Reviewed & Fact-Checked By
Dr. Nia Perkins
Veterinarian, DVM
Reviewed & Fact-Checked By
Dr. Nia Perkins
Veterinarian, DVM
The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.
Outdoor recreation has long been a popular pastime, but interest in activities like biking and kayaking has increased even more during the COVID-19 pandemic. With so many restrictions and concerns around indoor activities, outdoor adventures are even more sought after, and kayaks provide an easy way to socially distance. For dog owners, finding ways for their pups to join in the outdoor exploration is always preferred. So, what if you want your dog to join you on a kayaking adventure? The first step is to buy a kayak suitable for both you and your dog. To help you out, we’ve collected reviews of what we think are the eight best kayaks for dogs this year. Before you hit the water, read through our thoughts on the boats, as well as an overview of what you need to know when kayaking with your dog. Happy paddling!
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites (Updated in 2023)
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Perception Tribe 13.5 Sit On Top
Easy to handle in the water
Plenty of space for even giant dogs
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Best Value
Intex Excursion Pro Kayak
Inflates quickly
Easy to store and transport
The rear booster can be removed for more dog space
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Premium Choice
DriftSun Teton 120
Stable, smooth ride
Plenty of space and storage
Designed for longer excursions
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Ocean Kayak Malibu Two
Easy entry and exit
Stable and easy to paddle
Easily adapted for single paddlers
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BKU TK122U Fishing Kayak
High weight capacity
Very stable in the water
Comfortable seats and deep interior
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The 8 Best Kayaks For Dogs
- Perception Tribe 13.5 Sit On Top Kayak – Best Overall
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Kayak Length: 13’5”
Kayak Weight: 79 pounds
Max Weight Capacity: 500 pounds
Our choice for the best overall kayak for dogs is the Perception Tribe 13.5 Sit On Top Tandem Kayak. This kayak offers plenty of space for you and your dog. It offers two spacious seating areas with adjustable backs for comfortable paddling. There’s also a molded center seat designed for kids or dogs. Depending on the size of your dog, this kayak could theoretically carry two people and their pup. The kayak holds up to 500 pounds, so even giant breeds can take to the water in this boat. The Perception is easy to handle and steer, especially for its size. While it has two carry handles, this kayak may be too heavy for one person to manage, especially for lifting on top of a car.
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Kayak Length: 13’5”
Kayak Weight: 79 pounds
Max Weight Capacity: 500 pounds
Pros
Plenty of space for even giant dogs
Easy to handle in the water
Cons
It may be too heavy for one person to carry and lift
- Intex Excursion Pro Kayak – Best Value
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Kayak Length: 12’7”
Kayak Weight: 39 pounds
Max Weight Capacity: 400 pounds
Our pick for the best kayak for dogs for the money is the Intex Excursion Pro Kayak. This inflatable kayak is made of tough PVC material, designed to resist damage from water hazards. This same durability will help it resist your dog’s claws as well. Because it is inflatable, the Excursion is easy to store and transport and light enough for one person to carry fairly easily. It inflates quickly and features adjustable footrests for comfortable paddling. The rear seatback can be removed to give your dog more room to lie down or stand. Because it’s inflatable, this kayak likely won’t last as long or be as durable as a hard-shell boat but it still provides good bang for your buck.
Plenty of space for even giant dogs
Easy to handle in the water
- Plenty of space for even giant dogs
- Easy to handle in the water
It may be too heavy for one person to carry and lift
- It may be too heavy for one person to carry and lift
Kayak Length: 12’7”
Kayak Weight: 39 pounds
Max Weight Capacity: 400 pounds
Pros
Easy to store and transport
Inflates quickly
The rear booster can be removed for more dog space
Cons
May have durability issues long term
- DriftSun Teton 120 Kayak – Premium Choice
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Kayak Length: 12’2”
Kayak Weight: 72 pounds
Max Weight Capacity: 500 pounds
Super durable and versatile, the Driftsun Teton 120 comes in at a higher price point than the rest of our list. Designed for long days on the water or multi-day excursions, this kayak features multiple fishing rod holders, built-in cup holders, and plenty of storage, including a sealed dry storage compartment. The double padded seats plus center seating area offer plenty of room for you, your dog, and maybe even another human friend. Wide and stable, this kayak can handle flat or choppy water and provide a smoother ride, helping your dog feel secure onboard. While it’s lighter than some other hardshell kayaks, this boat still might be tough for one person to carry and load.
Easy to store and transport
Inflates quickly
The rear booster can be removed for more dog space
- Easy to store and transport
- Inflates quickly
- The rear booster can be removed for more dog space
May have durability issues long term
- May have durability issues long term
Kayak Length: 12’2”
Kayak Weight: 72 pounds
Max Weight Capacity: 500 pounds
Pros
Designed for longer excursions
Plenty of space and storage
Stable, smooth ride
Cons
More expensive
Might be too heavy for one person to load and carry
- Ocean Kayak Malibu Two
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Kayak Length: 12’
Kayak Weight: 57 pounds
Max Weight Capacity: 425 pounds
The Malibu Two is an ocean kayak that also works on flat water such as lakes and calm rivers. The low sides make it easy for your dog to jump in and out. The kayak has two padded seats and a center area for your dog. Alternatively, single paddlers can sit in the center thanks to the design of the footrests. This boat doesn’t have as much storage space as the two hard shells we already reviewed but is less expensive and lighter. It is wide and stable in the water and handles fairly well despite its size. Paddles must be purchased separately.
Designed for longer excursions
Plenty of space and storage
Stable, smooth ride
- Designed for longer excursions
- Plenty of space and storage
- Stable, smooth ride
More expensive
Might be too heavy for one person to load and carry
- More expensive
- Might be too heavy for one person to load and carry
Kayak Length: 12’
Kayak Weight: 57 pounds
Max Weight Capacity: 425 pounds
Pros
Easy entry and exit
Stable and easy to paddle
Easily adapted for single paddlers
Cons
Not as much storage
Paddles sold separately
- BKU TK122U Fishing Kayak
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Kayak Length: 12’6”
Kayak Weight: 74 pounds
Max Weight Capacity: 770 pounds
Fishing kayaks tend to be a good choice for paddling with dogs because they’re designed to be extra stable in the water. The BKU TK122U offers a very high maximum weight capacity so you don’t have to worry about carrying even the largest of dogs. It has double dry storage compartments and sturdy, aluminum seats for comfortable paddling. The downside is the extra seat can’t be removed, although there should still be space for your dog. Although this is a sit-on-top kayak, the interior is a little bit deeper than others, which could help your dog feel more secure, especially when you’re just starting out on the water together.
Easy entry and exit
Stable and easy to paddle
Easily adapted for single paddlers
- Easy entry and exit
- Stable and easy to paddle
- Easily adapted for single paddlers
Not as much storage
Paddles sold separately
- Not as much storage
- Paddles sold separately
Kayak Length: 12’6”
Kayak Weight: 74 pounds
Max Weight Capacity: 770 pounds
Pros
Very stable in the water
High weight capacity
Comfortable seats and deep interior
Cons
Seats aren’t removable
More expensive boat
- Solstice Inflatable Kayak
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Kayak Length: 11’
Kayak Weight: 40 pounds
Max Weight Capacity: 440 pounds
A sleek, easy-to-maneuver inflatable kayak, the Solstice is light enough to be carried and paddled by a wide range of people. It’s easy to inflate and packs up small when deflated for easy storage and transport. The floor of this kayak is tough to withstand dog claw damage. While the kayak holds up to 440 pounds, it is about a foot shorter than the other kayaks we’ve reviewed and could be a little tight when paddling with a big dog. The seats are easy to move around to find the perfect paddling location and allow your dog room to stretch out. Users report this kayak is stable in the water and fast enough to run in whitewater (leave your dog at home for that one!)
Very stable in the water
High weight capacity
Comfortable seats and deep interior
- Very stable in the water
- High weight capacity
- Comfortable seats and deep interior
Seats aren’t removable
More expensive boat
- Seats aren’t removable
- More expensive boat
Kayak Length: 11’
Kayak Weight: 40 pounds
Max Weight Capacity: 440 pounds
Pros
Light, easy to paddle
Stable in the water
Easy to inflate, carry, and transport
Cons
Smaller than some other tandem kayaks
- SeaEagle Inflatable Kayak
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Kayak Length: 12’5”
Kayak Weight: 32 pounds
Max Weight Capacity: 650 pounds
The Sea Eagle has the highest max weight capacity of the inflatable kayaks that we reviewed. It’s also long and roomy, designed to carry three people so plenty of space for your dog. This boat inflates in about 10 minutes and packs up small for easy transport. The seats in this kayak are movable, allowing you to figure out just the right arrangement to keep you and your dog comfortable. Some users found that the seats weren’t very sturdy, however, which decreased the comfort level when paddling. Like many inflatables, this kayak can have a tough time in windy conditions.
Light, easy to paddle
Stable in the water
Easy to inflate, carry, and transport
- Light, easy to paddle
- Stable in the water
- Easy to inflate, carry, and transport
Smaller than some other tandem kayaks
- Smaller than some other tandem kayaks
Kayak Length: 12’5”
Kayak Weight: 32 pounds
Max Weight Capacity: 650 pounds
Pros
High weight capacity
Plenty of space
All seats are movable
Cons
Seats aren’t as sturdy
Can have issues handling windy conditions
- Old Town Vapor 10 Kayak
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Kayak Length: 10’
Kayak Weight: 47 pounds
Max Weight Capacity: 325 pounds
The Old Town Vapor is a sit-in kayak but the cockpit is oversized, allowing room for your dog to join you. There’s also a storage space behind the cockpit that could serve as a sitting space for a dog. While this kayak only has a 325-pound max weight limit, chances are a giant dog wouldn’t fit in this boat anyway. As a single kayak, this boat is light enough for one person to carry and handle. It’s also shorter, at 10 feet in length, making it easier to store than some of the larger tandem options. Sit in kayaks often feel more secure to paddle and this is a good balance between that security and space for your dog.
High weight capacity
Plenty of space
All seats are movable
- High weight capacity
- Plenty of space
- All seats are movable
Seats aren’t as sturdy
Can have issues handling windy conditions
- Seats aren’t as sturdy
- Can have issues handling windy conditions
Kayak Length: 10’
Kayak Weight: 47 pounds
Max Weight Capacity: 325 pounds
Pros
Sit-in kayak
Lighter and smaller than a tandem kayak
Easier to carry and paddle
Cons
325 weight limit
Somewhat limited interior space
Sit-in kayak
Lighter and smaller than a tandem kayak
Easier to carry and paddle
- Sit-in kayak
- Lighter and smaller than a tandem kayak
- Easier to carry and paddle
325 weight limit
Somewhat limited interior space
- 325 weight limit
- Somewhat limited interior space
What To Know Before Kayaking With Your Dog
Now that you’ve learned more about the best kayaks for paddling with your dog, here’s some other information to help you and your dog enjoy your adventure safely.
Pick The Right Boat
You probably noticed some common themes when reading our kayak reviews. Overall, the best kayaks for dogs are roomy, stable, and have a high maximum weight capacity. The other features are primarily for your benefit rather than your dog, who probably doesn’t care whether you have a cup holder or not. The first step in a successful water adventure with your dog is selecting the right kayak.
Be Realistic About Your Dog’s Abilities
No matter how much you want your dog to be your adventure buddy, not every pup is cut out for the job. If your dog has never shown any interest in water or is actively afraid of it, chances are they may be less than enthusiastic about kayaking. On the other hand, a dog who’s never been around water may turn out to be a fabulous kayaker. If your dog is well-trained and socialized and fairly adaptable overall, chances are they can learn to be comfortable in the kayak.
Get Your Dog a Life Jacket
Just like you should wear a life jacket whether or not you know how to swim, the same is true for your dog. No matter how careful you are, weather conditions can change quickly or a reckless powerboat can shoot a dangerous wake across your path. Even if you pick the most stable kayak, there’s always the change you could capsize. Keep your dog as safe as possible by fitting them with a life jacket.
Start On Dry Land
You didn’t learn how to kayak overnight and neither will your dog. Take your time getting your dog used to the kayak on dry land before you advance to the water. Place the kayak somewhere your dog will see it often and become accustomed to it. Allow them to investigate the kayak and reward them if they climb in on their own. Decide where you want your dog to ride and begin teaching them how to settle there. Again, the whole process will be easier if your dog already has a good grasp of basic obedience.
Start Slow In The Water
Once your dog is comfortable with the kayak on land, move to the water but again, take things slowly. If your dog seems stressed at any point, slow down and continue to use positive reinforcement to teach your dog how to behave in the kayak. The goal is to get them comfortable and trained on where to sit or lay in the kayak in shallow water before you attempt a longer trip.
Be Prepared
When you’re ready for your first kayak adventure with your pup, make sure you’re packed and prepared with all the gear you might need. Make sure you have water for you and your dog and a way to keep them cool if it’s hot out. Dogs with short hair or light skin might need sunscreen for protection.
Bring your dog’s collar and leash but never attach them to the kayak. This could be disastrous if the kayak overturns and your dog becomes trapped beneath it.
An optional item that could make the trip more comfortable for your dog is a pair of Doggles or dog goggles. This product protects your dog’s eyes from water and sun.
Practice Water Safety
To keep yourself and your dog safe, practice basic water safety when kayaking together. Don’t go out on the water during a thunderstorm or when one is forecast. Avoid kayaking under the influence. Be alert for powerboats and Jet skis if kayaking on a multi-use body of water.
Follow all state and local rules when it comes to where you paddle and fish, as well as leash laws. Make sure your dog is up to date on vaccinations and heartworm, flea, and tick prevention.
Conclusion
Our best overall kayak for dogs, the Perception Tribe is a sturdy, roomy, and easy-to-handle boat, ideal for canine water adventures. Our best value choice, the Intex Excursion Pro, is a lightweight, durable inflatable boat, a good option for solo paddlers and their canine co-pilots. Kayaking with your dog can be a fantastic way to spend time in the great outdoors while also bonding with your pup. We hope our reviews of these eight kayaks will help you pick the perfect boat for you and your dog to take on your adventure paddles together.
Featured Image Credit: gayleenfroese2, Pixabay
