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Seasonal Kayak Guide Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Icy Strait Point LLC

Kayak Tour Guide

Hoonah, AK · On-site

$18/hr

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 ...

Apply Early

Grand Teton Lodge Company

Fly Fishing Guide

Moran, WY

$17.75/hr

Summer Seasonal 2026 * Shift Type: Full Time hours available * Minimum Age: At least 18 years of ... Horseback rides, kayak and boat rentals, lake cruises & scenic raft tours, 200 miles of hiking ...

Vail Resorts

Fly Fishing Guide

Moran, WY · On-site

$17.75/hr

Summer Seasonal 2026 * Shift Type: Full Time hours available * Minimum Age: At least 18 years of ... Horseback rides, kayak and boat rentals, lake cruises & scenic raft tours, 200 miles of hiking ...

Apply Early

Grand Teton Lodge Company

Fly Fishing Guide

Moran, WY

$17.75/hr

Summer Seasonal 2026 * Shift Type: Full Time hours available * Minimum Age: At least 18 years of ... Horseback rides, kayak and boat rentals, lake cruises & scenic raft tours, 200 miles of hiking ...

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Seasonal Kayak Guide information

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How much do seasonal kayak guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for seasonal 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.

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

To thrive as a Seasonal Kayak Guide, you need strong paddling skills, water safety knowledge, and a basic understanding of local natural environments, often supported by certifications such as CPR, First Aid, and ACA or BCU kayaking credentials. Familiarity with navigation tools, rescue equipment, and communication devices like VHF radios is typically required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, leadership, and the ability to educate and motivate groups make someone stand out in this role. These skills ensure guest safety, enhance the client experience, and enable effective management of group dynamics and emergencies on the water.

What is the difference between Seasonal Kayak Guide vs Rafting Guide?

AspectSeasonal Kayak GuideRafting Guide
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, kayaking certificationsCPR, First Aid, rafting certifications
Work EnvironmentCalm lakes, rivers suitable for kayakingFast-moving rivers, whitewater conditions
Employer & IndustryOutdoor adventure companies, tour operatorsWhitewater rafting companies, adventure tourism

Both roles require certifications like CPR and First Aid and involve guiding clients in outdoor water environments. However, Seasonal Kayak Guides typically work on calmer waters and focus on kayaking tours, while Rafting Guides handle more intense whitewater conditions. Both jobs are seasonal, outdoor, and industry-specific, but differ mainly in water type and equipment used.

What are some common challenges faced by Seasonal Kayak Guides and how can they be managed?

Seasonal Kayak Guides often face challenges such as rapidly changing weather conditions, managing group safety, and accommodating various skill levels among participants. To manage these, guides must remain vigilant about weather forecasts, conduct thorough safety briefings, and adapt their approach to ensure all guests feel comfortable and secure. Strong communication skills and teamwork with other guides are essential, as is continuous learning through on-the-job experience and certifications.

What are seasonal kayak guides?

Seasonal kayak guides are outdoor professionals who lead groups on kayaking trips during specific times of the year, usually in peak tourist or weather seasons. They provide instruction on paddling techniques, ensure the safety of participants, and share knowledge about the local environment. These guides often work in scenic areas like rivers, lakes, or coastal regions and may have expertise in outdoor education and first aid. The role is typically temporary, aligning with periods of high demand for water-based activities.
More about Seasonal Kayak Guide jobs
What cities are hiring for Seasonal Kayak Guide jobs? Cities with the most Seasonal Kayak Guide job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Kayak Guide jobs? The most popular types of Kayak Guide jobs are:
What states have the most Seasonal Kayak Guide jobs? States with the most job openings for Seasonal Kayak Guide jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Seasonal Kayak Guide jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Seasonal Kayak Guide jobs are:
Seasonal Kayak Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Seasonal Kayak Guide job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person 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 11 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