Best Waterproof Walkie-Talkie For Kayaking (and Fishing)

Introducing the ultimate communication solution for kayaking enthusiasts: walkie talkies designed specifically for your water adventures. 

With an exceptional waterproof rating and durable construction, these walkie talkies ensure crystal-clear communication, allowing you to stay connected with your fellow paddlers and navigate any challenging conditions with ease. 

Some of them also have some great safety features. 

If you don’t want to know about the rest, the best waterproof walkie talkie is the Cobra ACXT1035R. This is a reliable walkie talkie that has everything you need for a kayaking trip and it’s fully waterproof.

Top 11 Best Waterproof Walkie Talkies Reviewed

1: Cobra ACXT1035R FLT Floating Walkie Talkies (best overall)

• Type: UHF
• Waterproof rating: IPX7
• Range: 37 miles (59.5 km)
• Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Size: 1.5 by 2.4 by 7.5 inches
• Battery type: 6 x NiMH batteries

The Cobra ACXT1035R walkie talkies are the best waterproof walkie talkies for kayaking, in my opinion. 

One of the best features of these Cobra waterproof walkie talkies is that they float. I know this is really useful for kayaking and other water activities, where it’s always a good idea to have your gear float so you can retrieve it easier in a capsize or if you drop it.

These Cobra walkie talkies benefit from having built-in NOAA weather channels with weather alerts. Another great feature is the Rewind-Say Again function. This lets you replay the last 20-seconds of a message if you missed information.

The Burp feature is also pretty handy, as this gets rid of water in the speaker to maintain clarity and function. It also features VOX (Voice-Activated Transmission) so you can use the walkie talkie hands free.

Another handy feature that I like on these durable walkie talkies is the vibrating call alert system. This means if you’re on a noisy whitewater river, you can still be alerted to a call even if you can’t hear the call signal.

As well as the fully waterproof IPX7 rating, these waterproof walkie talkies also have a built-in LED light and SOS flashlight. 

The walkies talkies also have access to 2662 channels with 121 privacy codes, plus a 37-mile maximum range which works well in almost all outdoor environments. But you might want to switch out the rechargeable NiMH batteries for better ones, as the included ones aren’t the best.

Pros

• VOX function
• Float
• Vibralert vibration alert system

Cons

• Rechargeable batteries aren’t great

2: Motorola T600 H20 Talkabout Radio (best for range)

• Type: UHF
• Waterproof rating: IP67
• Range: 35 miles (56.4 km)
• Weight: 8.6 ounces
• Size: 7.78 by 2.4 by 1.5 inches
• Battery type: 3 x AA batteries or NiMH batteries (included)

The Motorola T600 H20 Talkabout Radio is one of the best rated waterproof walkie talkies in terms of real-life range and clarity. And I think these are the best walkie talkies for range. They’re also pretty compact. 

These waterproof walkie talkies are ideal for kayaking trips because they are brightly colored and easy to spot. Plus they float, so they can be easy to grab if you drop them overboard. There’s even a water-activated flashlight to make the walkie talkie easier to locate.

These Talkabout radios have some excellent features, including 11 weather channels for NOAA weather alerts, 2662 channel combinations, and built-in LED lights in both white and red.

Another feature I find useful with these walkie talkies is that they’re dual power. So if your rechargeable batteries run out after nine hours, you can switch to AA batteries for a further 23 hours of use. You can also charge the radio using the included micro-USB cable.

This Talkabout Radio also features Auto Squelch for improved clarity and you can choose from 20 call tones to customize your alerts. A downside is that there’s no Vox function.

Pros

• Long range with clear sound
• Dual power
• NOAA weather channels

Cons

• No Vox

3: Retevis RT48 Waterproof Walkie Talkies (best for extended battery use)

• Type: FRS
• Waterproof rating: IP67
• Range: 6.2 miles (10 km)
• Weight: 4.2 ounces
• Size: 10.4 by 2.4 x 9.9 inches
• Battery type: 2 x lithium-ion batteries (included)

The Retevis RT48 walkie talkies are the best option if you want a long battery life. These waterproof walkie talkies have a stand-by time of over 72 hours, making them a great choice for kayak camping trips. 

The battery life on a single charge of the lithium-ion batteries is between eight and 12 hours of continuous use. So these are designed to keep you connected all day.

While these radios have excellent battery life, the range is not great. So if you plan on traveling far from your partner and their radio, these may not be the best choice. 

These walkie talkies feature an IP67 rating so they can survive a fall overboard in roughly 3-foot of water. They can also handle kayaking in the rain and they are designed to float. 

They also feature Vox technology for hands-free operation, although this needs to be set up using a computer and additional software plus a programming cable (not included). So the Vox function is not automatically available. 

Another useful feature is the Squelch function to help eliminate background noise for clearer sound quality. 

These radios work over 16 channels using the FRS radio system on the UHF band.

Pros

• 72+ hours standby battery life
• Squelch technology 
• Floatable

Cons

• Not the best range

4: Midland GXT1000VP4 Waterproof GMRS Radio (best for features)

• Type: GMRS
• Waterproof rating: IPX4
• Range: 36 miles (57.9 km)
• Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Size: 7.9 by 2.4 by 1.5 inches
• Battery type: NiMH 

The Midland GXT1000VP4 is a waterproof GMRS walkie talkie that is packed full of features to keep all the gadget junkies entertained.

One of the best features of this waterproof radio is the range. It can transmit up to 36-miles, depending on the landscape. It also features X-Tra Talk Power, which is the maximum legal power for walkie talkies.

It can communicate on 50 channels and has 142 codes for a total of 3124 channel options.

Remember, you’ll need a license from the FCC to be able to operate on certain GMRS channels on this walkie talkie. But there are other channels you can use that operate on the FRS band.

You’ll also find sound and vibration alerts for up to 10 different groups calling. And another nice feature is the Whisper Mode, which lets you be heard over the radio even while speaking quietly – great if you don’t want to disturb the wildlife.

This Midland walkie talkie benefits from having NOAA weather alerts to keep you updated on weather emergencies. It also has an SOS siren and comes with boom mic headsets.

A downside is that it’s not a fully waterproof walkie talkie. It’s rated IPX4 so is only water resistant. This means it can handle splashes from your paddle and occasional rain but it’s not designed to be submerged.  

Pros

• Excellent range
• Lots of channels
• Vibration alerts

Cons

• Not fully waterproof

5: Cobra MR HH350 FLT Handheld Floating VHF Marine Radio (marine radio option)

• Type: VHF
• Waterproof rating: IPX7
• Range: 10 miles (16 km)
• Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Size: 2.09 by 2.66 by 4.75 inches
• Battery type: lithium polymer (included)

The Cobra MR HH350 FLT is the best option for kayakers looking for a VHF marine radio. This is a compact, durable waterproof walkie talkie that floats if you drop it overboard. And it features NOAA weather alerts to keep you updated on weather emergencies while paddling along the coast.

This Cobra walkie talkie has a decent range for a handheld VHF radio, up to around 10 miles. But most kayakers are unlikely to be paddling more than 10-miles offshore so this can be adequate for kayaking.

You can choose to communicate using 1, 3 or 6 watts depending on whether you want short or long-range communication. You can also operate on three different channels at the same time, with the Tri-Watch function that keeps the channels open for monitoring.

It also benefits from having the Burp feature, which is useful on any waterproof walkie talkie, as it helps to clear the speaker of water for clearer communication.

The rechargeable lithium battery lasts a long time when charged and could last you a couple of days or more on a single charge.

A downside of this marine radio is that it doesn’t have hands-free Vox technology, so you would need to stop paddling to operate it.

Pros

• Floating marine radio
• Monitor three channels at once
• 6 Watt VHF radio

Cons

• No hands-free function

6: Cotre Grus Walkie Talkies (best budget)

• Type: UHF
• Waterproof rating: IPX4
• Range: 32 miles (51.5 km)
• Weight: 8 ounces
• Size: 5 by 3 by 2 inches 
• Battery type: NiMH batteries

The Cotre Grus walkie talkies are similar to the Cotre Swan walkie talkies in that these are budget walkie talkies that can be ideal for keeping in contact with the rest of your group on outdoor adventures, such as kayak camping trips. 

However, unlike the Cotre Swan walkie talkies, these ones are not completely waterproof. They are only water resistant, with an IPX4 rating for splash and rain.

These are basic walkie talkies but they do have plenty of features that are often found on more expensive walkie talkies. They feature Vox technology for hands-free communication. 

They also benefit from having 22 channels and 121 privacy codes for numerous channel options, including one-to-one communication and one-to-many.

A great feature of these affordable walkie talkies that I find helpful is the NOAA weather channels and alerts function. This can keep you informed of changing weather while you’re out in the wilderness.

These bright walkie talkies also have a built-in LED light and a battery life of up to 25 hours.  

Although these walkie talkies have a range of up to 32 miles, if you’re in a wooded area you’ll only get around 5-miles range, or less if there are other obstacles, like buildings.

Pros

• Budget walkie talkies
• Vox feature
• Good battery life

Cons

• Not completely waterproof

7: DeWalt DXFRS800 Heavy Duty Waterproof Walkie Talkies

• Type: UHF
• Waterproof rating: IP67
• Range: 25 miles (40.2 km)
• Weight: 14.6 ounces
• Size: 2.17 by 2.58 by 7.27 inches
• Battery type: lithium polymer

These DeWalt DXFRS800 waterproof walkie talkies are probably the toughest and most durable walkie talkies on the list. They can withstand being dropped from over 6-feet. And they’re built to be dust-resistant and completely waterproof. 

I think these walkie talkies are ideal for kayaking and other outdoor activities where you’ll also be in contact with sand, such as beach launches.

These waterproof radios have a rugged design to keep them protected and easy to use with wet hands. They’re also easy to operate, with limited buttons and a clear LCD screen, plus a keypad lock to avoid accidentally changing the channel.

You’ll find Auto Squelch technology to automatically improve the clarity and remove background noise, plus a roger beep noise for convenience. And there’s Vox transmission for hands-free communication, so you can stay in control of your kayak while using the radio. 

Another useful feature that I like on these waterproof walkie talkies is the long battery life. These can keep running for 18 hours.   

The only thing I don’t like about these DeWalt waterproof walkie talkies is that they’re so bulky and heavy. Not the most ideal walkie talkie to clip to your PFD, in my opinion. 

Pros

• Easy to use
• Very durable and waterproof
• Rugged handheld radio

Cons

• Heavy 

8: Motorola T503 H20 Talkabout Radio

• Type: UHF
• Waterproof rating: IP67
• Range: 35 miles (56.3 km)
• Weight: 12 ounces
• Size: 7.8 by 2.4 by 1.5 inches
• Battery type: 6 AA alkaline batteries (included)

The Motorola T503 H20 Talkabout radio is a set of two waterproof walkie talkies that are ideal for any kayaking trip. 

These walkie talkies come in a bright orange color, making them easy to spot. They also float, which helps if you’re clumsy on your kayak or if you take an unforeseen dip.

These waterproof walkie talkies are designed to be easy to use and I agree they’re pretty easy and quick to set up. There are all the great features you would expect from a Motorola Talkabout radio, such as Vox and weather alerts. It also has NOAA weather channels and an emergency alert siren. 

Another feature that I find can be useful on outdoor pursuits is the keypad lock. This means you don’t accidentally switch channels while the walkie talkie is connected to your PFD, belt, or in your gear bag.

You can choose from 20 call tones and there’s an alert tone to let you know when the battery is almost done. The battery life isn’t great using the included batteries – around 10 hours. But you can easily switch them out for different alkaline batteries for an improved battery life.

Unfortunately, these walkie talkies don’t have a flashlight or the Auto Squelch feature found on the T600 Talkabout radio.

Pros

• NOAA weather alerts
• Floats in water
• Fully waterproof

Cons

• Battery life isn’t the best

9: Cobra ACXT645 Floating Walkie Talkies

• Type: UHF
• Waterproof rating: IPX4
• Range: 35 miles
• Weight: 5 ounces
• Size: 1.74 by 2.54 by 6.74 inches
• Battery type: 3 x NiMH batteries

The Cobra ACXT645 waterproof walkie talkies feature a IPX4 rating for splash-proof construction. I think these could be ideal for family kayak camping trips and recreational paddling on lakes. But they’re not completely waterproof.

The built-in flashlight can be useful, especially for overnight trips. The walkie talkie also has an SOS mode in the flashlight in case of emergency. There’s a decent communication range with this, depending on your environment, but you could get around five miles on a large lake or bay. 

These water-resistant walkie talkies are designed with voice-activated transmission for hands-free communication, which I find helpful if you’re also trying to stay in control of your kayak while you communicate with the rest of your group.

You’ll find NOAA weather channels for emergency weather alerts. And the handy VibrAlert feature means you can feel the walkie talkie vibrating in noisy environments when you may not be able to hear the call tone. 

These are lightweight walkie talkies that are a good size for kayaking. They’re also pretty durable and have a rubber grip to make them easier to hold even if your hands are wet or you’re wearing gloves.

Pros

• Lightweight
• NOAA weather channels
• Vibration alert 

Cons

• Not submersible

10: Retevis RT49P Waterproof Walkie Talkie

• Type: FRS
• Waterproof rating: IP67
• Range: 37 miles
• Weight: 4.7 ounces
• Size: 7.95 by 2.4 by 1.5 inches
• Battery type: 6 x AA NiMH rechargeable batteries

The Retevis RT49P waterproof walkie talkie is lightweight, very durable, and fully waterproof. I would recommend these walkie talkies for all types of kayaking, as they can survive being dropped overboard and are sand and dust-resistant. They even float and are designed for water sports.

The bright color of the radio is also a good feature to have on any piece of safety equipment. 

These walkie talkies are packed with features, including a built-in flashlight that will automatically turn on while floating on water. You can manually change the setting (by pressing the “lamp” button) so that it doesn’t do this if you’re prone to capsizing and don’t want to drain the battery.

This floating walkie talkie also has an SOS light, NOAA weather alerts, and crystal clear sound technology. 

The batteries are rechargeable and last over 24 hours on standby. If you’re using the walkie talkies continuously, you’ll probably get around five to eight hours of battery life, depending on your conditions.  

The battery life could be a downside for some, as the battery will drain faster if the light keeps coming on during capsizing. The battery will also keep running when not in use, unless turned off completely while the screen is lit and active.

Pros

• Floating walkie talkie
• Emergency flashlight
• NOAA weather channels

Cons

• Battery life is not the best 

11: GOCOM G2 FRS Walkie Talkies

• Type: FRS
• Waterproof rating: IPX4
• Range: 32 miles
• Weight: 9.1 ounces
• Size: 7.09 by 2.16 by 1.26 inches
• Battery type: 3 x AA batteries

The GoCom G2 walkie talkies are a budget-friendly option that can be great for recreational kayaking. They have a range of up to 16-miles on open water but this will be reduced on rivers and lakes where trees can obstruct the signal. 

While these are billed as waterproof walkie talkies, they are rated as IPX4 so they’re not completely waterproof. But they can handle splashes from your paddle and rain. 

This makes them more suitable for paddling on flatwater than whitewater or other conditions where capsizing is more likely, as they probably won’t survive being submerged.  

These are great little walkie talkies for the price, with features commonly found on the more expensive walkie talkies. The LED light can be useful if you need a flashlight for any reason. However, it’s not a distress light.

It also features a keypad lock, roger tone, and Vox hands-free operation.

It can communicate over 22 FRS channels with 121 privacy codes. It also has preset weather channels and a power save mode that can help you conserve battery power.

These walkie talkies take alkaline batteries but these are not rechargeable.  

Pros

• Affordable 
• Good for recreational paddling
• Vox function

Cons

• Not submersible 

Selection Guide: Key Features Of Waterproof Walkie Talkies

The Importance Of NOAA Weather Alerts In Walkie Talkies

NOAA weather alerts are an excellent safety feature to have on walkie talkies, especially if you’re heading out kayak camping in the wilderness or an all-day paddling trip in a remote location.

NOAA weather channels are operated by the National Weather Service, part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The NOAA weather channels provide updates on the local weather, including weather alerts to notify you of approaching inclement weather.  

Having access to weather channels and weather alerts can help you to seek shelter if needed, avoid a particular area, or alter your paddling route.

The weather alerts work similarly to how they work on your car’s radio or on your TV at home, in that they interrupt to play an emergency weather bulletin with a loud alarm tone accompanying it. 

When you’re in a backcountry location, this can be even more helpful as cell service is usually non-existent in remote locations. 

Water Resistance Rating: Distinguishing Between IP67 And IP68: What’s The Difference?

IPX ratings are the standardized rating system used internationally to determine how waterproof or water-resistant a product is. IP ratings (ingress protection ratings) generally include two numbers.

The first number after the IP is how protected a product is from dust (ranging from 0 to 6). The second number is how protected the product is against water (ranging from 0-8). 

Sometimes, there will be an X in the place of one of the numbers, which means this hasn’t been tested or rated for either water or dust, depending on the placement of the X. 

In the case of a waterproof walkie talkie with the rating of IP68, this is a fully sealed product that is completely protected against dust and can be permanently submerged in water.

A walkie talkie with an IP67 rating is completely sealed against dust ingress and can be submerged in water temporarily for around 30 minutes.

Both of these ratings are perfect for kayaking gadgets. However, walkie talkies with lower IP ratings than these can still be perfectly adequate. 

IPX4 can withstand 360-degree splashes, which can be rain or splashes from your paddle or waves hitting your kayak.

IPX5 is rated for protection against water jetting from any angle, so this would also be more than adequate for a kayak trip where the risk of capsize is low, for example, flatwater recreational kayaking.

Understanding The Differences: UHF Vs. VHF Walkie Talkies

The differences between UHF and VHF walkie talkies can seem complicated but which one will suit you best depends on where you plan to kayak.

UHF (Ultra High Frequency) radios tend to have a more limited range compared to VHF (Very High Frequency) radios but they operate on a wider range of frequencies. 

VHF radios tend to be used in open water and on coastal waters. In fact, most boaters (in vessels 65.6-feet or more) are required by the US Coast Guard to carry a VHF marine radio when in coastal waters.

If you are sea kayaking I’d recommend that you carry a VHF marine radio and know how to use it according to the VHF radio USCG requirements for use.

A UHF radio usually won’t be able to communicate with a VHF radio because they operate on different frequencies. 

UHF radios can be better suited to kayaking in inshore and inland waters, such as rivers, lakes, and coastal bays. These walkie talkies are also generally better at communicating in areas with obstructions, such as trees and buildings.

Evaluating Emergency Features Of Walkie Talkies

Having emergency features on a walkie talkie can be beneficial, especially if you want to minimize the amount of gear you take with you. 

An SOS or distress light can be a particularly useful feature to have while kayaking.

While the light may not be as bright as some dedicated distress lights that might be required by larger vessels on the water at night, flashlights or SOS lights on walkie talkies can be better than nothing for most kayakers.

However, if you plan to paddle at night, you might want to think about having a separate flashlight so you don’t unnecessarily drain the battery of your walkie talkie.

Another useful emergency feature often found on walkie talkies is the emergency alert feature. This sends out an emergency signal alert on other radios to notify them of your emergency. This is usually done by pushing a button, like a panic button.  

Assessing The Weight And Size Of Your Walkie Talkie

When you’re kayaking, the weight and size of all of your gear is usually something you always need to think about because of your kayak’s limited space and capacity. 

Most waterproof walkie talkies are compact by nature. They’re usually designed to be clipped to a belt. This makes them easy and convenient to clip to the front of your PFD.

Most waterproof walkie talkies will probably weigh about the same or less than your phone. Most of them will probably be much smaller in size than your phone, except they usually won’t be as thin. 

The compact size can usually make them more convenient for kids to hold and use, which can be better for family group communication.  

Exploring Channels And Privacy Codes In Walkie Talkies

Most walkie talkies have several different channels available for communication so you can communicate with any walkie talkie on the same channel and within range. 

Some walkie talkies will also have over 100 privacy codes. 

The privacy codes essentially give you extra channel availability by muting other radios operating on that initial channel.

For example, if you and your partner have your walkie talkies set on the same channel, you will only hear each other if your privacy codes are set to the same number or the privacy codes are turned off.

Video: What Are Walkie Talkie Privacy Codes?

License Requirements For Operating Walkie Talkies

Most UHF walkie talkies available for recreational use usually do not require a license. 

However, there are some frequencies on the UHF band that require you to have a license from the FCC (Federal Communications Commission). 

You will need an FCC license to use GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) channels. GMRS radios and walkie talkies operate on channels between 462 MHz and 467 MHz. Once you have a license, it’s valid for 10 years. 

If you communicate or cause interference on GMRS channels without a license, you can be fined by the FCC.

GMRS radios operate on the UHF band, along with FRS radios. But unlike GMRS radios, FRS (Family Radio Service) walkie talkies do not need a license.

> The best weatherproof FM radios

Marine Radio Vs. Walkie Talkie: Which Should You Choose?

A marine radio is generally designed for marine use, so you can contact harbors, the US Coast Guard, and other vessels on coastal waters.

A marine radio can be fixed inside a boat’s cockpit with a microphone on a cable and they can also be found in the form of a walkie talkie. Fixed marine radios will generally have a longer signal range than handheld VHF radios. 

A handheld walkie talkie can be found in both VHF marine versions and UHF versions.

Walkie talkies can be more convenient for kayaking and other outdoor pursuits as they are portable, unlike fixed marine radios that are mounted in a larger vessel’s cockpit.

Can I Use A Smartphone Instead?

Cell phones require cellular signals to send messages and make calls. When you’re paddling in remote locations, there is limited signal range for cell phones, which often means no bars on your phone to connect to the outside world.

Battery life on many phones will often be worse than the battery life on a walkie talkie. 

Even when there’s no signal range for your phone, your phone will usually be working extra hours to try to find one, which can drain your battery faster. 

I know I’ve been in situations where my phone battery seems to drain much faster than normal when it’s constantly searching for a signal. 

Common Questions On Waterproof Walkie Talkies

What Is The Range Of A Normal Walkie Talkie?

Communication range can vary wildly. Many walkie talkies will list their communication range as being the maximum possible range that can be expected in unobstructed environments. 

Most of the time, this maximum communication range is calculated based on standing at the top of a mountain, communicating with another walkie talkie on top of a similarly-sized mountain with nothing in between.

In real life, the range won’t be as high as this (unless you’re on a mountain peak). Generally, you will get around a couple of miles in a city or town and around five miles in an open area or water. 

Can I Use My Waterproof Walkie Talkie Underwater?

No, you can’t use a walkie talkie underwater (unless you’ve mastered the art of talking and being understood underwater).

Certain features may work underwater on the fully waterproof models, such as a flashlight.  

Can Normal Walkie Talkies Be Used In Rainy Conditions?

A walkie talkie that does not have an IP rating might not survive a trip in the rain.

One with a rating of IPX4 is probably the minimum rating I would recommend for exposure to any rain.

Is There A Difference In Audio Quality Between Normal And Waterproof Walkie Talkies?

Audio quality generally has nothing to do with the exterior construction of the walkie talkie.

Other factors such as squelch technology and clear sound technology will usually determine which has the better audio quality, as well as range and obstructions. 

Can Normal Walkie Talkies Be Upgraded To Waterproof Models?

Generally, no. Waterproof walkie talkies are waterproof because of their sealed construction.

You might be able to use a waterproof case to carry a non-waterproof walkie talkie but you may find that you can’t use the radio while it’s in the case.

Final Words On The Best Walkie Talkies

I’ve found the best waterproof walkie talkie for kayaking is the Cobra ACXT1035R FLT. This has weather channels, voice-activation technology, and a vibration alert function so you can hear the call signal even in noisy environments. Itp also floats, which is a key feature.

My runner-up pick is the floating Motorola T600 Talkabout radio. It’s bright, durable, has excellent range, and it has dual power for extended battery life. 

The type of waterproof walkie talkie that’s best for you will depend on how you plan to use it. If you’re planning a sea kayaking adventure on remote coastlines you might find that a VHF marine radio is more suitable for your adventure.

Don’t forget, if you plan to use a GMRS radio, you’ll need to get a license from the FCC first.

All of these waterproof walkie talkies can handle splashes and rain, with the best ones able to handle an unintentional swim if you capsize.