Sea Quest Kayak Tours, Friday Harbor, WA -

Welcome to Sea Quest Kayak Tours!

Here, the rhythm of the tides and the call of the wild set the pace for each day. From our home base in the San Juan Islands, we guide guests into one of the most spectacular marine environments in North America — a world of orcas, sea lions, bald eagles, and glassy paddling waters.

We’re now accepting applications for our upcoming season. Working with Sea Quest means more than just guiding tours — it’s about sharing an intimate connection with the sea, fostering a sense of wonder in our guests, and protecting the fragile beauty of the sea. Our team comes together from all over, drawn by a shared love of salt air, outdoor adventure, and the thrill of spotting wildlife in its natural habitat.

Life here is elemental. You’ll wake with the sunrise, launch kayaks into calm morning waters, and watch the world come alive around you. Evenings are for swapping stories, tending gear, and watching the sun melt into the horizon. It’s a lifestyle of simplicity, connection, and respect for the ocean that sustains us.

We’re looking for dedicated, adaptable, and eco-minded people who can bring both skill and heart to the job. Whether you’re guiding multi-day trips, assisting guests at the dock, maintaining our gear, or helping with the behind-the-scenes work that keeps our operation smooth, you’ll be part of a small, passionate team committed to creating unforgettable experiences.

Our sea kayak guides undergo the most rigorous and lengthy training program of any outfitter on San Juan Island, two weeks in our own intensive kayak guide school. When completed, you will feel confident of your skills and prepared for whatever happens on the water, as you will have practiced it all in true marine conditions.

Qualifications for sea kayak/ naturalist guides:
A degree in one of the natural sciences; strong leadership abilities in outdoor situations; able to lead detailed discussions on marine natural history. Experience traveling on marine waters; camping and kayaking. Driver’s license and clean record with no moving violations in past 3 years. Current CPR and at least standard first aid required. Possession of tent, suitable outdoor clothing, and other miscellaneous items. Successful completion of our intensive pre-season “Sea Kayak Guide Training Program” is mandatory. Internships are available for students working towards their degree and those with little experience. If interested in an internship, please indicate this clearly in your cover letter.

Duties for sea kayak/ naturalist guides:
Assist in all phases of field operations, including leading sea kayak tours, transportation of gear, preparation of food and equipment, routine maintenance, etc. Summer program: full-time from mid-June to mid-September and part-time in our shoulder season months of April/May and October. Depending on your individual agreement with us, you could begin work sometime from April to late June and finish between late August to mid-October. Mandatory “Sea Kayak Guide Training Program” for first-year guides takes place mid to late May with dates announced later.

If you’re ready for a season of saltwater sunrises, close encounters with marine wildlife, and meaningful work that blends adventure with stewardship, we invite you to join us at Sea Quest Kayak Tours.

Take it from our staff:

Fun and flexible environment with a great community. As far as guiding goes, this is top notch. It’s not a job for everyone for sure. It takes a lot of flexibility, adaptability, and teamwork to succeed but if you can be a team player you’ll love it. It’s tough work but incredibly rewarding to know immediately after each tour that your work paid off.
Naturalist Kayak Guide, 2022

Really fun summer guiding in the San Juan Islands. Ben the owner/operator is quite personable and does his best to accommodate the needs of all employees while juggling a lot. The summer is quite busy but super rewarding and fun if you are in the proper mindset.
Naturalist Kayak Guide, 2025

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