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Kayaking Guide Jobs in Alaska (NOW HIRING)

Icy Strait Point LLC

Wilderness Tour Guide

Hoonah, AK · On-site

$18/hr

This multifaceted role includes leading kayaking excursions, guiding Jeep/ATV tours, and interpreting natural and cultural features on wilderness hikes. The ideal candidate is enthusiastic about the ...

PeaceHealth

CT Tech - Weekends

Ketchikan, AK · On-site

$52.11 - $73.57/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Be a part of our mission-driven culture where values guide every decision, creating a truly ... Picture kayaking through fjords, hiking glaciers, or snowshoeing through untouched wilderness. Your ...

PeaceHealth

CT Tech - Weekends

Ketchikan, AK

$52.11 - $73.57/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Be a part of our mission-driven culture where values guide every decision, creating a truly ... Picture kayaking through fjords, hiking glaciers, or snowshoeing through untouched wilderness. Your ...

Rural Staffing Services

Nurse Practitioner

Kodiak, AK · On-site

  • Medical

  • Vision

  • Life

Please apply directly through this posting so the RSS team can thoughtfully guide you through the ... Life here offers access to hiking, fishing, kayaking, wildlife viewing, photography, and outdoor ...

City & Borough of Juneau

Battalion Chief

Juneau, AK · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... kayaking past the Mendenhall Glacier or exploring over 250 miles of pristine hiking trails. In ... and guide professional development Maintain discipline, accountability, and high performance ...

All JobsKayaking Guide JobsKayaking Guide Jobs in Alaska

Kayaking Guide information

What is a kayaking guide?

Kayaking Guides are outdoor professionals who lead individuals or groups on kayaking trips, ensuring safety, providing instruction, and sharing knowledge about the local environment. They are responsible for planning routes, supplying equipment, and teaching proper paddling techniques. Kayaking Guides also often share information about wildlife, natural features, and local history, making the experience educational as well as enjoyable. Their primary goal is to create a safe, memorable, and fun adventure for all participants.

What are some common challenges faced by kayaking guides, and how can they be managed effectively?

Kayaking Guides often face challenges such as rapidly changing weather conditions, varying skill levels among clients, and ensuring group safety on the water. Managing these challenges involves thorough pre-trip briefings, continuous monitoring of environmental conditions, and adapting plans as needed to prioritize safety. Effective communication and strong situational awareness are essential, as is maintaining certifications in first aid and water rescue. Building experience through regular training helps guides handle unexpected situations confidently.

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

To thrive as a Kayaking Guide, you need strong paddling proficiency, water safety knowledge, and typically a relevant certification such as ACA or BCU. Familiarity with GPS devices, rescue equipment, and first aid/CPR certification are commonly required. Exceptional communication, leadership, and crisis management skills help guides effectively instruct and reassure diverse groups. These abilities are vital for ensuring client safety, providing memorable experiences, and responding calmly to emergencies in dynamic outdoor environments.

What is the difference between Kayaking Guide vs Canoe Guide?

AspectKayaking GuideCanoe Guide
CertificationsFirst Aid, CPR, paddling certificationsFirst Aid, CPR, paddling certifications
Work EnvironmentRivers, lakes, calm or whitewaterRivers, lakes, calm or whitewater
Industry UsageAdventure tourism, outdoor recreationAdventure tourism, outdoor recreation
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Both kayaking guides and canoe guides work in outdoor water environments, often in adventure tourism. They require similar certifications and serve similar industries. The main difference lies in the type of watercraft they specialize in—kayaking guides focus on kayaks, while canoe guides work with canoes. Their roles are comparable, with overlapping skills and work settings, making them common points of comparison for those interested in water-based guiding careers.

What are popular job titles related to Kayaking Guide jobs in Alaska?

For Kayaking Guide jobs in Alaska, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Kayaking Guide jobs in Alaska look for?

The top searched job categories for Kayaking Guide jobs in Alaska are:

Kayaking Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kayaking Guide job openings in Alaska as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Wilderness Tour Guide

Icy Strait Point LLC

Hoonah, AK • On-site

$18/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Wilderness Tour Guide 

Summary:
 The Tour Guide provides guests with safe, engaging, and informative outdoor adventures throughout Icy Strait Point. This multifaceted role includes leading kayaking excursions, guiding Jeep/ATV tours, and interpreting natural and cultural features on wilderness hikes. The ideal candidate is enthusiastic about the outdoors, skilled in customer service, bilingual, and comfortable operating or supervising various types of adventure equipment.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Conduct all activities and decisions according to Icy Strait Point’s guiding principles:  BAP: Best, Authentic, Profitable Cruise Destination
  • Lead guests on a variety of guided tours, including Kayaking adventures, Jeep/ATV excursions, and scenic wilderness hikes
  • Deliver engaging narration on local history, wildlife, cultural heritage, and natural ecosystems
  • Communicate effectively with diverse visitor groups, providing interpretation and safety information in English and at least one additional language (Spanish, Cantonese, or Mandarin)
  • Ensure the safety of all guests by providing thorough safety briefings, monitoring conditions, and following established operational protocols
  • Operate and/or supervise equipment such as kayaks, Jeeps, ATVs, and related safety gear
  • Assist guests of varying skill levels, offering instruction, support, and encouragement
  • Respond calmly and effectively to changing weather, wildlife activity, and other outdoor environmental factors
  • Maintain equipment cleanliness, functionality, and readiness between tours.
  • Attend all assigned trainings as needed.
  • Provide exceptional customer service and represent Icy Strait Point with professionalism and enthusiasm.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

  • Strong outdoor skills with experience in paddling, off-road vehicle operation, hiking, or similar activities.
  • Bilingual proficiency in English and at least one of the following: Cantonese, Mandarin, or Spanish.
  • Excellent communication and storytelling abilities.
  • Comfortable working in variable weather and wilderness conditions.
  • Current First Aid/CPR certification (or willingness to obtain).
  • Ability to lift and move equipment as required.
  • Friendly, patient, and safety-focused demeanor.
Why Work with Icy Strait Point?

At Icy Strait Point, we offer more than a job—it’s a chance to immerse yourself in Alaska’s incredible landscapes, share your passion for the wilderness, and be part of a team that celebrates authenticity and connection.

Icy Strait Point is a Native-owned and operated enterprise, offering Native Preference under P.L. 93-638.

Ready to lead guests on the adventure of a lifetime? Apply today and join our team of Tour Guides at Icy Strait Point!


Compensation details: 18-18 Hourly Wage


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