ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Tour Boat Captain Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mystic Seaport Museum

Waterfront Tour Captain

Mystic, CT · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

To safely operate tour vessels and provide an enjoyable on-the-water experience for visitors ... USCG 25-ton inland captains license for EXPRESS, ENCORE, and LIBERTY USCG 50-ton inland captains ...

New

Mystic Seaport Museum

Waterfront Tour Captain

Mystic, CT · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

To safely operate tour vessels and provide an enjoyable on-the-water experience for visitors ... Qualifications: · USCG 25-ton inland captains license for EXPRESS, ENCORE, and LIBERTY · USCG 50 ...

Island Dream Productions

HI

... boat tour adventures, including snorkeling and whale watching tours. Our photographers work ... Communicate effectively with boat captains, crew, and fellow photographers to ensure smooth ...

Allen Marine Tours

Zodiac Captain

Sitka, AK · On-site

$28 - $37/hr

Summary for Zodiac Captain Requires a USCG Master's license (25-ton minimum) and an FCC Marine ... Supervise all aspects of tour delivery and quality. * Manage and direct crew members in the ...

Aramark

Boat Tours Manager - Lake Powell

Page, AZ · On-site

The Boat Tour Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operation of the Boat Tours operations. This role will directly supervise licensed captains, non-licensed crew, front desk agents ...

Aramark

Boat Tours Manager - Lake Powell

Page, AZ

The Boat Tour Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operation of the Boat Tours operations. This role will directly supervise licensed captains, non-licensed crew, front desk agents ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsTour Boat Captain Jobs

Tour Boat Captain information

See salary details

$5

$25

$48

How much do tour boat captain jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for tour boat captain in the United States is $25.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $30.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Tour Boat Captain, and why are they important?

To excel as a Tour Boat Captain, you need a strong background in maritime navigation, vessel operation, and safety procedures, usually backed by a U.S. Coast Guard captain’s license. Familiarity with GPS navigation systems, marine radios, and safety equipment is critical, along with any relevant certifications like CPR and First Aid. Exceptional customer service, communication, and leadership skills set standout captains apart by ensuring enjoyable and informative tours. These competencies are essential for ensuring passenger safety, regulatory compliance, and a memorable tour experience.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Tour boat captains can earn around $2,000 a day in high-demand or luxury markets, especially with extensive experience, certifications, and operating large or specialized vessels. Earnings depend on factors like location, vessel size, and the type of tours or charters conducted, often involving long hours and seasonal work.

Is there a demand for boat captains?

The demand for boat captains, including tour boat captains, is generally steady and can vary by region and season. Growing interest in recreational boating and tourism industries often increase job opportunities, especially for those with proper licensing and safety certifications. Job prospects are typically better in popular tourist destinations and areas with active water-based recreation.

How much do 60 foot yacht captains make?

The salary of a 60-foot yacht captain typically ranges from $70,000 to $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the type of vessel. Captains with advanced certifications and extensive experience can earn higher wages, especially on luxury or charter yachts.

What does a Tour Boat Captain do?

A Tour Boat Captain is responsible for operating and navigating boats that provide sightseeing or educational tours on rivers, lakes, or coastal waters. They ensure the safety of all passengers and crew, provide commentary or information about points of interest, and perform routine maintenance on the vessel. Tour Boat Captains must adhere to maritime laws and safety regulations, and often interact with guests to create an enjoyable and informative experience. They may also supervise crew members and respond to emergencies as needed.

What is the difference between Tour Boat Captain vs Marine Deckhand?

AspectTour Boat CaptainMarine Deckhand
Required CertificationsCaptain's license, CPR, first aidSTCW certification, basic safety training
Work EnvironmentPassenger vessels, leisure cruisesCommercial ships, cargo or passenger vessels
Employer & IndustryTour operators, recreational boatingMaritime companies, shipping industry
Job FocusNavigation, passenger safety, customer serviceDeck maintenance, cargo handling, safety procedures

The main difference between a Tour Boat Captain and a Marine Deckhand lies in their responsibilities and certifications. The Tour Boat Captain is licensed to operate passenger vessels, focusing on navigation and passenger safety, while the Marine Deckhand assists with vessel maintenance and safety tasks. Both roles are essential in the maritime industry but serve different functions within the vessel's operation.

What are some common challenges faced by tour boat captains, and how can they be managed effectively?

Tour boat captains often face challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions, managing diverse groups of passengers, and ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols. Effective communication and quick decision-making are essential, especially during emergencies or when navigating crowded waterways. Building strong teamwork with crew members and staying updated with local maritime regulations help ensure smooth operations and positive guest experiences.

What is the highest paid boat captain?

The highest paid boat captains are typically those working in specialized sectors such as luxury yacht or cruise ship operations, where salaries can exceed $150,000 annually. Factors influencing pay include experience, certifications, vessel size, and the complexity of the environment they operate in.
More about Tour Boat Captain jobs
What cities are hiring for Tour Boat Captain jobs? Cities with the most Tour Boat Captain job openings:
What states have the most Tour Boat Captain jobs? States with the most job openings for Tour Boat Captain jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Tour Boat Captain jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Tour Boat Captain jobs are:
Tour Boat Captain jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tour Boat Captain job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,531 per year, or $25.7 per hour.
Waterfront Tour Captain

Waterfront Tour Captain

Mystic Seaport Museum

Mystic, CT • On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Other

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Description

Purpose of Position:  

 To safely operate tour vessels and provide an enjoyable on-the-water experience for visitors. 


Vessels include:

SABINO (56' historic wooden steamboat operating a diesel electric drive). SABINO operates ten-hour days, daily, May 22 - October 18.

MYSTIC SEAPORT EXPRESS (25' diesel powered launch). EXPRESS operates 8-hour days, weekends and holidays May 16-June 14 and Sept 12-27 and daily June19-Sept 7.

LIBERTY (40' diesel powered launch), LIBERTY operates as a charter only vessel/short distance shuttle, and as an emergency response/tow vessel.

ENCORE (motor yacht for charter). ENCORE operates as a charter only vessel, 3- or 5-hour downriver charters into Fishers Island Sound.

BRECK MARSHALL (20' gaff rigged sailboat, no engine). BRECK operates six-hour days, weekends, and holidays May 23- June 14 and Sept 12-September 27 and daily June 20-Sept 7.


The ability to run all vessels is not required - captains will be assigned vessels based on training, comfort in operating, museum's scheduling needs, and captain's availability.


Essential Functions:  

Safely operate the vessel assigned in a variety of weather conditions while providing passengers of various ages and diverse backgrounds an excellent experience.

Ensure USCG regulations are followed

Enjoy interacting with museum guests, volunteers, and the public

Good natured attitude in a highly fluid environment

Ensure passenger safety

Help mentor and train deckhands (SABINO)

Communicate any problems, issues or maintenance needs to supervisor


Requirements

Qualifications:  

USCG 25-ton inland captains license for EXPRESS, ENCORE, and LIBERTY

USCG 50-ton inland captains license for SABINO

Inland OUPV and a high level of sailing skills for BRECK MARSHALL

Willingness to undergo scheduled and random drug testing.

High degree of skill in handling single screw vessels of equivalent size

Must be comfortable operating a vessel in heavy vessel traffic, under varied tides and weather conditions.?

Willingness to work evenings, and holidays as needed.

An interest in and the ability to interact with Museum visitors to better their understanding of the work at hand as well as the broader educational goals of the Museum.?

Ability to communicate effectively with passengers

Ability to give a tour to visitors of the waterfront and Museum

An interest in and the ability to pass work related skills to other staff and volunteers

Ability to lift moderately heavy loads

Ability to assist passengers board and disembark as needed

Ability to work collaboratively with others in a highly fluid environment.

Must be able to access boats, floats, and bilges 


The nature of the work involved requires extended periods outdoors in all weather conditions during spring, summer, and fall. This position requires an ability to maintain high levels of visual and mental concentration for extended periods of time and requires positive interaction with the public. The incumbent interacts with a broad range of individuals including fellow staff, visitors, volunteers, trustees, vendors, etc. In all of these interactions, the reputation of Mystic Seaport and the Watercraft Area are at stake. It is essential that a high degree of professionalism be exhibited at all times.



Apply