There’s nothing quite like exploring the countryside via an inflatable kayak - it’s the ultimate spring and summer experience. The rivers and lakes of the UK provide a unique perspective of nature, and kayaking is a fun and healthy alternative to heading out for a hike or bicycle ride. The most accessible way of getting yourself, friends and family out onto the water are with an inflatable kayak. Read on to see our expert list of the best inflatable kayaks available in 2024.
Best inflatable kayaks, at a glance:
• Best inflatable kayak - Advanced Elements Elite - View on Amazon
• Best budget inflatable kayak - ITIWIT 100 2/3 Person Touring - View on Decathlon
• Best two-person inflatable kayak - ITIWIT 2-Person Touring Dropstitch - View on Decathlon
• Best three-person kayak - Tahe Outdoors Kayak - View on Decathlon
An inflatable kayak solves many problems encountered with traditional kayaks, with their large build and hard shells. By being inflatable, a kayak is much easier to store when not in use and transport to the waterside in a vehicle. All you need is a pump, buoyancy aid and oar, and you’re good to go.
Adding to the accessibility of inflatable kayaks is the price. Many brands offer budget kayaks that are perfectly acceptable for taking the family onto a lake for a few hours. Additionally, more robust and expedition inflatable kayaks are available for serious river-bound adventures.
Much like paddle boards, also known as SUPs, the accessibility and cost of inflatable kayaks are an increasingly popular outdoor activity, perfect for scratching your itch for adventure. If you already own a SUP, you know you can transform it into a kayak by using a paddle board kayak seat. Plus, at the bottom of this page, we look at the safety and legal considerations you need to be aware of for kayaking.
The best inflatable kayaks
Please note: All prices are correct at the time of writing. Prices, stock and deals are subject to change without notice.
Best inflatable kayak
AmazonThis option from Advanced Elements will speak to anyone looking for a robust inflatable kayak for longer excursions and expeditions. The layout can be swapped between one or two seats, with strapping and coverage available for luggage.
Its manoeuvrability isn’t unlike a hard-shell kayak, where the stiff hull glides through the water better than most inflatable options. This is thanks to the metal rib design, which helps keep the point of the bow and stern rigid. It’s durable, with a multilayer outer cover comprising vinyl and fabric to create a robust shell, with multiple air chambers throughout - this provides valuable peace of mind when pushing out on coarse beaches and banks.
Pros
- Rigid hull
- Very robust
- Configurable seating
Cons
- Ships from overseas
Best budget inflatable kayak
Decathlonwww.decathlon.co.uk
Decathlon-owned ITIWIT delivers excellent value with this inflatable kayak. The design is board and stable, keeping all occupants feeling secure as it glides through the water. The high position of the seat makes for relaxed paddling and a good view. The centre seat is removable, creating a two-person configuration - this gives the person at the back more foot room, plus additional space for some light storage.
At the stern, the top panel has a bungee for secure storage. Handy, but we wouldn’t recommend storing anything valuable here, just in case. When you’re done, rinse the kayak down, let it dry out and roll it into its backpack storage size.
Due to its price and construction, the ITIWIT 100 isn’t going to be the most robust choice. For this reason, watch for overly abrasive beaches and banks as you enter and exit with water. However, for days out on established routes, this more than does the trick and introduces kayaking well.
Pros
- Affordable
- Two- or three-person configuration
Cons
- Pump and paddle are sold separately
Best one-person inflatable kayak
AmazonA sturdy choice for one-person outings, the Aquaplanet Inflatable Kayak has everything a kayak needs. The seat position is well thought out, with back support to help keep your lower back comfortable. The construction is solid with robust materials.
There’s plenty of covered storage, straps and handles, adding utility to the Aquaplanet. The bow and stern are not as pointed as some other options, and the hull is relatively flat-bottomed, but the kayak is more than adequate for river and lake transversal. We’d happily take it to saltwater, too, but only if the conditions were calm.
You’ll be able to carry up to 130kg of weight, including the paddler, which gives the capacity for carrying luggage, such as an overnight kit or hiking bag. In our view, this is the perfect beginner kayak for getting into the water and away on some adventures.
When you’re finished with it, it deflates into a backpack-sized package for simple transportation. Likewise, it's lightweight makes it easy to portage. Paddle and pump included.
Pros
- Great beginner craft
- Paddle and pump included
- Spacious
Cons
- Not the best glide
Best budget one-person inflatable kayak
AmazonThe Intex is an inexpensive way of testing the waters of inflatable kayaking without making a big investment. Great for heading out in the summer, the Intex comes as a kit, complete with aluminium oars and a pump, all tucked nicely into a carry bag. It holds good shape, allowing you to experience the waterways comfortably, all from atop your inflatable seat.
As a budget choice, a purchase of the Intex does involve a few compromises. The first is weight capacity - it’s 100kg max, including the pilot. This, coupled with the small space, means there’s not much luggage capacity. There are no adjustable features, meaning that tall or short users are at a disadvantage. Finally, the construction, while sturdy for occasional use, isn’t as rigid as other options in the list, meaning it isn’t the best at gliding through the water and is likely to suffer quicker abrasion from coarse shorelines. To be safe, we recommend staying close to the shore when on a lake, and as always - wear a buoyancy aid.
However, as we have said, for your first few summertime river and lake outings, this will help you fall in love with kayaking and understand what you would like in your next kayak upgrade.
Pros
- Affordable
- A good introduction to kayaking
- Complete kit
Cons
- Limited weight capacity
- Less durable than other picks
Best two-person inflatable kayak
Decathlonwww.decathlon.co.uk
The ITIWIT 2-Person Touring Inflatable Dropstitch Kayak is our premier choice for two-person kayaking. The enclosed hull makes this a great choice for choppier trips, with more protection from lapping water, waves, and wet weather.
The narrow v-shape of the hull helps the kayak break through the water’s surface with ease, which is particularly welcome news for anyone planning longer kayaking journeys. The low drag will help you flow and glide, conserving your energy or helping you hit the gas where necessary. The 15psi inflation keeps the hull nice a rigid, too.
Another of our favourite features is the adjustable footrests found in each cockpit. Not only do these footrests allow you to get comfortable, but they also help with paddling, providing a solid base to stabilise your body and core for greater power and efficiency.
Pros
- Excellent gliding
- Good for speed
- Traditional design
Cons
- Fixed tandem configuration
Best two-person budget inflatable kayak
Decathlonwww.decathlon.co.uk
The ITIWIT two-person kayak is a great choice for exploring waterways in calm weather conditions. Whether that be in saltwater or freshwater environments. That's because this kayak is perfect for adventurers who value both convenience and performance.
This budget kayak accommodates up to two people and supports a maximum load of 150kg. Although this is less than others on our list, the ITIWIT Touring kayak still is comfortable, stable and is efficient when gliding on the water.
Inflating in just over seven minutes with a double-action hand pump, this kayak features raised seats for comfortable paddling and also has a unique bow shape for smoother water entry and better gliding performance. For under £170, this kayak is one of the best two-person ones on the market.
Pros
- Can be inflated in just seven minutes
- Bow shape gives the kayak good glide performance
- Great stability
Cons
- Some reviewers found that removing the fins was difficult
Best three-person inflatable kayak
Decathlonwww.decathlon.co.uk
With a robust construction, large fin and v-shaped hull, this from Tahe Outdoors is the best inflatable three-person kayak. The seats are large and comfortable, offering support over long journeys, while the 8psi inflation limit coupled with drop-stitch construction makes the hull rigid, which is good for lengthy excursions, too. There’s ample storage in the stern and bow for some day-out essentials, along with cargo straps on top of the splash guard.
The kayak includes a double-action pump, which can inflate the craft in around 10 minutes. When deflated, it sits in a carry-all.
Pros
- Robust
- Rigid
- Double-action pump
Cons
- Capacity limits luggage with three adults
Best three-person budget inflatable kayak
AmazonThis Aqura Marina kayak is a well-balanced budget choice for three people. Its large inflatable hull is wide and stable, while the walls are large and reinforced. On the underside of the hull, you’ll find two fins - this helps this long craft maintain an even keel with decent manoeuvrability. The result is a pleasant paddle, with a nice pace being achieved via a little bit of team cooperation.
At 380cm in length and a 17.5kg weight, it’s a larger proposition for storage, but its carry-all style bag makes transportation easy. Added value is found with the inclusion of a foot pump and two aluminium paddles.
Pros
- Affordable
- Sturdy
- Pump and paddles included
Cons
- No capacity for luggage
The best inflatable kayaks: Kayaking buyer's guide
Here’s a quick glossary explaining some of the terms you’re likely to encounter when looking through our list of the best inflatable kayaks:
• Bow - front of the boat
• Stern - rear of the boat
• Port - left of the boat
• Starboard - right of the boat
• Hull - the body of the boat
• Cockpit - the enclosed area where you sit to paddle
• Sit-on-top - a kayak without a covered top
• Portage - carry a kayak over dryland
Tips on how to kayak safely
Here’s some key advice to ensure that your kayaking is as safe as possible.
• Wear a buoyancy aid, even if you are a strong swimmer
• Dress appropriately – weather suitable, quick drying in case of capsize
• Check the weather before your trip
• Check tide times for sea kayaking and tidal rivers
• Check water access points
• Have a route plan, and designated departure/return times
• Have a plan with passengers in event of a capsize
• Only solo kayak once you are experienced
• Do not exceed the capacity of a kayak
• Do not overinflate a kayak
• Slightly underinflate a kayak in very hot weather
Tips for newcomers and inexperienced kayakers
• Start out on calm waters, avoid the sea until you have more confidence
• Avoid rivers after heavy rainfall
• Be aware of other watercraft and take steps to avoid their paths
• Watch out on the banks for fishing lines and avoid as not to disturb fishers or tangle lines
• Start out on popular kayaking locations
• Avoid areas popular with powerboats, jet skis and other fast-moving craft
Do you need a licence to kayak in the UK?
According to British Canoeing, there is over 4,000 km of managed waterways in England and Wales. These routes require a licence.
Some English and Welsh waterways do not require you to have a licence, but there's a good chance most of the ones near you will. We recommend grabbing a licence before you head out on your new inflatable kayak, so you don’t have to worry about moving into license-required areas.
You can purchase a license from British Canoeing. There are a few different tiers, but an adult licence membership will cost you £47 per year. Please note this license only covers kayaking in England and Wales.
Is kayaking good exercise?
Yes, kayaking is great exercise - much like open water swimming. It is both aerobic and strength-building. The consistent motion will increase your heart rate and get your cardiovascular system ticking over. Paddling engages your arms, shoulders, chest and back to paddle and control the kayak. Additionally, you need to stabilise your core to sit up straight and maximise your paddling power.
Like all exercise, how much of a workout kayaking gives you depends on how hard you are working. A gentle paddle across a still lake is less taxing than racing against the flow of a river, for example.
What to wear kayaking
Please note: The following recommendations are for fair-weather recreational kayaking only. If you’re planning on getting serious about kayaking and heading to white-water courses, you’ll need some more substantial kit, like one of the best wetsuits.
When you’re on a recreational kayak, there’s a good chance you aren’t intending on ending up in the water. However, it’s best to dress as though you will. Layers are key here, too, as you can change your clothing to suit the temperature.
Tops: Avoid heavy cotton and slow-drying materials. We recommend a quick-drying base layer, such as a rashguard. You can wear a looser synthetic T-shirt or jacket over the top. These are in addition to your buoyancy aid.
Bottoms: Swimming bottoms are the best bet here. If you want to keep warm, some quick-drying leggings are best.
Accessories: We recommend taking a cap, sunglasses, and sun cream. Water reflects the sun, so be prepared. Gloves with gripped palms can also be of use for anyone who gets cold hands or wants to prevent blisters from a day of paddling.
About our choices for the best inflatable kayaks
Most of our picks are sit-on-top kayaks. These are the most common form of inflatable kayak and are great for newcomers and intermediate paddlers. They are ideal for recreational use, some even suitable for lengthier tours on calm waters. Sit-on-top kayaks, aka SOTs, are self-bailing too - meaning that if it tips up, paddlers are free from the craft and can swim right away. Enclosed kayaks have a deck that encases the bottom half of the paddler - these take some practice to roll or bail from in the event of a capsize.
Please note that our selections are best suited to calm water - they are not to be used on rapids, white water or choppy seas. If you would like to learn more about what to look for when purchasing an inflatable kayak, or some jargon-busted phrasing, head down to the bottom of the page.
About our expertise
At What’s The Best, we’re big on getting outdoors. Among our team, we have pretty much every outdoor activity covered, from wild camping and hill walking, to kayaking, paddleboarding, climbing and mountain biking. What can we say - we've got a passion for adventure.
By combining our collective knowledge, experience and hands-on testing, we’ve made our choice of the best inflatable kayaks. We trust each of our picks implicitly - in fact, many of them feature in our own personal collections. That's because if we wouldn’t buy it ourselves, we don’t recommend it. Simple.
William Lobley is the Editor for What's The Best. Here, he oversees, curates and researches listicles and reviews as many products as his home office can handle.
He has spent nearly five years writing about tech, audio, outdoors and fitness and has reviewed everything from smartphones to ice baths. In addition, he's well-versed in sniffing out the best deals and savings the internet offers.
When not at his desk writing, reviewing or deal-hunting, he'll be relaxing with Japanese crime novels, bingeing some classic anime, strolling the countryside or at the gym listening to the heaviest metal Spotify has to offer.
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