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Kayak Guide Jobs in Alaska (NOW HIRING)

Icy Strait Point LLC

Kayak Tour Guide

Hoonah, AK · On-site

$18/hr

SEA KAYAK GUIDE Reports to: Kayak & Ocean Raft Supervisor Category: Seasonal Salary Range: $18 an hour / plus tips Location: Icy Strait Point UPDATE: Locals to Hoonah, AK only apply Position Summary:

Innersea Discoveries

Expedition Guide

Juneau, AK · On-site

This means we kayak among icebergs, travel to hidden waterfalls, snorkel with sea lions, dive with ... The Guide is supervised by the Expedition Leader and Lead Guide and work in teams of 2-7 members ...

Crew Careers Page

Expedition Guide

Juneau, AK · On-site

This means we kayak among icebergs, travel to hidden waterfalls, snorkel with sea lions, dive with ... The Guide is supervised by the Expedition Leader and Lead Guide and work in teams of 2-7 members ...

UnCruise Adventures

Expedition Guide

Juneau, AK · On-site

This means we kayak among icebergs, travel to hidden waterfalls, snorkel with sea lions, dive with ... The Guide is supervised by the Expedition Leader and Lead Guide and work in teams of 2-7 members ...

Innersea Discoveries

Expedition Guide

Juneau, AK · On-site

This means we kayak among icebergs, travel to hidden waterfalls, snorkel with sea lions, dive with ... The Guide is supervised by the Expedition Leader and Lead Guide and work in teams of 2-7 members ...

All JobsKayak Guide JobsKayak Guide Jobs in Alaska

Kayak Guide information

See Alaska salary details

$10

$17

$23

How much do kayak guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for kayak guide in Alaska is $17.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $16.30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Kayak Guides during group excursions, and how can they be managed?

Kayak Guides often encounter challenges such as varying skill levels among participants, unpredictable weather conditions, and ensuring group safety on the water. Managing these challenges involves thorough pre-trip briefings, assessing each participant's abilities, and adapting routes or plans as needed. Guides must remain vigilant, communicate clearly, and be prepared to handle emergencies, making strong leadership and quick decision-making essential in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Kayak Guide, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Kayak Guide, you need strong paddling proficiency, knowledge of water safety, and often certifications in first aid and CPR. Familiarity with navigation tools, rescue equipment, and sometimes swiftwater rescue certification are typically required. Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills help guides manage groups and respond to challenges on the water. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring client safety, providing memorable experiences, and handling emergencies effectively.

What are kayak guides?

Kayak guides are outdoor professionals who lead individuals or groups on kayaking trips, ensuring safety, providing instruction, and sharing knowledge about the local environment and wildlife. They are responsible for planning routes, teaching paddling techniques, and responding to emergencies on the water. Kayak guides often work for tour companies, outdoor adventure programs, or parks, and must possess strong paddling skills, first aid training, and excellent communication abilities.

What is the difference between Kayak Guide vs Canoe Guide?

AspectKayak GuideCanoe Guide
Required CertificationsCPR, First Aid, guiding certificationsCPR, First Aid, guiding certifications
Work EnvironmentRivers, lakes, coastal watersRivers, lakes, coastal waters
Industry UsageTourism, outdoor recreationTourism, outdoor recreation
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Both Kayak Guides and Canoe Guides work in similar outdoor environments, often requiring similar certifications like CPR and First Aid. They serve in the tourism and outdoor recreation industries, guiding clients on water adventures. The main difference lies in the equipment used: kayak guides specialize in single or double kayaks, while canoe guides focus on canoes. Understanding these distinctions helps travelers choose the right guide for their water activity experience.

What are popular job titles related to Kayak Guide jobs in Alaska? For Kayak Guide jobs in Alaska, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Kayak Guide jobs in Alaska look for? The top searched job categories for Kayak Guide jobs in Alaska are:
Kayak Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kayak Guide job openings in Alaska as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 5% Temporary. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,196 per year, or $17.4 per hour.
Kayak Tour Guide

Kayak Tour Guide

Icy Strait Point LLC

Hoonah, AK • On-site

$18/hr

Temporary

Posted 21 days ago

Be an early applicant

Job description


SEA KAYAK GUIDE


Reports to: Kayak & Ocean Raft Supervisor

Category: Seasonal

Salary Range: $18 an hour / plus tips

Location: Icy Strait Point

UPDATE: Locals to Hoonah, AK only apply


Position Summary:

Icy Strait Point Sea Kayak Guides provide a leadership role as well as interpretation and narration for guests departing on sea kayak excursions. You will be outfitting and guiding a group of up to 24 guests along the coastline of Port Fredrick while narrating about the flora, fauna, history of the area and the Tlingit culture.


Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

· Conduct all activities and decisions according to Icy Strait Point’s guiding principles: BAP: Best, Authentic, Profitable

· Learn the information about the history of the surrounding area, flora and fauna to deliver an informed and entertaining experience for the guests.

· Provide a pre-trip safety and skills briefing and demonstration for the guests.

· Safely guide guests by kayak in a dynamic marine environment.

· Operate the kayak safety boat during tours in a safe and appropriate manner.

· Perform lead guide, chase guide, outfitter, safety boat and other duties as assigned.

· Care for and maintain ISP equipment, vehicles and facilities in a neat, properly functioning, organized and presentable manner.

· Provide guests with information about the scenery, wildlife, history, culture and geography.

· Provide excellent customer service to all IPS guests.

· Participate in all required trainings.

· Maintain a current First Aid/CPR certification.

· Guides have the chance to be cross trained to lead all tours associated with Icy Strait Point and may be required to switch excursion assignment schedule if necessary.

· Other duties as assigned.


Requirements:

· Willing to live in a remote, rural community.

· Must have previous kayaking and/or guide experience.

· Previous outdoor leadership experience a plus

· Strong commitment to safety

· Must be a competent swimmer.

· Adequate knowledge or willingness to learn about Tlingit culture.

· Must have good customer service skills.

· Must have good verbal communication and presentation/storytelling skills.

· Ability to learn, retain and present excursion information to guests in an accurate manner.

· Promote other ISP venues, distribute ISP literature and/or sell ISP merchandise.


Physical Requirements & Work Environment:

· Must be in good physical condition, able to assist in lifting kayaks comfortably (40-100 lbs) and kayak multiple miles a day.

· Willing to live in a remote, rural community.

· Comfortable traveling by small plane or ferry to and from a remote setting.

· Able to work in cold and wet Southeastern Alaska weather.


Icy Strait Point is a Native-owned and operated enterprise and offers Native Preference under P.L.93-638. Applicants must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States