Lead Captain for Wildlife Charters
Lead Captain – Wildlife Ocean Safaris
At Wild Side Specialty Tours, our Captains lead every expedition as professional mariners, mentors, educators, ambassadors for marine conservation, and trusted stewards of every guest's experience on the water.
For over two decades, Wild Side has been creating meaningful ocean experiences that connect people with Hawaiʻi's extraordinary marine life while contributing to long-term conservation and scientific research. Our Captains play a vital role in making that mission possible.
We offer competitive compensation commensurate with experience, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to build a long-term career with one of Hawaiʻi's most respected wildlife tour operators.
You'll be operating our custom 34-foot power catamaran from Waiʻanae Harbor, leading small-group wildlife expeditions throughout the rich waters of West Oʻahu.
If you're an experienced USCG Captain who enjoys working with people, thrives on the ocean, values teamwork, and wants your work to have purpose beyond simply running a boat, we'd love to hear from you.
Why Build Your Career at Wild Side?
Our Captains have the opportunity to:
- Lead intimate, small-group wildlife expeditions.
- Work alongside experienced Captains, marine naturalists, photographers, and educators.
- Contribute to ongoing marine wildlife research and conservation initiatives.
- Operate one of Hawaiʻi's most respected wildlife tour operations.
- Help guests experience the ocean ethically, safely, and with a deeper understanding of the wildlife we encounter.
Minimum Qualifications
- Current USCG Master Credential (25 GRT or greater, Near Coastal) required.
- Valid driver's license.
- Current TWIC preferred.
- Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening and participate in the USCG-required random drug testing program.
- Excellent seamanship and boat handling skills.
- Strong leadership, communication, and decision-making abilities.
- Professional, dependable, and safety-focused.
ResponsibilitiesSafe Vessel Operations
- Maintain complete command and safe operation of the vessel.
- Ensure the safety of all passengers, crew, and equipment.
- Exercise sound judgment based on weather, sea conditions, wildlife behavior, and guest safety.
- Perform docking, anchoring, mooring, and vessel handling in a variety of ocean conditions.
- Maintain the vessel in a clean, seaworthy, and guest-ready condition.
Leadership & Crew Culture
Wild Side is a highly collaborative operation. Our crew includes experienced Captains, marine naturalists, photographers, and educators who each bring specialized knowledge and skills. Our best expeditions are the result of exceptional teamwork—not individual ego. We value Captains who lead with confidence, communicate openly, respect the expertise of others, and recognize that every crew member contributes to the success of the expedition.
- Lead by example with professionalism, humility, and integrity.
- Foster a positive, respectful, and collaborative work environment.
- Mentor crew members while remaining open to learning from others.
- Support and uphold Wild Side's philosophy of ethical wildlife encounters, conservation, education, and exceptional guest care.
Guest Experience
- Deliver safe, memorable, and educational wildlife experiences.
- Communicate confidently with guests from around the world.
- Inspire curiosity and appreciation for Hawaiʻi's marine environment through professionalism and genuine enthusiasm.
Vessel Care & Maintenance
- Perform daily pre-departure inspections and post-trip vessel checks.
- Monitor vessel systems and perform routine maintenance when appropriate.
- Coordinate fueling, supplies, repairs, and maintenance with office staff and mechanics.
- Maintain accurate maintenance, safety, and operational records.
Communication & Administration
- Complete vessel logs and required documentation.
- Communicate effectively with crew, office staff, and mechanics.
- Participate in regular safety drills, training, and continual professional development.
Who Thrives Here
Our best Captains are people who:
- Put safety above everything else.
- Lead with confidence while remaining humble.
- Understand that exceptional teamwork creates exceptional guest experiences.
- Take pride in mentoring others and supporting their crew.
- Love sharing Hawaiʻi's incredible marine environment with guests.
- Are naturally curious and committed to continual learning.
- Believe conservation and education are just as important as exceptional seamanship.
- Understand that flexibility is part of life on the ocean and embrace changing conditions with a positive attitude.
- Appreciate that no two days on the ocean are ever the same.
Training
Training includes Wild Side operating procedures, wildlife viewing protocols, guest experience standards, safety procedures, and company philosophy. Training duration varies based on prior experience and individual progress.
Schedule & Seasonality
Life on the ocean is anything but routine. Our operations vary with the seasons, weather, wildlife, and guest demand. Successful Captains enjoy that variety and are flexible with early mornings, weekends, holidays, and changing ocean conditions. Safety is always our highest priority.
Compensation & Benefits
We value experienced professionals and recognize the expertise required to safely lead world-class wildlife expeditions.
- Competitive hourly pay commensurate with experience and qualifications.
- Opportunities for advancement into senior leadership and operational roles.
- Health insurance.
- Dental insurance.
- Paid training.
- Work alongside an exceptional team of Captains, marine naturalists, photographers, and educators.
- Meaningful work that directly supports marine conservation and wildlife research.
Job Type: Full-time or Part-time
Work Location: Waiʻanae, Oʻahu
We believe the strongest crews are built on mutual respect, professionalism, humility, and a shared commitment to excellence. Every person aboard contributes to the success of the expedition.
If you're looking for more than another Captain's job—if you're looking for a career where exceptional seamanship, teamwork, conservation, and meaningful guest experiences come together—we'd love to meet you.
Please send your resume, references, and a copy of your current USCG Master Credential.
Mahalo—we look forward to meeting you.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Pay: $25.00 - $30.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
License/Certification:
- USCG credentials (Required)
Shift availability:
Work Location: In person
