There are plenty of options out there for the best inflatable kayak, but if you want to share the hobby with a friend, partner, or family member, then you'll want to look for a two-person inflatable kayak. Luckily, there are many great two-person inflatable kayaks for you to choose from, and we've gathered the best of the bunch for you to select from. Read on to see the best two-person inflatable kayaks.
Kayaking with another person isn't just great for bonding, but it's actually more efficient than paddling alone. Although you won't go twice as fast, you can take turns paddling for a while, so you'll get more distance with less energy, meaning you can see more sights on an excursion without feeling totally exhausted.
The best two-person inflatable kayaks at a glance:
• Best two-person inflatable kayak overall: Aquaplanet Inflatable Kayak - View at Amazon
• Best budget two-person inflatable kayak: Intex K2 Challenger Kayak 2 - View at Amazon
• Best all-weather two-person inflatable kayak: Aqua Marina Betta Inflatable Kayak - View at Amazon
There's plenty to consider when looking for inflatable kayaks. Ease of storage is always important, but you also want to think about how long it will take to inflate so you aren't stuck with the kayak pump at the waterside for ages.
Construction and design are also key aspects, as you want it to be durable, puncture-resistant, and have a respectable weight capacity. Even the comfort of your kayak seat is important too.
Best two-person inflatable kayak overall
When we tested the Aquaplanet Two-Person Inflatable Kayak, we discovered it's a kayak that's versatile and stable, ideal for anyone who loves the outdoors. It's crafted from top-notch materials and boasts a triple chamber design that boosts its stability. Not to mention, it's equipped with a Dolphin fin, much like those on SUP boards, that really enhances its tracking.
Sizing up at 330cm x 96cm, the Aquaplanet can handle a weight of up to 200kg (the Aquaplaney site quotes a little lower than this, but our model had a tech table printed on it claiming up to 200kg). This makes it roomy enough for two adults to paddle around comfortably or even for one adult and a child to enjoy. What's cool is that the package includes two paddles and a pump, giving you everything you need to jump into the water straight away. And the cherry on top? This kayak adapts easily for solo adventures.
One of the standout features of the Aquaplanet Two Person Inflatable Kayak is its lightweight nature and portability. It tips the scales at a mere 14kg, making it a breeze to carry and move around. Plus, they've thrown in a carry bag for the kayak, so storing it away when not in use is a walk in the park. We even discovered there's some extra room in the bag for a couple of buoyancy aids, which is a welcome thing for storage and transportation.
Pros
- Comfortable over distance
- Stable and smooth on the water
- Spacious for one or two
Cons
- Short paddles mean wet legs
Best budget two-person inflatable kayak
When it comes to finding a reliable, affordable, and overall brilliant inflatable kayak, you can't go wrong with the Intex K2 Challenger Kayak 2. It's relatively lightweight and is easy to set up and inflate, making it ideal for afternoon adventures or a relaxing paddle through a lake.
It's a solid starting point for tandem kayaking, and best of all, it's low-maintenance and simple to take care of. It's not great for expeditions or serious kayaking, but on pure enjoyment alone, this ranks amongst our best two-person inflatable kayaks.
Our only notable complaint is that the oars are quite basic, but that's a worthwhile tradeoff for the overall affordability.
Pros
- Brilliant value
- Easy to inflate
Cons
- Oars are so-so
Best lightweight two-person inflatable kayak
For the perfect balance of a lightweight yet resilient design, we recommend the Intex Excursion Pro Kayak.
Made from particularly tough plastic, it has no trouble brushing off against to bumping into the occasional surface, so it's a forgiving pick for duos that are just starting to paddle together. It's also resistant to sun damage, which is a nice bonus that keeps it working well for a long while.
The removable skegs make it so that you can adjust the kayak for shallow or deep waters, and we're always fans of extra versatility in kayaks.
Pros
- Very durable
- Lightweight
Cons
- Takes a while to fully inflate
Best two-person inflatable kayak for beginners
www.decathlon.co.uk
If you and someone you know are wanting to dip into the world of kayaking, you'll want a beginner-friendly model, and for that, we suggest the Itiwit Touring Inflatable Kayak.
Designed with ease of use in mind, this kayak focuses on being as stable as possible. That does mean the walls are a bit wider than most, but at least it will keep your body away from rocks and obstacles.
Where this Itiwit kayak really shines, however, is in its comfort. The seats are raised and well-padded so that you can both practise for hours without getting sore backs.
Pros
- Very stable
- Comfortable seating
Cons
- Thick walls take getting used to
Best heavy-duty two-person inflatable kayak
www.decathlon.co.uk
Whereas the previous two-person inflatable kayak was ideal for beginners, the Itiwit Dropstich Inflatable Kayak is designed with more experienced kayakers in mind.
It features a more rigid design that's ideal for heavier weight loads, making it ideal for two-person camping trips since you can bring some cargo along as you paddle.
The longer build might make it a bit awkward for tighter rivers, but this Itiwit kayak can comfortably excel in lakes and the sea. It also means it is noticeably more streamlined than other inflatable kayaks, so you can still get decent speed with this one.
Pros
- Impressive weight capacity
- Great for cargo
Cons
- Might be too long for some
Best comfortable two-person inflatable kayak
www.decathlon.co.uk
The Itiwit X100 Touring Inflatable Kayak may not be the ideal starting place to get into tandem kayaking, but it is a fantastic step up for those feeling ready to explore intermediate options.
Its high-pressure build makes it ideal for gliding above the water, the fins are superb, and the weight capacity is great. This an easy recommendation for those planning their first proper excursion as a pair.
Part of what makes it so great is the focus on comfort. The seats are raised, the walls help prevent splashes, and the backrests provide plenty of cushioning. It's designed to make your adventures as painless as possible.
Pros
- Raised seats
- Stable design
Cons
- Not the best for beginners
Best all-weather two-person inflatable kayak
While the Tomahawk preferred to lean on the side of speed and efficiency, the Aqua Marina Betta Inflatable Kayak is all about resilience.
It may not be clear from the mediocre weight capacity and lightweight build, but this kayak can handle shifts in weather confidently. If you're worried about getting caught out in the rain, the fast-acting drainage system will help you endure the wetter weather.
We also can't ignore the visual aspect of this kayak. While form and function matter more than fashion, the pleasant colour combination and pattern are appealing and easy on the eyes.
Pros
- Stylish design
- Suitable for all weather
Cons
- So-so weight capacity
Best durable two-person inflatable kayak
We've talked a lot about the virtues of durability for inflatable kayaks, so have to suggest the Bestway Hydro-Force Rapid Kayak. Although it may look a bit more basic than some prior choices, this is a surprisingly sturdy and excellently constructed option.
The high walls prevent water from entering, the material is puncture-resistant, and the coated nylon won't wear easily from seawater; what's not to love? It's a consistent piece of kit for those after a simple kayak for recreation.
Pros
- Puncture resistant
- Design prevents most water entering
Cons
- Takes a while to inflate with the hand pump
A buyer's guide to inflatable kayaks
Why choose inflatable kayaks?
You might assume a hardshell kayak would be leagues better than an inflatable kayak in most categories, but the gulf isn't so wide. Inflatable kayaks benefit from usually being more affordable and easier to store and transport, so you won't be stuck with the nightmare of figuring out how to transfer a full kayak from house to water.
Although hardshell kayaks are obviously more durable and sturdy, modern inflatable kayaks are still able to take a fair beating. For most recreational and intermediate kayakers, an inflatable one will be more than resilient enough.
The only notable downside is that they tend to be slower, but that's a relatively minor issue for most.
How to take care of an inflatable kayak?
Inflatable kayaks don't require a lot of TLC, but you'll get more longevity out of your pick by taking proper care of it. For starters, avoid leaving the kayak out in the sun. If you don't store it away properly, the sun will damage the material and wear it out quicker. Keep it deflated and indoors when not in use.
After you've finished using your kayak on the water, ensure you dry it properly. A simple wipe-over with a towel should suffice in most cases, but make sure you're thorough. It's easy for inflatable kayaks to retain moisture and get mouldy with time, but attentive drying should keep that risk to a minimum.
Kyle Purves is a Commercial Content Writer for What’s The Best, with an avid interest in all things gaming and tech.
They’re well-versed in reviewing a variety of tech products, with a soft spot for speakers and earphones. They’re also no stranger to hunting down the best savings, always wanting to get the best deal possible. Outside of work, they can often be found playing through an RPG, listening to Japanese noise rock, or trying to catch up with their ever-expanding list of shows and anime to watch. If possible, they try to play Dungeons and Dragons a couple of times a week, but getting six adults to be free at the same time is easier said than done.
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