In this article, we’re going to discuss how to choose the best inflatable kayak for dogs and more. No matter that you’re a beginner, you have heavy dogs, or you are going to kayak in strong winds/lakes/fast-moving rivers, there’s a good pick for each specific need. Read on!
Here are the best inflatable kayaks for dogs (2025 Update):
- Best For Beginners (1-Person): Intex Challenger Kayak Series Sit In
- Best For Heavier Dogs (1-Person): Sevylor Quikpak K1 1-person Kayak Sit On
- Best For Fast-moving Rivers (2-Person): Intex Explorer K2 Kayak
- Best For Strong Winds (2-Person): Sevylor Coleman Colorado 2-Person Fishing Kayak sit in
- Most Durable (3-Person): Sea Eagle 370 Pro
- Best For Lakes (3-Person): Sevylor Big Basin 3-person Kayak Sit In
| 6 Best Inflatable Kayaks For Dogs | ||
|---|---|---|
Best For Beginners | Intex Challenger Kayak Series Sit In
| |
Best For Heavier Dogs | Sevylor Quikpak K1 1-person Kayak Sit On
| |
Best For Fast-moving Rivers | Intex Explorer K2 Kayak
| |
Best For Strong Winds | Sevylor Coleman Colorado 2-Person Fishing Kayak sit in
| |
Most Durable | Sea Eagle 370 Pro
| |
Best For Lakes | Sevylor Big Basin 3-person Kayak Sit In
| |
Best For Beginners (1-Person): Intex Challenger Kayak Series Sit In
- Perfect for beginners - easy to get in/out, lightweight, and a breeze to maneuver around
- Safer - Eye-catching graphics & include a Hi-output manual hand pump plus repair patches
- Durable - made of durable welded vinyl materials
- Not for heavy kayakers
- The paddle needs more comfortable grips
- There's no draining hole in the top of the hull
This inflatable 1-person kayak is an awesome choice for those beginners who belong to a group that kayaks with their dogs.
It’s easy to get in/out, lightweight, and a breeze to maneuver around.
Particularly, it is durable (made of durable welded vinyl materials) and includes a Hi-output manual hand pump plus repair patches. The measurements of 108” x 15” x 30” along with a 220-pound weight capacity is perfect for an adult kayaker and a small dog to kayak with comfort.
It also offers a secure cargo net and spacious cargo for your gears. Eye-catching graphics so both of you will stay safer on the water.
| Intex Challenger Kayak Series Sit In Specifications | |
|---|---|
Length | 108 inches |
Deck Size | 30 by 15 by 108 inches (W x H x D) |
Max Capacity | 220 pounds |
Inflation Time | 5 minutes |
Highlight Features | easy to get in/out, lightweight, and a breeze to maneuver around Eye-catching graphics include a Hi-output manual hand pump plus repair patches durable welded vinyl materials |
Due to its maneuverability and ease of getting in/out, we believe the Intex Challenger K1 is best for beginners.
Best For Heavier Dogs (1-Person): Sevylor Quikpak K1 1-person Kayak Sit On
- Strong, durable, and reliable - 21-gauge PVC construction, non-leak airtight system, multiple air chambers, and puncture-resistant tarpaulin bottom
- Comfortable to use - multi-position footrest, backrest, and a multi-functional backpack
- Easy to set up - double lock valves
- The tip of the boat sways side-to-side if you paddle hard
- The paddle could be better
Built to be larger and more durable that is able to handle a max loading weight of 400 pounds, the Sevylor Quikpak K1 is our solid pick for heavier dogs.
It is also heavy-duty and reliable, featuring 21-gauge PVC construction, non-leak airtight system, and puncture-resistant tarpaulin bottom. Even in the worst case that it’s punctured, you’ll get more peace in mind because of its multiple air chambers.
Regardless, it is built with your comfort in mind due to the multi-position footrest and backrest.
The double lock valves make inflation/deflation no more than 5 minutes while the innovative backpack system highlights dual functions – folded to be a kayak’s seat or unfolded to be a normal carrying bag.
| Sevylor Quikpak K1 1-person Kayak Sit On Specifications | |
|---|---|
Length | 8’ |
Deck Size | 8 ft. 7 in. x 3 ft. |
Max Capacity | 400 lbs. |
Inflation Time | 5-minute |
Highlight Features | 21-gauge PVC construction, non-leak airtight system, multiple air chambers, and puncture-resistant tarpaulin bottom multi-position footrest, backrest, and a multi-functional backpack double lock valves |
If you’re finding the most reliable option that can haul a heavier dog, this fits the bill.
Best For Fast-moving Rivers (2-Person): Intex Explorer K2 Kayak
- Offer decent directional stability – detachable SKEG
- Extra comfort – an adjustable seat with backrest
- Safer to use – eye-catching graphics
- The inflation valves could be better
While the K1 is perfect for a small dog, this upgrade version appears to be stronger and more versatile. It can hold up a dog of different sizes as long as you, your gears, and your dog weigh no heavier than 400 pounds.
Moreover, it’s designed with enhanced comfort due to the adjustable seat with backrest.
The biggest selling point is its removable SKEG for extraordinary stability – the key element making its performance on fast-moving rivers.
| Intex Explorer K2 Kayak Specifications | |
|---|---|
Length | 10 Feet |
Deck Size | 10 Feet 3 X 3 Feet X 1 Feet 8 Inch |
Max Capacity | 400 Pounds |
Inflation Time | 8-10 minutes |
Highlight Features | detachable SKEG an adjustable seat with backrest eye-catching graphics |
Throughout the review process on fast-moving rivers, the Intex Explorer K2 Kayak was an all-around tester favorite.
Best For Strong Winds (2-Person): Sevylor Coleman Colorado 2-Person Fishing Kayak sit in
- Rugged and well-built - a non-leak Airtight System, double-threaded Boston Valve, 1000D tarpaulin bottom, and 840D nylon cover
- Reliable and ultra-stable – NMMA certified for safety & multiple air chambers
- Secure your gears well - D-rings and lots of mesh storage pockets
- Offer hands-free capability - Berkley Quick Set Rod Holders & paddle holders
- The fishing pole holders seem to not appropriate
- The instructions are too generic
- Tall people might find the seat to be a bit too low
Designed to conquer any extreme weather conditions thrown at it, the Sevylor Coleman Colorado boasts lots of notable features. Such as a non-leak Airtight System, double-threaded Boston Valve, multiple air chambers of construction with 1000D tarpaulin bottom, and 840D nylon cover.
Combined with the nimble 18-gauge PVC construction, it meets all the safety standards of NMMA, which can withstand strong winds with no fear in mind.
Even with your dog and paddling on a pretty strong current, the kayak still doesn’t feel like it’s near tipping.
We also appreciate its practical add-ons, including Berkley Quick Set Rod Holders, D-rings, mesh storage pockets, and paddle holders.
| Sevylor Coleman Colorado 2-Person Fishing Kayak sit in Specifications | |
|---|---|
Length | 11’ |
Max Capacity | 470 pounds. |
Inflation Time | 10 minutes. |
Highlight Features | a non-leak Airtight System, double-threaded Boston Valve, 1000D tarpaulin bottom, and 840D nylon cover NMMA Certified for safety multiple air chambers D-rings and lots of mesh storage pockets Berkley Quick Set Rod Holders & paddle holders |
The Sevylor Coleman Colorado performed so well across all of our metrics that we awarded it our top choice for strong winds.
Most Durable (3-Person): Sea Eagle 370 Pro
- Able to handle Class III whitewater - heavy-gauge materials and ultra-durable bottom
- Roomy and strong – a 650-pound weight capacity
- Offer better speed and tracking – two SKEGs
- Move a bit slowly
- The paddles easily brush against the sides of the boat
While Sea Eagle is one of the biggest kayak manufacturers these days, this option is one of their bestsellers, known for its unparalleled durability.
It stands out from the competition for heavy-gauge materials and ultra-durable bottom that could handle the most extreme accidents. Tested it on medium and high wake, even Class III whitewater, we didn’t find any issues.
The 650-pound weight capacity along with two detachable, comfortable Deluxe Kayak seats are perfect for two adults and one dog to sit on.
For enhanced speed and tracking, it’s also added with two SKEGs on the bottom.
| Sea Eagle 370 Pro Specifications | |
|---|---|
Length | 12 feet |
Deck Size | 12 feet, 6 inches by 2 feet, 10inches |
Max Capacity | 650 lbs. |
Inflation Time | less than 10 minutes |
Highlight Features | heavy-gauge materials and ultra-durable bottom a 650-pound weight capacity two SKEGs |
The Sea Eagle 370 Pro’s durability means that it’s a viable option for Class III whitewater or medium and high wake.
Best For Lakes (3-Person): Sevylor Big Basin 3-person Kayak Sit In
- Ideal for lakes - NMMA-certified, heavy-duty PVC construction
- Keep you dry while on the water - the splash-blocking spray covers
- The sides of this boat are fairly low to the water
The NMMA-certified, heavy-duty PVC construction of this inflatable 3-person kayak is key to win our Best Pick for Lakes award this year.
It is steady, stable, and functional enough to be handled easily solo on a lake.
A big bonus is the splash-blocking spray covers that help keep you and your dog always dry while on the water. Once not in use, it’s quick and easy to deflate while the folded dimensions are compact and lightweight for one person to carry around or tug inside a car’s trunk.
| Sevylor Big Basin 3-person Kayak Sit In Specifications | |
|---|---|
Length | 12 ft. 3 in. |
Deck Size | 12 ft. 3 in. x 3 ft. 1 in. |
Max Capacity | 490lbs. |
Inflation Time | about 10 minutes |
Highlight Features | NMMA-certified, heavy-duty PVC construction the splash-blocking spray covers |
For those who are finding the best inflatable kayak for lakes, we suggest the Sevylor Big Basin.
How To Choose The Best Inflatable Kayak For Dogs?
Sit-In or Sit-On-Top Kayaks?
This has a close connection to the characteristics of your dogs. If they love taking a seat and chilling while you are paddling, then a sit-in inflatable kayak is a better choice.
A sit-on-top model, on the contrary, is perfect for those dogs who prefer to swim and move around.
Either type, remember that it must work well for dogs.
Single Or Tandem?
A single inflatable kayak is an ideal option for small dogs while a tandem is better for big ones. Besides, think about your body weight and your gears.
Kayak Dimensions
Your dog’s weight plays a huge role in choosing an inflatable kayak because even if they are the most well-behaved dog down the Earth, they will move around on your kayak.
It’s important to know their body weight, height, length, and measurements to consider the go-to width of your kayak. Make sure that no matter the way they are facing, both their back and front legs must comfortably suit the interior of the kayak.
The reason why you should pay extra attention to this feature is that if you buy one that can’t handle the weight and size of your dog, it’s a lot struggling to row or control.
Nobody wants their precious dog to unexpectedly slip and fall out. Even you might sink.
Which Brands Make The Best Inflatable Kayak For Dogs?
Intex
Founded in 1975, Intex is currently one of the most dependable kayak manufacturers that you can count on. Everything we do centers around family time, value, and quality at the most affordable price tag, which is also key for their long-standing history.
Sevylor
The original since 1948. One year later, they became the market leader with original inventions and unique designs. One of their bestsellers were the innovaTion Our PVC inflatables covering a wide spectrum of activities.
Sea Eagle
Since 1968! A well-known family-owned and operated business that is located 60 miles east of New York City on Long Island – a perfect location for them to access to many incredible secluded bodies of water and bays then produce high-quality kayaks with the highest practicality.
FAQs
Can you take a dog in an inflatable kayak?
Yes, you can. But remember to train your dogs for sea legs before taking them outdoor and kayaking with you.
Are inflatable kayaks worth it?
Yes, they are. A high-quality inflatable kayak has a similar performance as the hard-shell models in terms of durability, reliability, stability, and safety. The biggest strength is its compact deflated measurement, making it a lot easier storage/transportation.
Single vs. Tandem?
A tandem kayak is better for bigger dogs, big and heavy kayakers, or people who tend to carry lots of gears.
A single kayak is perfect for smaller dogs or pull, a small-framed kayaker, or people who plan to go kayaking with less gear.
Sit-on-top vs. sit-in inflatable kayaks for dogs?
We have told about this topic in detail in our Buying Guide section above, please roll up to read more.
How do you train a dog to kayak?
Conclusion
That’s the end of this article about how to choose the best inflatable kayak for dogs.
After looking at the type, design, and dimensions of both your dog and your go-to kayak, we hope to have taken some of the mystery out of your next purchase.
