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 overall: Aquaplanet Inflatable kayak - View on Decathlon
• Best budget: Intex Challenger Kayak - View on Amazon
• Best lightweight: Intex Excursion Pro Kayak - View on Amazon
• Best for beginners: Itiwit Touring Inflatable Kayak - View on Decathlon
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.
The best two-person kayaks of 2024:
Please note: All prices are correct at the time of writing. Prices, stock and deals are subject to change without notice.
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 330 cm x 96 cm, the Aquaplanet can handle a weight of up to 200 kg (the Aquaplanet site quotes a little lower than this, but our model had a tech table printed on it claiming up to 200 kg). 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 14 kg, 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
| Weight: | 160 kg |
| Length: | 96 cm |
| Width: | 200 kg |
| Max payload: | 160 kg |
| Material: | Quick-dry polyester |
Best budget two-person inflatable kayak
Intex 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
- Light and portable
Cons
- Oars are underwhelming
| Weight: | 14.8 kg |
| Length: | 351 cm |
| Width: | 76 cm |
| Max payload: | 180 kg |
| Material: | PVC |
Best lightweight two-person inflatable kayak
Intex 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
- Spacious design
Cons
- Takes a while to fully inflate
| Weight: | 21.2 kg |
| Length: | 380 cm |
| Width: | 90 cm |
| Max payload: | 180 kg |
| Material: | PVC, aluminium |
Best two-person inflatable kayak for beginners
If you and someone you know want 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
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Bulky design
| Weight: | 14 kg |
| Length: | 340 cm |
| Width: | 103 cm |
| Max payload: | 150 kg |
| Material: | PVC |
Best high-pressure two-person kayak
Aqua MarinaWhereas the previous two-person inflatable kayak was ideal for beginners, the Aqua Marina Tomahawk 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 Aqua Marina 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
- Easy to inflate
Cons
- Might be too long for some
| Weight: | 20 kg |
| Length: | 528 cm |
| Width: | 70 cm |
| Max payload: | 210 kg |
| Material: | Heavy-duty PVC |
Best comfortable two-person inflatable kayak
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
- Spacious seating
Cons
- Not the best for beginners
| Weight: | 16 kg |
| Length: | 365 cm |
| Width: | 103 cm |
| Max payload: | 195 kg |
| Material: | PVC, polyester |
Best all-weather two-person inflatable kayak
Aqua Marina 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
- Comfortable seating
Cons
- So-so weight capacity
| Weight: | 412 cm |
| Length: | 80 cm |
| Width: | 11.8 kg |
| Max payload: | 180 kg |
| Material: | PVC |
Best durable two-person inflatable kayak
Bestway 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
- The design prevents most water from entering
- Includes fantastic oars
Cons
- Takes a while to inflate with the hand pump
| Weight: | 121.4 kg |
| Length: | 321 cm |
| Width: | 100 cm |
| Max payload: | 180 kg |
| Material: | PVC |
Best two person kayak for portability
IntexCertainly on the pricier end of two-person kayaks, yet worth the investment, the Aqua Mrian Steam is made for professional kayakers seeking a reliable rough-water vessel with plenty of robustness. Neatly packed away in a backpack, this sizeable two-person kayak is ideal for a waterway adventure, without any concerns of waterlogging or stray rocks piercing the air chambers, and its all thanks to its high-strength PVC.
The sheer sturdiness of the Aqua Marina Steam is enough to convince even the most experienced kayakers of its reliability, but we particularly love just how portable this design is. Its solid handles ensure that hitting the shore is a breeze, and its modest pack size makes it all the more viable for a lightweight setup.
Some users have complained about the lack of rear space on the Aqua Marina Steam, which is fairly low compared to the sheer spaciousness of the front seat, tactical positioning between kayakers might be a good idea, as anyone above 5'10" might struggle in the rear seat.
That being said, with some adjusting, you'll find the Aqua Marina Steam to be one of the most reliable two-person kayaks of the year, and well worth considering for your next voyage.
Pros
- Ultra-durable design
- Fantastic design for easy portability
- Streamlined design for rougher waters
Cons
- Not a great deal of room in the rear seat
| Weight: | 15.5 kg |
| Length: | 412 cm |
| Width: | 90 cm |
| Max payload: | 180 kg |
| Material: | Reinforced PVC |
Best two-person kayak for under £150
IntexIntex's line of two-person kayaks is fantastic for river outings, and the Intex Dakota K2 is at an especially brilliant value. Costing a fraction of most on the market, the Dakota K2 contains everything you'll need to embark on your next boating adventure, and it's got plenty of footwell space for your essentials too.
Comprised of thick PVC sides ad comfortable seating with ample back support, you can comfortably spend the day water-bound without feeling a great deal of fatigue. The Dakota K2's efficient, streamlined design cuts through the water well, providing comfortable use in choppy waters.
If there's anything to complain about with the Intex Dakota K2, it's probably the less robust design: though it might serve well in gentler waters, the lighter PVC design is likely to prove less effective against strong waves or fast-moving rivers.
That being said, for beginners looking for their ideal first outing, and who want a good amount of foot space on their next journey, the Intex Dakota K2 is a more-than-reliable choice.
Pros
- Easy to inflate
- Spacious seating
- Includes an excellent pair of oars
Cons
- Not the most robust design
| Weight: | Not specified |
| Length: | 312.4 cm |
| Width: | 91.4 cm |
| Max payload: | 181.4 kg |
| Material: | PVC |
Best durable two-person inflatable kayak
Bestway We've talked a lot about the virtues of durability for inflatable kayaks, so we 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
- The design prevents most water from entering
- Includes fantastic oars
Cons
- Takes a while to inflate with the hand pump
| Weight: | 121.4 kg |
| Length: | 321 cm |
| Width: | 100 cm |
| Max payload: | 180 kg |
| Material: | PVC |
A buyer's guide to inflatable kayaks
Can one person use a two-person kayak?
As a general rule of thumb, the larger size of a two-person kayak will make it slightly more difficult to manoeuvre compared to a one-person kayak variant, but that doesn't make using a two-person kayak on your own impossible.
A two-person kayak, dependent on the design and size can, and often is, also suitable for one person, giving you the option to remove seats from the kayak if you wish. If you plan on using a two-person kayak on your own, it's better to have a longer oar, and plenty of practice, it's hard work, but certainly doable.
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 usually benefit from 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.
FAQs: your questions answered
Are two-person kayaks more stable than one-person kayaks?
Two person kayaks, on account of their size and potential presence of another kayaker, are undoubtedly more stable to use. If one person grows tired, the other can take over, which is especially useful if you're facing troubled waters.
What's more, a larger size generally means greater stability on the water.
Where should you position yourself in a kayak?
If you're kayaking as a pair, it's important to consider where to position yourselves in the kayak itself: the more able kayaker should sit in the back, as they are able to match the paddling of the front person easier.
In terms of weight distribution, the heavier of the two should also sit in the back, as this evens weight distribution and helps to maintain a better speed in the kayak.
How can I effectively tandem paddle?
For an effective paddle, you must divide responsibilities between both kayakers: the rear paddler steers, and the front paddler sets the pace.
Controlling the direction of the kayak is simple: using a backwards paddling technique will change the direction of the kayak.
Both paddlers must stroke at the same side at the same side, which can be initially frustrating, but setting a strong rhythm will certainly help.
Don't be disheartened if it feels as though control of your two-person kayak isn't entirely stable from the get-go, it takes some getting used to, and once you've nailed it, it's incredibly enjoyable.
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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