Best Kayak For Dogs: Paddle Your Way to Fun With Your Furry Friend

Kayaking with your dog can be a wonderful bonding experience, providing exercise, fresh air, and adventure for both of you. However, to make this activity enjoyable and safe, it’s crucial to choose the right kayak that accommodates both you and your dog comfortably. The best kayaks for dogs offer ample space, stability, durability, and easy access in and out of the water. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the top kayaks designed for dogs, considering factors such as size, weight capacity, material, and special features.

Best Overall: Ocean Kayak Malibu Two Tandem Sit-On-Top Kayak

The Ocean Kayak Malibu Two Tandem Sit-On-Top Kayak is a top choice for kayaking with your dog due to its excellent stability, spacious design, and versatile seating options. This tandem kayak measures 12 feet in length and offers a weight capacity of up to 425 pounds, making it ideal for paddling with a medium to large-sized dog. The wide and stable hull design ensures a smooth and steady ride, even in slightly choppy waters, minimizing the risk of capsizing.

The Malibu Two features adjustable, comfort-plus seats that can be rearranged to accommodate two people and a dog or one person and a dog with extra space for stretching out. The open, sit-on-top design makes it easy for your dog to get in and out of the kayak, and the textured deck provides a non-slip surface to keep your pet safe and secure.

This kayak is also lightweight, weighing only 57 pounds, making it easy to transport to and from the water. Its durable polyethylene construction ensures longevity, while the molded-in handles make carrying it a breeze. Overall, the Ocean Kayak Malibu Two is an excellent choice for pet owners looking for a spacious, stable, and versatile kayak that comfortably accommodates a dog.

Best Budget: Intex Explorer K2 Inflatable Kayak

For dog owners on a budget, the Intex Explorer K2 Inflatable Kayak offers great value without compromising on quality or safety. This two-person inflatable kayak is made from durable, puncture-resistant vinyl and has an inflatable I-beam floor for added rigidity and stability. It measures 10 feet 3 inches in length and has a weight capacity of up to 400 pounds, making it suitable for a paddler and a medium-sized dog.

The Intex Explorer K2 features adjustable inflatable seats with backrests, ensuring comfort for both you and your pet during long paddling sessions. The bright yellow color enhances visibility in case of an emergency, and the kayak comes with a removable skeg for improved directional stability.

One of the key benefits of this inflatable kayak is its portability. It can be easily deflated, folded, and stored in a carrying bag, making it convenient to transport and store. The kayak also comes with an air pump and two paddles, providing everything you need for a day out on the water. While it may not offer the same level of durability as a hard-shell kayak, the Intex Explorer K2 is an affordable and reliable option for casual kayaking trips with your dog.

Best Sit-In Kayak: Perception Tribe 13.5 Tandem Kayak

If you prefer a sit-in kayak for added protection from the elements, the Perception Tribe 13.5 Tandem Kayak is an excellent choice for kayaking with your dog. This tandem kayak offers a spacious cockpit with room for two paddlers and a dog, or one paddler and a dog with extra space for gear and movement. It measures 13 feet 6 inches in length and has a weight capacity of up to 500 pounds, making it ideal for larger dogs or multiple pets.

The Perception Tribe 13.5 features a stable, wide hull that ensures a smooth and balanced ride, even in moderate conditions. The molded-in footrests and adjustable padded seats provide comfort and support for long trips. The kayak’s sit-in design helps keep you and your dog dry in choppy water or cooler weather, while the cockpit is large enough to allow your dog to move around comfortably.

This kayak is made from high-density polyethylene, making it highly durable and resistant to damage from rocks, branches, and other obstacles. It also includes front and rear bungee deck rigging for securing gear, as well as molded-in carry handles for easy transport. The Perception Tribe 13.5 Tandem Kayak is a great option for dog owners who want a sit-in design with ample space and stability.

Best for Large Dogs: Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120 Sit-On-Top Kayak

The Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120 Sit-On-Top Kayak is ideal for owners of large dogs, offering a spacious deck and exceptional stability. Measuring 12 feet in length and with a weight capacity of 350 pounds, this kayak provides plenty of room for a large dog to sit or lie down comfortably. The wide, flat hull enhances stability, making it easy for your dog to move around without tipping the kayak.

The Tarpon 120 features an adjustable, Phase 3 AirPro seating system that provides superior comfort and lumbar support, essential for long paddling trips. The sit-on-top design allows your dog to hop in and out of the kayak easily, and the non-slip deck helps keep them secure. The kayak is equipped with ample storage options, including front and rear tank wells with bungee cords for securing gear.

Made from high-quality polyethylene, the Tarpon 120 is built to withstand wear and tear from frequent use, providing a durable option for dog owners who love adventure. The kayak also includes integrated SlideTrax accessory rails, allowing you to customize your setup with rod holders, camera mounts, and other accessories. With its blend of comfort, stability, and durability, the Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120 is an excellent choice for kayaking with large dogs.

Best Inflatable: Sea Eagle 370 Pro Inflatable Kayak

If you prefer the convenience and portability of an inflatable kayak, the Sea Eagle 370 Pro Inflatable Kayak is an outstanding option for paddling with your dog. This kayak is made from durable, puncture-resistant PVC material and features an inflatable I-beam construction for added rigidity and stability. It measures 12 feet 6 inches in length and has an impressive weight capacity of 650 pounds, making it suitable for two adults and a large dog or several small to medium-sized dogs.

The Sea Eagle 370 Pro comes with two deluxe inflatable seats that provide comfort and support during long paddles. The kayak’s open design allows for easy entry and exit, which is especially important for dogs. The high buoyancy and stability ensure a smooth ride, even in mild rapids or choppy water.

This kayak is easy to inflate and deflate, folding down to a compact size for convenient storage and transport. It comes with a foot pump, two paddles, a repair kit, and a carrying bag, providing all the essentials for a day out on the water. The Sea Eagle 370 Pro is an excellent inflatable kayak that offers the perfect balance of durability, comfort, and portability for dog owners.

Best for Fishing: BOTE Rover Aero Inflatable Kayak with Motor Compatibility

For dog owners who enjoy fishing, the BOTE Rover Aero Inflatable Kayak offers a unique combination of stability, versatility, and space for both paddling and fishing. This inflatable kayak is designed with motor compatibility, allowing you to add a small motor for longer trips or trolling while fishing. It measures 12 feet 6 inches in length and has a weight capacity of 500 pounds, providing ample room for you, your dog, and all your fishing gear.

The Rover Aero is constructed from military-grade PVC, making it exceptionally durable and resistant to punctures or abrasions. It features a wide, flat hull that ensures excellent stability, even when your dog moves around. The kayak also includes a non-slip deck pad that keeps your dog secure and comfortable while on the water.

Equipped with multiple D-ring attachment points, bungee storage areas, and an accessory mount system, the Rover Aero offers plenty of options for customizing your setup for fishing or other activities. Its inflatable design makes it easy to transport and store, while the option to add a motor enhances its versatility for longer or more adventurous outings.