There are lots of summer seasonal guide jobs that will keep you active and engaged this summer. Most of them you won't need much professional experience to apply! To help you figure out what guide job is the best fit for you, here is a list of 20 adventure guide job options and companies you can start applying to.
Photo Credits: MChe Lee
What to Know
How this list is broken down.
This list of summer guide jobs is broken down into three categories:
What types of "guide jobs" are these?
These jobs are considered "adventure guide jobs". In other words, they are jobs that can be physically demanding, require you to be quite active, and spend your entire summer outside. They are mainly summer seasonal jobs but some can be found year-round.
Do you need experience for these jobs?
For each of these jobs you do need a certain skill set and a form of First Aid training. Some jobs will require experience, even if only in the form of a hobby, but most advertise training once hired. The general experience needed is listed under each job.
How do these jobs pay?
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 guide jobs is that the majority of them are jobs where you make tips.
Who are the companies linked under "where to start applying"?
The companies linked below hire guides in each respective category. The purpose of "showcasing" them is to give you some examples of the types of places you can look into in your job search, and even give you a place to start applying. They are real companies that I found via google search, but I have no connection or experience with them so please do your research to make sure it is a place you want to work before applying.
Guide Jobs On the Water
Photo Credits: Pete Nowicki
Kayak Guide
Kayak Guides take guests for excursions via kayak 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 and many are entry level positions with little experience needed.
Job Possibilities
Flat Water Kayak Guide, Sea Kayak Guide, Whitewater Kayak Guide, Multi-Day Kayak Guide, or Canoe Guide.
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 own training.
Where to Start Applying
& more...
Where Else to Job Search
Seasonal Work Websties (ex: CoolWorks)
Summer camps, outdoor guiding companies, and outfitters and resorts that offer water activities.
Photo Credits: Holly Mandarich
Stand Up Paddle Board Guide
SUP, or 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.
Job Possibilities
SUP Guide, SUP Instructor, or SUP Yoga Instrutor.
General Experience Needed
Most SUP Guide jobs require water skills/experience and a First Aid/CPR certificate. Some jobs requiring a type of 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
& more...
Where Else to Job Search
Seasonal Work Websties (ex: CoolWorks)
Resorts, state/national parks, summer camps, and outfitters that offer SUP.
Related Posts
Photo Credits: Jackalope West
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.
Job Possibilities
Single Day Rafting Guide or 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 get you set up with these courses. All other raft guide training can be completed once hired for the job.
Where to Start Applying
& more...
Where Else to Job Search
Seasonal Work Websties (ex: CoolWorks)
Outfitters and guiding companies near rivers and national parks.
Photo Credits: Greysen Johnson
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.
Job Possibilities
Fly Fishing Guide or Float Fly Fishing Guide (on a boat/raft).
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
& more...
Where Else to Job Search
Seasonal Work Websties (ex: CoolWorks)
All inclusive resorts, lodges, and guest ranches that offer fly fishing as an activity.
Outfitters and guiding companies.
Helpful Info
Photo Credits: Stephen Momot
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.
Job Possibilities
Deep Sea Fishing Guide, Charter Guide, Deckhand, First Mate, or Boat Captain.
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
& more...
Where Else to Job Search
Job Search Websties (ex: Indeed)
All inclusive resorts and lodges on the coast (especially in Alaska) that offer deep sea fishing.
Photo Credits: Laya Clode
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.
Job Possibilities
Dive Guide, Open Water Scuba Instructor, Assistant Instructors, or Divemaster.
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
& more...
Where Else to Job Search
Other Dive Job Boards (ex:The Dive Site and Dive Jobs)
Summer programs that focus on diving (ex: Action Quest & Broad Reach)
Job Search Websties (ex: Indeed)
Resorts that offer diving as an activity.
Aquariums.
Photo Credits: NEOM
Snorkeling Guide
If you love being under the sea, but prefer to only use a mask and fins instead of a whole bunch of scuba gear, then this may be a great guide job for you. Snorkel Guides focus on water safety while helping their groups discover the underwater world.
Job Possibilities
Dive Guide, Snorkel Tour Guide, or Snorkeling Attendent.
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
& more...
Where Else to Job Search
Dive Job Boards (ex:The Dive Site and Dive Jobs)
Summer programs that focus on diving (ex: Action Quest & Broad Reach)
Job Search Websites (ex: Indeed)
Seasonal Work Websties (ex: CoolWorks)
Watersport companies, all-inclusive resorts, and outfitters offering snorkel tours.
Guide Jobs In the Mountains
Photo Credits: Patrick Hendry
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.
Job Possibilities
Rock Climbing Guide or Rock Climbing Instructor.
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
& more...
Where Else to Job Search
Job Search Websites (ex: Indeed)
Outfitters, climbing companies, summer camps, and tour companies in the mountains that offer this activity.
Photo Credits: Ty Downs
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.
Job Possibilities
Zipline Guide, Zipline Attendent, or Canopy Tour Guide.
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
& more...
Where Else to Job Search
Seasonal Work Websites (ex: CoolWorks)
Zipline tour companies and outfitters.
All-inclusive resorts, adventure parks, and summer camps that offer ziplining.
Photo Credits: Wander Creative
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.
Job Possibilities
Caving Guide, Caving Tour Guide, or Spelunking Guide.
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
& more...
Where Else to Job Search
Job Search Websites (ex: Indeed)
The National Park Service, cave tour companies, and outfitters near cave systems.
Photo Credits: Maxx
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 down the specific quarry they are after.
Job Possibilities
Elk Hunting Guide, Bear Hunting Guide, Deer Hunting Guide, Duck Hunting Guide, Quail Hunting Guide, etc...
General Experience Needed
You will need hunting experience and 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
& more...
Where Else to Job Search
Hunting Job Boards (ex: Quail Hunting Property Jobs or Ranch Works' Hunting Ranch Jobs)
Job Search Websites (ex: Indeed).
Hunting outfitters, ranches, and lodges that offer this activity.
Photo Credits: Tobias Bjerknes
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.
Job Possibilities
Mountain Biking Guide or Mountain Bike Instructor.
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
& more...
Where Else to Job Search
Seasonal Work Websties (ex: CoolWorks)
Job Search Websites (ex: Indeed)
Ski resorts, ranches, summer camps, resorts, and outfitters that offer mountain biking.
Photo Credits: Leo Mengoli
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.
Job Possibilities
Dog Musher, Dog Mushing Guide, Dogsledding Guide, Dog Sled Trainer, or Handler.
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
Seaveys IdidaRide *posting says 2018 but they are in business for 2024
& more...
Where Else to Job Search
Seasonal Work Websties (ex: CoolWorks)
Outfitters, kennels, and dog sledding tour companies.
Photo Credit: Ted Bryan Yu
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.
Job Possibilities
Day Hiking Guide, Overnight Backpacking Guide, Camping Guide, Multi-Day Hiking Guide, Trekking Guide, Trip Leader, and more.
General Experience Needed
Hiking and Backpacking Guides needs 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
& more...
Where Else to Job Search
Summer and Gap Year Companies (ex: ARCC Programs or Adventure Treks)
Seasonal Work Websties (ex: CoolWorks)
Summer camps, all-inclusive resorts, and outfitters offering hiking trips.
Photo Credits: Jackman Chiu
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.
Job Possibilities
Glacier Hiking Guide, Glacier Climbing Guide, or Glacier Tour Guide.
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
& more...
Where Else to Job Search
Seasonal Work Websties (ex: CoolWorks)
Outfitters, resorts, and lodges in Alaska that offer glacier tours.
Photo Credits: Shaz Sedighzadeh
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.
Job Possibilities
Llama Packing Guide or Llama Trekking Guide.
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
Montana Llama Guides *post on FB when hiring*
& more...
Where Else 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
Photo Credits: Chris Cordes
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.
Job Possibilities
Jeep Tour Guide
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
& more...
Where Else to Job Search
Seasonal Work Websties (ex: CoolWorks)
Job Search Websites (ex: Indeed)
Jeep companies, outfitters near national parks, and resorts that offer this activity.
Photo Credits: Secret Travel Guide
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.
Job Possibilities
UTV Guide or ATV Guide.
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
& more...
Where Else to Job Search
Seasonal Work Websties (ex: CoolWorks)
Job Search Websites (ex: Indeed)
Companies, outfitters, resorts, and lodges that offer this activity.
Photo Credits: Richard Sagredo
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 the natural habits you can only see while gliding across the waters of southern USA.
Job Possibilities
Airboat Tour Guide or Airboat Captain.
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. As these jobs are in Florida or Louisiana, many companies will want you to work year round.
Where to Start Applying
& more...
Where Else to Job Search
Job Search Websites (ex: Indeed)
Animal parks and outfitters near the water that feature airboat rides/tours.
Photo Credits: Seb Mooze
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.
Job Possibilities
Pilot, Tour Helicopter Pilot, Utility Pilot, or Charter Pilot.
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
& more...
Where Else to Job Search
Seasonal Work Websties (ex: CoolWorks)
Job Search Websites (ex: Indeed)
Conclusion
If you are hoping to find a new seasonal guide job this summer, hopefully this list gave you some new ideas and a few places to start your job search. Whatever you end up doing this season hopefully it's an incredible experience you won't forget.