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Are you looking for a fun and convenient way to explore the waters with a partner?
Inflatable tandem kayaks are the way to go!
Not only are they easy to store and transport, but they come packed with features and performance technologies. Choosing the perfect one can be a challenge though, but don’t worry!
We’ve done the research and handpicked the best inflatable tandem kayak on the market, along with some fantastic alternatives. Get ready to hit the water in style!
If you’re looking for a quick winner, it’s the Sea Eagle 380X – known for versatility and ease of use.
Top 11 Best Tandem Inflatable Kayaks Reviewed
1: Sea Eagle 380X Explorer (best overall)
- Length: 12 foot 6 inches
- Width: 30 inches
- Weight: 40 pounds
- Weight capacity: 750 pounds
The Sea Eagle 380X Explorer is a durable inflatable tandem kayak that can handle just about any kind of water. It’s rated for up to Class IV rapids but also has a removable skeg for improved tracking performance in open water and flatwater conditions.
It has a rigid drop-stitch floor, offering improved performance and glide. This also provides a stable platform, which can feel more like a hard-shell kayak.
This can be a great boat for a range of different types of paddlers, from beginners to experts. It is easy to paddle and is a manageable length for maneuvering in small rivers.
This tandem inflatable kayak has a huge load capacity, so it can be great for kayak camping. It can also be ideal for heavier paddlers, with a higher capacity than most of the other kayaks of a similar length.
> Are inflatable kayaks good for kayak camping?
But it’s not the longest kayak. So you might find your leg room is limited if both paddlers are very tall and you also want to carry camping gear.
The 380X can be paddled solo if you want to load it up with additional gear and explore on your own. The compact length means it should still be easy to paddle by yourself. The 380 Explorer is also conveniently dog-friendly. But it’s not the lightest to carry, especially if you’re on your own.
It comes with a carry bag, pump, and repair kit so you can be ready to hit the water as soon as it arrives. There are various packages to choose from that include seats and paddles.
Pros
- Rated for whitewater
- High load capacity
- Easy to paddle and maneuver
Cons
- Limited leg room for two tall paddlers
- Not the lightest
2: Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Convertible Tandem Inflatable Kayak (runner-up)
- Length: 15 foot
- Width: 32 inches
- Weight: 52 pounds
- Weight capacity: 550 pounds
The Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Convertible is built for performance. The aluminum frame provides a rigid bow and stern for enhanced tracking and speed. There’s also a tracking fin and an optional drop-stitch floor for improved performance.
This is a spacious kayak that can be great for flatwater touring. There’s plenty of legroom for tall paddlers and ample storage space for gear.
A great feature of this kayak is the convertible nature of it. You can add a double-deck conversion spray skirt or a single-deck conversion spray skirt to transform the kayak into a full sit-inside inflatable kayak for either tandem or solo use.
However, the conversion spray skirts are not included, so the deck is open as standard. The bow has a spray deck with a water-resistant zipper that provides covered storage for some of your gear.
There are two seats, both with high backrests for support. They also have adjustable inflatable back supports.
Because of the aluminum rib frame, this is not the lightest inflatable kayak, so it’s not the easiest to carry. It also does not include a pump.
Pros
- Good tracking performance
- Spacious
- Good for touring
- Optional conversion spray skirts
Cons
- Heavy
- Pump not included
3: Sea Eagle SE370 (best for dogs)
- Length: 12 foot 6 inches
- Width: 34 inches
- Weight: 33 pounds
- Weight capacity: 650 pounds
The Sea Eagle SE370 is a tandem inflatable kayak that offers excellent value and affordability. This is a durable kayak that can be ideal for use in a range of conditions. It is also incredibly stable to keep your dog feeling comfortable on the water, with minimal chance of you flipping if your dog decides to move around to find a comfier spot.
It has both primary and secondary stability to keep you upright on both flat and moving water. It can handle up to Class III rapids if you and your dog are feeling adventurous.
There are two tracking skegs on the bottom to help with directional control on flatwater. This is definitely not the fastest kayak out there. It can offer good stability at a leisurely pace.
It has three air chambers for safety and buoyancy should one chamber happen to suffer a puncture. But it’s made from tough 38 mil PolyKrylar (K80 PVC) so it’s built to handle bumps and scrapes on rocks and gravel. It is also durable enough to withstand dogs’ paws.
The material on the hull is also resistant to UV rays and saltwater.
This has a high capacity so it can be ideal for a kayak camping trip with your dog. There are inflatable spray covers at the bow and stern, with grab lines that provide ideal points to secure gear to the deck.
Pros
- Great stability
- Spacious for its size
- Good for kayak camping
- Dog-friendly
Cons
- Slow to paddle
4: Aire Tributary Tomcat Tandem Kayak (best for whitewater)
- Length: 12 foot 6 inches
- Width: 38.5 inches
- Weight: 44 pounds
- Weight capacity: 500 pounds
The Aire Tributary Tomcat Tandem is an inflatable kayak that’s built for whitewater. It is engineered to be buoyant and easy to maneuver on whitewater runs.
This is an excellent kayak for river touring. There’s space for camping gear, with D-rings at the bow and stern for tying down dry bags or tethering to the bank. There are also 18 pairs of cargo loops for securing additional gear or accessories.
This is a durable inflatable whitewater kayak that is crafted from abrasion and tear-resistant PVC. It benefits from having welded seams and a tough vinyl AIREcell bladder. There are also three air chambers for safety.
It comes with two inflatable thwart seats for comfort and support during whitewater runs. However, if you want to paddle this kayak on multi-day trips, you might want to upgrade the seats to something with a little more back support.
A good feature of the seats is that you can move them to different locations in the kayak. You can also remove one to paddle the kayak solo.
This is a self-bailing kayak with mesh drain holes. The kayak can be carried easily by two people using the handles at the bow and stern.
Pros
- Great for river rapids
- Durable construction
- Ample storage space
- Easy to maneuver
Cons
- Seats are not very supportive
5: Sevylor Coleman Colorado 2-Person Fishing Kayak (best for fishing)
- Length: 10 foot 6 inches
- Width: 39 inches
- Weight: 32 pounds
- Weight capacity: 470 pounds
The Sevylor Coleman Colorado is a budget kayak that can be a great option for fishing with a buddy or on your own. This is an inflatable fishing kayak that can be ideal for flatwater conditions, such as calm lakes and ponds.
It has lots of fishing features, offering good value for money. There are several fishing rod holders, including Berkley Quick Set rod holders that let you adjust the angle for hands-free fishing.
Another great feature of this inflatable fishing kayak is the storage solutions. There are mesh pockets on the sides for storing lures and other small tackle. You’ll also find storage pockets in the seats.
It comes with two seats with high backrests. It has multiple air chambers for safety and features 18-gauge PVC construction for durability and strength.
Being just over 10-feet long, this is not a spacious kayak. If you’re tall, you may not have enough leg room if you want to paddle with a partner. But the Colorado can be paddled solo.
This can be ideal for fishing with a child or on a short fishing trip. You may find there’s limited space for gear for longer fishing trips, especially if there are two of you in the kayak.
> Full Coleman Colorado review
Pros
- Good tackle management
- Ideal for lakes and ponds
- Budget fishing kayak
- Can be paddled solo
Cons
- Not very spacious
6: Airhead Montana Two-Person Inflatable Kayak (best budget)
- Length: 12 foot
- Width: 30 inches
- Weight: 36.3 pounds
- Weight capacity: 500 pounds
The Airhead Montana is a budget kayak that is designed to handle both flatwater conditions and moderate whitewater. This makes it a versatile kayak that can be great for taking on vacations. It can also be easy to paddle, making it a good choice for beginners.
This is not a high-performance kayak and it is not the most spacious. But it is easy for two paddlers to maneuver. And it’s also pretty lightweight., so it’s easy to carry to and from the water.
There is some storage space at the bow and stern, where you’ll also find bungee rigging to keep your belongings secured to the deck. There are also D-rings for attaching extra bags.
But if you are a tall person, you may find you don’t have much room to bring gear. However, it can be paddled solo if you want to use the extra space to store gear.
This comes with two padded seats and there are neoprene elbow guards for added comfort while paddling. This is not a self-bailing kayak, however. So if you plan to paddle in rapids, water will likely build up in the kayak and you will need to bail it manually.
Another good feature of this inflatable kayak is that it’s highly visible on the water, which can be a useful safety feature in a rescue situation.
Pros
- Affordable kayak
- Bungee rigging for securing gear
- Good for flatwater and whitewater
- Suitable for beginners
Cons
- Not the most spacious
- Not self-bailing
7: Aquaglide Chinook 120
- Length: 12 foot
- Width: 37 inches
- Depth:12.5 inches
- Weight: 29 pounds
- Weight capacity: 550 pounds
The Aquaglide Chinook 120 is a compact tandem kayak that can be great for paddling with a child or a dog.
It comes with two padded seats with adjustable high backrests for support. It also comes with a child’s inflatable booster seat that can be positioned in the center. The third seat can also be removed if it’s not required. A great feature of the seats is that you can turn them to face each other, which can be useful if you’re paddling with a child.
This can be an ideal kayak for exploring flatwater zones on family trips and can be equally good for a fishing trip. Both seats feature two rod holders and a storage pocket for tackle.
This inflatable kayak is easy to maneuver and can be easily paddled solo if necessary. With added rocker in the bow and stern, it can handle moderate chop but is mostly designed for recreational paddling on flatwater lakes and slow-moving rivers. It’s not designed to handle whitewater or rough conditions.
The small spray covers at the bow and stern provide covered storage for gear. And there are bungees on the top of each if you want to secure dry bags or jackets.
Pros
- Easy to paddle tandem or solo
- Extra child seat
- Fishing rod holders
- Seats can be turned to face each other
Cons
- Not built for running rapids
8: Sea Eagle 473RL Razorlite
- Length: 15 foot 6 inches
- Width: 30 inches
- Weight: 44 pounds
- Weight capacity: 750 pounds
The Sea Eagle 473 Razorlite is an excellent inflatable tandem kayak if you’re looking for increased performance and speed. This one can reach speeds of up to 6 mph thanks to its long, narrow hull and all drop-stitch construction.
The entire kayak features drop-stitch technology. In other drop-stitch kayaks, it’s usually only the floor that features this technology. This means the Sea Eagle 473RL has a more rigid feel when fully inflated, so it performs more like a hardshell kayak.
This is an ideal inflatable kayak for experienced paddlers looking for a portable touring kayak. This can be great for multi-day trips on flatwater, with a tracking skeg to help with performance on open water.
It comes with two high-back seats for comfort. The seats feature thermal molded foam padding and they have a removable zippered pouch at the back for added storage.
There are also adjustable foot braces for each paddler and there’s space to store dry bags at the bow and stern.
This is not a beginner-friendly kayak. Because of its long, narrow hull, it can feel very unstable if you are a new kayaker. If you are a beginner, you might prefer something shorter and/or wider, with a higher level of primary stability for recreational paddling, such as our number one pick, the Sea Eagle 380X.
Pros
- Fast
- All drop-stitch construction
- Great for intermediate and advanced paddlers
- Good touring kayak
Cons
- Not for beginners
9: Star Raven II Tandem Inflatable Kayak
- Length: 12 foot 2 inches
- Width: 38 inches
- Weight: 38 pounds
- Weight capacity: 400 pounds
The Star Raven II is a versatile kayak that can be at home on both flatwater and whitewater. This is designed to be incredibly stable as well as being easy to maneuver on rivers, even if you’re new to kayaking.
Because of the rocker in the hull (to handle whitewater), it can be a little more difficult to paddle in a straight line on flatwater and open water. It’s also susceptible to being blown off course in windy conditions, which could make it more difficult to paddle if you’re a beginner.
A great feature of the Raven II is that it has a drop-stitch floor for rigidity, durability and improved glide. It can handle bumps into rocks and is tough enough to handle a dog’s paws and claws.
There are two padded seats with backrests included. These attach to the kayak using D-rings and can be adjusted, folded, and removed.
This is a very wide kayak, so it’s built for stability rather than speed. It can be an ideal boat for floating down rivers either on your own or with a child.
It’s not the most spacious tandem kayak in terms of legroom, particularly at the rear seat. But it can be paddled solo if you want to load it up with gear for a few days away.
Pros
- Great for river trips
- Easy to maneuver in small spaces
- Durable construction
- Very stable
Cons
- Not much legroom for two paddlers
- Flatwater tracking is not great
10: Aquaglide Blackfoot Angler 160 Inflatable Kayak
- Length: 16 foot 4 inches
- Width: 38 inches
- Depth: 13.5 inches
- Weight: 50 pounds
- Weight capacity: 800 pounds
The Aquaglide Blackfoot Angler 160 is a large and spacious inflatable kayak that can be an ideal fishing kayak for two anglers. There’s even room to bring along a child or a dog and you should still have space for gear.
One of the main features of this kayak is the seating. It includes two framed seats with mesh padding and an adjustable backrest for support. These seats let you and your paddling partner sit in an elevated position off the deck, offering better visibility and a drier ride. The seats also have a storage shelf underneath.
This inflatable tandem kayak has a high capacity, so you can bring all the fishing gear you need for a day on the water. It has adjustable footrests, traction pads for safety, and it comes with a fishing cooler that has rod holders built in.
The Blackfoot Angler features a drop-stitch floor for rigidity and performance and it comes with a weedless fin for improved tracking in lakes and coastal waters.
This is not particularly lightweight for an inflatable kayak, so it’s not the easiest to haul into remote waters. It’s also very long, which could make it more difficult to maneuver if you ever need to paddle it on your own.
Pros
- Ideal for anglers
- Spacious deck
- Fishing cooler included
- Aluminum frame seats
Cons
- Heavy
11: Aire Lynx II Tandem Inflatable Kayak
- Length: 12 foot 6 inches
- Width: 39 inches
- Weight: 43 pounds
- Weight capacity: 475 pounds
The Aire Lynx II Tandem Inflatable Kayak is designed for all-day river running. So it’s made to handle whitewater and be easy to maneuver around rocks, tight bends, and tricky rapids.
The hull is very wide to provide a stable platform in all types of waters. It also has low-profile side tubes to make it more comfortable to paddle and easier when you’re navigating whitewater runs. However, it’s not the easiest to paddle in windy conditions.
There are two seats, each with a supportive backrest and storage pockets for holding gear.
The Lynx II can be paddled solo and can be a great boat for solo kayak camping. You might struggle for space if you want to use it for kayak camping for two people for any longer than a night.
But there are 17 pairs of cargo loops for tying gear to the kayak.
This is a very durable inflatable whitewater kayak that’s crafted from 1100 denier fabric with a urethane inner AireCell. There are three separate air chambers for safety and buoyancy if one is punctured. It also comes with a 10-year no-fault warranty. But it’s not cheap.
Pros
- Excels on whitewater
- Great for river touring
- Easy to maneuver
- Plenty of attachment points for gear
Cons
- Expensive
- Not great in windy weather
Features Of 2-Person Inflatable Kayaks To Look Out For
Space
Space can be one of the most important features of an inflatable tandem kayak. Your ideal kayak should have sufficient space for you and your paddling partner. Some of the shorter inflatable kayaks may not always have enough legroom for two adults to sit comfortably.
If you want to be able to bring your dog along, you’ll need additional space for your dog to comfortably lay down.
Inflatable tandem kayaks are sometimes shorter than hardshell tandem kayaks. However, there are many inflatable tandem kayaks that are longer and offer more room than some hardshell kayaks.
Generally, tandem kayaks that are around 12-feet in length can be ideal for day trips or a few hours, as these are compact tandem kayaks. Longer kayaks can offer more space for gear storage and give you more legroom.
If you and your paddling partner are tall, you might be more comfortable in a longer tandem kayak. Similarly, if you plan to take an extended trip with your kayaking buddy, longer kayaks can be the way to go.
Remember, longer kayaks can be more difficult to maneuver than shorter ones, particularly in small bodies of water, like narrower rivers. You’ll usually find that tandem kayaks that are designed to handle whitewater rapids will have shorter hulls for maneuverability in rough water.
Capacity
Load capacity can vary when it comes to inflatable kayaks. Generally speaking, inflatable kayaks tend to have a higher capacity than hardshell equivalents. This can make inflatable tandem kayaks more suitable for large paddlers and for carrying heavy loads.
Think about you and your paddling partner’s combined weight, plus the weight of all the gear you plan to take. If you’re taking your dog, remember to add the dog’s weight as well.
You should choose a kayak that has a higher weight capacity than you plus all your gear. If you paddle close to the maximum capacity, you might find that the performance of the kayak is negatively affected. And this could also be unsafe.
Additionally, remember to think about the weight of the boat. Inflatable kayaks will tend to be lighter than hardshell kayaks of a similar size. But not all tandem inflatable kayaks are lightweight. You may still need your second paddler to help you carry it down to the water and back.
Stability
Most inflatable kayaks are very stable by design. They tend to be wider than their hardshell counterparts, so they can generally feel less tippy on flatwater.
However, some of the narrower inflatable tandems that are designed primarily for touring may feel less stable initially. These narrow boats might not feel as comfortable if you’re a complete beginner.
There are usually two types of hulls when it comes to inflatable tandem kayaks – those that are designed for whitewater and those that are built for flatwater paddling.
Most inflatable whitewater tandems will be able to handle flatwater as well as fast-moving water. But inflatable tandem kayaks that are made for flatwater will probably not be able to handle whitewater and are likely to flip in rough conditions.
If you’re a beginner, you might prefer the versatility of an inflatable kayak that can handle both flat and rough water, as this can have a high level of both primary and secondary stability.
Materials
Many inflatable kayaks are made using highly durable materials, such as PVC, nylon, and tarpaulin. These materials tend to be very tough and can withstand bumps against rocks and gravel bars.
Most inflatable kayaks are also tough enough to handle dogs’ paws and claws, making them equally ideal for pet owners and beginners.
Video: How To Patch an Inflatable Kayak
Inflatable kayaks can also be easy to repair on your own, using a patch kit. Many inflatable tandems will come with a repair kit that you should carry with you on your paddling adventures just in case. We have a guide on how to repair punctures.
Drop-stitch technology can be a good feature to look for in the construction of inflatable kayaks. Often found on inflatable stand-up paddle boards (iSUPs), this material creates a very rigid surface.
The rigidity is similar to a hardshell kayak, so you can get a similar level of performance but in a lightweight, easy-to-transport package. Drop-stitch construction means there are thousands of fine threads of polyester fabric woven together to create material. When inflated, the result in inflatable kayaks is a hard platform.
High-quality inflatable kayaks usually feature drop-stitch construction in the floor. But there are some high-performance inflatable tandem kayaks that use the technology in the entire construction of the kayak.
What Are The Cons Of Inflatable Kayaks?
Setting Up
One drawback of an inflatable kayak is that you have to spend time inflating it when you get to the water. This can take upwards of 10 minutes but can involve inflating seats and attaching spray covers or other components. You will usually need a suitable pump to inflate your kayak to the correct pressure.
A hardshell can simply be taken off your car roof rack and launched into the water immediately.
You could always inflate the kayak before you head to the water but this would make the inflatable kayak less convenient to transport. You would need a roof rack on your car unless you live within walking distance of the launch.
Time To Dry
When it’s time to head home, you’ll usually have to spend time waiting for your inflatable kayak to dry before you can safely pack it up. If you store your inflatable kayak while it’s still wet, it can lead to mold and mildew, which can damage the fabric and weaken your kayak.
You could, if you’re in a hurry to get home, pack it up and then unpack it once you’re home. Leave it to air dry completely before you pack it up for storage. Make sure the storage bag is also completely dry before you put the kayak inside.
Performance On The Water
There are many high-performance inflatable kayaks around today. But generally speaking, most inflatable kayaks will generally be slower on the water than the hardshell equivalents.
This is often because inflatable kayaks have wider hulls thanks to the air-filled side tubes.
You may also find that, because of the lightweight, air-filled nature of inflatables, they can be more susceptible to being blown around in wind. And they can be more difficult to control in currents and open water, with sometimes less-than-optimal tracking performance.
You may also find that inflatables don’t have as long a lifespan as hardshell kayaks, particularly if the kayaks have spent a lot of time in hot sun.
2-Person Inflatable Kayaks FAQs
Do Inflatable Kayaks Puncture Easily?
No, inflatable kayaks are generally pretty tough and can withstand lots of bumps and scrapes. Inflatable kayaks are often used for whitewater running because of their durability and puncture-resistance.
Is It OK To Leave An Inflatable Kayak Inflated?
If you plan to leave the inflatable kayak for a short time, you can leave it inflated. But over time, it could lose pressure and start to deflate, particularly if you leave it in the sun.
If you don’t plan to use the kayak for a few days, it can be better to deflate it or at least let some of the air out.
Are Inflatable Kayaks Better Than Hardshell?
They can be if you have limited storage space at home to store a hardshell kayak. Inflatable kayaks can also be easier to transport than hardshells and have a higher capacity than similar hardshell kayaks. But in terms of performance, hardshell kayaks are generally faster than inflatable ones.
Do Double Kayaks Tip Over Easily?
They shouldn’t tip over any more easily than a solo kayak, as long as you paddle in conditions suitable for your particular kayak and skill level. If your paddling partner decides to get up and move around, you might tip over more easily.
How To Clean An Inflatable Kayak?
You should rinse your inflatable kayak with clean water after each use. Remove the floor and inflate the floor and the rest of the kayak before you clean it. You can clean it using mild soap and water. Remember to let it dry completely before you store it.
Conclusion: Our Final Thoughts On The Top Tandem Inflatable Kayaks
The best tandem inflatable kayak out there is the Sea Eagle 380X. This is a versatile kayak that can be great for exploring slow and fast-moving rivers.
The 380X can be a good starter kayak for recreational paddling. But it also has the capability of handling Class IV rapids if you have the advanced skills to tackle them. This also has a much higher capacity than similarly-sized inflatables, so it’s a fantastic option for two larger paddlers or hauling camping gear.
Another excellent kayak, and our runner-up pick, is the Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Convertible Kayak. This is a longer kayak that can be ideal for touring, with enough space for taller paddlers. This offers a high level of performance, with decent speed and tracking in open water.
A great choice if you’d prefer to take on some big whitewater is the Aire Tributary Tomcat Tandem. This is a high-performance whitewater kayak that offers maneuverability, ease of use, and durability.
Remember to check out the products for yourself. Not all of these kayaks will be suitable for everyone. Think about the type of kayaking you want to do and whether you want to take on rapids or explore at a slower pace.
> Are inflatable kayaks any good? Pros and cons
Just wondering why there are no Bote brand kayaks in this list