If limited storage space and a small vehicle are restricting you from getting a regular kayak, one of the best two-person inflatable kayaks is a great alternative. Many of these kayaks also convert to be paddled solo, so they give you the versatility that others can not.
The best inflatable kayaks have many advantages over rigid kayaks. They are lightweight, pack down to a very small size, and don’t require kayak roof racks or a kayak trailer in order to transport them.
Modern inflatables also perform very well on the water and the best options compete very well with their rotomolded counterparts. While you might worry about puncturing or tearing an inflatable kayak, the best models are actually quite durable.
In today’s article, we will review the 10 best two-person inflatable kayaks and provide buying tips to help you select a model that fits your skill set and experience level!
Also Read: Tandem Kayak vs Canoe
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Best 2 Person Inflatable Kayaks
- Intex Excursion Pro K2
- Intex Explorer K2
- Sea Eagle 370
- Sea Eagle 330 Pro
- Advanced Elements Island Voyage 2
- Sevylor Coleman Colorado
- Driftsun Rover 220
- Driftsun Voyager 2
- AQUAGLIDE Chinook 100
- AQUAGLIDE Navarro 145
Inflatable Kayak Buying Guide
There are a few different factors to consider when you are buying an inflatable kayak vs a regular kayak. Let’s discuss the criteria you can use to compare and contrast the best two-person inflatable kayaks.
Dimensions
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The logical place to start when you are comparing two-person inflatable kayaks is at their dimensions. A larger cockpit is recommended for bigger paddlers and longer kayaks will usually offer more legroom for taller paddlers.
A wider design will also tend to offer more stability than something narrower. If you have plenty of paddling experience, however, a narrower design will offer a higher top speed and better overall efficiency.
Choosing an inflatable kayak with the right dimensions comes down to balancing factors like stability and maneuverability against speed, tracking, and efficiency. If you are on the less-experienced end of the spectrum, prioritize stability and maneuverability above these other factors.
This will lead you towards shorter and wider inflatable kayak designs. Another benefit of erring on this side of things is that a shorter and wider design will be easier to handle if you ever need to set it up for a single paddler.
Inflation Time
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One of the downsides of inflatable kayaks is that they take a bit longer to prepare than their rigid counterparts. That is a small price to pay for having a kayak that is more transportable and easier to store, but you also need to be aware of how long you can expect it to take to inflate your kayak.
In general, inflatable kayaks that recommend inflating to a higher pressure are going to take longer to inflate. That said, many of these models also come with dual-action air pumps that help you inflate them faster than a less powerful pump would.
For the kayaks below, we have included an average range of how long you can expect to spend inflating them. Keep in mind that this will simply be a part of your paddle preparation time every time you want to go out.
If you meet a friend who has a rigid kayak, for example, you will need to get there 10-15 minutes early to inflate and rig up your kayak. While it can be tempting to inflate your kayak at home, we never recommend transporting these inflatable kayaks when they are already inflated.
Rigidity
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Rigidity in an inflatable kayak is largely a product of how much air you are able to fill it with. Inflatables that are built to be sturdy enough to hold a higher air pressure tend to be more rigid than those that only inflate to one or two PSI.
The most rigid and durable kayaks that we have listed below can handle maximum pressures between 8 and 10 PSI. This kind of pressure is common on the best two-person paddleboards and whitewater rafts.
Ultimately, the most rigid inflatable kayaks are going to feature multi-chamber designs. If the floor chamber can inflate to a higher pressure than the side tubes, you can expect the kayak to be a little more rigid than if all the chambers held the same maximum air pressure.
Durability
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The durability of inflatable kayaks is based on the type and thickness of the material used in its construction. Many are made of some sort of PVC material, but a kayak with triple-layered PVC is generally going to be more durable than a kayak with a single-layered construction.
In addition, welded seams are a design feature to look for when it comes to finding a durable inflatable kayak. The good news is that many of the more expensive models are made with similar construction to what you would find on a whitewater raft or inflatable whitewater kayak.
That means they are designed to handle bumps against rocks and other sharp objects in fast-moving rivers. It could still behoove you to cut your dog’s nails if you plan on kayaking with a dog on board, but the most durable inflatable kayaks can handle your furry paddle companion.
Packed Size
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One of the best things about inflatable kayaks is that they can easily fit in the back of a sedan or SUV. They also require less than one-quarter of the storage space you would need for a similar rigid kayak, in many cases.
Still, the packed size of the inflatable two-person kayaks below will vary based on design. The variation isn’t massive, but it is still worth paying attention to make sure your kayak can fit in your trunk or apartment closet when it is deflated.
Removable Skegs
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It is very hard for inflatable kayak manufacturers to shape the hull of their kayaks. This leads most of them to create a relatively flat design that doesn’t tend to track all that well when you are paddling.
This is arguably the main frustration that most people have with inflatable kayaks. They can often zig-zag through the water because they are overly reactive to your paddle strokes.
The best way that inflatable manufacturers solve this issue is to include a removable skeg that extends down into the water underneath the kayak. This skeg functions in much the same way that a fin would on a surfboard or paddleboard.
Inflatable kayaks that don’t come with some type of removable skeg are not meant for long paddles. They can be affordable options for making your way a hundred yards offshore and floating around for a relaxing afternoon.
If you are looking for an inflatable two-person kayak that can perform better for longer paddlers or get from A to B when kayak fishing, we highly recommend choosing a model that comes with a removable skeg.
Also, some of the best models come with two skegs that are different sizes. This allows you to switch them out depending on whether you are paddling in shallow or deep water.
Included Equipment
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Many of these two-person inflatable kayaks are also part of package deals. That means they come with other kayaking equipment that you will need to get started.
This isn’t the case with all of the best models, but it should factor into your final decision. If you choose a kayak that doesn’t come with any necessary kayaking equipment, you will need to spend additional time and money to acquire that equipment.
If it does, you can make more of a one-stop shopping decision to get closer to being prepared for kayaking adventures. Ultimately, you might find that a slightly more expensive kayak that is part of a package deal will actually save you a little money versus buying a cheaper kayak that doesn’t come with any extra kayaking equipment.
2 Person Inflatable Kayak Reviews
1. Intex Excursion Pro K2
- Length: 12’7”
- Width: 37”
- Depth: 18”
- Weight: 39.01 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 400 pounds
- Inflation Time: 4-8 minutes
- Approximate Packed Size: 30” x 20” x 16”
The Intex Excursion Pro K2 is one of the best two-person inflatable kayaks for tandem anglers because it features two integrated fishing rod holders and an adjustable mounting bracket for attaching fishing accessories.
This mounting bracket if you don’t use it to attach a fish finder, which will give you more space inside the cockpit. Each paddler will enjoy a comfortable inflatable seat as well as floor-mounted footrests for maintaining better posture while you paddle.
The seats can also be completely removed and you can reposition one seat more centrally if you choose to paddle this two-person kayak by yourself. Plus, there are numerous stainless steel D-rings at the bow and stern for attaching dry bags and other gear.
Intex has used a high-molecular, triple-layered PVC material to create a durable and relatively rigid inflatable kayak here. It is also resistant to ultraviolet degradation, so it won’t wear out as quickly as some of the other inflatable kayaks out there.
The Excursion Pro also comes with two removable skegs that will aid in your efforts to keep this kayak tracking straight. The shorter skeg is better for shallow water and the longer option is best for deep water paddling.
2. Intex Explorer K2
- Length: 10’3”
- Width: 36”
- Depth: 20”
- Weight: 30.6 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 400 pounds
- Inflation Time: 10-15 minutes
- Approximate Packed Size: 22” x 11” x 15”
The Intex Explorer K2 is the Excursion Pro’s little cousin. It is one of the cheapest inflatable kayaks out there for tandem paddling and it is also great for twilight paddling because of its bright yellow color.
It does come with a single removable skeg for better tracking ability and the cockpit can be adjusted to accommodate one or two paddlers. This kayak is better for smaller bodies of water, such as lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers.
The Explorer K2 comes with a carry bag, two four-piece paddles, and a high-output hand pump.
3. Sea Eagle 370 Pro
- Length: 12’6”
- Width: 34”
- Depth: 15”
- Weight: 32 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 650 pounds
- Inflation Time: About 8 minutes
- Approximate Packed Size: 31” x 19” x 8”
The Sea Eagle 370 Pro comes with two removable kayak seats, but it is technically able to handle up to three passengers. It has one of the highest weight capacities you will find, which makes it great for small families or couples that like to bring their dog kayaking.
There are two small skegs built into the hull of this kayak to provide better directional stability and the cockpit is equipped with an open-and-close drain valve in case any water accumulates in there while you are paddling.
While it is well suited to paddling on lakes, rivers, and even protected coastal bays, the 370 Pro is also rated to handle up to class III whitewater. It comes with two collapsible paddles, a foot pump, and a compact carry bag.
4. Sea Eagle 330 Pro
- Length: 11’2”
- Width: 34”
- Depth: 15”
- Weight: 26 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 500 pounds
- Inflation Time: About 6 minutes
- Approximate Packed Size: 24” x 16” x 7”
The Sea Eagle 330 Pro is the little brother of the 370 Pro. It is slightly more compact and cannot handle a third passenger, but it will also take up less space in your trunk and inflates slightly more quickly.
It still features the built-in skegs for better tracking ability and comes with two comfortable kayak seats that can be positioned according to your preference. It also comes with all the same added equipment that you will enjoy with the 370 Pro.
With high-frequency welded seams and an inflatable I-beam floor, this kayak can handle up to class I whitewater. It also holds up well against the general rock bumps and stick-hits that threaten to puncture many other inflatable kayaks.
5. Advanced Elements Island Voyage 2
- Length: 11’2”
- Width: 37”
- Weight: 31.5 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 400 pounds
- Inflation Time: About 8 minutes
- Approximate Packed Size: 31” x 18” x 10”
The Advanced Elements Island Voyage 2 is a great two-person inflatable kayak for lakes, rivers, coastal waterways, and up to class II whitewater. It is built with a durable PVC tarpaulin hull material that is covered with 600-denier polyester material for added puncture and tear resistance.
It features a more pointed bow than most inflatable kayaks, which allows it to cut through the water with minimal drag. You will also be able to choose from three separate seating locations for tandem and solo paddling.
The Island Voyage 2 includes a rear drain plug that makes it much easier to drain and clean than most other inflatable kayaks. It also includes a deep removable skeg for better tracking and comes with supportive backrests with pockets and bottle holders.
6. Sevylor Coleman Colorado
- Length: 10’9”
- Width: 39”
- Weight: 41 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 470 pounds
- Inflation Time: 7-10 minutes
- Approximate Packed Size: 39” x 39” x 23”
The Sevylor Coleman Colorado features 18-gauge PVC construction that can handle lakes and slow-moving rivers. The entire kayak is wrapped in an 840-denier nylon cover so that it won’t pop if you accidentally run a fishing hook into it between casts.
In addition to the cover, it also boasts a 100-denier tarpaulin bottom that can handle being pulled up on a rocky shoreline without popping or tearing. It is also constructed with multiple air chambers so that you can stay afloat if one is compromised.
In terms of fishing capabilities, the Coleman Colorado includes quick-set fishing rod holders and multiple mesh pockets for tackle storage. It also boasts the ability to add a Sevylor trolling motor to the stern if you want to expand your fishing range.
7. Driftsun Rover 220
- Length: 12’6”
- Width: 38”
- Depth: 13”
- Weight: 28 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 600 pounds
- Inflation Time: 9 minutes
- Approximate Packed Size: 24.5” x 21” x 10”
If you are looking for a two-person inflatable kayak that can truly handle whitewater paddling, look no further than the Driftsun Rover 220. Because the floor inflates up to 6 PSI and the side tubes can handle up to 3 PSI, it is also one of the most durable inflatables for all types of paddling.
This kayak features a drop-stitch floor that feels very similar to the rigidity of a paddleboard. Because it needs to be inflated to a higher pressure, this kayak comes with a high-pressure pump that includes a pressure gauge so you can accurately monitor your work.
The Rover 220 also comes with a removable skeg for better tracking and its rocker profile provides great stability. In the cockpit, you will enjoy eight self-bailing ports and plenty of tie-down points for securing your gear.
8. Driftsun Voyager 2
- Length: 10’
- Width: 35”
- Depth: 16”
- Weight: 27 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 400 pounds
- Inflation Time: Less than 5 minutes
- Approximate Packed Size: 26” x 16” x 8”
The Driftsun Voyager 2 is the little brother of the Rover 220. It can be inflated more quickly and packs down to slightly more compact dimensions, but doesn’t offer quite as much cockpit space.
This kayak is also best for recreational paddling on lakes, coastal bays, and slow-moving rivers. It still features removable EVA padded kayak seats for a comfortable ride and a removable skeg for better tracking.
The Voyager 2 also comes with two adjustable aluminum paddles, a double-action hand pump, and a compact travel carry bag.
9. AQUAGLIDE Chinook 100
- Length: 10’
- Width: 36”
- Depth: 13.5”
- Weight: 23 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 400 pounds
- Inflation Time: About 5 minutes
- Approximate Packed Size: 24.5” x 22.5” x 13.5”
The AQUAGLIDE Chinook 100 is one of the most versatile kayaks on our list. It seamlessly converts from a solo to a tandem kayak and is primarily built for shorter paddling trips on calm waters.
It comes with a quick-release fin on the hull that improves its tracking ability and footrests in the cockpit provide a more comfortable and ergonomic ride. It also comes with two clip-in seats and a repair kit that is always good to keep around just in case.
The Chinook 100 is also built with small covered storage areas at the bow and stern that are perfect for placing small dry bags. Above these storage areas, small sections of webbing provide a place to secure kayak sandals or other water-resistant gear items.
- Length: 14’6”
- Width: 37”
- Depth: 14”
- Weight: 40 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 500 pounds
- Inflation Time: About 10 minutes
- Approximate Packed Size: 24.5” x 22.5” x 11”
The AQUAGLIDE Navarro 145 is the longest and most efficient two-person inflatable kayak on our list. It offers efficient paddling and a covered cockpit that will keep you warmer and drier when paddling in adverse weather conditions.
While you will need to purchase a pump and the appropriate adapters to inflate this kayak, it is the closest thing to a sit-inside inflatable kayak you will find. Plus, it features comfortable Velcro seats and an easy-to-use footrest adjustment system.
The Navaro 145 also includes a zippered storage area at the bow and a Velcro-sealed storage hatch at the stern. That provides more waterproof storage capacity than almost any other inflatable kayak on the market.
It also happens to be one of the longest inflatable kayaks out there, which makes it more efficient for long-distance paddling. Plus, you will have the kind of covered storage space on this kayak that is required when packing a kayak for a camping trip.
Overall, the Navarro 145 kayak is best suited to intermediate and experienced paddlers. That being said, it is forgiving enough if you just have a few kayak sessions under your belt and you want a kayak that can grow along with you!
