What could be better than taking an inflatable kayak down the river with your friends and family? Well, all sharing one larger boat instead of one-person boats is a lot of fun. The best three-person inflatable kayaks are a great option for a day out on the UK's rivers and lakes. They’re also a lot more sturdy than you may think.
Don’t be fooled into thinking these are the inflatables you see in a pool in Marbella, either. The best three-person inflatable kayaks are much more than just a toy - and that goes for smaller one and two-person inflatable kayaks too. They're purpose-built, durable and firm when inflated - designed to be stable in the water and comfortable with high-backed support seats.
Best three-person inflatable kayaks of 2024 at a glance:
• Best overall three-person inflatable kayak: Aqua Marina Laxo Inflatable Leisure Kayak - View on Amazon
• Best budget three-person inflatable kayak: Itiwit 100 Two-Three Person Touring Inflatable Kayak - View on Amazon
• Best three-person inflatable kayak for beginners: Aqua Marina BETTA 475cm Three-Person Inflatable Kayak - View on Decathlon
• Best touring three-person inflatable kayak: Sevylor Hudson Three-Person Inflatable Touring Kayak - View on Decathlon
But what features really make the best three-person inflatable kayaks? Well, they need to be easily transported. And that means a well-thought-out way of packing them down. They usually come in a handy storage bag, and many come with oars and pumps too. You may also want one that's tougher than most. But, with so many kayaks on the market, finding the right one can still be a challenge. That's where we come in. There are some handy guides at the end of the article too.
Newcomers to kayaking might be confident on a stand-up paddleboard or a one-person inflatable kayak - but want to enjoy their new activity with more people. The best three-person inflatable kayaks are an ideal step-up for novices and families looking for a fun way to enjoy their local rivers and lakes too. So, let's head downstream to find the right kayak for you.
Best three-person inflatable kayaks of 2024
All prices are correct at the time of writing. Prices, stock and deals are subject to change without notice.
Best overall three-person inflatable kayak
Aqua MarinaAn excellent wide kayak with wide sidewalls gives you more of a touring feel than speed. Two fins on the underside provide an even balance and don’t hinder manoeuvrability too much.
This is more about comfort than all else, with the deck area being more substantial than its competitors. However, there is a limited amount of storage; at 17.5kg, it’s bulkier than most. A hold-all bag will keep it stored while not being used.
Pros
- A wide kayak for good stability and balance
- A great all-around and flexible choice for various leisure waters
- Pump and paddles included
Cons
- Heavy compared to some
Best budget three-person inflatable kayak
Itiwit / Decathlonwww.decathlon.co.uk
With a maximum load of 203kg, this easy assembly and easy inflatable kayak will have you up and paddling in around 10 minutes. Handy if you’ve got kids running about saying, “Can we go yet?”.
Three keels underneath give you stability on the water and raised seats offer greater comfort. This is for the kayak only. Paddles and pumps are sold separately.
Pros
- Easy to inflate and light to carry
- Raised seats with good adjustments for plenty of comfort
- Room for three adults
Cons
- Paddles and pump are sold separately
Best three-person inflatable kayak for beginners
Aqua Marina www.decathlon.co.uk
This BETTA kayak from Aqua Marina is a fantastic option for families with mixed levels of kayaking experience. As a lightweight model, it’s easy to move around and the reinforced air chambers and i-beam floor make this a stable craft for paddling.
The seats have high backs too, with a good cushion for support and footrests. It’s self-bailing too. With a carry case, three paddles, two fins and a pump this is a complete package for any beginner.
Pros
- A well-balanced kayak that’s easy to manoeuvre
- High-back seats and footrests make for a comfortable day out
- A complete kit so you won’t need to worry about the important accessories
Cons
- Deflating and packing can take longer than some
Best touring three-person inflatable kayak
Sevylor / Decathlonwww.decathlon.co.uk
A good touring kayak should have a great combination of features, and this Hudson 3 from SEVYLOR has plenty. The sporty design includes a spacious deck, excellent tracking and removable fins - making it an excellent touring choice for leisure tours and a variety of waters.
We particularly like the ability to move the seat positions and adjust the back support for comfort. It can also be inflated in just 10 minutes, so you’ll be out and about in no time. It comes with a carry bag, removable fin, repair kit and manometer.
Pros
- Lots of versatility for a touring kayak - ideal for inland and coastal waters for recreation
- A great adjustable design with comfort features
- Fast to inflate and easy to deflate thanks to the valve design
Cons
- Has a manometer, but you’ll need your own pump and oars
Best lightweight three-person inflatable kayak
HydroforceEverything on the kayak is inflatable, apart from the paddles. It’s claimed that the Instra-Shield Pro technology, which forms this kayak, is an enhanced material to prevent punctures and keeps the kayak rigid for stability on the water. And that means a kayak that's lighter than most at just over 7 kg.
Two removable fins underneath the kayak act as keels to keep the kayak stable as you’re paddling through the water.
Pros
- Rigid construction technique for better stability on the water
- Durable material yet extremely light
- Removable fins for more control over tracking
Cons
- Only available in orange
Best transportable three-person inflatable kayak
Tahiti Pluswww.gooutdoors.co.uk
If ever there was something which looked super comfy, it’s this from Sevylor. Two adults and a child can use it to safely ensure your little ones get about the river.
It’s not the lightest model on the market, but you have a trade-off of more legroom in the Tahiti. While it may come in at just over 13kg, it packs into a backpack, making it easy to store and carry to the lake.
Pros
- Packs down to a backpack
- Spray compartments to keep your lunch dry
- Can hold 200kg of weight
Cons
- The backpack means it's carried easily but quite heavy for some
Best luxury three-person inflatable kayak
Tahe Outdoors / Decathlonwww.decathlon.co.uk
If you want an all-around quality inflatable Kayak, then look this way. Large comfortable seats offer plenty of back support over long excursions. Inside the stern and the bow, there are ample storage and cargo straps on the splash guard. The whole kayak inflates in around 10 minutes, and when deflated, it fits in a carry-all for easy storage.
Pros
- Plenty of space with large seats for more comfort
- Robust design with top-of-the-range drop-stitching for extra strength
- A high-pressure inflatable kayak that is excellent for speed and stability
Cons
- Capacity limits luggage with three adults
Best rugged three-person inflatable kayak
Sevylor If you’re planning on doing some kayaking in more challenging waterways then this Big Basin three-person kayak from Sevylor has a design that will last. Featuring a heavy-duty PVC construction and a tarpaulin bottom, this will withstand rocks and abrasions much better than most when out on rivers and the like.
Adding to the robustness, here are the various independent chambers - so that if one is punctured, you’re going to stay afloat.
Pros
- A hardy design and build makes it a great choice for exploring more arduous waterways
- Multiple air chambers mean you can explore with confidence
- Plenty of room for three adults with adjustable seats for comfort
Cons
- Instructions can be a little simplistic in places
Best three-person inflatable kayak for speed and tracking
Aqua MarinaIf you want speed, stability and excellent tracking then this Tomahawk Air-K from Aqua Marina is the sports car of kayak. Featuring a sleek and streamlined profile, it’s up to 40% lighter than equivalent hard-shell kayaks - making this an efficient kayak to paddle. Its strength comes from the high-pressure extra-long hull.
Although it doesn’t come with any paddles - it’s the sheer quality of the construction that counts here. It’s double-wall drop-stitched, and the floor is high-pressure too. Heavy-duty PVC and quality cushioned seats finish things off nicely.
Pros
- High-pressure chambers make for a rigid and hard-wearing streamlined construction
- Efficient paddling and the long hull mean more speed and excellent tracking
- Drop-stitching and heavy-duty PVC make this a hardy yet fast kayak
Cons
- Some users who are new to kayaking find it unstable at first
Best three-person inflatable kayak for fishing
Sevylor If you’re looking for a high-sided inflatable boat with excellent stability to go fishing in, this inflatable kayak from Sevylor is ideal. The Adventure Plus combines comfort for longer fishing sessions (thanks to adjustable seat positions) with a durable polyester hull. And those deep sides are great for keeping the water out and your kit inside on the deck. It features multiple air chambers too, so if you do snag one on a rock, you’ll stay afloat.
The deck has an i-beam construction for rigidity and the outer is protected by tarpaulin. It comes with a manometer, fin, carry bag and repair kit.
Pros
- Excellent overall design for stability in the water - ideal for staying in one spot too
- Adjustable padded seats are great for long-term comfort
- Boston valves mean fast and easy inflation and deflation
Cons
- A little difficult to pack up into the bag provided
Best three-person inflatable kayaks of 2024: Buyer's guide
Materials and construction
The lifespan of your three-person inflatable kayak is largely down to your budget. The materials and construction methods will vary, but as they're inflatable, punctures are always a possibility. However, you’d have to be particularly unlucky or cause one yourself through poor storage or handling. However, the benefits of inflatables far outweigh the disadvantages. Most decent kayaks of this type, even one, are made from double-stitched heavy-duty vinyl or PVC, making punctures a rarity. So, if your budget can stretch to it, always go for heavy-duty materials.
Make sure you can transport and move it safely
As mentioned above, transportation is key to enjoying your new kayak. Not only do the best three-person inflatable kayaks have to pack up neatly and easily, but you should also consider buying bigger waterproof bags for car trips. That way, you can pack it up while wet and dry it out at home without messing up your boot.
Once you've arrived and pumped your kayak up, preferably with a manual or battery-powered kayak pump, it's a good idea to have one with good handles for easy moving and handling.
Wear the right clothing
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. And, as always with water activities, never venture out without the right buoyancy aid.
A recreational kayak is great fun, and there’s a good chance you'll end up in the water from time to time. 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.
Tips on how to kayak safely
Even the best three-person inflatable kayaks have to be handled with care and attention. It’s essential that you ensure the safety of yourself and others when you’re enjoying your fantastic new outdoor activity. Here are some pointers that apply just as much to experienced kayakers as they do to novices.
• Always wear a buoyancy aid regardless of how strong a swimmer you are
• Check the weather before your trip
• Choose quick-drying clothing that’s appropriate for the conditions
• Check tide times for sea kayaking and tidal rivers
• Check water access points
• Have a route plan, and tell someone else your departure and return times
• Don’t kayak alone until you’re experienced
• Do not overload your kayak - stick to the manufacturer’s stated payload limit
• Do not overinflate a kayak
• Slightly underinflate a kayak in very hot weather to avoid heat expansion issues
Tips for newcomers and inexperienced kayakers
• Begin on calm and still waters
• Avoid sea kayaking until you have more confidence and ensure you stay in calm waters close to the shore
• Avoid rivers after heavy rainfall, even if your kayak is rated for whitewater use
• Keep aware of other watercraft and plan ahead to avoid their paths
• Keep an eye on fishing lines near banks and avoid them
• Choose well-known kayaking locations
• Avoid areas frequented by powerboats and other fast-moving craft
Best three-person inflatable kayaks of 2024: Jargon buster
Here’s a handy glossary for anyone who is in the market for one of the best three-person inflatable kayaks:
• Bow - front of the boat
• Stern - rear of the boat
• Port - left of the boat
• Starboard - the 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
Best three-person inflatable kayaks of 2024: FAQs
Do you need a licence to kayak in the UK?
England and Wales share over 4,000 km of managed waterways according to British Canoeing, and all of these routes require a licence.
There are some English and Welsh waterways that you can use without a licence, but these are the exception. Although it’s tempting to unpack your brand new one-person inflatable kayak and head for the nearest river, you should definitely arrange your licence before you head out.
You can purchase a license from British Canoeing. An adult licence membership will cost you £47 per year, with some other options available too. Please note this license only covers kayaking in England and Wales.
Is kayaking good exercise?
Yes - it's both aerobic and strength-building. It's a great form of cardio exercise, and constant paddling engages your arms, shoulders, chest and back. Additionally, it develops your core strength in order to sit up straight and maximise your paddling power. Our experts have put together a guide if you'd like to know more about the fitness benefits of kayaking.
Can one person use a three-person inflatable kayak?
Yes, it's perfectly safe to use one on your own, but due to the extra size and weight, you will probably find it a lot harder to steer and control. Some of the best three-person inflatable kayaks have movable seats, which is recommended if you are considering going solo, as you can position yourself to keep the kayak balanced in the water.
Chris Duffill is a Tech Product Writer for What's The Best. His background includes writing, editorial, marketing, design, video production and photography.
He specialises in home entertainment and audiovisual tech, including speakers, amplifiers, turntables, streaming media players, and TVs. He is also one of our resident experts in computing (PCs, tablets, smartphones, smartwatches), DSLR photography and all kinds of digital cameras. He also writes about retro gaming, game consoles and various electronic gadgets. If it plugs in, lights up or makes a noise, he’ll write about it.
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