10 Best Inflatable Kayaks for Dogs
Want to bring your furry friend out on the water with you? Here are the best inflatable kayaks for dogs that keep you and your dog happy!
Why the best inflatable kayaks for dogs? Well, even though it’s not always easy to kayak with a dog, this is one of the best experiences you will have with your canine friend.
That is why it’s essential to look for a kayak with a lot of room, the one that can provide comfort and safety for both of you.
And you probably wonder whether an inflatable kayak can be used with a pet. Oh, yes, even with a large dog!
What Kind of Kayaks are Good for Dogs?
For this to be an unforgettable experience, one should consider safety issues and choose an inflatable kayak that will meet your and your dog’s needs. It has to be able to handle weight capacities and to have enough room.
Kayaks are great for dogs given that they are light and easy to handle and transport from one place to the next. Your best friend will also be less bothered by the engine noise of the larger vessels.
Looking for more kayaking supplies? Check out these posts!
How to Prepare for Kayaking with Your Dog:
- Bring plenty of water and some treats. I usually feed my dog a can of dog food before heading out for the day. When she has a full belly, she’s more relaxed and less anxious.
- Make sure your dog is comfortable and will stay calm. I’d recommend starting on a lake or small body of water where you can exit the water easily. I took my dog on a kayaking excursion one day, not knowing ahead of time that it was over 3 hours long. She started to get very anxious during the last hour and we ended up stopping for several potty breaks making the trip last even longer!
- Purchase a life vest for your dog and keep them on a leash. My dog has accidentally fallen out of the kayak before. It’s a lot easier to pick her up when she’s wearing a life vest because it has a handle on the back of it.
- Avoid keeping your dog out in direct sunlight for more than an hour or two. Most dogs won’t wear hats or sunglasses like humans do but they can still get too much sun exposure like us!
- Make sure your dog’s nails are trimmed down. I use this nail grinder to make my dog’s nails short and rounded so they’re not sharp!
The Outward Hound Granby Dog Life Jacket is the perfect solution for keeping your pup safe in the water. This dog life jacket has been designed with bright colors and reflective accents to provide better visibility while swimming. The front neck float helps keep your dog's head above water no matter what their level of swimming experience is.
These bandanas come in the perfect size of 15.8 x 15.8 inches, so no matter what the size of your pup, you can easily find the right fit. They are designed to keep your pet cool in the summer by being lower in temperature than their body temperature. With adjustable straps and side-release buckles, your pup can stay comfortable and secure with these bandanas all day.
This 2-pack of pet training bags is made from food-grade memory silicone, which is both flexible and sturdy. You can keep any treat inside, including moist treats like cheese and chicken. The pouch has a magnetic closure that makes it easy to open with one hand.
This water bottle is a must-have accessory for your furry friend, and it's perfect for outdoor walks, hikes, and travels. This bottle is designed to eliminate waste with its easy-to-use "water key" that allows the unused water to return to the container.
The Earth Rated Dog Wipes are the perfect solution for gently and effectively cleaning your pet. These dog wipes are hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested to ensure they won’t irritate your pup’s sensitive skin. They’re Leaping Bunny Cruelty-Free certified, free of alcohol and parabens, and made with soothing ingredients like aloe, shea butter, chamomile, and cucumber.
Best Inflatable Kayaks for Dogs
Now let’s go over some of the inflatable kayaks that are the most dog-friendly, plus the pros and cons of each kayak.
Note: We don’t list the prices here because they change from time to time and sometimes Amazon will list some of these kayaks on sale. But the general prices range from $150 to $900, and I did my best to list them in order of least expensive to most expensive. Keep that in mind while you read through this list.
1. Best Kayak for Small Dogs: Intex Challenger K2
The Intex Challenger K2 Inflatable Kayak is the perfect way to explore lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water with ease. With a low-profile design that's streamlined for easy paddling, even longer trips will seem to fly by in this one- or two-person kayak.
- Relatively light to carry
- Fast to inflate and deflate
- Very steady for a dog to hang out and lay down
- Plenty of space for you, your dog, and some supplies
- Easy to control on calm waters
- It can get difficult to put in a bag when it's wet and sandy
- Not easy to clean when it gets covered in sand and dirt
This is the kayak that I personally use. I purchased the two-person kayak because it surprisingly has plenty of storage space (for one adult and one dog).
I removed one of the removable seats and place a small cooler there instead! Which makes it perfect for a relaxing day out on the lake.
My dog weighs less than 15 pounds and sits comfortably on the front of the kayak.
2. Intex Explorer K2 Kayak
Take your kayaking to the next level with the Explorer K2 inflatable kayak! Effortlessly two-person assemble, the lightweight materials and compact design make this kayak easy to transport and store.
- Easy to inflate
- Plenty of room
- It’s safely packed when you aren't using it
- Low seats
- Average maneuverability
This one is very practical since the seats are completely adjustable and removable. Two Velcro strips on the bottom allow placement adjustment.
The weight limit is 330 pounds and you can even take another friend with you besides your dog. Your ride will be steady and smooth.
3. Best Kayak for Larger Dogs: Intex Excursion Pro Kayak
The Intex Excursion Pro Kayak is the perfect vessel for explorations ranging from calm lake paddling to mild river rapids. The kayak also features high-pressure inflatable air chambers for extra rigidity and stability, with easy-to-use spring loaded valves for fast inflation.
- Easy to inflate
- Plenty of legroom
- Foot rests
- Takes effort to unpack and deflate
- Parts are not under warranty if something breaks quickly
This kayak is just right for a person and a dog. It’s not that big, making it easy to control, but it’s big enough so that both of you can almost move freely. It’s very maneuverable.
Seats can be adjusted or replaced so you can bring a snack for you and your canine friend. It has a polyester core for high strength and durability. A high molecular PVC is unaffected by gasoline, oil, and saltwater.
It comes with an adjustable mounting bracket for additional accessories. You might want to bring your fish finders.
4. Intex Dakota K2
- It fits in a small bag; the paddles come apart
- It inflates in minutes without much effort
- It can be re-inflated while on the water as well
- Getting in and out is easy
- If you are paddling into the wind, it will be a chore to go anywhere
- Not the best fit for rivers or bodies of water with strong currents and rocks
If you want to add speed to your kayaking experience, you might want to check out this beauty. Its long skeg is great for straight-line tracking while you can easily turn. It’s a tandem kayak that can support weight up to 400 pounds.
You can grab its handles and bring it down to the water while your furry friend gets impatient to get in.
5. Sea Eagle 3 Person Inflatable Portable Sport Kayak
- Lightweight and easy to set up
- Tough to row, especially for a single person
- Included bag is too thin
- Oars feel weak
Dog owners will love Sea Eagle. It’s a bit larger with more space for you and your dog, but for all the things you need to bring. It has two movable kayak seats and 2 paddles, a foot pump, and a carry bag. You wouldn’t have to worry about your dog popping the kayak with its claws due to good materials.
6. Driftsun Voyager 2 Person Tandem Inflatable Kayak
- Very thick and durable
- Easy to turn on the water
- Adjustable seats with back support that can be easily unhooked for sunbathing in the kayak
- The bag in the package is uncomfortable for carrying
Driftsun Voyager is for those who like better performance. It can be nice in both calm and choppy waters because of its pointed nose entry.
As a 2-person tandem inflatable kayak, it will provide enough room even when your dog lays down. Inflating is easy with the double action pump. The kayak steady even when my dog rushed out for the first time and I tried numerous times to bring him back in.
7. Driftsun Rover 120/220 Inflatable Tandem
- Plenty of room
- Very stable, even when getting pummeled by waves
- The skeg can get difficult to get in or take out
- Once water gets in, it takes a while for the drainage holes to work
I was surprised that this one could be fully inflated in less than 5 minutes given its size. The material is strong and it’s super easy to set up. We had a lot of wobbles but it stopped after I added a little weight to the front. The bottom is very solid so that you can stand up. We had a comfortable morning on Driftsun Rover.
8. Driftsun Rover Inflatable Kayak
This inflatable kayak is a good idea if you are looking for a great alternative to conventional kayaks. This fishing kayak is light and easy to use. The fabric is good and it held up for several rounds.
We didn’t feel squished in this boat and my canine friend could always come near if she missed me. I was lucky to bring the pump with us since one of the sides leaked air on our first trip. It turned out I didn’t tighten the valve though.
9. Intex Excursion Inflatable Boat
Not technically a kayak but this inflatable boat is a great option worth mentioning for multiple reasons: fishing, plenty of space for two, and a dog.
The maximum weight capacity is 725 pounds so you can invite some of your friends to make the ride even more memorable. Whatever recreation purposes you might have in mind, this raft can help make it happen.
10. INTEX 68347EP Seahawk 2 Inflatable Boat
With its strong construction, this boat is built to last and provides superior strength and durability thanks to its SuperStrong enhanced molecular formulation PVC, which ensures high impact and abrasion resistance. The Seahawk also features three air chambers, one auxiliary chamber for added safety, and two quick-fill Boston valves that help you get out on the water faster.
- Puncture-resistant
- Includes oar locks and gear pouch
- Can't stand up in the boat
- Paddles aren't the best quality
- Pump is flimsy
The Intex Seahawk Inflatable Boat is the perfect choice for outdoor adventures and relaxation on the water. It offers superior strength and durability with SuperStrong enhanced molecular formulation PVC and three air chambers, including an inner auxillary chamber for extra safety that make inflation and deflation easy.
The included accessories are the perfect addition to your adventure: two 48-inch aluminum French oars for easy paddling, two fishing rod holders, a motor mount fitting, welded-on oar holders, grab handles on each side and an all-around grab line for convenience.
Conclusion: Best Inflatable Kayaks for Dogs
Taking your dog on outdoor adventures with you is such a fun experience! But you want to ensure you’re prepared with the right gear and supplies before heading out for the day.
As you can see, there are quite a few dog-friendly kayaks to choose from at different price points. My top pick for a smaller dog is the Intex Challenger K2; my dog weighs about 15 pounds but you can probably allow a dog that weighs up to 25 or 30 pounds on this kayak.
