Let’s be honest – half the fun of kayaking is bringing your water-loving pup along. But if you’re in the market for a new ride, make sure you keep your best friend’s specific needs in mind too – stability, weight capacity and deck space are all key. Here are the best dog-friendly kayaks out there!
Best for Fishing
The Kayak: Old Town Sportsman 106 Powered by Minn Kota
The Cost: $3349
Why It’s Perfect for Dogs: With a usable weight capacity of 329 pounds, this kayak should be able to accommodate most dogs and their owners. It comes with cushioned floor pads and a flat bottom that you’ll both find stable and comfortable.
What Makes This Kayak Special: Designed specifically for anglers (and their best friends), it’s powered by a Minn Kota trolling motor so you can navigate safely through windy conditions or trips when you need to give your paddling arms a break.
For the Bigger Pup Who Sometimes Gets Antsy
The Kayak: Crescent Kayaks Crew 2+1
The Cost: $1199
Why It’s Perfect for Dogs: Have a pup who has a hard time staying still? This kayak promises decent stability, so if your pooch hops out to retrieve something, he can hop back on without flipping their human adventure partner.
What Makes This Kayak Special: Kayakers love the Crew for its maneuverability. With an overall weight capacity of 600 pounds, you can also pack a cooler (or two!) with you.
Best Budget Kayak
The Kayak: Ocean Kayak Malibu Two
The Cost: $494.99
Why It’s Perfect for Dogs: This is a great, inexpensive option. With a usable weight capacity of 362 pounds, the Ocean Kayak Malibu Two is spacious enough to accommodate you plus a medium-sized dog.
What Makes This Kayak Special: You’ll love this kayak’s versatility. Thanks to adjustable seats, you can configure it for solo excursions or tandem with a child or pet.
Best Inflatable Kayak
The Kayak: Intex Explorer K2
The Cost: $126.10
Why It’s Perfect for Dogs: Don’t be spooked by the fact that this kayak is inflatable. If you need a packable, portable option for you and your dog, this Intex Explorer K2 is as durable as they come, so you don’t have to be worried that your dog’s claws or teeth will do damage, thanks to its heavy duty, puncture-resistant polypropylene material.
What Makes This Kayak Special: It’s inexpensive and you can deflate it to pack for your next adventure. Paddles are included.
For Two Plus the Pooch
The Kayak: Perception Rambler 13.5
The Cost: $977.19
Why It’s Perfect for Dogs: One of the longer and wider kayaks on our list, this vessel can accommodate small to large dogs as you paddle. The stability, in particular, makes this kayak safe for beginners, plus rambunctious dogs who may not like to keep still.
What Makes This Kayak Special: Without a dog, this kayak can fit up to three humans. With dogs, you can get away with two humans and one pooch. You’ll also like its molded foot rests and cargo space that’s secured with straps.
For Dogs Who Prefer Riding Below
The Kayak: Old Town Vapor 10
The Cost: $940.99
Why It’s Perfect for Dogs: Dogs who like to burrow will find security and calm in the Old Town Vapor 10, which can hold a maximum capacity of 325 pounds. Thanks to its large cockpit, your pooch can hang in the compartment during your journey. (And easy escape if you flip.)
What Makes This Kayak Special: In addition to the cockpit’s roominess, a molded cockpit tray and cup holder come standard. You’ll like this kayak’s ample storage space, built-in carry handles and Glide Track foot brace system, as well.
