Whale Watching Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Do you love being on the water? Enjoy sharing Hawaii with visitors from around the world?

Dive Kauai Scuba Center has been creating unforgettable ocean adventures for more than 24 years. We're looking for experienced, safety-minded captains who are passionate about delivering exceptional guest experiences while operating our snorkeling, scuba diving, whale watching, and sightseeing tours.

This is much more than operating a boat. Our captains are professional mariners, hospitality professionals, safety leaders, tour guides, and ambassadors for the island of Kauai. Captains are also responsible for the daily transportation, launching, retrieval, and care of company vessels using trucks and trailers, ensuring every tour begins and ends safely and efficiently.

If you enjoy working outdoors, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and love creating memorable experiences for guests, we'd love to hear from you.

• Safely operate U.S. Coast Guardinspected commercial vessels.
• Deliver engaging narration, island history, marine life education, and safety briefings.
• Provide exceptional customer service before, during, and after every tour.
• Assist guests boarding and exiting the vessel.
• Assist scuba staff with loading, unloading, and handling scuba equipment.
• Lead snorkeling, whale watching, and sightseeing experiences.
• Safely launch and retrieve company vessels each day.
• Drive company trucks while towing boat trailers to and from the harbor.
• Confidently back trailers down boat ramps and safely retrieve vessels at the end of the day.
• Perform daily inspections of vessels, trailers, and company vehicles while reporting maintenance concerns.
• Fuel, clean, stock, and prepare vessels for daily operations.
• Work closely with captains, instructors, divemasters, and office staff to deliver an exceptional guest experience.
• Maintain all U.S. Coast Guard, company, and safety standards.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must:
• Hold a current U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC).
• FullTime Applicants: Minimum Master 25 GRT credential.
• PartTime Applicants: Minimum OUPV ("6Pack") credential.
• Be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Pass preemployment and random drug testing.
• Hold a valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
• Be comfortable driving fullsize pickup trucks while towing boat trailers.
• Be able to safely launch and retrieve boats using company trucks and trailers.
• Have or be able to obtain an FCC Marine Radio Operator Permit before your first day of work.
• Be available to work weekends, holidays, and peak tourism seasons.
• Be physically able to lift and carry equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Be capable of operating two to three tours per day as business demands.
• Scuba certification is not required, but an interest in learning about scuba diving is a plus.
Preferred Qualifications
• Two or more years of commercial captain experience on Kauai.
• Current CPR/First Aid certification.
• Experience towing and launching trailered vessels.
• Knowledge of Kauai's coastline, marine life, weather patterns, and local history.
• Experience working in hospitality, tourism, or adventure recreation.
• Strong public speaking and guest engagement skills.
Compensation & Benefits
• Starting at $30/hour, with higher starting pay based on experience.
• Generous gratuities.
• Health insurance (eligible employees).
• Employee activity benefits.
• Consistent 4day workweek / 3 days off.
• Monthly schedules published in advance.
• Yearround employment.
• Opportunities for growth and advancement.
• Work with one of Kauai's premier ocean adventure companies.
Availability Requirements

We operate year-round and are busiest during holidays and peak tourism seasons.

Applicants must be available to work:
• Weekends and holidays.
• June through September.
• December 15 through January 15.

These are blackout periods, and time-off requests during these dates generally cannot be accommodated.

Why Join Dive Kauai?

Every day is different. One day you may be leading guests along Kauai's breathtaking coastline in search of dolphins, whales, or sea turtles. The next, you'll be transporting divers to world-class dive sites while sharing the stories, history, and beauty that make Kauai unforgettable.

We're looking for dependable, positive professionals who take pride in safety, teamwork, and delivering exceptional guest experiences. If you're ready to build a career—not just another captain job—we'd love to hear from you.