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Australia has some spectacular places to paddle but finding the right kayak in this neck of the woods is not always easy. With an inflatable kayak you can explore local waters or pack it into your car when you head off on holiday.
To help you plan for your next Aussie adventure, we’ve made a list of some of the best inflatable kayaks in Australia.
Don’t want to read to the end? The best kayak is the Advanced Elements Lagoon 1.
Why? It’s budget-friendly, easy to use and can be a great choice if you’re new to kayaking.
Top 11 Best Inflatable Kayaks In Australia Reviewed
1: Advanced Elements Lagoon 1 Inflatable Kayak (best overall)
- Length: 255 cm
- Width: 87 cm
- Depth: 25 cm
- Weight: 10.4 kg
- Weight capacity: 113 kg
The Advanced Elements Lagoon 1 is a compact inflatable kayak designed for solo paddlers. Despite being our top pick, this is also a pretty affordable kayak that is extremely lightweight and easy to transport. But you’ll need to buy a pump separately, as you don’t get one included.
Being just over 2.5 metres, this is a short kayak. This means it should be easier to turn in small spaces. And can be a good choice for beginners developing their paddling skills. It has a rigid bow and stern for improved tracking, helping you to cut through waves.
It’s quite wide for such a short kayak, so it can offer good stability. It can also handle a good variety of waters, including coastal bays, lagoons, and mild rivers. It has a sit-inside cockpit, with a rim that’s compatible with a spray skirt for added protection from the elements (sold separately).
It doesn’t have a lot of space for gear but there is some cargo space on the front deck to strap down a small dry bag or a waterproof jacket.
For comfort on the water, there’s an inflatable seat with a backrest for support.
Pros
- Very lightweight
- Easy to manoeuvre
- Affordable
Cons
- Not much cargo space
- Pump not included
2: Advanced Elements Advanced Frame Sport Kayak (best runner-up)
- Length: 317.5 cm
- Width: 81 cm
- Weight: 12 kg
- Weight capacity: 113 kg
The Advanced Elements Advanced Frame Sport Kayak is a fantastic option if you’re looking for increased performance and a little more space compared to our top pick. However, this one is not as budget-friendly as the Lagoon.
This benefits from having an aluminium-rib frame for rigidity, meaning it has a similar level of performance as a hard-shell kayak. It’s a little faster than the Lagoon thanks to its longer, narrower hull. But it might not be as quick to turn in tight spaces.
It’s a stable kayak. But if you’re a beginner, you might find it less stable than some of the others on the list, as it’s not as wide.
A great feature of this sit-inside inflatable kayak is that it can be upgraded if you want even better performance. It’s compatible with a drop-stitch floor (sold separately) so you could increase the rigidity of the hull for improved glide and faster speeds.
This has four chambers for safety and there are deck bungees to store gear. There are also D-rings for tying additional gear to the deck.
The Advanced Frame Sport is rated for up to Class II rivers, so it can handle moderately choppy conditions as well as flatwater lakes and bays.
> The full AdvancedFrame Sport review
Pros
- Aluminium frame
- Quick for an inflatable
- Compatible with drop-stitch floor (not included)
Cons
- Pump not included
- Not ideal for beginners
3: Aquaglide Deschutes 145 Kayak (best tandem)
- Length: 446 cm
- Width: 96.5 cm
- Depth: 26.7 cm
- Weight: 11.5 kg
- Weight capacity: 272 kg
The Aquaglide Deschutes 145 is a quality inflatable tandem kayak. This is extremely spacious, with a high capacity and it can be a great option for a camping trip. There’s room for two paddlers with space for gear. There’s even room for your dog if they’re up for the adventure.
This is a long kayak that can be brilliant for touring. It can offer increased speeds and decent tracking for more efficient paddling over long distances. It’s also pretty comfortable, with two high-back seats and integrated foot rests for support.
A nice feature of this inflatable kayak is the rigidity from the solid EVA floor and the Feather Frame inflatable crossbeam. This helps to improve performance, which can make for more efficient paddling over longer distances.
One of the best features is the lightweight design. Weighing 11.5 kg this can be easy to carry on your own. It even comes with a backpack-style bag so you can take it to remote spots.
It’s made from Duratex material and features a Halkey-Roberts valve adaptor. It also comes with a repair kit. But it doesn’t include paddles.
Pros
- Quick and easy to paddle
- Great for camping
- Spacious
- Rigid feel
Cons
- Paddles not included
- Pump not included
4: Driftsun Voyager 2 Person Inflatable Kayak (best value)
- Length: 305 cm
- Width: 89 cm
- Depth: 40.6 cm
- Weight: 12.2 kg
- Weight capacity: 204.1 kg
The Driftsun Voyager is a two-person inflatable kayak that comes with everything you need to get on the water (except PFDs, of course – you’ll need to buy those separately).
While it’s not the cheapest kayak on our list, it does offer good value for money with all the extras that come with it. It comes with two padded seats with adjustable backrests for comfort and support.
It also comes with two adjustable aluminium paddles.
This is a durable kayak that’s made from 840 denier nylon Oxford fabric with a PVC tarpaulin hull. It has three air chambers for safety and buoyancy, plus a huge capacity.
However, it’s not the most spacious kayak if you’re looking to bring along a lot of gear plus two paddlers. So it might be better for short trips rather than long ones.
The V-shaped hull has added rocker to let you take on waves and moving water easily. And the splash guards (with carry handles) at the bow and stern help to keep water out.
There are bungee tie-downs at the bow and stern, plus paddle holders in case you want to jump off for a swim or go fishing.
Pros
- Great value
- Durable construction
- Two paddles and seats included
Cons
- Not very spacious for two people plus gear
5: Adahub Inflatable SUP/Kayak (best hybrid)
- Length: 320 cm
- Width: 86 cm
- Depth: 15 cm
- Weight: 11 kg
- Weight capacity: 170 kg
The Adahub Inflatable SUP comes with a kayak seat included so you can easily transform it into a kayak for the ultimate in versatility. This hybrid kayak comes with a convertible 4-piece carbon paddle, so you can use it as a SUP paddle or a kayak paddle.
With a decent capacity, this can be ideal for larger paddlers. It’s equally great for bringing your dog along, with durable drop-stitch technology for rigidity. The non-slip deck pads provide grip for both paws and feet. Being a stand-up paddleboard, you can also stand up for fishing or a better view.
This is super-lightweight so it can be easy to carry around. And when it’s deflated it can easily fit in the back of a small car.
There’s bungee rigging at both the front and the back, so you can secure your dry bags and other accessories to the deck.
A downside is that it’s not the most comfortable to paddle for long durations, as there are no foot braces and the seat is flat on the deck.
Pros
- Carbon paddle included
- Lightweight
- Versatile – SUP and kayak in one
- Drop-stitch construction
Cons
- Not very comfortable
6: Sevylor Quikpak K1 1-Person Inflatable Kayak (best budget)
- Length: 262 cm
- Width: 91.4 cm
- Weight: 9.2 kg
- Weight capacity: 181 kg
The Sevylor Quikpak K1 is a budget-friendly inflatable kayak that can be ideal if you want to backpack to a remote launch site. This is super-lightweight and comes with its own backpack that also holds the included paddle.
This is not a kayak that you want to trust in rough water or open water, though. It’s better suited to calm conditions, such as flatwater lakes, slow-moving rivers, or wetlands.
It features an inflatable seat with a separate seat formed out of the backpack that sits on top for better support. It also has inflatable footrests in multiple positions to suit different leg lengths.
It features 21-gauge PVC construction with a tough tarpaulin hull for added durability. It also has multiple air chambers to keep you afloat in the event of a puncture.
You’ll find a small storage area at the front with a cargo net to keep things in place. There’s even a cupholder in front of the seat. It has a decent capacity for such a small kayak but there’s not much space for large equipment. So it’s probably not the best for long adventures.
Pros
- Can be carried in a backpack
- Paddle and pump included
- Good capacity
- Great for accessing remote waters
Cons
- Not for rough water
- Not great for long trips
7: Aquaglide McKenzie 125 Inflatable Kayak
- Length: 378 cm
- Width: 87 cm
- Depth: 13.5 cm
- Weight: 13.6 kg
- Weight capacity: 272 kg
The Aquaglide McKenzie 125 is a lightweight tandem kayak that can be perfect for paddling in a range of conditions. This one is built to handle whitewater as well as flatwater, so it can be an ideal crossover kayak.
It also has the added benefit of being able to be paddled either tandem or solo. So it can be a good choice for a solo camping trip if you need extra space for gear. There’s still plenty of room for gear for a day trip or overnight stay if there are two of you.
The increased rocker at the bow and stern helps with manoeuvrability over waves and choppy water.
It comes with two padded seats, both with high backrests for better support. You can even turn the bow seat backwards so you and your paddling partner can face each other – great for paddling with a child.
It also features four self-bailing drains to help keep water out. However, these are mesh and permanently open, so you are likely to get wet, since the kayak seats are flat on the floor.
This durable inflatable kayak benefits from having a V-shaped hull with a flexible touring fin to help with tracking on flatwater. It also has an EvoBeam floor for increased performance and strength.
Pros
- Great for rough water
- Face-to-face seating option
- High load capacity
- Good for solo camping
Cons
- Cockpit drains can’t be closed
8: Tahe Beach LP1 Premium Inflatable Kayak
- Length: 300 cm
- Width: 94 cm
- Weight: 11 kg
- Weight capacity: 100 kg
The Tahe Beach LP1 can be an excellent inflatable kayak for beginners thanks to its stability and ease of use. It’s not the fastest kayak on the water, but that’s what makes it more suitable for beginners finding their rhythm.
It is a sit-on-top kayak, which can make it easier to get in and out of. It also means you can feel less restricted when moving around. The short length of the hull means it can be easy to manoeuvre and control.
The inflatable seat gives you a slightly elevated seating position for improved comfort and visibility, so you’re not sitting flat on the deck.
This compact little kayak has spray covers at the bow and stern to help keep your deck dry. There is also a bungee storage area on the top of the rear spray skirt to secure small bags.
It’s durable, with an abrasion and UV-resistant nylon shell, replaceable PVC air bladders, plus three-chamber construction for safety.
Pros
- Durable construction
- Backpack and pump included
- Elevated seat
- Great for new paddlers
Cons
- Not the fastest
9: Aqua Marina Steam Kayak
- Length: 312 cm
- Width: 90 cm
- Weight: 11.5 kg
- Weight capacity: 110 kg
The Aqua Marina Steam Kayak is a solo kayak but is also available in a tandem option. The Steam one-person kayak is a durable kayak that features high-frequency welded seams and solid V-cone protection at the bow and stern for added collision protection.
One of the best things about this kayak is the drop-stitch floor on the deck. This helps to provide rigidity for better performance and faster speeds over the water.
This is a versatile kayak that can be ideal for touring on open water, such as lakes, lagoons, and coastal bays. But it can also be great for running rapids on fast-moving rivers. It’s rated for up to Class III whitewater and is self-bailing, with the option of closing the drain plugs if you prefer.
You’ll find space to store your gear behind the included high-back seat (the seat also has pockets). There are deck bungees on the rear Deck Shield spray cover and the front spray cover helps to protect against ocean spray or splashes. It even comes with a 10-litre dry bag so you can keep your belongings dry.
It comes with a foam foot brace. However, while it can be adjusted, it’s not the best for long legs. The seat is also not the most comfortable for longer trips.
Pros
- Great for flatwater and whitewater
- Drop-stitch deck
- Storage space for gear
- Quick and easy to paddle
Cons
- Footrest is not great
- Seat is not very comfortable
10: Sevylor Coleman Colorado 2-Person Fishing Kayak
- Length: 305 cm
- Width: 99 cm
- Weight: 18.6 kg
- Weight capacity: 213 kg
The Sevylor Coleman Colorado is an inflatable fishing kayak that can be a good choice for fishing either on your own or with a partner. It is a tandem kayak that can also be paddled solo, giving you extra space for fishing gear.
It comes with two adjustable seats that each have storage pockets on the back. There are Berkley Quick Set rod holders included, so you can store your fishing rods safely. You’ll also find storage pockets on the sides to keep your tackle and other essentials handy.
If you don’t plan to fish, this can also be an ideal kayak for exploring lakes and rivers at a relaxed pace.
This is a very stable kayak, so it can be fantastic for beginners. It can also be paddled using either a kayak paddle or a canoe paddle, giving you a little extra versatility.
It’s not the lightest inflatable kayak but it does have a few extra fishing features that help to weigh it down.
> Our full Colorado Coleman review
Pros
- Fishing features
- Stable
- Can be paddled solo or tandem
Cons
- Pretty heavy
11: Aquaglide Navarro 110 Convertible Inflatable Kayak
- Length: 345 cm
- Width: 86 cm
- Weight: 12.7 kg
- Weight capacity: 113 kg
The Aquaglide Navarro 110 is one of the best inflatable kayaks if you’re looking for high performance and secondary stability. This inflatable sit-inside kayak can handle flatwater lakes and lagoons as well as river rapids. But it’s not cheap and it doesn’t come with a pump.
It is designed as a touring kayak, so there’s plenty of room to bring along gear for an overnight trip. There’s a zip storage hatch in the stern so you can keep some of your items dry. The bow also has zipped access for extra storage. Plus you’ll find bungee rigging on the deck.
This is a lightweight solo kayak that’s easy to pack and comfortable to paddle. One of the best features is the drop-stitch floor. This can improve the overall performance, providing a more rigid platform without adding extra weight.
The cockpit is compatible with a spray skirt (not included) so you can take it out in all conditions. The cockpit also has a drain and an adjustable foot brace. The seat is padded with a high backrest for comfort and there are paddle keepers on both sides of the kayak if you want to secure your paddle to take a photo.
Pros
- Drop-stitch floor
- Inflatable touring kayak
- Covered storage
- Paddle holders
Cons
- Not cheap
- Pump not included
Buying An Inflatable Kayak In Australia
Size
Size is an important consideration when it comes to inflatable kayaks. This is because there are generally two sizes to think about: the packed/deflated size and the inflated size. You’ll probably also want to consider the weight of the kayak as well.
The size of kayak you’ll need will usually depend on what you want to use it for and where.
Smaller inflatable kayaks can be better suited to smaller bodies of water, such as rivers or wetland areas. This is because shorter kayaks can be easier to turn and manoeuvre in tight spaces compared to long kayaks.
You may also want to think about the amount of gear you plan to bring. Longer kayaks will generally have more space for gear than short ones. And they may also offer more leg room, which can be useful if you’re tall.
The width of the kayak is also something to think about. The wider the kayak is, the more space you should have and the more stable you might feel.
Inflatable kayaks tend to be wider than their hard-shell equivalents. But sometimes the space on deck is not wider because of the extra space taken up by the air chambers on the sidewalls.
Remember, that many kayaks are generally sized in feet and inches, especially the ones with American branding. So you may need to do some extra calculations to figure out the length and width in centimetres.
Single Or Tandem?
Do you plan to paddle on your own or with a partner? Tandem kayaks can usually offer more space as they tend to be longer. But many inflatable tandems are not always as long as you might expect. So not all tandem kayaks will be suitable for two people on a camping trip.
> Inflatable kayaks and camping
A tandem kayak can sometimes be more versatile than a single one, as you can often remove or rearrange the seats to paddle it solo. This can give you a lot more room for camping gear and extra equipment. The capacity of a tandem is also usually quite a bit higher than a solo kayak.
A single inflatable kayak can be ideal for exploring the waters on your own. Some of the longer solo kayaks may also have room to bring your dog along for the ride. One-person kayaks can usually pack into a smaller bag than tandems because they are often shorter.
Types Of Water
Another question you might want to ask yourself is where do you plan to kayak? Some inflatable kayaks are better suited to calm flatwater and others are able to handle whitewater.
If you plan to paddle in coastal waters with waves and currents, you might want to think about opting for a kayak with good secondary stability and decent tracking. Inflatable kayaks tend to perform better in rivers and lakes, or shallow coastal waters close to shore.
Open ocean conditions are generally not ideal for most inflatable kayaks and you may want to think about a sea kayak if you plan to tour around coastlines.
Remember if you’re using an inflatable kayak in saltwater, you should rinse it in freshwater afterwards to get rid of the salt. This is because salt can degrade the materials.
The materials used in inflatable kayaks tend to be highly durable and will often have a protective coating to prevent degradation from UV light and saltwater corrosion. But you should still rinse the kayak after exposure to help prolong the effects of the coating.
Backpackability
If you want to be able to take your kayak to more remote spots that are less accessible by car, a backpackable kayak can be a great idea.
There are lots of inflatable kayaks that come with their own backpacks. However, some of them are not the most convenient size if you have plans to carry them any distance.
Lightweight and compact are the two key features to look for in an inflatable kayak that you want to backpack with. Some of the more compact kayaks come with four-piece paddles included. If you’re choosing your own paddle, you might want to think about opting for a two or four-piece one for easy carrying.
Extra Features
Many inflatable kayaks are designed to be used for more than just recreational paddling. Fishing kayaks can often be found as inflatables, giving you all the features you would expect to find on a hard-shell fishing kayak.
Fishing rod holders and paddle holders can be common features on inflatable fishing kayaks. Inflatable kayaks that are designed for touring may feature additional storage accessories or an upgraded seat for improved comfort.
Some inflatable kayaks will come with a repair kit, pump, kayak seat, and even sometimes a paddle. But not all kayaks will include these accessories as standard, which means you may need to think about these additional costs.
Looking After An Inflatable Kayak
Keep It Clean
After you’ve used an inflatable kayak, you should rinse it with clean, fresh water. This can be even more important if you’ve been kayaking in saltwater. Rinsing it will help to remove sand, salt, and dirt that’s built up while you’ve been in the water.
If your kayak is very dirty, you might want to clean it with mild soap, such as dishwashing liquid, and water.
Once your kayak is clean, leave it to dry completely. Air drying is best but avoid leaving it in direct sunlight or this could cause the materials to degrade.
It might be best to remove the seats and the floor if you can, as this can allow the individual components to dry more quickly.
You can also use a towel to dry off the kayak and accessories, which could help speed up the drying process.
Store It Properly
When your kayak is completely dry, it’s time to store it. If you don’t have much space, it’s best to store it deflated. Leave the valve open and roll it. The kayak should be stored inside its storage bag for protection.
You can then keep it inside a wardrobe or storage cupboard at home. Make sure wherever you choose to store it is dry and away from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.
If you want to store it inflated, it can be best to let a bit of air out first to allow for expansion and to prevent the seams from bursting.
> All our kayak storage guides
Final Answer On The Best Australian Inflatable Kayaks
The best inflatable kayak in Australia is the Advanced Elements Lagoon 1 because it’s lightweight, easy to paddle, and affordable. It’s also a durable kayak that can handle a range of different waters, so it can be great for taking to the beach, floating along rivers, or exploring lakes and lagoons.
Another excellent alternative, and our runner-up choice, is the Advanced Elements Advanced Frame Sport. This one offers a little extra space and better performance, which can be more suitable if you already have some kayaking skills under your belt.
Alternatively, the Aquaglide Deschutes 145 can let you take on rapids and flatwater, either on your own or with a paddling partner. This tandem kayak is lightweight, durable and has a high capacity for gear if you want to do some touring.
Remember to think about the type of water you want to paddle in and how much gear (and people or dogs) you want to bring. It’s also worth remembering that some of the kayaks on our list don’t include pumps.
Not all of our top kayaks will be suitable for everyone. So it’s best to check them out for yourself to make sure they suit your planned activities.
