Best Inflatable Tandem Kayaks

Looking for a portable, easy-to-store option when it comes to kayaking? Then check out these reviews to find the best inflatable tandem kayak for you!

Space, convenience and cost are all great reasons to purchase an inflatable kayak. We’ve spent the last few months camping up and down the coast in Northern California. If there is a bay or easy going river nearby, we usually rent a kayak to head out on the water for a few hours.

But, there are several downsides to renting a kayak, especially if you’re planning on going more than a few times. Many kayak rentals cost between $20 and $50 an hour, which quickly adds up. We realized after a few times renting, we could’ve been well on our way to covering the cost of purchasing a kayak. Plus, you have to go during open hours for the rental office, which means you’ll usually miss early morning or late afternoon when the water is calm and the light is best. 

We don’t have enough room to store a regular kayak, so we started looking into inflatable kayaks. Inflatable tandem kayaks can fit two to three people, they’re much more convenient to store, and you can pack them in the back of almost any car without needing a roof rack. 

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Recently, we connected with Derek from the blog Floating Authority who writes about all things water sports. As an enthusiast and expert, we asked him to share his reviews for the best two person inflatable kayaks. We’ll let Derek take it from here!

Whether you’re planning a camping trip and you need a portable kayak or you’re simply looking to go kayaking on the lake with your friends one day, inflatable tandem kayaks are the easiest to transport and assemble for your paddling trips.

There are a lot of options when it comes to inflatable tandem kayaks. You can buy one for as low as $75, which is what it would cost you to rent a kayak for a few hours. There are also higher-end models that are more durable and have a lot of bells and whistles. Since every kayak comes with its own specific features, it can be difficult to find the best one for your particular needs. This guide provides reviews for 10 inflatable tandem kayaks also you can pick the best one for your situation.

FAQs for Inflatable Tandem Kayaks

Are inflatable kayaks safe?

Yes. All inflatable kayaks that you’ll find for sale are NMMA-certified. This means that they’re built to the standards of optimal safety and usability. You can also ensure safety because each kayak model sold on the market is physically inspected every single year.

What types of water can I use my inflatable kayak in?

Inflatable kayaks can be used in a variety of water types, ranging from calm lakes and ponds, to rivers and oceans. Keep in mind the water currents of each body of water before kayaking in them, and what you’re planning on doing. Inflatable kayaks are generally best used in waters that have little-to-no debris and are deep enough to eliminate the risk of puncture.

What other gear do I need to go with my inflatable kayak?

Once you choose the kayak that’s best for you, you’ll need a few other pieces of gear. Mainly a pump to inflate your kayak, paddles, and a life vest.

Double-action hand pump for inflatables: Some of the kayaks below have a package option that includes everything you’ll need like paddles and a pump. If you need to purchase a pump separately, I recommend getting a double-action hand pump with a built-in gauge, like the NRS Super Pump or the Advanced Elements Double Action Pump. Most pumps have valve adapters that work with several different types of inflatables, but double check that the pump you are purchasing will work with your kayak. I thought a hand pump might be slow, but our tandem kayak pumps up in less than 10 minutes with a double-action hand pump.

Electric Pump: If you want an easier, faster set up, or you’re planning on having a few kayaks or SUP boards to inflate, an electric pump is a great option. A quality electric pump that will fill multiple inflatables without overheating can be a bit expensive, but worth it if it sees a lot of use. This Outdoor Master electric pump connects to your car’s 12V DC connector for power and can inflate up to 3 boards or kayaks in a row.

Paddles: If the kayak you purchase doesn’t come with paddles, don’t forget to purchase them!

Type III Life Vests: The laws on life vests can vary by state and country, but generally all children under the age of 13 on any moving recreation vessel (kayaks included!) are required to wear a life vest. You are also required to carry a life vest for each adult on board your craft. For kayaking, you’ll need a Type III life vest. Body Glove has a good selection of Type III life jackets in infant through adult sizes.

Note: This post contains affiliate links. This means if you click on one of them, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. For more information, read our full disclosure. 

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Best Inflatable Tandem Kayaks $350 and Under

The kayaks in this first section run around $350. I think these represent the best value for the money — the material is strong so it should resist punctures and leaks, they’re comfortable to use, and easy to set up. 

1 Sea Eagle 370 Deluxe 3-Person Inflatable Sport Kayak

Capacity:  1 to 3 people  |  Weight Capacity:  650 pounds  |  Kayak Weight:  26 pounds

Best for: Up to Class III whitewater

Buy Now: Sea Eagle |  Amazon

As my pick for the best overall tandem and under $350, I recommend this inflatable kayak from Sea Eagle for anyone looking for an affordable, easy-to-use, high quality and high-weight-capacity kayak. The Sea Eagle 370 kayak is capable of supporting up to 650 pounds and three people. Surprisingly, it also has one of the most lightweight constructions, coming in at just 26 pounds.

This three person kayak has two skegs located on the bottom of the kayak, which improves the overall tracking abilities of the design. It makes steering easier since it helps to push more water behind the kayak.

The kit includes two paddles, which are each composed of four different parts. The paddles are welded at the seams with high frequency, and they’re made with asymmetrical blades and an aluminum shaft. If you plan on taking this kayak for long paddles, consider upgrading the back support with the Sea Eagle Deluxe Inflatable Kayak Seat.

Shop on the Sea Eagle website to get the best deal, plus a 3 year warranty and 120 day risk free trial period. 

 

 

2 Itiwit by Decathlon Tandem Inflatable Kayak

Capacity: 2 people  |  Weight Capacity:  331 pounds  |  Kayak Weight: 31 pounds

Best for: Calm water

Buy Now: Walmart

The Itiwit tandem kayak by Decathlon is easy to set up, fills up with a hand pump in less than 10 minutes, and has two comfortable, raised seats. Decathlon touts its patented bow shape for a smooth and easy glide through the water, and easy clip-in fins for more control. 

Note you will have to purchase a pump and paddles separately.

3 Itiwit by Decathlon 2 to 3 -Person Inflatable Kayak

Capacity: 3 people  |  Weight Capacity:  507 pounds  |  Kayak Weight: 37 pounds

This is the kayak that I (Kelly) ended up purchasing. It’s a bit bigger than the Itiwit Tandem kayak above with a length of 12 ft 6 inches and a max weight capacity of 507. It comes with three raised adults seats, so you can opt to use all three, or use it as a more spacious two-person kayak. Based on the leg room for the middle seat, I’d recommend this for 2 adults and a child (which is what we purchased it for). We’ve really enjoyed this kayak for it’s easy set-up, smooth paddle, and high-quality construction. You will have to purchase a pump and paddles separately.

Best for: Calm water

Buy Now: Walmart

4 Sevylor Big Basin 3-Person Kayak

Capacity:  1 to 3 people  |  Weight Capacity:  490 pounds  |  Kayak Weight:  35 pounds

Best for: Up to easy whitewater

Buy Now:  Amazon

For those of you looking for a larger inflatable kayak capable of comfortably fitting three full size people (i.e not just kids), the Sevylor Big Basin is a great roomy option. It features a durable PVC construction as well as a tarpaulin bottom that resists most kinds of punctures in shallow waters. It also comes with multiple air chambers to ensure the kayak is completely above the water’s surface at all times.

Additionally, this inflatable tandem kayak comes with foldable seats that can be adjusted according to your comfort level. It also has a splash cover to keep you dry throughout your kayaking excursion.

 

 

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Affordable Inflatable Tandem Kayaks $150 and Under

This section includes some of the most affordable inflatable tandem kayaks on the market. While they should last you more than a few uses, they come at a cost of renting a handful of times. 

5 Intex Explorer K2 Kayak

Capacity: 1 to 2 people  |  Weight Capacity:  400 pounds  |  Kayak Weight: 30 pounds

Best for: Calm water

Buy Now:  Amazon

At about $100, the Intex Explorer is the most affordable two person inflatable kayak on this list. It’s safe and sturdy, making it a perfect pick for someone new to kayaking.  The cockpit is specifically designed for comfort and space; it measure three feet wide and features adjustable seats with backrests.

In addition, this kayak comes with a removable skeg that improves the stability of the kayak’s directional capabilities in lakes and ponds.

6 Intex Challenger K2 Kayak

Capacity: 1 to 2 people  |  Weight Capacity:  400 pounds  |  Kayak Weight:  33 pounds

Best for: Calm water

Buy Now: Amazon

The Intex Challenger is another great 2 person inflatable kayak for those on a budget (it typically retails for around $100). The kayak is bright green, so it’s easy for bigger boats to spot you in the water. And the heavy-duty vinyl material is puncture-resistant. This tandem kayak comes with a few helpful accessories, including a patch repair kit for emergencies and a high capacity pump.

I’ve taken the Intex Challenger K2 out for a few paddles. The water performance is what you’d expect for an introductory kayak in this price range. It is perfect for paddling for an hour or so in calm lakes. I would not recommend using this craft in the ocean because it would be no match for strong tides and currents. Believe me, I tried paddling against the tide in it and it wasn’t the best idea.

 

7 Sevylor Tahiti Fish/Hunt 2-Person Inflatable Kayak

Capacity: 1 to 2 people  |  Weight Capacity: 360 pounds  |  Kayak Weight:  19 pounds

Best for: Calm water

Buy Now: Walmart

If you’re looking for an extremely lightweight and easy-to-carry inflatable tandem kayak, the Sevylor Tahiti is the best option. It weighs under 20 pounds, making it extremely easy to transport if it’s a long walk between the car and the water. Additionally, it comes with spray covers to ensure that you stay dry even when traveling through rougher waters.

This two person kayak comes with adjustable seats, so each kayaker can set the seat to where they’re most comfortable. For easy inflation and deflation, there is a double-lock valve. This kayak has a lower weight capacity at 360 pounds, but the trade off is that it is smaller and has a more compact design — it can even fit into a backpack!

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Best Inflatable Tandem Kayaks $950 and Under

These inflatable tandem kayaks represent the higher end of the inflatables range, with the first few running around $400, while the last ones on this list run over $900.

8 Intex Excursion Pro Kayak

Capacity: 1 to 2 people  |  Weight Capacity: 400 pounds  |  Kayak Weight: 39 pounds

Best for: Calm water, fishing

Buy Now:  Amazon

Featuring a removable mounting bracket and removable skegs, the Intex Excursion Pro Kayak is perfect for anyone wanting a more customizable inflatable device. The adjustable mounting bracket gives you the option to store additional accessories if needed, like GPS systems or fishing gear. The removable skegs make it possible to adjust the kayak’s tracking abilities according to the types of water you’re trolling in. The Intex Excursion’s high-pressure inflation function also creates maximum stability. And the loaded valves are also high pressure as well, allowing for a fast and easy inflation method.

 

9 Airhead Montana Two Person Inflatable Kayak

Capacity: 1 to 2 people  |  Weight Capacity:  500 pounds  |  Kayak Weight:  36 pounds

Best for: Up to Class III whitewater

Buy Now: Amazon

The Airhead Montana Two Person Inflatable Kayak has three air chambers that contribute to the kayak’s excellent buoyancy. This kayak also features a durable 840-denier nylon material. The external material is UV and water-resistant, making it great for all-day kayaking trips.

Additionally, the Airhead Montana features neoprene elbow guards that provide maximum comfort while you’re steering the kayak. Even though it’s one of the more expensive vessels on this list at a retail price of $400, it does offer a longer design at 12 feet long to make tracking easier.

10 Sevylor Coleman Colorado 2-Person Fishing Kayak

Capacity:  1 to 2 people  |  Weight Capacity:  470 pounds  |  Kayak Weight:  41 pounds

Best for: Fishing

Buy Now:  Amazon

Offering an 18-gauge PVC construction as well as an 840-denier nylon cover, this kayak from Sevylor is especially great for fishing. The nylon cover is responsible for protecting against any punctures that commonly occur with fishing gear. And it features an airtight system to prevent any air leaks from developing.

The Berkley Quick Set Rod Holders are great for enjoying a hands-free fishing experience. And there’s even a Sevylor trolling motor sold separately that can make it easier to navigate through larger bodies of water. If you are looking for the best option for fishing, there are also several stand up kayaks that are optimal for fishing.

 

11 Advanced Elements Island Voyage 2 Tandem Inflatable Kayak

Capacity: 1 to 2 people  |  Weight Capacity: 400 pounds  |  Kayak Weight:  32 pounds

Best for: Calm water

Buy Now: Amazon

The padded foam seats and the retractable skeg tracking system on this inflatable kayak make this boat great for longer paddling trips. Most seats on inflatable kayaks have a simple inflatable operation to make them more compact and portable, but the seats in this kayak are made from padded foam to ensure long-lasting comfort for all-day trips. The seat positions can even be changed in order to ensure maximum comfort.

This inflatable double kayak from Advanced Elements is composed of multiple layers. There are different air chambers, each separated by a durable and reliable material that help resist air leaks and punctures. Lastly, this tandem inflatable has a durable 600-denier rip-stop deck material to ensure that no punctures occur on impact.

12 Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Convertible Elite Inflatable Kayak

Capacity:  1 to 2 people  |  Weight Capacity:  550 pounds  |  Kayak Weight:  52 pounds

Best for: Flat water

Retail Price: Amazon

This is the most expensive inflatable tandem kayak on this list (retail is $800), but it comes with a lot of premium features. The aluminum rib construction and rigid bow means its performance is on par with many hard-shell kayaks. The Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Convertible Elite Inflatable Kayak measures 15-feet long and has multiple air chambers for optimum safety in the water. It also features an integrated pressure relief valve in the flooring of the device, making it easier for you to control the amount of pressure throughout the kayak’s design.

Furthermore, this inflatable kayak has a durable double-coated rip-stop fabric and three layers of additional material to reduce the risk of any puncturing. It also comes with folding seats and is much easier to carry than other blow up kayak designs.

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About Derek from Floating Authority

Derek has been a water enthusiast for over 20 years and has vast amounts of experience with kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes. He also likes to fish from time to time. When he is not out on the water exploring what British Columbia has to offer, he is writing on his blog Floating Authority.