Canoes & Kayaks

7 Best Inflatable Kayaks for the Ocean

Chris King
By

Inflatable kayaks are perfect for this because they are lightweight and portable. This means if you are on vacation, you won’t have to worry about lugging around the old, hefty kayak you might have. You can fold this one right up, put it in a backpack, and be on your way!

7 Best Inflatable Kayaks for the Ocean

Kayaking in the ocean is an incredible way to view the sea from a whole different perspective.

When it comes to kayaking on the open water, you will want to be sure that you have a kayak that you can depend on, and that is going to get you from point A to point B without any hassles or complications. This means that you aren’t going to be searching for just any ordinary kayak, you are going to be searching for the best kayak that you can find and trust to use when you are heading out onto the sea waters.

Best Inflatable Kayak for the Ocean

Since ocean waters are a little less predictable than river waters, you’ll want to be slightly pickier when choosing an inflatable kayak for the ocean. You’ll want to make sure the quality and standard safety features are your main priority. You’ll most definitely only want the best of the best.

The Top 7 Best Inflatable Kayaks for the Ocean

So, when you are beginning the purchasing process, it is important that you understand exactly what it is that you should be looking for when it comes to a kayak, and what are the best options for you to choose from with the best features and abilities to give you the experience that you are looking for.

In this article, we will be discussing the best inflatable kayaks that you can choose from in the market when you are beginning your search, what they have to offer you, and what is going to work the best for you and your excursions.

ADVANCED ELEMENTS Advanced Frame Inflatable Kayak

Size inflated: 10’5″ x 2’6” | Weight: 36lb | Max. weight capacity: 300 Lbs.

This inflatable kayak is incredibly stable and had great tracking. The stern replaces the skeg on this kayak increasing tracking performance along with built-in aluminum ribs. These aluminum ribs also help the kayak cut through the water with speed and agility.

Advanced Elements Lagoon 1 Person Inflatable Kayak,Orange/Gray
  • Rigid bow and stern - Built-in rigid panels define the bow and stern and improve tracking.
  • Tube cover - Inner tube cover adds stiffness and abrasion protection.

This single-rider kayak is super easy to assemble! It just needs to be unfolded, inflated, and the seats need to be attached. Everything else is already done for you. The Advanced Frame Inflatable Kayak is one of the best inflatable kayaks for the ocean due to its stability, extremely durable construction, and storage space! It is great for a first-time user and a long-time user.

This is one of the best inflatable kayaks in the UK, and certainly worth considering.

Pros: easy to set up, comfortable, excellent tracking
Cons: a bit pricey, may be too short for taller people, not self-bailing

Sea Eagle 370 Pro 3 Person Inflatable Kayak Canoe

Size inflated: 12’6” x 2’10” | Weight: 32lb | Max. weight capacity: 650lb

One of the highest recommended inflatable kayaks that you will be able to find on the market, is the Sea Eagle SE370 Inflatable Kayak. It is small enough to fold up and fit inside of a bag, however, it has enough cargo space for so many camping supplies, or any other type of supplies, that you are needing to take along with you on your journey.

Sea Eagle 370K Pro 3-Person Inflatable Outdoor Water Sports Kayak Canoe Boat with Paddles, Adjustable Seats, Foot Pump, and Carrying Bag, White
  • PROFESSIONAL 3-PERSON outdoor kayak is ideal for Class III whitewater and is easy to store and carry while being able to support a maximum weight up to 650 pounds
  • BUILT WITH DURABLE MATERIALS with an I-beam floor to increase rigidity that withstands the unexpected outdoor elements; Weighs 32 lbs. and packs down small enough to fit in the smallest car trunk

By using the included foot pump, this kayak can be inflated and assembled in only 8 minutes! This kayak package also includes two ultra-comfortable seats that provide added back support 2 paddles and a carrying bag. With it only weighing in at 32 pounds, it is easily portable and doesn’t need multiple people to transport it.

This amazing inflatable kayak has 2 skegs on the bottom. This aids with tracking, speed, and balance so you can focus more on enjoying yourself instead of constantly trying to turn your kayak. The Sea Eagle 370 pro is also self-bailing, so you don’t have to constantly pump water out yourself.

This kayak is certainly one of the best inflatable kayaks for the ocean due to its self-bailing feature and dual skegs!

Pros: has 2 skegs for advanced tracking, has a self-bailing drain
Cons: a little small for 3 people

Sevylor Coleman Colorado 2-Person Fishing Kayak

Size inflated: 10’2” x 3’ | Weight: 32.9 | Max. weight capacity: 470lb

This inflatable ocean kayak offers great features for fishing and the option to add a motor, making it one of the best 2 person kayaks on the market.

The Sevylor Coleman Colorado Inflatable kayak is made out of layers of PVC and thick tarpaulin on the bottom making it exceptionally durable for rugged use and fishing! This kayak comes with D-rings to attach equipment, mesh pockets for storage, and rod holders for efficient hands-free fishing.

The most notable feature of this kayak might have to be the ability to attach a motor. This is especially helpful when fishing if you get tired from paddling.

The multiple air chambers are an excellent feature for an inflatable ocean kayak because it allows other chambers to stay inflated in case one is punctured. This extra safety feature enhances its reliability to perform well on the ocean!

Pros: Great for fishing, affordable, multiple air chambers
Cons: No skegs, not self-bailing

Intex Excursion Pro Kayak

Size inflated: 12”5’ x 2” | Weight: 44lb | Max. weight capacity: 400

Another inflatable ocean kayak great for fishing is the Intex Excursion Pro Kayak! It is equipped with 2 directional skegs, 2 recessed fishing rod holders, and 2 modifiable bucket seats.
This kayak offers high-pressure inflation which provides additional stability and firmness so you can move smoothly over the ocean waters. The extra skegs also help with tracking, keeping you in a straight line the entirety of your journey!

Intex Explorer K2 2 Person Inflatable Kayak Set with Comfortable Backrest, Aluminum Oars, and High Output Air Pump for Fast Inflation, Yellow
  • Outdoor 2-person watercraft kayak is made of rugged 30-gauge vinyl for stronger durability, ideal for lakes and mild rivers
  • Inflatable seats and backrests are adjustable for a comfortable ride and feature grab lines on both ends with a maximum weight capacity of 400 pounds

The Intex Excursion Pro Kayak is constructed of durable PCV which makes it highly resistant to abrasions and sunlight. This is important while out on the ocean since you will most likely encounter long periods of direct sunlight. These features make the Intex Excursion Pro Kayak one of the best inflatable kayaks for the ocean!

Pros: Excellent for fishing, has dual skegs, has a drain plug
Cons: minimal storage space

Aquaglide McKenzie 105 Inflatable Kayak

Size inflated: 30” X 22” | Max. weight capacity: 300 | Weight: 35lb

This self-bailing inflatable ocean kayak is designed with ocean waters in mind. Made with heavy-duty PVC and 4 mesh drains to allow for faster water drainage, this kayak is ocean-ready!
Stocked with additional floor clips and back straps for the adjustable seat and a storage backpack, the kayaker who chooses this kayak will be able to adjust most features to their liking. This also comes with a removal fin for added stability, control, and tracking.

Aquaglide McKenzie 105 Inflatable Kayak - 1 Person Whitewater Kayak,Orange
  • WHITEWATER KAYAK: McKenzie is a whitewater recreational hybrid filled with versatile and innovative technical features; a cross-over kayak designed for running rapids, or finding perfect swell.
  • BUILT TO PERFORM: Features Duratex construction, EvoBeam technology, and 4 mesh drains for rapid water evacuation. Additional features include Posi-track fin, velcro seat, Halkey-Roberts type valve.

The Aquaglide Mckenzie 105 Inflatable Kayak is perfect for the solo kayaker who wants accommodating features and outstanding stability.

Pros: stable, lightweight, accommodating
Cons: doesn’t come with oars

AIRHEAD AHTK-2 Montana Performance 2 Person Kayak

When it comes to inflatable kayaks, they are incredibly beneficial to use when it comes to camping trips, fishing trips, exploring unique and remote areas, cruising yachts, and for vacations. It is also great to use for those who are going on long drives and trips, because it is easy to fold up, pack away, and take it with you. You can fit this kayak in your duffel bag, your suitcase, or in the trunk of your car.

Even if you aren’t planning to go kayaking, if you are on a trip and feel the need to kayak and paddle, then you will have it with you in the trunk of your vehicle or your bag, and it will be ready and available for you to use.

It was designed with PVC material that is a bright orange, and this makes it visible to see for others who might be around you. This makes it safe for you to use anywhere since it is easily seen. This is an amazing kayak that you can use and take with you anywhere that you are wanting to go. It is durable, easy to use, easy to inflate, and is perfect for any type of trip that you are going on.

Airhead Montana Kayak Two Person Inflatable Kayak , white, 12 ft
  • Airhead Montana Travel kayaks are Inflatable kayaks that are perfect for camping, vacationing, exploring remote areas, and cruising yachts
  • Designed for lakes and moderate white water, this two person inflatable kayak is lightweight, compact, and portable

There are many amazing and beneficial features that this kayak comes equipped with that give it the high recommendation that it has received.

Intex Explorer K2 Kayak

If you are looking for a sport, fun, and easy to operate kayak for the trips that you plan on taking, then the Intex Explorer K2 Kayak is the one for you to consider. It was designed with sporty designs on the side, and created out of a bright yellow material, so that it makes it safe to use and easily visible for others to see you. Its easy to inflate and deflate, and this makes it very easy to take with you on whatever trip you might be going on.

It has been specifically designed with comfort in mind, and this makes it a highly sought after inflatable kayak in the market. There have been several satisfied customers who have found exactly what they were looking for in an inflatable kayak, and it has made it one of the highest recommended ones in the market as well. The Intex Explorer Kayak is one of the best inflatable kayaks that you can use for the water excursions that you need to use it on.

Intex Explorer K2 2 Person Inflatable Kayak Set with Comfortable Backrest, Aluminum Oars, and High Output Air Pump for Fast Inflation, Yellow
  • Outdoor 2-person watercraft kayak is made of rugged 30-gauge vinyl for stronger durability, ideal for lakes and mild rivers
  • Inflatable seats and backrests are adjustable for a comfortable ride and feature grab lines on both ends with a maximum weight capacity of 400 pounds

There are many features that it comes equipped with, these features include:

  • Designed for small bodies of water
  • Comfortable for anyone to use
  • Adjustable inflatable seats with a backrest
  • Yellow material makes it highly visible

Buyer’s Guide

Important Factors

The feeling of gliding through the ocean in a kayak is almost unmatched! Since you may encounter larger waves and changing sea conditions, you’ll want to ensure that your kayak is equipped with the proper features to keep you afloat. So, what should you look for? Your inflatable kayak should have a skeg, be lengthy and wide, have a high-pressure air floor, and be self-bailing.

Choose an inflatable kayak that is elongated and wide
Larger kayaks are generally better equipped to handle ocean waves and offer more stability.
Longer kayaks can crash into waves without folding.
Wider kayaks are very stable.

Choose an inflatable kayak that has a high-pressure air floor
High-pressure air floors help add rigidity to the kayak. This means you’ll be able to go over waves with ease.

Choose an inflatable kayak that is self-bailing
Unless you want to sit in a puddle the whole time you’re kayaking, choose a self-bailing kayak! These have a floor that allows water that gets inside to drain back out. It saves you a lot of time and energy from having to bail out water yourself, leaving you more time to enjoy your kayaking experience.

Choose an inflatable kayak that has a skeg
Skegs help your kayak travel straight instead of twisting and turning. Skegs, also called fins, will help you when you encounter cross winds and currents out on the ocean. It’s best to choose an inflatable kayak with 2 skegs for added stability but one will be sufficient as well.

FAQ

Whether you have chosen which kayak to purchase yet or not, the experience of kayaking in the ocean may leave you with a few questions. Here are some answers that may be helpful to you!

Can’t I use the inflatable kayak I already use for fishing?

For safety reasons, it is recommended to only use kayaks that are suitable for the ocean. The inflatable kayaks used for fishing or used in mild rivers, may not have all the safety features an inflatable kayak specifically made for the ocean has.

Will my kayak be able to handle rough water?

Yes! Inflatable ocean kayaks are designed to do just that. This is why they are wider and longer than the average inflatable kayak. The extra width and length provide extra stability and balance.

Why should I choose an inflatable kayak over a hardshell one?

Inflatable kayaks are a lot easier to manage than traditional kayaks! They are easier to store and transport. This is especially helpful if you are traveling with your kayak or if you have limited storage space.

Conclusion

Kayaking in the ocean differs from kayaking in rivers and other milder waters. By keeping this in mind when selecting a kayak, you will ensure that you get the best inflatable kayak for the ocean that meets your needs!

There is a wide range of inflatable ocean kayaks for you to choose from! But always make sure you choose one that is made with quality materials, preferably has at least one skeg, is long and wide, and preferably is self-bailing!

The only reason your heart should be racing while kayaking in the ocean is because you are paddling and enjoying yourself, not because you are afraid of tipping over or losing control.
So, invest in one of the best inflatable kayaks for the ocean and enjoy the thrilling call of the sea!

About the author: Chris loves the outdoors and has developed a love of gadgets and inflatable toys, from kayaking and paddle boarding to relaxing in his hot tub at home. The founder of WhichInflatable and has been the editor for 7 years.

Which Inflatable is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.