekends are required, we are willing to adapt any 5 day work week to your needs as long as both weekend days are worked.
A typical work day at Island Dreamer is between 8-9hrs with the option to work 9 daily.