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Tour 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 ... Qualifications: · USCG 25-ton inland captains license for EXPRESS, ENCORE, and LIBERTY · USCG 50 ...

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 ... captains will be assigned vessels based on training, comfort in operating, museum's scheduling ...

Allen Marine Tours

Captain

Juneau, AK · On-site

$30 - $39/hr

Supervise all aspects of tour delivery and tour quality. * Manage and direct crew members in the ... Captain Requirements for Captain * Required minimum 100-ton license. * Required FCC Marine Radio ...

Allen Marine Tours

Captain

Sitka, AK · On-site

$30 - $39/hr

Supervise all aspects of tour delivery and tour quality. * Manage and direct crew members in the ... Captain Requirements for Captain * Required minimum 100-ton license. * Required FCC Marine Radio ...

Allen Marine Tours

Captain

Ketchikan, AK · On-site

$30 - $39/hr

Supervise all aspects of tour delivery and tour quality. * Manage and direct crew members in the ... Captain Requirements for Captain * Required minimum 100-ton license. * Required FCC Marine Radio ...

ANTELOPE POINT HOLDINGS LLC

Boat Captain

Page, AZ

The Captain is accountable for the safety of all passengers, crew members, and property onboard ... Safely operate and navigate tour and charter vessels while ensuring compliance with all applicable ...

Icy Strait Point LLC

Boat Captain

Hoonah, AK · On-site

$30/hr

They are responsible for every aspect of the tour, voyage and vessel. Under advisement of the Fleet Captain follows set courses and speed, direct crew members, and ensures that the guests are happy ...

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Tour Captain information

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$19K

$104.2K

$181.5K

How much do tour captain jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for tour captain in the United States is $104,157.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,000.00 and $128,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Tour Captain vs Tour Guide?

AspectTour CaptainTour Guide
CertificationsMay require specific certifications or licenses depending on the region or tour typeOften requires a guiding license or certification, especially for specialized tours
Work EnvironmentTypically works on transportation vehicles like buses or boats, managing logistics and passenger safetyWorks directly with tourists, providing information and commentary at various sites
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed by tour companies, cruise lines, or transportation servicesEmployed by tour operators, museums, or sightseeing companies

While both roles involve guiding and assisting tourists, a Tour Captain primarily manages transportation logistics and passenger safety, often on vehicles like buses or ships. A Tour Guide focuses on providing information and commentary at specific sites or attractions. Understanding these differences helps travelers choose the right professional for their tour experience.

What are some typical challenges faced by a Tour Captain during group tours, and how can they be effectively managed?

Tour Captains frequently encounter challenges such as managing diverse group dynamics, staying on schedule while accommodating individual needs, and handling unexpected changes like weather or transportation delays. Effective communication, flexibility, and strong organizational skills are essential for resolving these issues smoothly. Building rapport with guests and maintaining a calm, positive attitude helps create a memorable and enjoyable experience, even when facing unforeseen obstacles.

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

To thrive as a Tour Captain, you need strong leadership skills, in-depth knowledge of tour routes and destinations, and often a background in hospitality or tourism. Familiarity with booking systems, GPS navigation, and sometimes first aid certification are commonly required technical competencies. Exceptional communication, problem-solving abilities, and a customer-centric attitude distinguish top performers in this role. These skills are vital to ensuring smooth tour operations, positive guest experiences, and the ability to handle unexpected challenges effectively.

What are Tour Captains?

Tour Captains are professionals responsible for leading and managing organized tours, ensuring that the experience is enjoyable, informative, and runs smoothly for all participants. They coordinate logistics, provide commentary or guidance about destinations, handle customer questions, and address any issues that arise during the tour. Tour Captains often serve as the primary point of contact for guests and may work for travel companies, cruise lines, or sightseeing operators. Their role requires strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
More about Tour Captain jobs
What cities are hiring for Tour Captain jobs? Cities with the most Tour Captain job openings:
What states have the most Tour Captain jobs? States with the most job openings for Tour Captain jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Tour Captain jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Tour Captain jobs are:
Tour Captain jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tour Captain job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,157 per year, or $50.1 per hour.
Waterfront Tour Captain

Waterfront Tour Captain

Mystic Seaport Museum

Mystic, CT • On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Full-time

Posted 11 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.



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