Launch Boat Driver Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Do you thrive on adventure? Want to spend your days exploring one of the most spectacular coastlines in the world?

Kauai Sea Riders has been delivering unforgettable Zodiac adventures along Kauai's legendary Na Pali Coast for more than 25 years. We're looking for experienced, safety-minded captains who are passionate about delivering world-class guest experiences while operating our thrilling Na Pali Coast tours.

This is much more than operating a boat. Our captains are professional mariners, hospitality professionals, safety leaders, storytellers, and ambassadors for the island of Kauai. Every tour is an opportunity to showcase towering sea cliffs, waterfalls, sea caves, marine life, and the incredible natural beauty that makes the Na Pali Coast one of Hawaii's most iconic destinations.

If you enjoy working outdoors, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and are passionate about seamanship, adventure, and hospitality, we'd love to hear from you.

• Safely operate U.S. Coast Guardinspected Zodiac vessels along Kauai's Na Pali Coast.
• Lead sightseeing and adventure tours while providing exceptional customer service.
• Deliver engaging narration about Kauai's history, culture, geology, marine life, and the Na Pali Coast.
• Conduct professional safety briefings before every tour.
• Continuously assess weather, ocean, surf, and sea conditions to ensure safe operations.
• Safely navigate varying ocean conditions while exercising sound judgment and risk management.
• Assist guests boarding and exiting the vessel.
• Safely launch and retrieve company vessels each day.
• Drive company trucks while towing boat trailers to and from the harbor.
• Confidently back trailers down boat ramps and safely retrieve vessels at the end of the day.
• Perform daily inspections of vessels, trailers, and company vehicles while reporting maintenance concerns.
• Fuel, clean, stock, and prepare vessels for daily operations.
• Maintain captain's logs and all required U.S. Coast Guard documentation.
• Work closely with crew members, office staff, and management to deliver exceptional guest experiences.
• Maintain all U.S. Coast Guard, company, and safety standards.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must:
• Hold a current U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with a minimum Master 25 GRT license.
• Be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Be able to provide documentation verifying authorization to work in the United States on the first day of employment.
• Pass preemployment and random drug testing.
• Hold a valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
• Be comfortable driving fullsize pickup trucks while towing boat trailers.
• Be able to safely launch and retrieve boats using company trucks and trailers.
• Be physically able to lift and carry equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Be comfortable working outdoors in changing weather and ocean conditions.
• Demonstrate excellent judgment and a strong commitment to safety.
• Be available to work weekends, holidays, and peak tourism seasons.
Preferred Qualifications
• Two or more years of commercial boating experience.
• Previous experience operating commercial vessels along Kauai's Na Pali Coast or in similar openocean environments.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification (or ability to obtain before your first day of work).
• Previous experience towing and launching trailered vessels.
• Familiarity with vessel maintenance and mechanical troubleshooting.
• Strong public speaking and guest engagement skills.
• Experience working in hospitality or tourism.
• Knowledge of Hawaiian marine life, weather patterns, and ocean safety.
Compensation & Benefits
• Competitive hourly pay based on experience.
• Generous gratuities.
• Health insurance (eligible employees).
• Employee activity benefits.
• Consistent monthly schedules.
• Yearround employment.
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
Availability Requirements

We operate year-round and are busiest during holidays and peak tourism seasons.

Applicants must be available to work:
• Weekends and holidays.
• June through September.
• December 15 through January 15.

These are blackout periods, and time-off requests during these dates generally cannot be accommodated.

Why Join Kauai Sea Riders?

No two days are ever the same. One tour may feature playful spinner dolphins racing alongside the boat, another may reveal towering waterfalls cascading down the cliffs of the Na Pali Coast, while another offers unforgettable encounters with humpback whales during the winter migration.

As a Kauai Sea Riders captain, you'll work alongside a professional team dedicated to safety, adventure, and delivering exceptional guest experiences on one of the most spectacular coastlines in the world.

We're looking for dependable professionals who combine outstanding seamanship with genuine hospitality. If you're ready to lead unforgettable adventures while showcasing the incredible beauty of the Na Pali Coast, we'd love to welcome you aboard.