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Kayaking Guide Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hyatt Hotels Corporation

Outdoor Adventure Guide

Lenox, MA · On-site

$14.25 - $16.50/hr

The Outdoor Adventure Guide will lead guest-facing programs for leisure, corporate, and group ... Training or willingness to be trained in kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding * Valid Driver ...

Benchmark

Kayak Guide (PT Seasonal)

Lake Arrowhead, CA

$17.50/hr

Previous kayaking, outdoor recreation, or guiding experience preferred * American Canoe Association ... ACA) Kayak Instructor Certification * Strong swimming ability required * Lifeguard, CPR, First Aid ...

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Kayaking Guide information

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$7

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How much do kayaking guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for kayaking guide in the United States is $17.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.98 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Kayaking Guides?

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.

More about Kayaking Guide jobs
What cities are hiring for Kayaking Guide jobs? Cities with the most Kayaking Guide job openings:
What states have the most Kayaking Guide jobs? States with the most job openings for Kayaking Guide jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Kayaking Guide jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Kayaking Guide jobs are:
Kayaking Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kayaking Guide job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,919 per year, or $17.3 per hour.
Outdoor Adventure Guide

Outdoor Adventure Guide

Hyatt Hotels Corporation

Lenox, MA • On-site

$14.25 - $16.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Hyatt Hotels rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 251 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

22nd of 106 rated hotels

Job description

Summary:
Your journey begins now!
At Miraval Berkshires it is our ongoing purpose to bring imagination, authenticity and meaning to wellness. Each day we work to bring out the best in all we do for our guests and colleagues (you) to take comfort in.
Candidates interested in joining us on this journey need to believe in the power of the individual and understand that regardless of the job, every position has meaning and is important to Miraval's purpose.
The Outdoor Adventure Guide will lead guest-facing programs for leisure, corporate, and group guests of varying abilities, ensuring a safe and meaningful experience. They should have an interest in and knowledge of the natural world especially the landscapes, forests, and wildlife of the Berkshires or a strong curiosity and willingness to learn. A passion for outdoor adventure pursuits is key, including hiking, water activities, climbing, and basic rope-system knowledge. This person must have excellent interpersonal and guest-service skills, strong group-management abilities, and confidence in problem-solving and decision-making. Flexibility in scheduling and daily responsibilities is essential.
Miravalis a place where high expectations aren't just met-they're exceeded. It's a place of outstanding rewards, where talent opens doors to exciting challenges in thewellness industry. It's a place where career opportunities are as unlimited as your imagination. Discover your place to shine in our warm, respectful, and inclusive culture.
We thank you for your interest. Be well.
Miraval Berkshires offers:
• World class resort
• Awarded Fortune's 100 best companies to work for
• Unlimited use of our fitness center, yoga classes, and lectures
• Tuition or wellbeing reimbursement
• Free golf
• Employee discounts on all spa services and programming
• Discounted rates at Hyatt Hotels
• Positions with flexible schedules
Qualifications:
Education & Experience
  • 3+ years of facilitating and/or guiding outdoor adventure programs preferred
  • 1-2+ years guiding hiking-based programs preferred
  • 1-5+ years facilitating high/low ropes elements preferred
  • First Aid/CPR or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire
  • Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder, or willingness to obtain within 30 days of hire
  • Lifeguard certification preferred
  • Training or willingness to be trained in kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding
  • Valid Driver's License and clean driving record
Physical Demands
  • Ability to carry and climb 10-12 ft ladders, ascend poles up to 50 ft, and traverse cables at height
  • Ability to walk, stand, and belay for extended periods (8+ hours/day on multiple days)
  • Ability to hike 6-12 miles/day at a sustained 2-4 mph pace
  • Ability to lift/move up heavy objects
Hyatt is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. R easonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

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About Hyatt

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Hyatt, we believe in the power of belonging and creating a culture of care, where our colleagues become family. Since 1957, our colleagues and our guests have been at the heart of our business and helped Hyatt become one of the best, and fastest-growing hospitality brands in the world. Our transformative growth and the addition of new hotels, brands, and business lines can open the door for exciting career and growth opportunities for our colleagues. As we continue to grow, we never lose sight of what's most important: People. We turn trips into journeys, encounters into experiences, and jobs into careers.

Industry

Hospitality services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1957

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