Whale Watching Guide Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Love the ocean? Enjoy working with people and sharing the beauty of Kauai?

Kauai Z Tours is looking for energetic, safety-minded Snorkel Guides to join our ocean adventure team. Our guides help create unforgettable guest experiences on shore snorkel tours, zodiac boat snorkel tours, Na Pali Coast snorkel adventures, and seasonal whale watching tours.

This is much more than a snorkel job. Our Snorkel Guides are hospitality professionals, ocean safety leaders, marine life educators, sales ambassadors, and key members of our boat crew. Every tour is an opportunity to help guests feel safe, welcomed, informed, and excited to experience Kauai’s ocean environment.

• Guide shore snorkel and zodiac boat snorkel tours with a strong focus on safety and guest experience.
• Provide clear guest briefings on snorkeling techniques, ocean safety, tour expectations, and local marine life.
• Assist guests entering and exiting the water and help maintain control of groups in ocean conditions.
• Crew seasonal whale watching tours by assisting with guest safety, marine life spotting, snacks, drinks, and guest education.
• Organize, prepare, clean, and maintain snorkel equipment with strong attention to detail.
• Assist with guest checkin, directions, restroom guidance, and pretour organization.
• Help tie boats to mooring lines and dock cleats as needed.
• Assist with loading, unloading, cleaning, stocking, and preparing vessels for daily operations.
• Safely drive company vehicles, including vans and trucks, when needed.
• Work closely with captains, guides, office staff, and management to ensure smooth daily operations.
• Promote company tours, merchandise, and other guest experiences when appropriate.
• Represent Kauai Z Tours professionally both on and off the job.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must:
• Be at least 18 years old.
• Be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Be able to provide documentation verifying authorization to work in the United States on the first day of employment.
• Hold current CPR and First Aid certification, or be able to obtain it before the first day of work.
• Be a strong, confident swimmer comfortable in open ocean conditions.
• Be able to maintain control of a group of guests while snorkeling and perform inwater assists or rescues as needed.
• Pass preemployment and random drug testing.
• Own or be able to obtain personal snorkel equipment.
• Hold a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
• Be comfortable driving company vans, trucks, and other large vehicles.
• Be able to lift, carry, and transport equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Be able to work outdoors in sun, wind, rain, saltwater, boats, beaches, rocky shorelines, and changing ocean conditions.
• Be available to work weekends, holidays, and peak tourism seasons.
Preferred Qualifications
• Previous snorkel guide, lifeguard, swim instructor, dive, surf, kayak, or ocean safety experience.
• Knowledge of Kauai’s marine life, ocean conditions, and local environment.
• Experience working in hospitality, tourism, or adventure activities.
• Comfortable free diving up to 20 feet.
• Experience tying boats to mooring lines and dock cleats.
• Ability to reverse a boat trailer into the water.
• Strong public speaking and guest engagement skills.
• Passion for ocean conservation and environmental education.
Compensation & Benefits
• Competitive hourly pay based on experience.
• Generous gratuities.
• Health insurance for eligible employees.
• Employee activity benefits.
• Professional and supportive team environment.
• Yearround employment opportunities.
• Consistent scheduling with opportunities for growth and advancement.
Availability Requirements

We operate seven days a week, year-round.

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

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

Why Join Kauai Z Tours?

You’ll spend your days outdoors, on the water, helping guests experience the best of Kauai. From introducing first-time snorkelers to tropical marine life to helping guests spot whales during the winter season, this role is perfect for someone who loves the ocean, enjoys people, and takes pride in creating safe, memorable adventures.

We’re looking for dependable, positive, guest-focused team members who are excited to work hard, support their crew, and represent Kauai Z Tours with professionalism and aloha.