An adventure tour guide is a trained person hired to guide travelers through designated areas while on adventure vacations. These guides may work independently or as part of a tour guide company. The job of an adventure tour guide entails working with small groups of like-minded travelers. Group tours may be scheduled for singles, couples, or families.
In general, tour guides can be hired for a variety of vacations that require the services of a professionally trained guide. An adventure tour may take place in the air, on land or sea. One example of a land tour would be a safari wildlife photography shoot on the Kalahari Desert. By air, breathtaking skydiving adventures might qualify as an adventure tour. Tours at sea could include scuba diving in underwater caves or exploring sunken ships.
Adventure tour guides provide excursions on multiple continents and in numerous countries. Some of the tours specialize in different adventure activities such as hiking, biking, and walking. Tours can also be booked to include a variety of adventures from white-water rafting and kayaking to walking tours of the Serengeti.
Guides have the responsibility of setting up an itinerary for the tour and arranging accommodations, transportation, and dining locations for extended trips. For outdoor adventures, guides take care of providing equipment, provisions for meals, and equipment safety. Adventure guides stay at the same location as guests to take care of any issues and keep the group on schedule.
Transportation varies depending on the specifics of each tour. The tour guide and guests are often transported by van or minibus to the designated location. A trailer may be used to transport bicycles, camping gear, or related equipment when applicable.
A seasoned and experienced adventure guide is well versed in the tour’s activity and the history of the location. The guide should be aware of little known places off the beaten track to add to the excitement of the adventure, as well as frequently visited tourist attractions. A prime responsibility of an adventure tour guide is to ensure guests have a memorable vacation.
Qualifications for becoming an adventure tour guide include superior people skills, the ability to multi-task, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Guides must be physically in shape in order to handle long days and physical activity in a variety of environments. CPR and emergency response certification is also required for reputable adventure tour guides.