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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