Best Kayak For Dogs In 2023

Do you want to take your dog on an exciting water getaway? Well, first, you need to get the best kayak for dogs to make the experience fun and secure.

One course of action to make this adventure even more exciting is to take your furry friend along! Your dog will be stimulated, engaged, and happy with all the new smells and gorgeous views throughout the activity. However, it can be dangerous to go on this trip without any safety precautions for your dog.

Top 5 Best Kayaks For Dogs

Don’t worry; you’re in safe hands. We spent a lot of time and effort writing this article to help you find the best kayak for dogs so that you can enjoy quality time with your pet.

Not only are these kayaks secure in terms of space and weight, but they’re also quite comfortable for your trips. So now, let’s take a look at the list and see which of these popular and reliable picks is best for you.

 Our Reviews

1. Intex Excursion Professional Series Inflatable Kayak

There are several reasons why the Intex Excursion Pro Inflatable Kayak is our top pick in the best kayaks for dogs. However, the most important reason is that this kayak provides your dog with a safe, comfortable, and wholesome experience.

This kayak is made of rugged PVC that has been laminated for added strength. Its polyester core provides the kayak with rigidity and ensures a smooth sailing experience. In addition, the materials are resistant to any damage caused by impact, abrasion, or sunlight.

The product comes with two removable skews that allow easy sailing in both deep and shallow waters. It also has a pair of mounted footrests, integrated fishing rod holders, and two inflatable seats.

You can use the removable mounting bracket on the Intex Excursion Inflatable Kayak to mount additional accessories such as swivel rod holders, fish finders, and GPS systems. This kayak also includes a high-output pump, along with 86-inch aluminum oars.

The three-ply super rigid construction enhances the PVC material of this kayak. This prevents the products from being harmed by oil or gasoline.

A carryback and repair patch is also included with this kayak. It even contains storage space in the bow and stern of this kayak. It is made of stainless steel, and the rings are designed to bind the gears and dry bags.

Intex Excursion Professional Series Inflatable Kayak Full Review

2. Intex Explorer K2 2-Person Inflatable Kayak

The Intex Explorer K2 is an excellent kayak for going on an adventure with your dog. This is due to the seamless safety and comfort it offers. In fact, this is one of the most comfortable kayaks available on the market, both online and offline.

The kayak comes with an inflatable seat and a supportive backrest. The cockpit is methodologically designed to provide excellent back support when kayaking in the waters. In addition, the secure build of this kayak allows you to enjoy a relaxed ride for extended periods.

When fully inflated, the Intex Explorer K2 Kayak is 10 feet long, 3 x 3 feet wide, and 20 inches deep. This kayak has an average weight capacity of about 400 pounds. Therefore, the site is quite well-optimized for an average person since it isn’t too big or too small.

This kayak has the best stability compared to other similar products. It also offers excellent directional stability, which is further improved with its removable skeg.

The bright yellow color of the kayak allows it to be more visible. That makes it easy to be spotted in case of an emergency.

The Intex Explorer K-2 Kayak is made of heavy-duty vinyl that’s resistant to both puncture and abrasion. Three separate air chambers further ensure the rigidity of its construction. The Boston valves on this kayak also allow you to inflate or deflate it quickly.

This kayak is ideal for small water bodies such as lakes and mild rivers. However, it may not be the best choice for larger bodies of water.

Intex Explorer K2 Full Review

3. Ocean Kayak Malibu Two Tandem Sit On Top Recreational Kayak

This Ocean Kayak Malibu is one of the most popular choices among the best kayaks for dogs. This product is popular for various reasons, one of which is that it supports both solo and tandem paddling. It is also a three-seater that is safe enough for paddling with a pet or a child.

The Ocean Kayak Malibu has Comfort Plus seats, which will keep you and your canine friend comfortable for the duration of your trip. In addition, the seats have four-way adjustability, allowing for greater personalization. It can also generate a custom fit that ensures maximum safety.

The molded seats are great at preventing accidental slips and quite helpful during emergencies. Moreover, this kayak’s adjustable seats make it one of the most dog-friendly options.

The overlapping footwells on this kayak are also patented, and they help center-seated paddlers settle in. This makes it easier for you to brace your feet during the trip.

The open seat on the top hull and the molded-in handles allow easy access to get in and out of the kayak. This also enables you to personalize the molded seats for yourself or your dog.

The maximum weight capacity of this kayak is 425 pounds. It measures 34 inches in width and 12 feet in length. This is an ideal size for kayaking with your dog for extended periods, even on large lakes with big boat wakes.

4. Perception Hi Life 11 Sit On Top Kayak

Perception Hi Life 11 sit on top kayak is on our list of the best kayak for dogs, owing to its exceptional pet-friendliness. This is a hybrid product that combines a kayak with a paddleboard made of high-quality materials.

This kayak is perfectly suitable for various water conditions, from slow-moving flat waters to calm coastal waters. In addition, the materials used in the manufacturing of this kayak make it resistant to sun and saltwater damage.

It has an excellent level of comfort and control with the removable and flexible fin. Moreover, it allows you to steer the kayak at a smooth and steady pace. This ensures that you can navigate through the waters with ease.

It is crafted using a one-piece construction method that guarantees leak-proof and durable performance. Moreover, each Perception Hi Life 11 Sit On Top Kayak model has a permanently engraved hull identification number that complies with the US Coast Guard regulations.

This kayak won the 2018 International Design Excellence Award in sports, leisure, and recreation for its incredible execution.

With an extra padded seat that provides elevated support, this kayak enhances comfort when paddling for long hours. In addition, it features a thick cushioning effect across the top surface that is soft, anti-skid and provides additional grip.

The kayak’s design is also relatively stable. As a result, you don’t have to be concerned about navigation or speed. Instead, the effortless steering helps you be attentive to your dog accompanying you on your trips into the water.

5. Perception Tribe 11.5 Sit On Top Recreational Kayak

The Perception tribe Recreational Kayak is our final pick for the best kayak for dogs. This product has some of the most incredible features that ensure a fun, exciting, and safe kayaking experience with your furry companion.

The Perception Tribe Kayak has enough space for two people and a dog and is known for its ultra-stability and excellent design. It works perfectly on any flatwater body you choose to take it out onto, such as beaches with light waves or coastal bays. In addition, it offers a variety of features that adds to its comfort, stability, and durability.

This kayak has a specialized comfort seating system that makes it easier to sit for long periods during paddling. Also, the thick padding with ventilation is adjustable, so you can recline it forward or backward for personalized support. Besides, there are a variety of footrest options as well.

The cutting-edge design of this kayak offers support for high speed and ease of steering. The hull is sleek enough to turn on a dime, which makes it easier to control. The hull comes in three sizes, with capacity increasing as the scale goes up.

This kayak has built-in stability and buoyancy, allowing you to remain focused while still having a good time. It comes with bungee cord lashes for securing gear bags and other items of different shapes or sizes. It also has a built-in latch with a protective lid to keep essentials, along with a molded-in cup holder.

The high-density polyethylene used in this kayak ensures resistance to impact, UV rays, and saltwater. In addition, it has a skid plate that protects the kayak when being dragged through the water.

Buyers’ Guide – How To Choose The Best Kayak For Dogs?

Before you head out kayaking with your dog on a kayak, there are numerous features you need to consider to make it a safe and comfortable experience.

In the following section, we’ve made a comprehensive buyers’ guide for you to choose the best kayak for dogs. Continue reading to learn what makes a kayak suitable for taking your dog on an exciting trip to the waters.

Length And Width Of The Kayak

Dimensions are a crucial factor to consider before purchasing a kayak to paddle along with your furry friend. The kayak’s dimensions should be appropriate for the size of your dog. In addition, the kayak should be wide enough for the dog to get into quickly and not fall into the water.

Therefore, the bigger your dog is, the larger the kayak should be. While both are important, the width of the kayak holds more weight than the length. You must ensure that your dog can safely position its feet on the kayak.

Single Or Tandem Kayak

If you choose a single kayak, you will have only one chair and little room for your gears. Unfortunately, this also implies that your dog won’t have its own space to fit comfortably.

However, this varies according to your circumstances. For example, if your dog is small or likes to sit next to you, there is no harm in going for the single kayak. On the other hand, if the dog is large and wants its personal space, it is better to pick a tandem kayak.

The bottom line is, make sure your dog has enough space to sit comfortably for the duration of the trip.

Weight Capacity

Kayaks have a weight limit that varies depending on the model. If the limit is surpassed, it can jeopardize your safety due to a loss of stability.

On that account, it is essential to consider your own and your dog’s weight, as well as the kayak’s maximum weight capacity. Moreover, make sure you don’t bring any gear or supplies that may exceed the specified weight limit.

Durability

Since kayaking is a type of extreme water sport, the kayak’s durability is critical. Whether you’re paddling with or without your dog, durability is something you must always prefer in a product.

This factor becomes much more significant if you intend to take your dog with you every time you go kayaking. No matter how much of a sweetheart your furry friend maybe, it will most likely scratch the kayak. This is mainly because the waves and motion can scare it, resulting in some clawing and biting.

Only the best dog kayak can withstand all of this and provide you and your dog with a reliable piece of equipment for your adventures.

Types Of Kayak

It is often difficult to decide what type of kayak you should go for. However, here are the types to look out for:

Sit on top Kayak or Sit inside Kayaks?

Sit-on-top kayaks, also known as SOT kayaks, are considered to be the most user-friendly type. This is especially true when paddling with a pet since they’re pretty easy to climb in and out of.

However, SOT kayaks are self-bailing, which means they have drain holes in the kayak. Water often drains through these holes, increasing your and your dog’s chances of getting wet.

(You will, of course, get an extra shower when your dog attempts to shake off the water).

On the other hand, sit-in kayaks ensure that you remain dry since they aren’t self-bailing. These are an excellent choice for paddling on water bodies.

That being said, these kayaks do not provide the same ease of getting in and out as sit-on-top kayaks. Still, they are an excellent option for people with more kayaking experience.

Inflatable Kayaks

Inflatable kayaks are excellent for both beginners and fair-weather kayakers. Inflatable kayaks can be pretty simple to transport, especially with your dog tagging along.

They are lightweight, making them easier to steer for beginners. Moreover, these types of kayaks are super convenient to store once deflated.

Kayak Types To Avoid For Kayaking With Dogs

It’s probably better to avoid White Water Kayaks and Sea Kayaks if you’re looking for the best kayak for dogs. This is because their nature does not allow for a canine to ride on it.

White Water Kayaks are extremely tight-fitting, which leaves little to no space for a pet. Unfortunately, they’re also quite receptive and can lean in response to subtle shifts in the water, which can be particularly dangerous if your pet is on board.

Sea Kayaks, on the other hand, aren’t as unsafe as White Water Kayaks. However, their long and narrow shape doesn’t allow enough space to accommodate a pet.

The Most Important Factor: Comfort

People often overlook the importance of their dog’s comfort while buying a kayak. You should pay particular attention to this aspect, especially if your dog is afraid of or uncomfortable near water. Their fear will only grow worse once they’re on the kayak and out in the waters.

As a result, you must never forget to check if the kayak would be comfortable enough for your dog. Then, you can pick any of the products mentioned in this article or even ask a friend who frequently kayaks with their pet.

A comfortable kayak is essential for your dog because, in addition to staying calm throughout the trip, they must also be in a setting where they can share your enjoyment of the outdoor experience.

Final Words

Kayaking allows you to not only chauffeur your dog across the water but also to soak in the sun and enjoy the fresh air together. It can also be a fantastic way to bond with your furry companion out in the waters.

All of the products mentioned in our list of the best dog friendly kayaks are easy to use and work well. We hope you’ll check them all out while keeping your dog’s comfort and safety in mind.