Excursions

Kayak Tour Guide

$18.00 / hour + tips

Apply Now

KAYAK GUIDE

📍 Location: Icy Strait Point | Hoonah, Alaska
📅 Category: Seasonal | April–October 2027
💰 Pay: $18/hour + bonus potential
👥 Reports To: Excursions Supervisor


🌊 PADDLE INTO ADVENTURE. SHARE THE SPIRIT OF ALASKA.

As a Kayak Guide at Icy Strait Point, you’ll help guests experience Alaska from a whole new perspective—out on the water, surrounded by breathtaking scenery, incredible wildlife, and the rich cultural heritage of Hoonah.

You’ll lead kayak excursions, share stories about the local environment and Tlingit culture, and help guests feel safe, informed, and connected to the place they’re exploring. Whether you’re welcoming first-time paddlers or guiding curious adventurers, your leadership and enthusiasm will help make every excursion memorable.

If you enjoy the outdoors, working with people, sharing knowledge, and creating meaningful experiences, grab your paddle and join our team!


🛶 WHAT YOU’LL DO

  • Lead the Adventure: Provide leadership, interpretation, and narration for guests participating in Icy Strait Point kayak tours.

  • Put Safety First: Help ensure the safety of every guest throughout the excursion and follow all required safety procedures.

  • Share Alaska’s Story: Introduce guests to the area’s scenery, wildlife, marine life, geography, history, and cultural heritage.

  • Welcome Every Guest: Greet visitors, conduct guest orientations, and create a friendly, inclusive atmosphere.

  • Bring Stories to Life: Learn and confidently present the songs, stories, and introductory Tlingit cultural content required for the kayak tour.

  • Know the Destination: Help guests discover other tours, activities, and venues available at Icy Strait Point.

  • Support the Team: Participate in all required training, assist other programs when needed, and perform additional duties as assigned.

  • Stay Flexible: Cross-train for other Icy Strait Point tours and adjust excursion assignments when operational needs require it.

  • Represent Our Values: Conduct all activities and make decisions according to Icy Strait Point’s guiding principles: BAP — Best, Authentic, Profitable.


🎯 WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

  • Cultural Awareness: Knowledge of Tlingit culture or a willingness to learn and share cultural information respectfully.

  • Willingness to Learn: Ability to learn and present the required Tlingit introduction, tour songs, stories, and excursion information.

  • Local Knowledge: Familiarity with—or an interest in learning about—the area's marine life, plants, animals, birds, and natural environment.

  • Strong Communication: Clear verbal communication skills and the ability to share information accurately and engagingly.

  • Group Leadership: Patience, confidence, and the ability to guide groups of varying ages, including children and adults.

  • Safety Mindset: A strong commitment to guest safety, responsible tour practices, and following procedures.

  • Guest Service: A friendly, professional approach and a genuine interest in helping guests have an excellent experience.

  • Teamwork and Flexibility: Willingness to assist across programs, promote other ISP venues, distribute informational materials, and sell merchandise when assigned.

  • Minimum Age: Must be at least 18 years old.

Please note: This is a safety-sensitive position subject to drug testing.

💪 PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

  • Ability to lift at least 25 pounds.

  • Ability to stand for extended periods and walk more than five miles per day.

  • Comfort working outdoors in changing and sometimes inclement Alaska weather.

  • Ability to walk on gravel roads and navigate a remote destination.

  • Willingness to live and work in a rural, remote community.

  • Ability and willingness to travel to and from Hoonah by small plane or ferry.


💙 WHY BECOME A KAYAK GUIDE AT ICY STRAIT POINT?

As a Kayak Guide, you’ll do more than lead an excursion—you’ll help guests discover the natural beauty and cultural richness that make Hoonah unique.

Your knowledge, leadership, and commitment to safety will help guests feel confident as they explore Alaska. By sharing the stories of the land and its people, you’ll contribute to an experience that goes beyond sightseeing and creates lasting memories.

Grab your paddle. Share the stories. Make every excursion an adventure to remember.


Icy Strait Point is a Native-owned and operated enterprise and offers Native Preference under P.L.93-638. Applicants must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States.