Working as an adventure guide is a great seasonal job option if you want to work outside and stay active during the summer. A lot of people are surprised at how many different types of guide jobs there are and that you don’t need professional experience to apply to many of them. To help you find a guiding job, this list will provide you with 20 adventure guide jobs you can do this summer.
Table of Contents
FAQs About Adventure Guide Jobs
What is an Adventure Guide?
An adventure guide is an outdoor guide who leads groups and/or individual clients on recreational actives. These jobs require group management skills, risk assessment, and safety skills. Many of these jobs that can be physically demanding. The jobs on this list are mainly summer seasonal jobs but some can be found year-round.
Do you need experience to be an adventure guide?
Some jobs will require experience, even if only in the form of a hobby. Many will train you once you are hired. For each of the jobs on this list you will need a certain level of first aid training. Any required experience is listed below each guide job.
How much do guides make?
No matter the job, your wages will depend on your skill set, the job itself, the location/company you work for, and if you are a first or second year employee. A big perk of a guide job is that you usually make tips.
How can you find a job as an adventure guide?
The list below will explain how to search for specific guide jobs. It will also provide a few companies that you can start applying to. You can also find these jobs by searching for openings via google.
Guide Jobs On the Water
1. Kayak Guide
Kayak guides take guests for single day and overnight excursions via kayaks along warm waters off the cost of Florida, around giant glaciers in Alaska, or down windy rivers in Tennessee. You can find these jobs across almost every state in the USA in various bodies of water.
General Experience Needed
Most Kayak guide jobs require water skills/experience and a First Aid/CPR certificate. Some jobs requiring a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification or type of water rescue certification. There are Kayak instructor courses you can complete but these are not always needed and most companies will have you complete their company’s training.
Where to Start Applying
- Adventure Sitka
- Cascade Raft & Kayak
- Sea Quest
- Keweenaw Adventure Company
- Door County Kayak Tours
- Clearly Tahoe
Where to Job Search
- Seasonal work websites (ex: CoolWorks)
- Conservation Job Boards
- Alaska Tourism Job Board
- Summer camps
- Outdoor guiding companies
- Outfitters and resorts that offer water activities
2. Stand Up Paddle Board Guide
SUP (Stand Up Paddle Board) Guides teach the basic techniques of using an inflatable or solid paddle board in order to navigate lakes, rivers, and oceans. These jobs are entry level and can be found across the majority of US states in the summer.
General Experience Needed
Most SUP Guide jobs require water skills/experience and a First Aid/CPR certificate. A few jobs will require a water rescue certification. There are SUP instructor courses you can to take to improve your resume but most companies will have you complete their own training. Many companies want their SUP guides to have the ability to guide other paddle excursions as well (such as kayak).
Where to Start Applying
Where to Job Search
- Seasonal work websites (ex: CoolWorks)
- Resorts
- State/national parks
- Summer camps
- Outfitters
3. Rafting Guide
As a Rafting Guide you spend your days taking rafts full of tourists down windy rivers and through raging rapids. There are lots of rafting guide jobs across the USA that require no experience as they train their staff or connect them with the proper courses. There are job opportunites to be a single day rafting guide or a multi-day rafting guide.
General Experience Needed
A Rafting Guide needs First Aid training and in many cases a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and/or water rescue certification. Your company will usually help set you up with these courses. All other raft guide training can be completed once hired for the job.
Where to Start Applying
- Echo Canyon River Expeditions
- Arkansas Valley Adventures
- Ocoee Adventure Center
- McCarthy River Tours
- Tributary Whitewater Tours
- Yellowstone Raft Company
Where to Job Search
- Seasonal work websites (ex: CoolWorks)
- Alaska Tourism Job Board
- Outfitters and guiding companies near rivers and national parks
4. Fly Fishing Guide
If you enjoy spending your days on rivers that cut through mountains in order to cast a line… then a Fly Fishing Guide may be the job for you! These guides spend their time taking out small groups of clients onto public and private water to teach them how to get the best catch.
General Experience Needed
You will need fly fishing experience and a First Aid/CPR certification for this job. Sometimes outfitters will require a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or a Sport Fishing Guide license. Other fishing licenses needed will depend on the state you work in or the type of company you work for. Some employers prefer their fly fishing guides to be able to guide other fishing excursions as well (such as spin fishing).
Where to Start Applying
Where to Job Search
- Fly Fishing Jobs
- Fishing Industry Jobs
- Bass Pro Shop’s Careers
- Seasonal work websites (ex: CoolWorks)
- All inclusive resorts, lodges, and guest ranches
- Outfitters and guiding companies
5. Deep Sea Fishing Guide
For those who rather be surrounded by open water, a Deep Sea Fishing Guide may be the best job for you. These guides take groups of people out to sea on party boats, charter boats, or private resort boats and use their knowledge to help their guests make the biggest catch.
General Experience Needed
If you are looking to be a Captain you will need boating experience and an OVUP (aka: 6-pack license). Other fishing licenses and certifications needed will depend on the state you work in or the type of company you work for. For other crew positions, you will need fishing experience and usually a first aid and/or water safety certification. A lot of companies are willing to train unexperienced deckhands if you want to get your foot in the door.
Where to Start Applying
Where to Job Search
- Alaska Tourism Job Board
- Fishing Industry Jobs
- Job search websites (ex: Indeed)
- All inclusive resorts and lodges on the coast (especially in Alaska)
6. SCUBA Instructor
If you have a love for SCUBA diving and could see yourself spending time underwater for work then this could be a great job for you. SCUBA Instructors are trained and experienced divers that teach others how to scuba dive safely to see what the underwater world has to offer.
Experience Needed
To be a SCUBA Guide, you will need diving experience, a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor certificate with teaching status, and a current First Aid/CPR certification. There are many prerequisite to complete a PADI certification, this is not an easy “entry level” job.
Where to Start Applying
Where to Job Search
- PADI Job Board
- Dive job boards (ex: Dive Jobs)
- Summer programs that focus on diving (ex: Action Quest & Broad Reach)
- Job search websites (ex: Indeed)
- Resorts that offer diving
- Aquariums
7. Snorkeling Guide
If you love being under the sea, but prefer to only use a mask and fins, then this may be a great guide job for you. Snorkel Guides focus on water safety while helping their groups discover the underwater world.
General Experience Needed
You need to be a good swimmer and hold a CPR/First Aid certification. Many companies ask that you have a lifeguard certification or a water safety/rescue certification. Some jobs prefer their snorkel guides to be able to teach another water based activity as well or have marine life knowledge.
Where to Start Applying
Where to Job Search
- Dive job boards (ex: Dive Jobs)
- Real Jobs Hawaii
- Summer programs that focus on diving (ex: Action Quest & Broad Reach)
- Job search websites (ex: Indeed)
- Seasonal work websites (ex: CoolWorks)
- Watersport companies
- All-inclusive resorts and outfitters offering snorkel tours
Guide Jobs In the Mountains
8. Rock Climbing Guide
Rock Climbing Guides are expert mountaineers that instruct and safely guide small groups or individuals up boulders, cliff faces, or even rock walls in climbing gyms. If you love the thrill of being challenged physically and mentally while scaling a mountain, and want to take others along for the adventure, then this may be the job for you.
General Experience Needed
To be a rock climbing guide, you will need rock climbing experience. You will also need to be Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certified and in some cases have avalanche training (usually a US Pro-1). You must also have an active rock climbing guide certification (usually an AMGA).
Where to Start Applying
- Gunflint Lodge
- Alaska Mountain Guides
- Blue Ridge Mountain Guides
- RMI Expeditions
- Front Range Climbing Company
- The Colorado Mountain Club
Where to Job Search
- Climbing Business Journal
- Job search websites (ex: Indeed)
- Outfitters and climbing companies
- Summer camps
- Tour companies in the mountains
9. Zipline Guide
Looking to spend your days soaring above the treetops? Then try your hand as a Zipline Guide. These guides spend their days taking people through zipline and adventure courses while maintaining equipment and focusing on course safety.
General Experience Needed
You will need a current CPR/Fist Aid certification. Most other training can be complete once you are hired for the job.
Where to Start Applying
- Arkansas Valley Adventures
- Gunflint Lodge
- Royal Gorge Zipline Tours
- Alaska Zipline Adventure Park
- Denali Zipline Tours
- Jayell Ranch: Family Adventure Park
Where to Job Search
- Seasonal work websites (ex: CoolWorks)
- Zipline tour companies and outfitters
- All-inclusive resorts
- Adventure parks
- Summer camps
10. Caving Guide
If you rather explore the world that’s beneath the mountain, then why not spend your days navigating the natural underground cave systems across the USA. Some caving guide jobs call for taking out simple tours along marked paths in famous caves, while others require guides to repel their guests down into deeper territory and navigate the maze-like systems with nothing but a flashlight.
General Experience Needed
To be a general “cave tour guide” you do not need experience. To be a caving guide you will need caving experience and an understanding of safety procedures and equipment. You will also need a First Aid/CPR certification. Requirements will depend on the specifics of the job and company you work with.
Where to Start Applying
- Horne Lake Caves
- Wanderlust Tours
- Moaning Caverns Adventure Park
- True Adventure Sports
- Natural Bridge Caverns
Where to Job Search
- Cave and Karst Job Board
- Job search websites (ex: Indeed)
- The National Park Service
- Cave tour companies and outfitters near cave systems
11. Hunting Guide
If you are an experienced hunter, love the outdoors, and want to turn these two passions into a job… then why not become a Hunting Guide. These guides use their scouting knowledge to take guests/clients out into the fields/bush/mountains to hunt the specific quarry they are after.
General Experience Needed
You will need hunting experience and to know how to safely use hunting equipment, guns, and ammo. The hunting license you need will vary from state to state. Many companies prefer their hunting guides to have knowledge of the terrain and game in the specific area they are guiding in.
Where to Start Applying
- Yellowstone Outfitters
- Flat Tops Wilderness Guides
- Kiowa Hunting Services
- Rainy Pass Lodge
- Buffalo Butte Ranch
- Weatherby’s Fishing & Hunting Lodge
Where Else to Job Search
- Alaska Tourism Job Board
- Outfitter Marketplace Job Boards
- Hunting Job Boards (ex: Quail Hunting Property Jobs or Ranch Works’ Hunting Ranch Jobs)
- Job Search Websites (ex: Indeed).
- Hunting outfitters
- Ranches and lodges
12. Mountain Biking Guide
Mountain Biking Guides teach people the basics of mountain biking and lead trips all across the USA: through the winding mountains of the west coat to the pre-set tracks in the bike parks of the east coast. If your preference for fun comes from sharing the excitement of kicking up dirt on two wheels this may be a great job for you.
General Experience Needed
You will need mountain biking experience and a First Aid/CPR certification. Many companies prefer you to have a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification and/or a Mountain Bike Instructor Certification (usually a BICP or BMPI).
Where to Start Applying
- Momentum Mountain Biking
- Ninja MTB Performance
- Highland Mountain Bike Park
- Whitefish Bike Retreat
- Falling Creek Summer Camp
- Alaska Trail Guides
Where to Job Search
- Bicycle Industry Jobs
- REI Carrers
- Seasonal Work Websties (ex: CoolWorks)
- Job Search Websites (ex: Indeed)
- Ski resorts
- Ranches
- Summer camps
- Biking Outfitters
13. Dog Mushing Guide
Yes, people do go mushing in the summer! You can find dogsledding trips that take you across fields of snow high up in the mountains or out on glaciers in Alaska. You can also find dogsledding tours where huskies run ATVs or wheeled carts across dirt paths.
General Experience Needed
You will need a First Aid/CPR certification. Sometimes a clean/good driving record is required. Many companies will train you if you have no dog mushing experience.
Where to Start Applying
- Squid Acres Kennel
- Turning Heads Kennel
- Seaveys IdidaRide *posting says 2018 but they are in business for 2024
- Alaska IceField Expeditions
- Gold Rush Dog Tours
Where to Job Search
- Alaska Tourism Job Board
- Seasonal Work Websites (ex: CoolWorks)
- Outfitters, kennels, and dog sledding tour companies
14. Hiking/Backpacking Guide
Hiking Guides spend their summers leading people through beautiful national parks and forests all across the USA. You can spend each day summiting a new mountain, or multiple days hiking from peak to peak and setting up camp along the way.
General Experience Needed
Hiking and Backpacking Guides need a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification. They also need some hiking and/or camping experience and some companies prefer their guides to have knowledge of the surrounding areas and the flora in fauna in the region.
Where to Start Applying
- Yosemite Adventure Guides
- A Walk in the Woods
- Glacier Guides
- High Rocks Summer Camp
- Wildland Trekking
- Wilderness Adventures
Where to Job Search
- Alaska Tourism Job Board
- Summer and Gap Year Companies (ex: ARCC Programs or Adventure Treks)
- Seasonal Work Websites (ex: CoolWorks)
- Summer camps
- All-inclusive resorts and outfitters
15. Glacier Climbing Guide
Just like a Hiking Guide, Glacier Guides also take people on treks. However, instead of making their way through the sunny green wilderness, they make their way over sheets of ice reflecting various shades of beautiful blues.
General Experience Needed
Glacier Guides needs a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification. Hiking and glacier climbing experience is usually preferred by not mandatory. Some Glacier Guide positions require their guides to also be general hiking guides or have experience in other skills such as ice climbing.
Where to Start Applying
- Pangaea Adventures
- ABAK Wilderness Trips
- North Star Helicopters
- Exit Glacier Guides
- St. Elias Alpine Guides
- Kennicott Wilderness Guides
Where to Job Search
- Seasonal Work Websties (ex: CoolWorks)
- Alaska Tourism Job Board
- Outfitters
- Resorts and lodges in Alaska
16. Llama Packing Guide
If you love hiking but want to try your hand at something a bit different, why not become a Llama packing guide? These guides load up llamas with supplies to utilize as pack animals, and take groups of hikers on various day trips or overnight excursions. Believe it or not this is available in multiple US states.
General Experience Needed
Llama Packing Guides needs a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification. They also need some hiking and/or packing experience and many companies prefer their guides to have knowledge of how to take care of the llamas.
Where to Start Applying
- Swan Mountain Outfitters
- Wildland Trekking
- Montana Llama Guides *post on FB when hiring*
Where to Job Search
- Job Search Websites (ex: Indeed)
- Llama trekking businesses in the USA (ex: Wilderness Ridge Trail Llamas or Redwood Llama)
- Resorts and outfitters that offer llama pack trips
Guide Jobs Behind the Wheel
17. Jeep Tour Guide
Jeep Tour Guides load their tour groups into jeeps and take them on half day or full day tours via paved scenic paths or for off roading adventures across bumpy terrain. If this sounds like the job for you, you may find yourself spending your days cruising through US national parks or speeding through the desert at sundown.
General Experience Needed
You will need a current drivers license, a clean driving record, and be able to drive 4-10 hours per day. You will need a First Aid/CPR Certification. A few companies may require a Commercial Driver License (CDL) and some jobs prefer you be over the age of 25.
Where to Start Applying
- Denali Jeep Excursions
- Pink Jeep Tours
- Colorado Jeep Tours
- Trail Dust Offroad Tours
- Mild to Wild: Rafting & Jeep Tours
- Far Flung Outdoor Center
Where to Job Search
- Seasonal Work Websites (ex: CoolWorks)
- Job Search Websites (ex: Indeed)
- Alaska Tourism Job Board
- Jeep companies and outfitters near national parks and resorts
18. UTV or ATV Tour Guide
UTV/ATV Tour Guides buckle up for adventure every day, as they lead groups of other drivers on an adrenaline filled experience across dirt roads, red clay trails, and sand dunes. You can find these jobs in every state in the USA, so you have your pick of the terrain you want to explore during your work days.
General Experience Needed
UTV/ATV Guides need a First Aid/CPR Certification and in some cases a Wilderness First Responder (WFR). You will also need a valid drivers license, a clean driving record, and a few companies may require a Commercial Driver License (class B CDL). Some companies may have a 21+ age requirement for insurance purposes.
Where to Start Applying
- Alaska Mountain Guides
- Colorado Outback Adventures
- Aloha Adventure Farms
- NOVA Guides
- Denali ATV Adventures
- High Point Hummer & ATV
Where to Job Search
- Seasonal Work Websites (ex: CoolWorks)
- Job Search Websites (ex: Indeed)
- Outfitters
- Resorts and lodges
19. Airboat Tour Guide
Spend your time cruising through the Everglades in Florida or across the bayous of Louisiana as you take boats full of tourists along for the ride. Airboat Tour Guides give people the opportunity to get up close and personal with natural habitats you can only see while gliding across the waters of the southern USA.
General Experience Needed
You will need a First Aid/CPR Certification. To captain an airboat you need a USCG Master license. Some companies prefer you to have previous knowledge of the flora and fauna in the area. These jobs are mostly located in Florida or Louisiana and many companies will want you to work year round.
Where to Start Applying
- Sawgrass Recreation Park
- Airboat Rides at Midway
- Airboat Adventures
- Everglades Safari Park
- Wild Florida
Where to Job Search
- Job Search Websites (ex: Indeed)
- Animal parks and outfitters near the water that feature airboat rides/tours
20. Helicopter Tour Guide
Helicopter Tour Guides are experienced helicopter pilots that show people the world from a different point of view. Spend your days soaring over icy blue glaciers in Alaska or black volcanic mountains in Hawaii.
General Experience Needed
You will need experience to be a helicopter tour guide as this is not an entry level job. You will need a commercial helicopters license with 1000+ hrs. PIC Helicopter. Each company will have different flight experience requirements.
Where to Start Applying
Where to Job Search
- Aviation Websites (ex: Rotor Pro and JSfirm)
- Alaska Tourism Job Board
- Seasonal Work Websites (ex: CoolWorks)
- Job Search Websites (ex: Indeed)
Conclusion
If you are looking for a job as an advenutre guide this summer, hopefully this list gave you some ideas. You can use the links included in this list to start applying for a guide job today. Have you worked as a summer guide? Is there another adventure guide job you would reccommend? Please let me know in the comments below.