Now, which dog owner wouldn’t want to partake in a fun-filled kayaking activity with their beloved pup? Kayaking is a great way of exploring the waters in the company of your furry friend while getting both of you some much-needed sunshine and exercise! What’s more, many dogs tend to love water and would do anything to be out there with you right by their side, having fun on the water. There are so many choices for dog-friendly kayaks in the market today, and the best kayaks for dogs have everything that you and your pet pooch could possibly require for a short or long kayaking trip. As it is, there are tons of options for kayaks to choose from, all at different price points and with a whole lot of unique applications and features. Throw a dog on board, and the entire equation becomes even more complex.
This is where we’ve taken the guesswork out of the equation and come with a list of the best doggie kayaks in the market, along with a handy buying guide too. To that end, here are the 13 best dog-friendly kayaks which are good for both doggies and their humans!
How To Choose The Best Kayaks for Dogs?
Every unique kind of activity and need requires a different kind of kayak. Are you specifically looking for kayaks to make the activity of fishing easier? Then you might want to look at the Best River Fishing Kayaks or the Best Inflatable Fishing Kayaks. Do you want a middle-of-the-pack kayak that’ll work reasonably well in all kinds of waters? You’ll probably need the Best Crossover Kayaks. Are you more than one solo kayaker? You’ll need to check out the Best Two-Person Inflatable Kayaks or Best Family Inflatable Kayaks. Just like that, you have specific kayaks that are more suited for when your dog accompanies you/ So, what to look for in such kayaks? Read on.
Types of kayaks
Basically, there are two main kinds of kayaks – sit-on-top and sit-inside ones. Which one you use largely depends on your specific skillset and needs. Usually used in warmer climates, sit-on-top kayaks are perfect for beginners and novices and are easy to get in and get out. So, they’re perfect for particularly rambunctious doggies who are prone to knocking you off-balance or jumping into the water. Moreover, they have self-bailing scupper holes, draining all excess water that enters the kayak. Sit-inside kayaks, on the other hand, are perfect for more skilled kayakers, are fast, and narrower. They’re also lower and provide greater control to the kayaker, and are thus ideal for well-trained and calmer dogs.
Kayak build
Essentially, most kayaks are divided into solid kayaks and inflatable kayaks. Solid kayaks are a great bet for kayaking with your dogs as they’re more long-lasting and durable. Moreover, they can withstand more scratches and abrasions as compared to their inflatable counterparts. Inflatable kayaks, on the other hand, are less expensive and more suited for calmer dogs who’ll stay put in one place. Plus, many inflatable kayaks today are made from tough, durable materials.
Width and length
Obviously, different kayaks come in a variety of widths and lengths, which is what contributes to the overall specific purpose of that kayak. Broadly speaking, the wider and longer your kayak, the more stable you’ll feel. Stability is a key feature when it comes to paddling with dogs, so keep the length and width of the kayak in mind.
Which type of kayaks are not suited for dogs?
Basically, sea or ocean kayaks and whitewater kayaks aren’t exactly recommended for dogs. Since they’re shorter, narrower, and designed for speed, they have little extra room. So, your dog isn’t exactly going to be comfortable, especially if it’s one that likes to move around a lot. Going further, we wouldn’t recommend foldable kayaks either, as they often lack the robustness and durability required for kayaking with your pet, and can capsize easily.
What are some safety tips to remember while kayaking with dogs?
- Attach your dog’s life vest to a long line. Either you can hold it, or you can secure the line to the kayak itself. So, even if your doggie falls overboard and panics, then you can easily pull them back in.
- Using an outrigger lends more stability to and allows for easier movement of the dog friendly kayak. Here are some of the Best Kayaking Outriggers.
- Take it slow, especially if you’re kayaking with your dog for the first time. Allow your pup to get used to the kayak’s movement and get comfortable.
- One important point is to get to know the terrain and the climate where you’re kayaking. You need to know how the current is flowing, whether there are heavy winds. and how far the nearest dock is.
Sun Dolphin Bali 13.5-Foot Tandem Kayak
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The Sun Dolphin Bali 13.5-Foot Tandem Kayak is the best kayak for dogs, especially large-breed ones. This is because it’s equipped to hold up to three people, making it one of the most spacious kayaks on this list. What’s more, the kayak also happens to be one of the lightest hardshell kayaks on the market too! Since it’s a sit-on-top boat, it’s plenty stable for a large breed dog that wants to jump into the water or wants to move around. Despite weighing 70 lbs, the kayak is easy to control, paddle, and maneuver. Plus, with the presence of multiple sealed storage hatches at the bow and stern and a weight capacity of 500 lbs, you can carry all the gear you need, and then some. It’s what makes it one of the best kayaks for large dogs.
Additionally, the craft is highly stable and quite sturdy, allowing you to stand up also if you want to cast your bait or help your dog dive into the water. Moreover, the open cockpit design makes it easy for you and your pooch to climb in and get out. Rounding up the kayak’s features are the protective thigh pads, foot braces, paddle holders, and deck rigging. Oh, and did you know that it happens to be one of the Best Fly Fishing Kayaks too? Yes!
Specifications
- Style: Sit-on-top
- Weight: 70 lbs
- Weight capacity: 500 lbs
- Length: 13.5 feet
- Width: 34 inches
Pros:
- Stable and spacious.
- Affordable.
- Comfortable and removable seating.
Cons:
- None, really.
Sun Dolphin Aruba 10-Foot Sit-Inside Kayak
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We come to yet another Sun Dolphin kayak on this list, the Sun Dolphin Aruba 10-Foot Sit-Inside Kayak. Not only is it one of the best dog friendly kayaks, but also it’s amongst the Best Beginners’ Kayaks out there. It’s particularly excellent for small breed dogs since it has a spacious cockpit for them to sit comfortably or even lie down as you paddle along. The well-designed kayak is excellent for humans too, thanks to the adjustable, padded, and cushioned seat. What’s more, it even has adjustable foot braces and a high backrest, allowing you to be all the more comfortable as you paddle along with your pooch.
If that wasn’t enough, the craft is made sturdy, high-density, and UV-resistant polyethylene Fortiflex, making it resistant to rips and tears, especially if your dog’s paws are rough. Despite appearing compact, the kayak has tons of storage space at the front and back, as well as shock cord rigging for attaching additional gear. Rounding up the features is the bottle holder and carrying handles for transporting the boat to the water.
Specifications
- Style: Sit-inside
- Weight: 40 lbs
- Weight capacity: 250 lbs
- Length: 10 feet
- Width: 30 inches
Pros
- Stable and durable.
- Spacious cockpit.
- Adjustable seat and foot braces.
- Lightweight with tons of storage.
Cons
- Some users mentioned that the plastic edges are quite sharp.
Intex Challenger K2 Inflatable Kayak
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The Intex Challenger K2 Inflatable Kayak is yet another excellent kayak for dogs. Costing just around $150, This two-person kayak features easily removable seats, making space for your dog. Furthering that is the 400 lbs weight capacity, which is big enough for a large dog. Besides sporting a vibrant, graphic design, the kayak is also easily visible on the water, keeping you and your pooch safe. What’s more, the kayak sports a UV-resistant coating, so it won’ fade when taken out in saltwater or extreme sunlight. If that wasn’t enough, it’s easy to inflate and deflate as well, taking just 7-8 minutes of your time. This is partly thanks to the Boston valve and Intex high-output pump that come along with it.
Besides all of the above, the craft even comes with a repair patch kit, a high-capacity pump, as mentioned earlier, and a pair of 86-inch aluminum oars. Finally, the rugged, super-tough vinyl build practically assures long-term durability.
Specifications
- Style: Sit-inside
- Weight: 33.5 lbs
- Weight capacity: 400 lbs
- Length: 11.5 feet
- Width: 30 inches
Pros
- Durable and lightweight
- Affordable.
- Tracks well with a skeg.
- Spacious cockpit.
Cons
- Sometimes, water tends to fill in the kayak.
Ocean Kayak Frenzy Sit-On-Top Recreational Kayak
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One of the best dog friendly kayaks on this list is also one of the Best Inflatable Kayaks Under $500 – the Ocean Kayak Frenzy Sit-On-Top Recreational Kayak. The brand is well-known in the world of outdoor gear, and this kayak is no exception. Whether you have a large dog or small, this kayak is perfect for all types and kinds of dogs and kayaking situations. Even when the waters are less than calm, the kayak boasts exceptional stability due to the wide bottom base and Tri-form hull. What’s more, the cushy seat is well-adjustable and that too in four ways. Adding to the overall comfort are the well-positioned footrests, which ensure all-day comfort paddling even as your pet pooch flops comfortably in front of you.
If that wasn’t enough, the Frenzy kayak has lots of storage too, starting with the stern tank storage which has enough dry space for all essentials. Thanks to the flush side handle and weight of just 43 lbs, the kayak can easily be carried and transported. Rounding up the features is the lifetime warranty on the hull!
Specifications
- Style: Sit-on-top
- Weight: 43 lbs
- Weight capacity: 325 lbs
- Length: 9 feet
- Width: 31 inches
Pros:
- Tons of storage.
- Rear and frontal bungees.
- Portable and lightweight.
- Lifetime hull warranty.
Cons:
- Virtually none.
Intex Challenger K1 Inflatable Kayak
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If you have a small, lightweight pup, then the Intex Challenger K1 Inflatable Kayak is the best kayak for dogs, as well as one of the Best Folding Kayaks too! The roomy cockpit is spacious enough for you and your pooch to settle comfortably in, allowing you to perfectly maneuver the nimble kayak in both rivers and lakes. Adding to the kayak’s stability is the rigid I-beam floor, which is ideal if your doggie tends to move around a lot or wants to dive headfirst into the water! The lightweight kayak also has a closed deck, which means the water will neither get in nor fill up in the cockpit. Additionally, the grab lines at both ends lend extra stability, so it won’t flip into the water either.
Going further, the kayak even has a spacious frontal cargo net where you can store everything from kayaking gear to your dog’s essentials. Moreover, it even comes with a repair patch kit, a manual hand pump, and an aluminum oar. The best part? The kayak is extremely portable and can be folded down to a very small size. Plus, it can be inflated and set up in less than 10-15 minutes. If you’re looking for the best kayak with dogs, then this is it.
Specifications
- Style: Sit-inside
- Weight: 23.9 lbs
- Weight capacity: 220 lbs
- Length: 9 feet
- Width: 30 inches
Pros:
- Durable and lightweight.
- Very comfortable.
- Easy to inflate and deflate.
Cons:
- None.
Intex Explorer K2 Inflatable Kayak
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Keep the Intex crafts coming along! This time, it’s one of the best dog friendly kayaks, the Intex Explorer K2 Tandem Inflatable Kayak. What’s even better is that it’s one of the Best Kayaks For Beginners and costs as little as $90. So, if you’re a first-time kayaker, then the Explorer K2 ties everything you need in one neat little package. The kayak, which comes along with a pump for easy inflation and an oar, features a heavy-duty vinyl build. Not only does it protect the craft from saltwater and UV rays, but also makes it resistant to rips, tears, and leaks.
What you and your dog will really like is the rigid I-beam floor, which is great if your pooch wants to stand up to enjoy the wind or find balance before diving into the water. It’s also why the kayak comes with a repair patch kit in case of unforeseen punctures.
Specifications
- Style: Sit-inside
- Weight: 30.6 lbs
- Weight capacity: 400 lbs
- Length: 10.25 feet
- Width: 36 inches
Pros
- Easy inflation and deflation.
- Comfortable seats.
- Durable and lightweight.
- Stable and comfortable.
Cons
- Practically none.
Ocean Kayak 12 Foot Malibu Tandem Kayak
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A tandem kayak is the best kayak for dogs due to its weight capacity and size. That’s exactly why the Ocean Kayak 12 Foot Malibu Tandem Kayak features on this list. The 12-feet-long kayak has not one or two, but three seating positions, making it easy for you and your doggie to get comfortable. You don’t have to worry about stability either, since it’s a sit-on-top kayak. What your pooch will really love is an expansive open deck with lots of room to settle in comfortably. Furthermore, the craft is also resistant to scratches due to the rough paws of your dogs, thanks to the polyethylene plastic build. It’s also what makes the craft resistant to UV rays, saltwater, dents.
Even though it doesn’t have a rudder, the kayak has an excellent turn radius. Moreover, the seats are completely adjustable with a well-padded bottom and back, allowing you to stay comfortable on the water all day long.
Specifications
- Style: Sit-on-top
- Weight: 57 lbs
- Weight capacity: 420 lbs
- Length: 12 feet
- Width: 34 inches
Pros:
- Portable, lightweight, and versatile.
- Excellent stability.
- Seats are removable and adjustable.
Cons:
- Not suitable for whitewater.
Perception Hi Life
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Yet another excellent dog friendly kayak is the Perception Hi Life, which is one of the most versatile kayaks from the high-flying brand. Complete with rear and front low-sided swim decks, this single 55-lbs kayak is the best for large dogs and small pups who can’t resist jumping into the water. It’s great for humans too, given the soft, adjustable seat, complete with a well-designed and padded back to keep you comfortable for an entire day of paddling. There’s even a convenient drink holder where you can keep your favorite beverage from spilling, and sip it while you’re on the water.
There’s a lot more to this kayak, such as the fact that the rear skeg helps you track the craft straight in flat water. It’s no wonder that this kayak was the bronze medal winner of the prestigious IDEA award in the recreation, leisure, and sports category in 2018.
Specifications
- Style: Sit-on-top
- Weight: 55 lbs
- Weight capacity: 250 lbs
- Length: 11 feet
- Width: 34 inches
Pros:
- Bow deck rigging allows for quickly accessing gear.
- The rear skeg allows the craft to track better.
- Lightweight, portable, and versatile.
Cons:
- Practically none.
Sevylor Big Basin Kayak
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The Sevylor Big Basin Kayak is not just the best kayak for dogs – it’s the best kayak for large dogs, small dogs, and even if you have two dogs along! Why is that, exactly? that’s because the Big Basin features three seats, all with a combined weight capacity of a whopping 490 lbs! Besides this, what makes the kayak so great is its heavy-duty PVC tarpaulin build that’s resistant to rips, tears, and punctures. It might be an inflatable craft, but it tracks like and is as stable as a traditional hard-shell kayak. What’s more, the integrated front and rear splash guards will keep both you and your pooch/pooches all dry and happy!
Despite weighing just 35 lbs, the kayak is as solid and durable as crafts get. Moreover, the double-threaded Boston Valves make inflating and deflating the kayak a 10-minute task. Overall, it’s an excellent choice for paddling trips with your furry, four-legged friend, no matter the size.
Specifications
- Style: Sit-inside
- Weight: 35 lbs
- Weight capacity: 490 lbs
- Length: 12 feet
- Width: 24 inches
Pros:
- Leak-proof.
- Easy inflation and deflation.
- Integrated splash guards.
Cons:
- Not meant for whitewater.
Lifetime Tandem Fishing Kayak
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Designed for two people and a small dog, the Lifetime Tandem Fishing Kayak will wow you with its versatility. The dog friendly kayak features two padded backrests that can be moved to any of the three seating positions, allowing for lots of versatility. The kayak might weigh just 60 lbs, but its 10-feet length and 36-inch width are what makes it so very highly stable and difficult to tip. That, combined with the 500 lbs weight capacity is what allows your pooch to tag along with you too, making for a fun-filled kayaking trip.
Made of high-density polyethylene, the kayak is also resistant to UV light damage, fading, peeling, and cracking, aside from being resistant to the rough paws of your dog too. Rounding up the features are the paddle clips on both sides, molded paddle-holders, three in-molded cup holders, and multiple footrests for comfort.
Specifications
- Style: Sit-on-top
- Weight: 60 lbs
- Weight capacity: 500 lbs
- Length: 10 feet
- Width: 36 inches
Pros:
- Limited 5-year warranty.
- Lots of storage areas.
- Durable and easy to get in and hop out.
Cons:
- No side handles.
Perception Pescador Pro 12
3
If it’s just you and your pooch, then the Perception Pescador 12 Pro Kayak is the best kayak for dogs. At 12 feet long and 32.5 inches wide, this durable and long-lasting kayak is made for excellent tracking, maneuvering, and stability, which is just what you need on a kayaking trip with your dog. Its seat is not only removable but also adjustable on two levels. Not only can it be lowered so you can paddle relaxedly, but it can also be elevated so you can cast your fishing rod even better. Plus, the breathable mesh on the seat keeps both you and your pooch cool and comfortable when you’re kayaking during hot days.
There are a ton of comfort features that this kayak boasts of, starting with two quick-to-adjust footrests and two integrated rod holders that allow your legs to relax and you to fish hands-free. In addition, the capacious storage hatches at the rear and front can hold lots of gear. Rounding up the features is the fish finder console and in-built cup holder.
Specifications
- Style: Sit-on-top
- Weight: 57 lbs
- Weight capacity: 370 lbs
- Length: 12 feet
- Width: 32.5 inches
Pros:
- The removable seat is also adjustable and comfortable.
- A ton of extras.
- Spacious and roomy storage hatches at front and back.
Cons:
- Expensive.
Sun Dolphin Boss 12 SS Kayak
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Yet another excellent dog friendly kayak is the Sun Dolphin Boss 12 SS, which costs just $400, making it a great value-for-money dog friendly kayak. Weighing 78 lbs, it might just be the heaviest kayak on this list, but that doesn’t stop it from being versatile and functional. For starters, its hull design is flat and stable, which is perfect if you have a rambunctious dog. Moreover, this boat has an actual spacious deck where you can stand or sprawl out, and so can your dog. What’s more, it even has a stand-assist strap so you can maintain balance even in rocky waters. What’s more, the dual position fold-down seat is comfortable for longer fishing expeditions.
Going further, the spacious rear and front storage with elastic bungees allows for securing a whole lot of gear. Plus, the dual quick-lock waterproof hatches keep your gear both dry and secure. Rounding up the features is the adjustable foot braces so you have a supportive paddling position for long fishing days.
Specifications
- Style: Sit-on-top
- Weight: 78 lbs
- Weight capacity: 500 lbs
- Length: 12.4 feet
- Width: 33 inches
Pros:
- Dual-position fold-down seat.
- The hull design offers stability.
- Front and rear storage areas.
Cons:
- Foot braces require manual adjustment.
Wilderness Systems Tarpon 130
1
Sitting atop the list of best kayak for dogs is the Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120, which sits in the middle of the Tarpon series at 12 feet long. The sleek design and length of this dog friendly kayak are just right for you and your pooch, as it has a sizeable bow and ample legroom in the front making for the perfect perch for your pooch to hang out. Plus, the craft offers exceptional maneuverability and speed in a variety of fishing conditions and waters. You’ll also find a gamut of fishing-specific features, such as an adjustable foam and mesh seat that’s extremely breathable. What’s more, the seat is also elevated, so you and your pooch won’t get wet as you move around for angling.
Going further, the adjustable foot braces ensure that your legs are positioned optimally so you won’t get tired after a long day of paddling. It has a ton of storage space too in the form of two sealed hatches at the front and back as well as elastic cords for securing additional gear at the rear.
Specifications
- Style: Sit-on-top
- Weight: 70 lbs
- Weight capacity: 350 lbs
- Length: 13 feet
- Width: 32 inches
Pros:
- A self-bailing property makes this kayak unsinkable.
- Adjustable foot braces and foam-and-mesh elevated seats.
- Lots of storage in front and at back.
Cons:
- Slightly heavy.
- Not a stand-up kayak.
