The 14 Most Adventurous Jobs in the World

If you don't just crave but need adventure, seeking it out in all aspects of your life is essential, which is exactly what these adventurous jobs do.

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This certainly includes your career. It's not just about the money (although it certainly helps); it's about fulfilment.

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It's about finding something you are passionate about and then working towards it to secure your dream adventurous job. 

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Now, there are many other incredible career options out there, which might suit you perfectly. But this list is aimed at the energetic, the dreamers and the adventurous.

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Those who will live like it's a movie every day and those who want to trade the office cubicle for the great outdoors.

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You'll spend a third of your life working, so how about finding what's out there that you'd genuinely love to do?

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These aren't unattainable careers but ones that need a bit of planning and a solid vision of getting there.

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If you are passionate about one of the areas below, you can start working hard to secure precisely what you want.

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"Your work will fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it." - Steve Jobs

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Outdoors Photographer/Videographer

The people who bring the natural world into your televisions, computers and smartphones. 

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From penguins in the southernmost points of the world to incredible sunrise shots in the Sahara, outdoor photographers and videographers will scour the entire planet to ensure that everyone can see the beauty of the natural world.

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The Role

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‍The role revolves around being in the outdoors and having a passion for everything linked with it. It is not as simple as a "click and shoot" approach; this role requires an artistic approach. For this job, you can be away from home for extended periods, so be prepared for stints worldwide.

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It's not all sunshine and rainbows; this can be an incredible challenge, especially when the perfect shot isn't appearing. It can certainly be physically exerting, as the brilliant Blue Planet 2 crew found out. From bleeding ears during diving, to extreme cold and weather conditions, you can read about their battles in this incredible article. ‍

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The great thing about this role is that anyone can get involved. If you've got a camera and an eye for a shot, the world is waiting for you to snap it. This means it can provide your first entry point into the industry.

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What You Need to Secure Your First Job

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• Solid Professional Portfolio

• Relevant Experience and Recommendations

• Solid knowledge of relevant editing software and camera hardware, with qualifications likely to cement your knowledge base

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Safari Guide

Whether a Safari, Field or Nature Guide, these environmental leaders are at the top of their profession and use their knowledge of the natural world to inform and educate the general public.

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These roles can be based worldwide, yet for the 'Big 5' safaris, you are primarily looking at African countries. However, most major countries have zoos and safari parks, which can provide an excellent route into the industry.

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The Role

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‍The role matches important conservation work behind the scenes, educating the general public on the more customer-focused safaris. 

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For this role, guides must bring an in-depth, qualified knowledge of the wildlife they work with and an absolute passion for it.

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Unfortunately, we live in a world where poachers still exist, so it can be a role that comes with a tremendous amount of responsibility. 

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For those that do, you'll be privileged enough to see some of the most incredible animals in the world, in their own environment.

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Those who know the local area have a massive advantage if they want to work in a wild environment. If you're not local, you'll have to ensure that your background and experience speak volumes, so look at building up as much experience as possible. 

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It is still possible to start with volunteer placements such as RGVs National Park Project, providing an entry-level experience in doing something you love.

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What You Need to Secure Your First Job

• Qualified and educated within a sector of the wildlife/environmental to a degree level

• Relevant Experience and Recommendations

• Solid knowledge of applicable industries and issues

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Water Sports Instructor

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Whether being a powerboat driver teaching wakeboarders or catching waves as a surfer, being a watersports instructor has long been a dream career choice for many.

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It is as far away as possible from the office cubicle, with your 9-5 replaced by sea, sun, and sand. From sunrise to sunset, you'll share your passion for the water and inspire others to take it up as a hobby.

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The Role

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Although it is a dream outdoor career, it's certainly one to keep you actively busy. Whether lugging equipment, setting up or packing down, it'll test your physical abilities, so it's one you'll want to go into decent fitness.

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The best thing about water sports is that there are many different types, depending on your passion. Surf instructors, wakeboarders, water skiers, powerboat drivers and jet skiers are just some people who can make a career out of their love of the water.

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There are also numerous sites around the UK alone that provide opportunities to gain qualifications and experience. You can learn more at local watersports centres offering weekend courses or go for more in-depth courses through UKSA. Doing so can propel you into pole position to secure your first role.

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This could be at a summer camp in America with Camp Leaders, who are always searching for water sports instructors who can guide the next generation of children on the water. 

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This role is where you'll be chasing the excellent weather, so you could find yourself in the sun 365 days a year.

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What You Need to Secure Your First Job

• Relevant experience in chosen role/field, even as a hobby

• Relevant qualifications (e.g., RYA Level 2 Powerboat, etc., with bonuses including first aid, lifeguarding, etc.)

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Sailing/Cruise Worker

Sticking with the water theme, those working on other vessels can see the world one sea at a time. 

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Being out in the big blue sea suits some people perfectly, whilst docking up in a new city constantly provides an adventurous outlook on life.

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For those involved in sailing, this will include being always out in the fresh air, whereas cruise workers will be used to seeing a blanket of blue whenever they look out the window.

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From the frozen southern tip of Argentina to the tropical seas of the Mediterranean, working in this industry will get you to all four corners of the globe.

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The Role

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‍As with most adventurous jobs, you'll work physically hard. Although the scenery around you will be incredible, it can involve long hours ensuring that the guests you serve can have the time of their lives.

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It can also span several roles, whether a deckhand or sailboat captain, through to kids entertainers and chefs on colossal cruise ships. Therefore, this gives a lot of hope to potential applicants, as there are numerous entries into this sector. Once you've got in, it will be your vehicle to see the world.

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What You Need to Secure Your First Job

• Relevant experience and recommendations based on the chosen role

• Relevant qualifications

• Passion for the open sea

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Skydiving/Base Jumping

The ultimate thrill.

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For those who enjoy the rush of feeling alive by jumping from 15,000ft, skydiving and base jumping certainly provide it. It is literally the definition of an adrenaline rush, as you hit terminal velocity on the way towards landing. With incredible locations worldwide, a birds-eye view becomes yours.

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The Role

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‍For the most part, you'll be jumping in tandem with (often terrified) members of the general public.

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Although the jump is the most exciting part, it is also one of the most dangerous jobs in the world.

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A considerable amount of preparatory work goes into ensuring each jump is safe, so the jump is the "tip of the iceberg", so to speak. Health and safety, along with stringent checks and procedures, are absolutely vital to this role.

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You must also be a people person with a pleasant personality, as you must reassure many nervous people. There are even skydiving apprenticeships, including GoSkydives based over 2 years, where you gain the relevant qualifications and experience required to achieve your dream role. 

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Further qualifications are available if you want to step your career up another notch if base jumping is for you.

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What You Need to Secure Your First Job

• Required training and qualification

• Set level of solo jumps (through an accredited agency)

• British Parachute Association Membership needed to complete courses

• Experience in a relevant role within the industry

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Scuba Diving Instructor

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For those who have been scuba diving before, you'll understand that an entirely new world awaits below the water's surface. 

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The colours, sights and sounds are utterly alien to what we're used to terra firma, which makes the activity feel like you're on an expansive expedition, discovering new parts of our planet, with the fact that "less than 5% of the ocean has been explored" there's a perfect chance that through scuba diving, you could very well end up crossing areas brand new to humanity.

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The Role

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‍The role can vary greatly, depending on where you wish to use your skill set. There are many different roles that scuba diving can cater for, from rescue divers to instructors teaching newbies the ropes. 

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Whichever role you decide is best for you, you'll have a direct split between the active and educational part of the role.

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The first is the actual "in water" part, which could be leading, searching, directing, rescuing or whatever else your physical role entails. You won't be surprised to know you'll have to be physically fit, as most roles depend on it. 

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The other side is the educational aspect, vitally important in such a potentially dangerous profession. Preparation and health and safety comes number one, and rightly so.

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If you can lock these areas down, you'll be on the way to becoming a modern-day explorer. 

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There are numerous training and certification bodies, such as PADI , BSAC and SSI which provides levels of qualifications depending on what you want to do.

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A lot do an equivalent of an entry-level "open water" course, which can go up to the course director.

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What You Need to Secure Your First Job

• Strong level of swimming ability

• Relevant PADI/BSAC/SSI qualification (minimum divemaster level)

• Experience in a similar role

• A substantial number of dives on the logbook (check with accredited company for exact number)

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Adventure Tour Guide

If you dream of living on the road and showing people the areas you love, an Adventure Tour Guide role could be up your street.

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Significant companies worldwide need passionate, friendly people to lead tours and groups on major tourist trails. You could be driving groups of kids around New Zealand's mountainous areas or hopping between European countries on a sunkissed journey.

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Your environment will change daily and life will with it.

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The Role

‍Being the "go-to" person on the tour, you'll be responsible for being the link between the company's Head Office and your guiding tour.

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You'll translate your passion for the local area and ensure the group has the time of their lives.

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Still, you'll also need to be an adaptable problem solver. Injuries, weather changes and other extenuating circumstances can all affect a tour, so you'll be the one to sort it.

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These roles can also be split, so if you want to be solely a guide or driver, this is possible with some companies.

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What You Need to Secure Your First Job

• In-depth knowledge and passion for the local area or activity

• First aid and, a full driver's license (extended and clean) are most likely to be essential

• Previous experience in a similar role within the tourism industry

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Ski/Snowboard Instructor

Take your passion for shredding into your professional career.

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The feeling of fresh pow can be unrivalled and has long been a dream holiday for many worldwide.

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Argentina, America, Canada, Italy, France, Germany, New Zealand and many more have incredible slopes, showing just how varied your skiing career could be. 

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You'll live for the mountains and chase fresh snowfall year round; with the southern hemisphere's reversed seasons, you never have to be out of work.

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The Role

For many, your classes could be the first time people have attempted skiing, so you can make a huge difference in how people perceive the activity.

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Being a patient, yet informed, instructor means you can pass on the vital basics, which beginners will hold for the rest of their life. This is all based on being safe on the slopes and teaching the etiquette of being a skier.

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Ability and safety training go hand in hand, but your 9-5 will be outdoors and interacting with nature, with some of the most incredible views on the planet as the backdrop.

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If you've grown up skiing, it puts you in a perfect position to complete the relevant qualifications, with a lot of emphasis on your technical ability.

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The British Association of Snowsports Instructors (BASI) is the UK-accredited training provider you want to look for as your entry training qualification. They are part of the International Ski Instructor Alliance (ISIA) which ensures that all qualifications are kept to an international level so your training will be recognised wherever you go. 

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What You Need to Secure Your First Job

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• BASI Qualification (or equivalent) 

• Ski experience

• Other experience working ski seasons is preferable

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Travel Content Creator

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Like photographers and videographers at the beginning of the article, travel content creators bring the world directly into your home.

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Travel content creators need to practice what they preach, meaning they usually work remotely, exploring the world and showing people the beauty of what is out there, whether in video, photo or text form.

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So, if the thought of writing your next article on a beach in Indonesia sounds good, this could be for you.

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The Role

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‍The role tends to appeal to the creative personality, with those who have a passion for weaving words or enjoy capturing the perfect shot being drawn towards the industry.

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Consistency is key, requiring a high output level for some of it to stick. It can be from an entrepreneurial standpoint, or freelancing for businesses, but a high attention to detail, both to your work and the audience you serve, is required.

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If this is you, the good thing is that entry into the industry has never been easier, as you can get set up on the major platforms within minutes and start building your online portfolio of work.

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What You Need to Secure Your First Job

• Solid travel experience

• A passion for content & internet marketing (potentially backed by marketing qualifications/fundamentals)

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Water Rafting Guide

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If you're after an adrenaline rush every day at work, being a Water Rafting Guide will provide it.

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One moment, you can be lazily lounging through incredible scenery, to then be pulled back to the present when you hit some grade four rapids. You'll have to have your wits about you, as you lead a group safely along some of the most exciting rivers in the world.

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The Role

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‍Prepared to get wet!

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You'll need to understand your work river like the back of your hand, which can involve countless trips down the same body of water.

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Changing currents, underwater obstacles and varying river areas are all things to be aware of, which you cannot go into guessing.

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Safety is paramount, both before getting on the river and as you raft down. Attention to detail and your surroundings will need to be sharp, as you're simultaneously taking in the environment around you and the people you're guiding.

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It's no surprise that you'll have to be exceptionally fit to help with steering the raft and deal with any scenarios that may come up.

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There are a variety of different water rafting courses that you can complete, of which most will be essential before you take your first leap into the industry

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What You Need to Secure Your First Job

• Relevant water safety and guide courses & qualifications (including white water rescue technician advanced)

• Extra qualifications such as lifeguarding & first aid

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Storm Chaser 

One of the most incredible (and dangerous) jobs on the list.

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Mother nature can kick up a fuss in certain circumstances, and storm chasers help us understand it better. Whether from a scientific and meteorologic point of view or from the standpoint of those who capture incredible footage to release to other businesses, storm chasers live (very literally) on the absolute edge.

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The Role

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‍Storm Chasers are one of the most dangerous professions in the world.

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Mother nature is unpredictable and one shift in conditions can bring the likes of a tornado right at them.

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Getting in the correct position combines strategic planning and sheer luck and taking advantage of it when it's there. 

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An eye for conditions is essential, whilst the role can vary depending on your reasons for chasing.

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If you're capturing content, then a laser focus to detail and quick thinking is vital, to get the right shot and get away sharp.

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Drivers also have to be just as prepared because you need to get in and out of position at the drop of a hat.  

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What You Need to Secure Your First Job

Role-specific background training (whether in meteorology or content-relevant experience)

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Travelling Yoga Instructor

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It is a more relaxed activity but no less adventurous than some of the above.

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Yoga instructors allow others to practice mindfulness while improving mental and physical fitness. It will enable participants to go on their own journey whilst practicing and requires a trained leader to show the group exactly what positions to perform.

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The Role

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‍Yoga can be practiced by everyone and it is an easily accessible art form. However, those who understand the practice in greater detail and its benefits can help students gain the most from their session. It can also be physically demanding, so roles require understanding the teachings to ensure no injuries. 

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Creating the right atmosphere and environment can be vital to promoting mindfulness, so specific locations worldwide promote themselves perfectly to make such an environment.

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What You Need to Secure Your First Job

• Level of training as a yoga instructor

• Portfolio of previous yoga group leaders

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Theme/Water Park Tester

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For all the big kids out there, this one's for you. 

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If you love and remember the thrill of theme or water parks, how about taking that one further and becoming a tester for these companies? No waiting in long queues to get your adrenaline rush at Disney or Universal, plus you'll be paid for it.

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The Role

‍Becoming a tester involves far more than just enjoying the ride. Testers tend to be engineers or part of the design team, who must understand the ride's inner workings to ensure it is equal parts safe and fun. 

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It is also important to note that these rides are not currently open to the general public. Although companies will ensure that it is as safe as possible, you'll also be the "test dummy", so you'll note any anomalies that need to be worked out before it goes to the general public. 

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What You Need to Secure Your First Job

• Education/Qualifications in design or engineering

• Experience in engineering of relevant structures or companies

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Paradise Island Caretaker

For many, this is considered the best job in the world and was quoted as part of a marketing campaign for this exact role. https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/best-job-world-hamilton-island-ambassador-ben-southall-queensland-australia-great-barrier-reef-a7660556.html

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Sea, sun, and sand mixed with vital conservation work and doing your bit to highlight existing issues to the broader public. Pleasure, play, and work are all wrapped into one and delivered on an island as picturesque as dreamy.

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What more could you want?

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The Role

‍Although an incredible experience, you must work hard. Whether doing physical conservation work on the island or promotional work for the local tourism board, you'll work non-stop to create a better image.

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Therefore, this requires you to have quite an extensive, eclectic mix of skills. If you're adaptable and prepared to get involved with new things, you'll be up for the adventure of a lifetime.

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What You Need to Secure Your First Job

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• A varying skill set of marketing, environmental/wildlife knowledge and much more

• A lot of luck!

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These roles are in no way unachievable.

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You can plan your route to them and educate yourself properly to get yourself there.

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By gaining qualifications and experience in your passion area, you're setting yourself up for success.

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All these adventurous jobs revolve around being active, so build up your activity background however possible. Summer camp provides the perfect entry into busy, outdoor work and many have gone on after a summer of a lifetime to continue working seasons around the world. 

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With the right experience and background, your dream adventurous job is just a few steps away.

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