Kayaking with your pup is a great way to spend time with Fido and stay cool this summer. Keep reading to learn about our top picks for dog-friendly kayaks and which one may be right for you and your furry friend.
What to Look For in Dog Kayaks
Before you begin shopping for a kayak for you and Fido, you should know what to look for. The first important thing a dog-friendly kayak should have is the proper capacity. Experts recommend never exceeding 70% of a vessel’s weight capacity, so we recommend purchasing a kayak with a higher weight capacity if you have a big dog. The kayak’s shape also determines whether it will be a good fit for you and your pup. A wider kayak is more stable and can remain steady even if your dog jumps out to swim. Lastly, consider the boat’s material when shopping for a kayak. While most hard shell kayaks are appropriate for furry companions, if you opt for an inflatable kayak, ensure it has at least 2-3 layers of PVC material to prevent punctures from dog nails.
Now, here are our top five picks for dog-friendly kayaks.
1. Best Overall: Ocean Malibu II Tandem Kayak
Our top pick for the best dog-friendly kayak is the Ocean Malibu II Tandem Kayak. This 12-foot-long, 80-pound kayak is one of the best options on the market for durability, stability, and spaciousness. For dog owners, one of the best parts of this kayak is that it has space for three passengers thanks to the large, open cockpit between the two seats. This means that one or more furry friends can tag along as long as the boat doesn’t exceed 425 lbs. The Ocean Malibu Kayak has abundant storage and can easily fit all of your pup’s belongings. This kayak has large cupholders and a dry hatch by each seat. The three-layer hard shell hull is incredibly durable and won’t be damaged by your pup. The sleek design of the hull makes this kayak great at tracking calm waters and moderate waves.
2. Best for Beginners: Lifetime Kokanee Sit-On-Top Kayak
The Kokanee Sit-On-Top Kayak by Lifetime is perfect for beginners due to its straightforward and effective design. This kayak is 10.5 feet long and weighs 76 pounds, making it compact but surprisingly sturdy. The Kokanee kayak has a whopping 425 lbs weight capacity, meaning you can fit up to two passengers and one dog onboard. Since this kayak is 36 inches wide, it can easily fit almost any size dog. Thanks to its relatively short length, novice kayakers with a dog can easily maneuver this kayak even when paddling solo. The minimalistic backrests in the Kokanee kayak aren’t very durable, meaning you may need to purchase new seats for you and your passenger. However, this kayak is a relatively inexpensive option, starting at just $380 from Walmart.
3. Best Inflatable Kayak: Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Convertible Kayak
Inflatable kayaks such as the Advanced Elements Convertible Kayak are convenient and portable. This option is the best of both worlds since it combines an inflatable kayak’s convenience with a rigid one’s durability. The Advanced Elements kayak has an aluminum frame wrapped in three layers of material, which makes punctures and instability unlikely. This kayak starts at $750 from Amazon and comes with a pump, ensuring you can easily inflate it once you arrive at the water. Since this kayak has a lower weight capacity, we recommend only using this for small or medium-sized dogs.
4. Best for Durability: Lifetime Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Kayak
You’ll need a durable kayak if you’re considering venturing into rougher waters with your pup. Lifetime’s Tamarack Angler 100 Fishing Kayak has a hard shell made from high-density Polyethylene that is guaranteed to prevent damage from nature or your furry friend. The Tamarack Angler’s stable flat bottom helps it easily navigate rocky water while staying stable. This kayak is perfect for fishing since it has three fishing rod holders, two storage hatches, and an adjustable padded seat and backrest. This is a single-passenger kayak with a 275-pound weight capacity, which will fit one human passenger and one furry one. The kayak is 10 feet long and weighs 52 lbs, so it’s easy for one person to transport. This product is listed on Amazon for $435 and includes an adult-sized paddle.
5. Best Budget Kayak: Intex Explorer K2 Inflatable Kayak
The Intex Explorer K2 Inflatable Kayak is an excellent budget-friendly option. This kayak is $157 with free shipping and has 4.5 stars out of nearly 30,000 Amazon reviews. If you think the low cost of this kayak means you’re sacrificing quality, think again; this kayak is made with tough 3-ply vinyl that resists abrasion and impact. The heavy-duty vinyl makes this kayak resistant to punctures, such as dogs’ claws. As an extra preventative measure, we recommend trimming and filing your pup’s nails before letting them climb aboard. This kayak is 10 feet and 3 inches long when inflated and has space for up to two people and a furry passenger, with a weight capacity of 400 lbs. In addition to the kayak, this kit includes two aluminum oars, a high-output pump, and a repair patch.
Before you hop on the water with your pooch, ensure you’re prepared to navigate the water safely. After picking the right boat, warm Fido up to it before throwing them straight onto the water. Ensure you have all of your pup’s gear when heading out to the water, including water, food, something to keep your pup cool, and a canine lifejacket. Now that you know these tips and have checked out these dog-friendly kayaks, you’re all set for a fun and safe day of kayaking with your furry friend.
