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Sea Kayak Guide Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Icy Strait Point LLC

Kayak Tour Guide

Hoonah, AK · On-site

$18/hr

SEA KAYAK GUIDE Reports to: Kayak & Ocean Raft Supervisor Category: Seasonal Salary Range: $18 an hour / plus tips Location: Icy Strait Point UPDATE: Locals to Hoonah, AK only apply Position Summary:

Innersea Discoveries

Expedition Guide

Juneau, AK · On-site

This means we kayak among icebergs, travel to hidden waterfalls, snorkel with sea lions, dive with ... The Guide is supervised by the Expedition Leader and Lead Guide and work in teams of 2-7 members ...

Innersea Discoveries

Expedition Guide

Juneau, AK · On-site

This means we kayak among icebergs, travel to hidden waterfalls, snorkel with sea lions, dive with ... The Guide is supervised by the Expedition Leader and Lead Guide and work in teams of 2-7 members ...

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Sea Kayak Guide information

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$9

$16

$22

How much do sea kayak guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for sea kayak guide in the United States is $16.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.22 and $15.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to get into sea kayaking?

To become a sea kayak guide, gain experience in kayaking and develop strong paddling skills, often through training courses or certifications such as the American Canoe Association Level 2 or 3. Obtain relevant safety certifications like CPR and first aid, and familiarize yourself with local waterways, navigation, and rescue techniques. Many guides start as paddling instructors or outdoor guides before specializing in sea kayaking.

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

To thrive as a Sea Kayak Guide, you need strong paddling skills, navigational ability, and knowledge of local weather and marine environments, often backed by certifications such as ACA or BCU. Familiarity with safety equipment, GPS devices, and first aid/CPR certifications are typically required. Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills help guides manage group dynamics and respond to emergencies. These skills ensure the safety, enjoyment, and satisfaction of clients in dynamic and sometimes challenging outdoor settings.

What is the difference between Sea Kayak Guide vs Canoe Guide?

AspectSea Kayak GuideCanoe Guide
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, kayaking certificationsCPR, First Aid, canoeing certifications
Work EnvironmentOpen water, coastal areas, marine settingsRivers, lakes, inland waterways
Industry UsageTourism, adventure sports, eco-toursRecreation, eco-tours, outdoor education

The main difference between a Sea Kayak Guide and a Canoe Guide lies in their work environment and specific certifications. Sea Kayak Guides typically operate in open water and coastal areas, requiring specialized marine safety skills, while Canoe Guides work mainly on rivers and lakes. Both roles involve guiding groups, ensuring safety, and providing outdoor education, but they focus on different watercraft and settings.

What are some common challenges faced by sea kayak guides during tours, and how are they addressed?

Sea kayak guides often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing weather conditions, managing group dynamics among guests with varying skill levels, and ensuring safety in remote environments. To address these, guides rely on thorough pre-trip briefings, continuous weather monitoring, and strong communication skills to keep everyone informed and safe. Additionally, guides are trained in first aid and rescue techniques, and they work closely with other guides and support staff to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all participants.

What is the 50-90 rule in sea kayaking?

The 50-90 rule in sea kayaking refers to the guideline that paddlers should be able to recover and self-rescue within 50 meters or 90 seconds if they capsize, emphasizing the importance of skills like wet exits and self-rescue techniques for safety in open water environments.

What are sea kayak guides?

Sea kayak guides are outdoor professionals who lead individuals or groups on kayaking trips in marine environments such as oceans, bays, or coastal waterways. Their responsibilities include ensuring participant safety, providing paddling instruction, interpreting local wildlife and natural features, and managing logistics for trips of varying lengths. Sea kayak guides must be knowledgeable about tides, weather, navigation, and emergency procedures. They often work for tour companies, resorts, or as independent contractors and are typically certified in first aid and water rescue techniques.

How much do kayak instructors make?

Kayak instructors, including sea kayak guides, typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from $20,000 to $50,000 depending on experience, location, and season. Many guides work part-time or seasonally and may receive tips or additional compensation for group sizes and skill levels.

How much should you tip a kayak guide?

For a sea kayak guide, tipping is customary and typically ranges from 10% to 20% of the tour cost or $10 to $20 per person, depending on the quality of service and group size. Tipping is a way to acknowledge their expertise, safety management, and environmental knowledge during the trip.
More about Sea Kayak Guide jobs
What states have the most Sea Kayak Guide jobs? States with the most job openings for Sea Kayak Guide jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Sea Kayak Guide jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Sea Kayak Guide jobs are:
Sea Kayak Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sea Kayak Guide job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, and 18% Part Time. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,609 per year, or $16.2 per hour.
Kayak Tour Guide

Kayak Tour Guide

Icy Strait Point LLC

Hoonah, AK • On-site

$18/hr

Temporary

Posted 26 days ago

Be an early applicant

Job description


SEA KAYAK GUIDE


Reports to: Kayak & Ocean Raft Supervisor

Category: Seasonal

Salary Range: $18 an hour / plus tips

Location: Icy Strait Point

UPDATE: Locals to Hoonah, AK only apply


Position Summary:

Icy Strait Point Sea Kayak Guides provide a leadership role as well as interpretation and narration for guests departing on sea kayak excursions. You will be outfitting and guiding a group of up to 24 guests along the coastline of Port Fredrick while narrating about the flora, fauna, history of the area and the Tlingit culture.


Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

· Conduct all activities and decisions according to Icy Strait Point’s guiding principles: BAP: Best, Authentic, Profitable

· Learn the information about the history of the surrounding area, flora and fauna to deliver an informed and entertaining experience for the guests.

· Provide a pre-trip safety and skills briefing and demonstration for the guests.

· Safely guide guests by kayak in a dynamic marine environment.

· Operate the kayak safety boat during tours in a safe and appropriate manner.

· Perform lead guide, chase guide, outfitter, safety boat and other duties as assigned.

· Care for and maintain ISP equipment, vehicles and facilities in a neat, properly functioning, organized and presentable manner.

· Provide guests with information about the scenery, wildlife, history, culture and geography.

· Provide excellent customer service to all IPS guests.

· Participate in all required trainings.

· Maintain a current First Aid/CPR certification.

· Guides have the chance to be cross trained to lead all tours associated with Icy Strait Point and may be required to switch excursion assignment schedule if necessary.

· Other duties as assigned.


Requirements:

· Willing to live in a remote, rural community.

· Must have previous kayaking and/or guide experience.

· Previous outdoor leadership experience a plus

· Strong commitment to safety

· Must be a competent swimmer.

· Adequate knowledge or willingness to learn about Tlingit culture.

· Must have good customer service skills.

· Must have good verbal communication and presentation/storytelling skills.

· Ability to learn, retain and present excursion information to guests in an accurate manner.

· Promote other ISP venues, distribute ISP literature and/or sell ISP merchandise.


Physical Requirements & Work Environment:

· Must be in good physical condition, able to assist in lifting kayaks comfortably (40-100 lbs) and kayak multiple miles a day.

· Willing to live in a remote, rural community.

· Comfortable traveling by small plane or ferry to and from a remote setting.

· Able to work in cold and wet Southeastern Alaska weather.


Icy Strait Point is a Native-owned and operated enterprise and offers Native Preference under P.L.93-638. Applicants must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States