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Professional Kayak Tour Guide Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tour Guide

Napa, CA · On-site

$70K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Tour Guide The Tour Guide is the first point of contact for guests and owners, creating a welcoming ... Welcome guests and owners with a warm, professional, and hospitality-focused experience. * Verify ...

Represent The Living Desert with professionalism, warmth, and enthusiasm in every guest, client ... Prior experience as a volunteer, team member, tour guide, educator, docent, supervisor, or lead ...

Tour Guide

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$19.61/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Tour Guide The Tour Guide is the first point of contact for guests and owners, creating a welcoming ... How You'll Shine Welcome guests and owners with a warm, professional, and hospitality-focused ...

Tour Guide

Windsor, CA · On-site

$70K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Tour Guide The Tour Guide is the first point of contact for guests and owners, creating a welcoming ... Welcome guests and owners with a warm, professional, and hospitality-focused experience. * Verify ...

$16.90/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Tour Guide The Tour Guide is the first point of contact for guests and owners, creating a welcoming ... How You'll Shine Welcome guests and owners with a warm, professional, and hospitality-focused ...

Tour Guide

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$19.61/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Tour Guide The Tour Guide is the first point of contact for guests and owners, creating a welcoming ... How You'll Shine Welcome guests and owners with a warm, professional, and hospitality-focused ...

Tour Guide Intern

Sedona, AZ · On-site

$150K - $400K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

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 ...

The Tour Guide provides guests with safe, engaging, and informative outdoor adventures throughout ... Provide exceptional customer service and represent Icy Strait Point with professionalism and ...

The Tour Guide provides guests with safe, engaging, and informative outdoor adventures throughout ... Provide exceptional customer service and represent Icy Strait Point with professionalism and ...

$70K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Tour Guide The Tour Guide is the first point of contact for guests and owners, creating a welcoming ... Welcome guests and owners with a warm, professional, and hospitality-focused experience. * Verify ...

Tour Guide Intern

Sedona, AZ · On-site

$400K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

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 ...

Tour Guide

San Diego, CA · On-site

$70K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Tour Guide The Tour Guide is the first point of contact for guests and owners, creating a welcoming ... Welcome guests and owners with a warm, professional, and hospitality-focused experience. * Verify ...

Tour Guide

Windsor, CT · On-site

$16.90/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Tour Guide The Tour Guide is the first point of contact for guests and owners, creating a welcoming ... How You'll Shine Welcome guests and owners with a warm, professional, and hospitality-focused ...

Trolley Tour Guide

Sedona, AZ · On-site

$21.50/hr

Trolley Tour Guide Position Summary Rainbow Adventures LLC is seeking an energetic, professional, and customer-focused Trolley Tour Guide to provide exceptional transportation and tour experiences ...

Tour Guide

Napa, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Tour Guide The Tour Guide is the first point of contact for guests and owners, creating a welcoming ... How You'll Shine Welcome guests and owners with a warm, professional, and hospitality-focused ...

Showing results 41-60

Professional Kayak Tour Guide information

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$8

$18

$33

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

As of Aug 13, 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.

How to become a professional kayak tour guide?

To become a professional kayak tour guide, individuals typically need to complete water safety and first aid certifications, gain experience paddling and guiding groups, and develop strong communication skills. Many employers also prefer guides to have knowledge of local waterways, environmental awareness, and relevant certifications such as CPR and lifeguard training.

How much do professional kayak tour guides make?

Professional kayak tour guides typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from $30,000 to $50,000 depending on experience, location, and season. Guides often work part-time or seasonally and may receive tips from customers, which can significantly increase their income. Certifications in safety and first aid can also impact earning potential.

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:

$70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Travel + Leisure Co. rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Travel + Leisure Co.

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.8

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.8 out of 10

Travel agencies average

Based on 157 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

The best things about working at Travel + Leisure Co.

  • 94%

    94% say their managers don’t change their shifts at short notice

    say their managers don’t change their shifts at short notice

  • 94%

    94% say their health insurance is affordable

    say their health insurance is affordable

  • 77%

    77% say they have respectful managers

    say they have respectful managers

Featured by Travel + Leisure Co., based on 25 Breakroom Quiz responses from their frontline employees


Job description

We Put the World on Vacation

Travel + Leisure Co. is the world’s leading vacation ownership and travel membership company, with a dynamic and growing portfolio of resort, travel club, and lifestyle travel brands. Our dedicated associates help the company achieve its mission to put the world on vacation. Innovation and growth keep our work interesting and fun. Every day is a chance to learn something new and turn vacation inspiration into exceptional experiences for millions of travelers worldwide.
Tour Guide
The Tour Guide is the first point of contact for guests and owners, creating a welcoming and memorable arrival experience that reflects Travel + Leisure Co.'s commitment to hospitality. This role supports the guest journey by managing presentation check-in, coordinating administrative activities, and ensuring a seamless transition to the licensed Sales team. In accordance with California Department of Real Estate (DRE) regulations, this position is strictly non-sales in nature while providing a structured pathway into a licensed Real Estate Sales role.
How You'll Shine
• Welcome guests and owners with a warm, professional, and hospitality-focused experience.
• Verify guest identities and confirm scheduled presentation appointments.
• Maintain accurate guest information and records within the CRM system.
• Prepare presentation areas, including audio/visual equipment and presentation materials.
• Provide general information regarding resort amenities, services, and local attractions.
• Coordinate a seamless handoff to licensed Real Estate Agents for scheduled presentations.
• Complete administrative tasks, required documentation, compliance training, and team meetings.
• Support daily operations and perform additional responsibilities as assigned.
Compliance Requirements
To comply with California Department of Real Estate (DRE) regulations, associates in this role may not:
• Discuss pricing, financing options, maintenance fees, investment values, or other sales-related information.
• Explain or interpret contracts or legal documents.
• Answer detailed questions regarding property availability, inventory, or unit values.
• Encourage, influence, or participate in purchasing decisions.
What You'll Bring
• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Willingness and ability to obtain a California Real Estate License within six months of hire. Travel + Leisure Co. provides pre-licensing education and subsidizes the licensing process.
• Customer service, hospitality, retail, or other guest-facing experience preferred.
• Experience using computers, tablets, and digital business applications.
• Professional presence with the ability to deliver exceptional hospitality and build positive guest relationships.
Unless there is a legal requirement, experience will be accepted for the education requirement.
Training & Career Path
Travel + Leisure Co. provides comprehensive onboarding, compliance training, and support for obtaining a California Real Estate License, including pre-licensing coursework and examination fees. Upon successful licensure, associates become eligible to transition into a commissioned Sales Associate role, creating opportunities for continued career growth within the organization.
Compensation
Hourly Rate: $16.90 per hour (Non-Exempt) This position is eligible for flat-rate booking verification bonuses and administrative incentives. Compensation for this unlicensed role is not tied to real estate sales, transactions, or property values, in accordance with California Department of Real Estate regulations.
**The target annual compensation for this role is $70,000 comprised of $16.90 hourly plus per transaction payouts and opportunity for a monthly transaction bonus. Top performers may earn up to $200,000+ for exceeding minimum production requirements. The actual compensation of the candidate(s) selected for this role may be effected by a variety of factors, including but not limited to performance, experience, education, skills, prior training, and work location.

How You'll Be Rewarded:

We offer a diverse range of comprehensive health and welfare benefits to associates who work 30 or more hours per week to meet your needs and support you throughout your career with us. Certain benefits may be available to associates working fewer hours where required by applicable law. Travel + Leisure Co. benefits include: Note: Temporary and/or seasonal associates are ineligible for Paid Time Off.• Medical• Dental• Vision• Flexible spending accounts• Life and accident coverage• Disability• Wish day paid time to volunteer at an approved organization of your choice• 401k with employer match (subject to eligibility requirements, including tenure - speak to your recruiter for additional information)• Legal and identity theft plan• Voluntary income protection benefits• Wellness program (subject to provider availability)• Employee Assistance Program• Depending on position, paid time off, parental leave and holidays (speak to your recruiter for additional information)

Compensation

During the initial training period, the hourly wage is $16.90 plus commissions and bonuses. After the initial training period, the compensation is the state’s minimum wage per hour, plus commissions and bonuses.

Where Memories Start with You

Hospitality is at the heart of all we do at Travel + Leisure Co. Here, you’ll find an inclusive environment where we deliver excellence and take time to have fun, celebrate together, and support one another. We're always looking ahead to what’s next and how we can strengthen our business, its neighboring communities, and the customer experience. Join our global team and build a career where memories start with you.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all applications will be considered for employment without attention to their membership in any protected class. If you require any reasonable accommodation to complete your application or any part of the recruiting process, please email your request to MyCareer@travelandleisure.com, including the title and location of the position for which you are applying.


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