Kayaking is a great way to explore lacks and rivers on a sunny day especially if you are accompanied by a partner. To accomplish this you will need a tandem or two-person kayak.
But if you look at the online store then you will find various tandem kayaks with different features and price range. Choosing one of them is a tough task especially when all the manufacturers claim their product to be best than others.
Basically there are two types of kayaks; first is an inflatable kayak and second is a rigid kayak. An inflatable kayak is very lightweight but requires some learning curve before you can inflate it quickly.
On the other hand, the rigid kayak is very heavy but it does not require any inflation. So first you need to decide which type of kayak you need. We have added both types of kayak on our list so you can make a better buying decision.
So to help you solve this problem we have tested many kayaks according to its weight capacity, durability, and types. After rigorous testing, we came up with the reviews of the best tandem kayak in 2020.
| Intex Explorer K2 Tandem Kayak (Best Inflatable Tandem Kayak)
(Editor's Choice) (Best Quality)  |
| Malibu Recreational Kayak (Best Rigid Tandem Kayak)
(Editor's Choice) (Best Quality)  |
| Sea Eagle Inflatable Sport Tandem Kayak
 |
| Vibe Skipjack Tandem Kayak
|
| AdvancedFrame Convertible Inflatable Tandem Kayak
|
| Intex Challenger K2 Inflatable Tandem Kayak
|
| Sun Dolphin Bali Tandem Kayak
|
Quick Answer: The Best Tandem Kayak
1. Intex Explorer K2 Kayak, Inflatable 2 person kayak set
If you are familiar with kayaking, then you may know about the Intex. Intex is a respected brand that builds all kind of recreational gears and this tandem kayak by Intex is no exception.
This inflatable tandem kayak is very easy to inflate and deflate. Because of this configuration, you can easily transport this kayak and store it in a small bag when going on a trip.
If you want to sail alone, then the seats are removable, and by removing the rear seat, you can make this kayak for one person. Also, the seats in this kayak keep you raise out of the water so you can see the whole lake clearly.
I would like to point out that the seats are inflatable and come with a backrest which results in greater comfort; thus you can sit on it for the longer period of time without hurting you back.
If we talk about the dimensions, then this kayak measures 123 x 36 x 20 inches while it weighs around 30.60 pounds which is very lightweight in my opinion.
Also, this kayak can hold up to 400 pounds of user weight which will accommodate the need of every user. The bright yellow color of the outer body increases the visibility and adds to the safety.
Aside from that, the removable skeg at the bottom helps you steer the kayak efficiently but we advise you to remove the keg in the calm water of the river otherwise it will just get in the way.
The upturned nose at the front will keep the water from splashing you while the included paddles will enable to sail faster. This inflatable tandem kayak is made out of heavy-duty puncture resistant vinyl and Boston valve here is just mind-blowing.
The whole package comes with two 86 inch paddles, hi-output pump repair kit, and a carry bag.
2. Malibu Tandem Sit-On-Top Recreational Kayak
Unlike other kayaks in our list, the Malibu is a non-inflatable sit-on-top kayak. Despite being the tandem kayak, its massive 425 pounds of user weight capacity will accommodate even the third person comfortably.
With this enormous user weight capacity, you can take as much cargo as you like on kayaking. This kayak has three sitting positions so you can sit wherever you want, and when it comes to satisfaction, the Malibu tandem kayak offers maximum comfort.
On top of that, this tandem kayak incorporates longer foot wells that will accommodate even the tallest paddler without any problems while the center seated person will have more room to settle in.
I loved the four-way adjustability of the included seats, and these seats also come with a backrest that results in greater slip prevention and custom fit.
Being an open seat kayak, the sit-on-top hull makes it very easy for you to get on and off the kayak. This kayak is fitted with the molded handles at both sides of the kayak to hold the paddles.
Thanks to the tri-hull construction of this kayak, it can withstand high water waves of the ocean as well as rivers too and also it is stable enough to use it on moderate streams and calm rivers.
If we talk about the dimensions, then this kayak measures 144 x 34 x 20 inches, and it weighs around 57 pounds which is not that heavy in my opinion.
Some users may not like that this kayak does not come with any accessories rather than kayak itself. You will need to buy paddles, life jacket, pump, and repair kit to get you started right off the bat.
The manufacturer is offering a lifetime warranty on the hull, and other parts are backed by one year of solid warranty.
3. Sea Eagle SE370 Inflatable Sport Tandem Kayak
The Sea Eagle SE370 is one of the durable and long lasting inflatable tandem kayaks we have on our list. Because of its top-notch build quality and durability, this kayak has received 80% positive reviews so you can guess how reliable this product is.
What I like most about this inflatable kayak is its capability of withstanding massive user weight capacity, and for the record, it can withstand up to 650 pounds of weight including user and its luggage.
The spray skirt is huge help here because it deflects all the water during high blowing winds so you will never get wet during kayaking.
At the front of the kayak, you will be able to store your cargo for long trips. The UV-resistant material of this kayak will ensure that it will not get hot during summer and also increases its life span.
You will appreciate the self-bailing valve of this inflatable tandem kayak. Basically, what this valve does is, when the water rushes into the kayak accidentally then this valve drains out the excess water from the kayak.
On top of that, this tandem kayak utilizes the multiple air chamber system to ensure that your kayak will stay afloat even if any one of the chambers get punctured and thus you will able to get to the safety.
If we go into more details, then it uses the total of five different air chambers, and each one of them has separate deluxe one way (inflation/deflation) valve for the convenience of the user.
The Bow and stern grab enable you to dock this kayak quickly while the durable material of this kayak is rated for Class III whitewater. Furthermore, two removable skegs at the bottom ensure better tracking and speed.
The whole package comes with many free accessories such as carry bag, foot pump, repair kit, paddles, and pressure gauge.
4. Vibe Skipjack 120T Tandem Kayak
The Vibe Skipjack 120T is a rigid sit-on-top kayak. This is one of the most expensive tandem kayak we have reviewed so far. Let’s take a look at some of its features and see if it is worth buying or not.
This tandem kayak can easily fit up to three adults including your cargo or personal belongings too, and the 500 pounds of user weight capacity will make sure of that.
Made out of Rotomolded single piece high-density polyethylene, this tandem kayak is very rugged and resilient enough to last for years.
The deluxe seats of this kayak are adjustable and require no effort to set them up. It has all the features you need so there is no need for you to look elsewhere.
This kayak offers sit-on-top feature so you can quickly get on and get off the kayak without any learning curve. Also, the included backrest will allow you to paddle as long as you want without hurting your back.
Included four handles in this kayak makes the transporting process less tedious compared to other kayaks. The storage hatchet looks very neat and gives the kayak a classy look.
Also, the two built-in cup holders will keep the water bottles in your reach, and you will be hydrated throughout your kayaking adventure.
Other feature includes 4 rectangular base accessory mounting points, 2 flush mount fishing rod holders, 2 side bungee paddle parks, 2 paddle rests, 2 sealed hatches and Rear cargo storage area with bungee tie down.
The kayak itself measures 12’2 inches by 33 inches and weighs around 72 pounds. So if you don’t want to go through the trouble to inflate the kayak all day, then you can choose this rigid sit-on-top kayak.
5. AdvancedFrame Convertible Inflatable Tandem Kayak
The Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame is a good option for you if you are looking for a reliable and long lasting tandem kayak. This kayak will give you the freedom to go wherever you want without worrying about terrains or water level.
This kayak is fitted with an aluminum frame at the bow and stern to increase the stability and tracking in the open water. This specially helps in sailing the kayak in Mild River, lakes and class 3 whitewater.
On top of that, this aluminum frame also provides the much-needed rigidity that most of the kayak lacks but this rigidity comes at a price.
Some people may find this kayak to be expensive but trust me its durability and premium material makes it worth investing money in it.
By removing the second seat and making room for more cargo, the paddler can paddle it solo and also you can paddle it with your partner too. Furthermore, you can swap the seat easily, and the boat will perform great on either setup.
This kayak utilizes the three-layer construction of heavy-duty premium materials to make it puncture free, and also it aids in making it more durable.
I loved the supportive and adjustable padded seat of this kayak which is very comfortable to sit in even for hours and hours.
The seat arrangement of this boat is fascinating; here’s how. This kayak is called convertible only because of this reason. First of all, you can set it up as a double deck to protect your legs from hot sun rays, or you can use the open deck configuration or single deck arrangement to go solo.
This kayak is easy to set up and requires no learning curve at all which makes it the best choice for everyone. Also, the 6 different air chamber ensures that your kayak will stay afloat if anything worse happens.
The only thing I did not like about this kayak is that despite its high price range this kayak does not come with hand pump or paddles. But its excellent performance and impressive life expectancy make it worth your money.
6. Intex Challenger K2 Inflatable Tandem Kayak
Intex Challenger K2 is another great product we have reviewed so far from Intex. The bright green color and sporty graphics of this kayak are visible even in the night.
With the dedicated water bottle holder that comes with the whole package, you will be hydrated during your kayaking.
Constructed from heavy-duty vinyl, this tandem kayak is puncture free and UV-resistant which increases the life expectancy of this kayak to a great extent.
The included inflatable seats are very well designed and provide the highest possible comfort. On top of that, it comes with a backrest that allows you to do kayaking as long as you want without having any back pain.
The cockpit is large enough to fit in many items and personal belongings, and the cockpit is roomy enough to let you sit comfortably with your legs stretched out.
This inflatable kayak is incredibly stable that it will do just fine even in rivers with strong waves. To top it off, the sharp nose of this kayak will help you cut the water easily.
You will be surprised to hear that this tandem kayak uses the double welded seams which is far superior to the regular glue and it will hold up just fine.
The inflated dimensions of this kayak are 138 D by 30 W by 15 H inches, and it weighs around 33.53 pounds. This kayak can support the 400 pounds of weight including user and its baggage.
Other then it includes many impressive features too such as removable skeg at the bottom, grab line on both ends for easy docking, and a cargo net to store additional items.
You will get 2 oars, one foot pump, one carry bag, and repair patch with the purchase.
7. Sun Dolphin Bali 13.5-Foot Tandem Kayak
Sun Dolphin is a reputed brand in the kayak industry, and it has been building quality kayaks since inception. Their advanced technology and experience are responsible for impressive kayaks, and this kayak by sun dolphin is a prime example of this.
This tandem kayak can easily accommodate two adults and one child or pet. Due to its 70 pounds of heavy weight and 13.2 inches of length, this boat will not tip over in any water.
Also, you won’t be able to paddle it alone because it is too heavy to be paddled by one person and the transportation of this kayak is quite cumbersome too.
The three storage compartments of the kayak will allow you to store all your equipment in your kayak at once and other than that, there is plenty of space on the top to store other cargo as well.
For additional comfort, this kayak comes with a footrest and the third person can sit in the middle. If you are looking for a kayak with nicely padded seats, then this kayak has one of the most comfortable seats.
Both the seats are very well padded and adjustable too. To top it off, it comes with a backrest too which will help you eliminate the back pain and fatigue during long hours of kayaking.
Please note that this tandem kayak does not come with any accessories at all. You will have to buy separate accessories for kayaking such as paddles/oars, life jacket, electric pump, and repair kit.
If you want to know measurements of this kayak, it measures 163 x 34 x 17 inches and weighs around 70 pounds.
