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Professional Kayak Tour Guide Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Kualoa Ranch Hawai'i

Tour Guide, Tours

Kaneohe, HI · On-site

$23/hr

Tour Guides operate company vehicles, ensure guest safety, and maintain tour areas with professionalism and care. This role requires strong communication skills, a positive attitude, and a genuine ...

Stampede Excursions

$11.50/hr

... or Tour Guide depending on current operational demands. Responsibilities: * Deliver a well ... Maintain a clean and professional appearance at all times. * Pick up and drop off guests at area ...

Capital Vacations

Tour Guide Intern

Sedona, AZ

$400K/yr

Capital Vacations is hiring motivated, outgoing individuals to start as Tour Guides with a fast ... Create a high-energy, professional first impression * Guide guests through arrival and check-in ...

Chicago Botanic Garden

Tram Tour Guide

Glencoe, IL · On-site

$18 - $21.15/hr

Tram Tour Guide Exemption Status : Non-exempt Department : Visitor Experience Reports to ... Our goal is to offer innovative total rewards that support continuous professional growth, personal ...

The Texas Rangers

Tour Guide

Arlington, TX · On-site

Maintain a professional image and pleasant demeanor at all times. * Welcome each guest as they ... All tour routes are ADA-accessible for both staff and guests. * Ability to speak for extended ...

AEG

Tour Guide

Arlington, TX · On-site

Maintain a professional image and pleasant demeanor at all times. * Welcome each guest as they ... All tour routes are ADA-accessible for both staff and guests. * Ability to speak for extended ...

SIMON WIESENTHAL CENTER

Tour Guide

Los Angeles, CA

$20/hr

The Museum of Tolerance is seeking an experienced, energetic and engaging Part Time Tour Guides to ... You have a great demeanor, professional behavior and impeccable customer service skills. This ...

Pernod Ricard

Tour Guide

Louisville, KY

$18.50 - $23/hr

Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your journey, we're invested in your growth ... The Tour Guide acts as the face of Rabbit Hole Distillery, providing a memorable and educational ...

Kualoa Ranch Hawai'i

Tour Guide, Zipline

Kaneohe, HI · On-site

$23/hr

POSITION SUMMARY The Zipline Tour Guide provides exceptional guest service and safety leadership ... Represent Kualoa Ranch's brand and values through professionalism, enthusiasm, and aloha spirit.

Wyndham Destinations

Sales Tour Guide

San Diego, CA · On-site

$70K/yr

Travel and Leisure is looking for career-minded, diverse professionals that share our propensity to ... Effectively present and deliver Tour Guide presentation in accordance with all company policies ...

Wyndham Destinations

Sales Tour Guide

San Diego, CA

$70K/yr

Travel and Leisure is looking for career-minded, diverse professionals that share our propensity to ... Effectively present and deliver Tour Guide presentation in accordance with all company policies ...

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All JobsProfessional Kayak Tour Guide Jobs

Professional Kayak Tour Guide information

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How much do professional kayak tour guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for professional 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 some common challenges faced by Professional Kayak Tour Guides, and how can they be managed?

Professional Kayak Tour Guides often encounter challenges such as varying weather conditions, managing group dynamics, and ensuring safety on the water. Guides must be prepared to adapt routes or schedules due to sudden changes in weather and be vigilant about monitoring participants’ skill levels and comfort. Strong communication skills and thorough safety briefings help set expectations and create a positive experience for everyone. Ongoing training in first aid, rescue techniques, and local wildlife or environmental knowledge is essential to handle unexpected situations effectively.

What does a Professional Kayak Tour Guide do?

A Professional Kayak Tour Guide leads groups of people on kayaking excursions, ensuring their safety while providing information about the local environment, wildlife, and history. They are responsible for planning routes, instructing participants on kayaking techniques, and responding to emergencies. These guides often work in scenic locations such as rivers, lakes, or coastal areas and tailor tours to different skill levels. They also maintain equipment and may assist with transportation or logistics for the trip.

What is the difference between Professional Kayak Tour Guide vs Canoe Guide?

AspectProfessional Kayak Tour GuideCanoe Guide
Required CertificationsCPR, First Aid, kayaking certificationsCPR, First Aid, canoeing certifications
Work EnvironmentRivers, lakes, coastal watersRivers, lakes, calm waters
Employer & IndustryTour companies, outdoor recreationOutdoor recreation, adventure tourism

Both roles involve guiding clients on watercraft, requiring safety certifications and knowledge of water environments. The main difference lies in the type of watercraft used—kayaks versus canoes—and the specific skills associated with each. While both guides work in outdoor settings and serve similar industries, the kayak tour guide specializes in kayaking experiences, often in more dynamic waters, whereas canoe guides typically operate in calmer waters with different paddling techniques.

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

To thrive as a Professional Kayak Tour Guide, you need strong paddling skills, water safety knowledge, and often certifications such as CPR, First Aid, and Wilderness First Responder. Familiarity with GPS devices, VHF radios, and local navigation charts is typically required. Excellent communication, leadership, and customer service skills help guides create memorable experiences while ensuring group safety. These skills are crucial for managing risks, providing informative tours, and ensuring client satisfaction in dynamic outdoor environments.
What cities are hiring for Professional Kayak Tour Guide jobs? Cities with the most Professional 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:
What states have the most Professional Kayak Tour Guide jobs? States with the most job openings for Professional Kayak Tour Guide jobs include:
Professional Kayak Tour Guide jobs near you

Tour Guide, Tours

Kualoa Ranch Hawai'i

Kaneohe, HI • On-site

$23/hr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago

Kualoa Ranch rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 33 rated wildlife parks and zoos

Job description

Join Kualoa Ranch Hawai'i, where history, culture, and natural beauty come together in one of the most extraordinary places in Hawai'i. With diverse operations and a deep commitment to our land, community, visitors, and each other, we honor our proud legacy while building an exciting future. Be part of our 'ohana and share the spirit of Hawai'i with the world.
Location: On-Site - Kaneohe, HI.
Relocation Package: None
Schedule: Full-time; open availability including weekends and holidays is required.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Tour Guide - Tours is responsible for providing guests with an exceptional, educational, and memorable experience during Kualoa Ranch's guided tours, including the Jurassic Adventure and Movie Sites & Ranch Tours. Tour Guides share the stories of Kualoa's history, culture, and famous filming locations with accuracy, enthusiasm, and aloha-serving as both entertainer and educator.
Tour Guides operate company vehicles, ensure guest safety, and maintain tour areas with professionalism and care. This role requires strong communication skills, a positive attitude, and a genuine desire to share the spirit of Kualoa with visitors from around the world.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Guest Experience & Storytelling
  • Lead guided tours that educate and entertain guests, highlighting Kualoa's natural beauty, cultural significance, and film history.
  • Deliver accurate information with enthusiasm and professionalism, adapting to different audiences.
  • Promote environmental and cultural stewardship consistent with Kualoa's values and mission.
  • Provide outstanding customer service and represent the Ranch with pride and aloha.

Operations & Safety
  • Safely operate tour vehicles along established routes and ensure guest safety at all times.
  • Conduct pre- and post-trip vehicle checks and report any maintenance concerns.
  • Assist with loading and unloading guests and ensure secure equipment setup.
  • Follow all safety and emergency procedures consistently.

Teamwork & Communication
  • Support fellow guides, leads, and managers to ensure smooth daily operations.
  • Communicate clearly and professionally with dispatch, maintenance, and other departments.
  • Participate in training sessions and department meetings.

Site Care & Maintenance
  • Help maintain cleanliness and readiness of vehicles, staging areas, and tour sites.
  • Support minor upkeep of tour equipment, props, and facilities as directed.

QUALIFICATIONS
  • Previous experience in tourism, hospitality, or guest service preferred but not required.
  • Strong communication and storytelling abilities.
  • Outgoing, engaging personality with genuine interest in Hawai'i's culture, land, and people.
  • Ability to work outdoors in a physically active environment.
  • Valid Hawai'i driver's license and clean driving record required; CDL preferred or willingness to obtain.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Ability to stand, walk, and speak for extended periods outdoors.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and assist with light maintenance or vehicle setup.

Kualoa Ranch Hawai'i is a proud equal opportunity employer and maintains a drug-free workplace. We provide equal consideration to all applicants in compliance with local, state, and federal laws.

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