Abstarct: Adventure sport tourism, as one of the dynamic and fast-growing branches of the tourism industry, plays a crucial role in community development by providing thrilling experiences and fostering direct interaction with natural environments. The purpose of this study was to identify and categorize the professional competencies of adventure guides and to propose a comprehensive frxamework for enhancing service quality in this field. The research methodology was baxsed on a mixed qualitative–quantitative approach. In the qualitative phase, through semi-structured interviews with 22 experts and thematic analysis, the initial components and indicators of competencies were identified. This stage was conducted in line with the principles of theoretical saturation and credibility, including triangulation and member checking. Subsequently, in the quantitative phase, a questionnaire was developed baxsed on the extracted indicators and distributed among a statistical population of 165 active guides in Iran. Exploratory factor analysis and Cronbach’s alpha confirmed the reliability of the instrument, and no items were removed. To validate the measurement model, confirmatory factor analysis using the partial least squares method was applied, and the results demonstrated a satisfactory model fit. The validity and reliability of the instrument were further supported by Cronbach’s alpha, composite reliability, and both convergent and discriminant validity. To prioritize the competencies, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was employed using pairwise comparison questionnaires with 15 experts. The findings revealed that the professional competencies of adventure guides could be classified into four major categories: technical competencies, individual competencies, interpersonal competencies, and sustainable competencies. Structural equation modeling further confirmed that all hypotheses regarding the effect of competencies on performance, and performance on outcomes, were significant at the 99% confidence level. The prioritization analysis indicated that technical competencies ranked first, sustainable competencies second, interpersonal competencies third, and individual competencies fourth. By presenting a comprehensive and context-specific model, this study makes a significant contribution to the professionalization and standardization of adventure tourism guiding in Iran. The results highlight that multifaceted competencies not only improve the quality of tourists’ experiences and safety levels but also contribute to sustainable development and enhance the competitiveness of destinations.