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Kayak Tour Guide Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Kayak Guide (PT Seasonal)

Lake Arrowhead, CA · On-site

$17.50/hr

Lead guided kayak tours that are safe, educational, and aligned with the resort's luxury guest ... Conduct pre-tour safety briefings and ensure proper use of life jackets and equipment * Monitor ...

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How much do kayak tour guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for kayak 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Kayak Tour Guide position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Kayak Tour Guide, you need strong paddling skills, water safety knowledge, and a good understanding of local geography and wildlife, often supported by certifications such as CPR, First Aid, and relevant guiding accreditations. Familiarity with kayak equipment, navigation devices, and safety gear is essential for managing tours effectively. Exceptional communication, leadership, and customer service skills help create memorable experiences and ensure guest safety. These abilities are vital for managing group dynamics, adapting to changing conditions, and providing safe, enjoyable tours for all participants.

What is a Kayak Tour Guide job?

A Kayak Tour Guide leads groups on kayaking excursions, ensuring safety while providing information about the area’s wildlife, history, and natural features. They teach paddling techniques, assess weather and water conditions, and respond to emergencies if necessary. Guides must be knowledgeable, personable, and physically fit to navigate various water environments.

What does a typical day look like for a Kayak Tour Guide?

A typical day as a Kayak Tour Guide involves preparing equipment, greeting participants, providing safety briefings, and leading groups on guided excursions that showcase the area's natural beauty. You’ll be responsible for monitoring group safety, sharing insights about local wildlife and landmarks, and assisting guests with various skill levels. Collaboration with other guides and support staff is common to ensure smooth logistics and guest satisfaction. Days can vary depending on weather and group size, so flexibility and strong organizational skills are key to success in this role.

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What cities are hiring for Kayak Tour Guide jobs? Cities with the most Kayak Tour Guide job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Kayak Tour Guide jobs? The most popular types of Kayak Tour Guide jobs are:
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What job categories do people searching Kayak Tour Guide jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Kayak Tour Guide jobs are:
Kayak Tour Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kayak Tour Guide job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 29% Full Time, 65% Part Time, and 6% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,124 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

MultiDay Raft Guide

Wet Planet Rafting and Kayaking

Salmon, ID • On-site

$120 - $215/day

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Wet Planet is looking for experienced multi-day raft guides to join our team on the Owyhee River in Oregon, and the Salmon River in Idaho.

Our multi-day team enjoys making it possible for guests to experience the magic of a multi-day wilderness river adventure. In addition to having prior rowing experience, multi-day guides must prioritize guest care and risk management in order to create seamless adventure experiences for our guests. As the face of Wet Planet, our guides enjoy working with a team of fellow river professionals to make sure our guests have amazing experiences both on the river and at camp.

Wet Planet

Each year, many of our guests and team members return to enjoy the abundance of beautiful rivers we raft and kayak in Washington, Oregon and Idaho. Our headquarters is located on the banks of the White Salmon River in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge, surrounded by a whitewater paradise and an incredible community of boaters. It's the perfect location for raft guides and kayakers to work and play in the Pacific Northwest. Our multi-day trips are operated in Oregon and Idaho.

__ Qualifications & Experience:

  • Previous commercial multi-day experience on Class III whitewater
  • Professional appearance, great communication skills, and team player
  • You love to share the river with guests and interpret natural and human history
  • You prioritize guest care and risk management
  • Current Wilderness First Responder & CPR certification
  • Current River Rescue Certification (Sierra Rescue, ACA Swiftwater, or equivalent)

Multi-Day Season : Our Owyhee season is mid-April through mid-May, and our Main Salmon season is mid-June through mid-September.

Availability:

  • Full-time, full season: Mid April through the second week of September
  • Full-time, peak season: Mid-June through the second week of September
  • Part-time, peak season: Must be available for a minimum of 2 trips in July and/or August

Many of our staff combine work in multiple disciples and enjoy the variety of work throughout the season. For those with skills in paddle rafting, rowing, and/or kayaking, work is available April-September, combining day-trips, multi-day trips, and kayak instruction.

Wet Planet Perks:

  • Access to free trips and courses, and discounted professional training (river rescue courses, medical courses, ACA instructor course, etc.)
  • Cross training for other job areas & opportunities within Wet Planet
  • Discounts on food, drinks, and merchandise in the Wet Planet store and espresso bar
  • Industry Pro Purchase program
  • Free rafting and kayak courses for friends & family
  • Annual multi-day staff trip (Main Salmon or Owyhee rivers)
  • Regular staff dinners (SND – Saturday Night Dinner)
  • Access to local housing options
  • Connections for winter job opportunities
  • Accrued Sick Leave
  • Retirement plan after two years of employment

Compensation:

  • Compensation by day, Range: $120-$215, based on experience, training & certifications, and role (trainee, guide or lead guide)

Combine your desire to play outside with your professional skillset and experience – join our team!

Apply