If you want to be a tour guide this summer but have little to no experience, then you still have multiple options available to you. While there are some great adventure guide jobs out there, like wilderness backpacking or rafting, those are more fast paced and require a bit more experience. The jobs on this list are fun and unique summer tour guide jobs that require no experience and allow you to work at an easier pace. In the post below you will find 10 summer tour guide jobs, the qualifications needed to apply, where you can find these jobs, and more.
Photo Credit: Kat van der Linden
Table of Contents
Summer Tour Guide Jobs: What to Know
About these summer tour guide jobs.
The jobs on this list are summer tour guide jobs that require little to no experience because training is provided. These jobs require you to interact with guests while taking them on some sort of site seeing tour(s). They are low impact and are not considered "adventure guide" jobs. Specific details are listed under each respective job.
What are the qualifications for these tour guide jobs?
These jobs are for people who enjoy interacting with others and have public speaking skills. These jobs require you to memorize a lot of information that you can then explain to small or large groups of people. Most of these jobs only require you to be a certain age and will train you on everything else. Specific details are listed below the respective job.
How much do these jobs pay?
Pay will vary depending on the state/job/company you work for. Usually these tour guide jobs make hourly minimum wage. As these jobs are guide jobs, people in these roles usually make a fair amount in tips.
Are these jobs available internationally?
While the jobs on this list are US based, many of them you can do internationally. Keep in mind that working internationally requires a bit more effort (such as obtaining a VISA) and possibility more experience/working requirements.
10 Summer Tour Guide Jobs in the USA
Photo Credit: Hari Nandakumar
1. Whale Watching Guide / Naturalist
Job Description
Whale Watching Guides are also referred to as Naturalists and/or Marine Life Guides. It's a guide's job to educate guests onboard about the marine life and history of the area while attempting to spot whales breaking the surface of the sea. These Naturalists may also assist with onboarding guests, ticketing, cleaning, and other shipboard duties.
Job Locations
These seasonal jobs usually take place from May-Oct, but follow the patterns of marine life migration in their specific area. These jobs are on ships off the coast of Alaska, New England, the Northern Pacific, and other costal states via private and public tours/charters.
Qualifications & Training
The minimum requirements for this job are to be at least 18 year of age. Most companies will require a CPR/first aid certification. While some companies prefer experience in marine biology, the majority will train you in the information you need to know about the history and sciences of the area. They will also set you up for any Coast Guard certifications you might need.
Where to Start Applying
Where to Job Search
Seasonal work websites like Coolworks or these 15 websites
Alaska job search websites like Alaska Jobs
General job search websites like Indeed
Costal resorts, lodges, and outfitters that offer these tour
Photo Credit: Robert Thiemann
2. Caves & Caverns Tour Guide
Job Description
Cave, cavern, or mine tour guides are also referred to as Naturalists who take groups of guests on underground walking tours via pre-established paths. Tours usually last between 30 minutes to 4 hours. They provide insight on how these ecosystems below the earth were discovered, utilized, and function. Some other guide tasks include assisting with booking tours, assisting in the gift shop, cleaning helmets/equipment, and ensuring safety procedures are followed.
Job Locations
Some caves/caverns are open all year round but most hire seasonally. You can find these jobs in any US state that boasts underground caves/tunnel systems. Many are protected by the National Park Service.
Qualifications & Training
To be a cave guide you need to be over the age of 16 and have the ability to enter and exit the cave you will be working in. The information you need on the cave system, history, and sciences will be provided to you via training.
Where to Start Applying
Where to Job Search
The National Park Service's caves, monuments, and parks
General job search websites like Indeed
Caves, caverns, tunnels, or mines in your area that offer tours
Photo Credit: Carol Highsmith
3. Train Tour Guide/Host
Job Description
Train tour guides are also referred to as Rail Guides or Hosts. They ride in train cars with their guests while pointing out beautiful landscapes and/or explaining the history of the railways they are riding. Other responsibilities may include taking tickets, helping serve meals/snacks, boarding and debarking passengers, and more.
Job Locations
While most train tours follow the summer season, running from April/May to October, there are some in warmer locations that will run year round. They are popular in locations with breathtaking scenery such as Alaska, the Rocky Mountains, the Smokey Mountains, and various US National Parks.
Qualifications & Training
Train tour guide age requirements range from 18-21. The information guides provide about the railroad history, stories of the area, geological information, and more is part of the provided training.
Where to Start Applying
Where to Job Search
Rail companies with tour options such as; Great Rail Journeys or Amtrak
Seasonal work websites like Coolworks or these 15 websites
General job search websites like Indeed
International train tour companies like Canada Rail or Europe-Journey
For volunteer positons, search for state railway museums like Sacramento
Photo Credit: Paul Cuoco
4. Jeep Tour Guide
Job Description
Some of these jobs will enable you to zoom over crazy terrain while others will allow you to cruise down smooth, pre-made paths. The types of tours guides take depend on the company they work for and specifics of their job. These jobs require guides to drive small groups of guests through beautiful scenery and stop at points of interest while providing information on the area.
Job Locations
These jobs can be found in rocky mountains, sandy deserts, and calming forests across the USA. In states that see snow in the winter, like Colorado or Alaska, the season takes place from May to September. However, in the warmer locations like the Arizona or Nevada deserts, you can find these trips running the majority of the year.
Qualifications & Training
You must be 25 years or older (some are 21+) with a clean driving record and a valid driving license to be a jeep tour guide. Some jobs may require you to have a CDL. Guide knowledge of the area will be apart of training.
Where to Start Applying
Where to Job Search
General job search websites like Indeed
Seasonal work websites like Coolworks or these 15 websites
Lodges, resorts, and outfitters that offer tours
Photo Credit: Juan Encalada
5. Coach Driver/ Bus Tour Guide
Job Description
Buss driver guides take tour groups around multiple locations across the USA. While most jobs utilize their drivers as the guide who gives the tour over the intercom or provides tourists information during stops along the route, there are also tour guides who ride along with the driver and do not do the driving part. Other responsibilities of this job may include ticketing, passing out snacks/beverages, keeping the bus clean, and loading and unloading guests.
Job Locations
You can find these jobs wherever busses run. Most summer job opportunities are in high tourist areas like Alaska or the National Parks. Buss tours tend to run all season, changing itinerary based off the current season and weather.
Qualifications & Training
Drivers must be 21 years or older (some locations 25+) with a valid drivers license, clean driving record, and have a CDL. Some companies (especially those in Alaska) will provide CDL training. Guide knowledge of the area will be apart of training.
Where to Start Applying
Xanterra Collection (For National Parks across the USA)
City Sightseeing (Drivers and tour guides are separate positions)
Where to Job Search
Lodges/resorts that offer tours
The National Park Service's tour guide jobs
Seasonal work websites like Coolworks or these 15 websites
Bus tour companies like Big Bus Tours
General job search websites like Indeed
Alaska job search websites like Alaska Jobs
Photo Credit: Timur Romanov
6. Segway Tour Guide
Job Description
Segway tour guides takes tourists around the city via segway (a two-wheeled motorized personal vehicle). These tours can last from a few hours to a full day and usually focus on the city's history, highlights, landmarks, and hidden gems.
Job Locations
As a segway needs a paved path to run, you will find these tours taking place around busy cities like Boston, Chicago, San Fransisco, Auston, etc... You can find summer work contracts that are both full or part-time.
Qualifications & Training
Most segway tour guide positions require you to be 18 years of age or older with a valid drivers license. You will be trained on the information needed for the tour such as the history and landmarks of the location you are in.
Where to Start Applying
Where to Job Search
Alaska jobs via the tourism job boards
General job search websites like Indeed
Photo Credit: Ricky Davis
7. E-Bike or Road Bike Tour Guide
Job Description
If you enjoy cycling but don't want to be mountain biking through crazy terrain, then why not try your hand as a tour guide via road bikes or e-bikes and stay on a more structured path. These bike guides take tour groups through paved nature paths, walkways along small towns, and down city sidewalks, stopping at highlights along the way to provide knowledge about the flora and fauna or share stories from history.
Job Locations
There are no shortage of job location possibilities for a bike guide. E-bikes are more popular in tourist towns/cities, ranging from Chicago to Sedona. Road bikes can be found anywhere and are very popular in costal towns like San Fransisco or Bar Harbor, and in nature focused locations like National and State parks.
Qualifications & Training
Guides need to be 18 years of age or older and know how to ride a bike. Some companies require you to have a valid drivers license and/or a first aid/CPR certification. You will be trained on any guide information you need.
Where to Start Applying
Where to Job Search
Seasonal work websites like Coolworks or these 15 websites
General job search websites like Indeed
The National Park Service's tour guide jobs
International companies such as Cycle Europe
Resorts, campgrounds, or tourist information centers that offer these tours
Photo Credit: Marek Piwnicki
8. Rail Biking Guide
Job Description
Rail Bike guides get to peddle along railroad tracks with their guests via peddle bikes built onto the tracks themselves. They lead the way, peddling from 7-12 miles per tour, while ensuring their guests are able to keep up and properly use the equipment. Other responsibilities include assisting with gear rentals, cleaning equipment, booking tours, and more.
Job Locations
These jobs are usually seasonal and range from May to October, but warmer states can host these tours for longer durations and sometimes year round. This activity has been gaining popularity over the past several years and can be found in most locations with train tracks that offer tours. You can find summer work contracts that are both full or part-time.
Qualifications & Training
These guides usually need to be 18 years of age or older and be comfortable peddling long distances that can range up to 12 miles per day.
Where to Start Applying
Granite State Scenic Railway (Hires via Indeed)
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway (Hires via Indeed)
Where to Job Search
Companies with various locations like Rail Explorers USA or Revolution Rail Co.
General job search websites like Indeed
Rail and train companies that offer guided rail biking
Photo Credit: Dale Nibble
9. Ghost Tours Guide
Job Description
Ghost tour guides retell haunting stories as they walk tour groups through victorian mansions, across old cemeteries, and down dark cobble stone streets. They also may help with booking tours, guiding daytime tours, and more.
Job Locations
Ghost tours take place all across the USA; from popular cities like New Orleans to historic locations like Gettysburg or Salem. They are especially popular in towns that are currently up and running, but were established in the 1600s-1800s. You can also find them in older establishments like hotels and houses that have been around just as long.
Qualifications & Training
Most tours prefer their guides to be 18 year of age or older. There is preference given to those with great story telling skills. The ghost stories and historic information is provided for tour guides during training.
Where to Start Applying
Where to Job Search
General job search websites like Indeed
Haunted hotels and locations in the USA that offer tours
Photo Credit: Sarah Stockman
10. Safari Guide
Job Description
Safari guides take guests on tours through animal exhibits and enclosures via walking and/or off-road vehicles. They introduce and educate guests on the animals that the zoo/park/sanctuary cares for. Other role responsibilities may include cleaning enclosures, caring for animals, assisting in the gift shop, and more.
Job Locations
These jobs take place across the USA at indoor and outdoor zoos, aquariums, animal sanctuaries, amusement parks, and other animal based locations. While many safari guide positions are seasonal, other jobs at these locations are open year round.
Qualifications & Training
Safari guides must be 18 years of age or older and love animals. The specifics of the animals you work with and information you need to deliver will be taught to you during training. Any prior animal experience or education in the zoology field is a plus.
Where to Start Applying
Where to Job Search
The Association of Zoos & Aquarium's job boards
General job search websites like Indeed
Zoos and amusement parks that offer Safari rides
Conclusion
If you want to be a tour guide this summer but do not have any experience, then there are multiple unique opportunities for you to take advantage of. These tour guide jobs are generally easy going and can be found in various locations across the USA during the summer season. Hopefully this list helps give you some ideas and ways to start finding and applying to summer tour guide job. Have you worked a seasonal tour guide job? Are there any that should be added to this list? Please let me know in the comments below!
Comments