Best Inflatable Kayak For Dogs: Our Top 5 & How To Pick One

You’ve decided you want to go kayaking with your dog, but you only have the budget for an inflatable kayak.

The problem is:

You’re worried about your dogs’ claws puncturing the material and destroying the kayak forever, rendering it useless.

Luckily for you, the best inflatable kayaks have gone a long way and are no longer regarded as the “pool toys” they once were.

So, in this article, I want to introduce you to the best inflatable kayak for dogs. By the end of this article, you’ll know more about my five best options and understand why I chose them.

Sound good?

Great, let’s get started:

IN A HURRY? HERE ARE OUR TOP PICKS…

Reviewing The 5 Best Inflatable Kayaks For Dogs

Intex Excursion Pro Kayak

If you’re looking for a tandem kayak that’s big enough to hold your dog as well, then the Intex Excursion Pro might be the option for you. At over 12 feet in length and 36 inches in width, you have more than enough space.

Not only is it big enough, but it’s also super durable, which is precisely what you need when you’re kayaking with your furry friend. With such a strong material, you don’t have to worry about sharp claws puncturing the kayak.

The inflatable kayak for dogs is strong enough to carry 400 lbs in weight, which should be more than enough to hold everything you need.

And finally, it comes with everything you need to start kayaking, including a carry bag, two oars, and a high-output pump. They also have two removable skegs so that you can paddle perfectly in shallow and deep water.

Sea Eagle 370 Deluxe

The Sea Eagle inflatable Kayak is made with 38 mil Polykrylar (K80 PVC), which adds strength and resilience to the kayak.

One of the great things about the Sea Eagle 370 is how big it is. You can easily fit three people and your furry friend inside the kayak. And to make things better, the chances of you going over the weight capacity are pretty slim.

At the bottom of the kayak, you’ll find a five-tube I-Beam floor which adds durability to the kayak and more stability. And to help keep you moving in a straight line, they provided two skegs at the rear of the kayak.

It also comes with everything you need to within the pack. It comes with two inflatable seats that provide back support, two paddles, and a foot pump. 

Sevylor Coleman Colorado

One of the best things about the Sevylor Coleman Colorado two-person inflatable kayak is the strength it provides. It’s made with an 18-gauge PVC with a 1000D tarpaulin bottom and an 840D nylon cover which offers excellent protection against your dogs’ claws.

Another great thing about the fishing kayak is how large it is, which makes it great for traveling down rivers with your dog. Within the kayak, you have enough space for two people to paddle comfortably while having enough room for your dog.

And thanks to the rod holders and paddle holders on the fishing kayaks, you can easily take your dog fishing with you. Having the rod holder on the inflatable kayak allows you to concentrate on your dog when you need to.

If I had to pick one downside of the fishing kayak, it has to be that it doesn’t come with paddles or a foot pump. If you go for the Sevylor Coleman Colorado, you’ll have to purchase a couple of oars and a pump.

Intex Explorer K2 Kayak

The brightly colored Intex Explorer K2 is guaranteed to make you and your dog stand out in the river. It’s designed with a thick and rugged yellow PVC which helps to protect the inflatable kayak against bumps and scraps.

It was designed to hold two people comfortably within its walls, but it’s also got enough space to place your dog between your legs.

To help keep you and your dog safe while you’re out kayaking, they built it with multiple air chambers. If one of the chambers pops, the inflatable kayak will still be able to float, which will help you get back to shore.

If you do get a puncture, you shouldn’t have to worry too much. The package comes with a repair kit so you can quickly fix the problem. It also comes with two paddles, an air pump, and a carry pack.

Driftsun Rover 120/220

If you’re looking for an extremely strong kayak, then the Driftsun Rover is an excellent choice for you. It’s built with 1000D reinforced layered PVC that features a heavy-duty PVC tarp bottom to add more protection, so you don’t have to worry about your dog causing damage.

You also get two sizes to choose from, so you need to think if you want to paddle with just you and your dog or if you want other people to join you.

Another great feature of the inflatable kayak is the self-bailing drain holes which help the water drain from the kayak if the water is too rough. They also come with plugs so you can block the holes when you’re on calm water.

And finally, you get everything you need to get started kayaking, which means you don’t have to purchase any paddles or foot pumps.

Our Top Choice

Kayaking with your dog is an excellent experience, but you need to make sure you have the right kayak for you.

And for me, the best inflatable kayak for dogs is the Driftsun Rover. Not only is the kayak extremely strong, but it has plenty of room for you and your dog. 

You even get a choice in sizes:

The Driftsun Rover 120 is a one-person inflatable kayak with enough room to hold a small to medium-sized dog between your legs. The shape and size of the one-person kayak make it easier to paddle, which many people prefer.

If you don’t fancy kayaking alone or your dog is too big to fit between your legs, then you should go for the Driftsun Rover 220. It’s a two-person kayak, so there’s plenty of space for your dog and an extra person.

The problem with the Driftsun Rover 220 is that it can be tricky to paddle the kayak yourself due to the length.

As a safety note, I’d like to mention that you should always ensure your dog is wearing a life vest when you’re using fishing or whitewater kayaks. If you’d like some more top tips, check out this article on how to kayak with a dog.

Things To Consider Before Buying The Best Inflatable Kayak For Dogs

If you’re one of these adventurous dog owners, it’s understandable that you want to spend time kayaking with your dog.

It’s a beautiful experience that not many people think about. But, to conquer the activity, you need the best inflatable kayak for the job.

And this is why I’m going to show you my buying guide for finding the best inflatable kayaks for dogs. I’ve given you my best inflatable kayak for dogs above, but now it’s time to show you how I made my decision: 

Kayak Dimensions 

There are a few reasons why you should be thinking about the kayak’s dimensions before you make a purchase.

One reason is down to how easy it easy to transport/store. The smaller the kayak can pack down to, the easier it is for you.

The other reason comes down to the stability, speed, and maneuverability of the kayak. Longer inflatable kayaks tend to be harder to maneuver, which can make it challenging for new paddlers. On the flip side, the wider the kayak is, the more stable it will be.

Space In The Kayak

Another essential thing to consider is how much space is available inside the kayak. You see, the walls of an inflatable kayak can take up a lot of space.

This means the dimensions stated for the kayak won’t indicate how much room is inside the actual kayak. Luckily, some manufacturers will tell you the dimensions of the outside and the inside of the kayak.

The Size Of Your Dog

Once you’ve figured out how much space is inside the kayak, you should now compare it to the size of your dog. 

If you have a small dog, chances are you’re not going to have to worry about your dog being able to fit inside the kayak.

The problems arise when you have a medium to large dog. Most people tend to opt for a two-person kayak when they have large dogs. But when it comes down to it, it depends on what’s best for you and your dog.

Storage Space

It’s not just about checking if the kayak has enough room for your dog, but you also need to ensure there’s enough space for all your kayaking gear.

If you’re going away for a few days, you’re going to need room for your tent, food, water, and a change of clothes (check out this kayaking camping checklist). And that’s not to mention the extra gear you’re going to need for your dog.

Think about what type of activities you’re going to be doing on the kayak with your dog and how much stuff you need to bring with you to see if the kayak has enough storage space for you.

Weight Capacity 

Another vital part of figuring out if the kayak is the right one for you is by checking out the weight capacity. You need to ensure the kayak can hold the weight you require from it.

Most dog-friendly kayaks on this list can hold over 400lbs, which should be enough for anyone, but it’s still something you need to consider.

Single Or Tandem

Deciding what type of kayak will be best for you is a vital part of the buying game. And you have two options, a single or a tandem kayak.

But which one should you choose?

Single inflatable kayaks are great, but you need to ensure you have enough space for your dog before purchasing the kayak. The good thing about having a single kayak is they are easier to control and more maneuverable.

But, if you want to paddle with a friend or your significant other, you should probably be looking for a tandem kayak.

The problem with most inflatable kayaks that are on the larger side is they are harder to control and paddle, especially if you’re by yourself.

Before purchasing the kayak, think about what you want from the kayak and how much space you need for your dog.

Beam Width & Stability 

One of the most crucial aspects of finding a stable kayak for your dog, so there’s no risk of them falling in the river.

Here’s the thing:

It’s doubtful your dog is going to be sitting still all day inside the kayak. And when it comes to things moving under their feet, they aren’t the most stable of creatures.

And that’s why you want a kayak that’s highly stable in the water, but what should you be looking out for?

A general rule of thumb is the wider the kayak is, the more stable it will be in the water.

Quality Material

The MOST important aspect of buying an inflatable kayak for your dog is making sure the material is strong enough to last.

Dog’s nails can be pretty sharp, and if the material isn’t strong enough, you’re going to run into trouble. To make it worse:

Some large dogs like chewing, and if you’re not keeping an eye on them, you could find yourself skinning if the material isn’t strong enough.

Frequently Asked Questions