Best Tandem Kayaks

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Best Tandem Kayaks

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Best Tandem Kayaks
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How to Choose the Best Tandem Kayak

Kayaking is really popular, but some people think that it’s kind of a solo thing. Think about it. The first image that comes to mind when you imagine a kayak is probably a one seater. IN an effort to make the sport more social, so many new and best-selling products now feature two seats. We put together these tandem kayak reviews to help you find the best tandem kayak. Before we get started, let’s look at some of the main features.

Best Tandem Kayaks

Weight Capacity - How much weight a kayak can take is always important, but especially when you’re talking about tandem kayaks. Make sure to account for your weight, your friend’s weight, and any gear you’re bringing along to stay safe.

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Storage Compartments - We were genuinely surprised by how many different storage options are available. You’ll find bungee netting, mesh pockets, and even locked compartments where you can keep your valuables safe and dry while you’re out on the water.

How to Choose the Best Tandem Kayak

Material - Materials vary a little but are all strong and durable. Make sure to get one that’s resistant to punctures and UV light. After all, every time your kayak is out on the water, it’s exposed to the sun.

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Accessories - If you’re going for an inflatable kayak, getting one with a pump included is nice because that’s one less thing you’ll have to get. You’ll also find some that include oars, patch kits, and comfortable seat backs.

Best Tandem Kayaks

Inflated Size - When you look at an inflatable kayak when it’s deflated, you won’t be impressed. But once you’ve pumped it up, they can be pretty big! Believe it or not, some are as much as 12 feet long!

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Weight - It’s important to remember that, at some point, you and your kayaking partner are going to have to carry it from the car to the water and back again. Luckily, most of them are light enough that it’s not a problem.

Top 10 Products

Whether you and your buddy want to head out for a day of fishing or you and your spouse want to go white water rafting, you’ll find what you’re looking for here. We were surprised by the variety! Now that you know the important things to look for, let’s dive right into our tandem kayak reviews. If you’re in a hurry, make sure to take a look at our best and budget picks first. Ready? Let’s get right to it!

Sun Dolphin Bali 13.5 Foot Kayak

Sun Dolphin Bali 13.5 Foot Kayak
This is our top pick for best tandem kayak for a lot of reasons. The biggest selling point, though, is you really get a lot of kayak at a reasonable price. But that doesn’t mean it’s not a great performer, too. It has really great tracking for its size. As for comfort, there are deluxe adjustable seats. The truth is, although we’re calling this one of the best tandem kayaks, it’s actually even a great choice for a 3 person canoe. There’s a good amount of storage, too. In total, you have 3 covered storage compartments for you to keep the things that have to stay dry. Plus, there are mesh pockets and bungees for the things you need to keep close at hand.
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Intex Explorer K2

Intex Explorer K2
Looking for a great tandem kayak at a great price? Check out this Intex Explorer K2. It has a really strong and durable design that’s great for mild to moderate rivers as well as lakes. It’s safe on the water for a lot of reasons, one of which is its bright yellow color. The body is made of two different chambers and stays afloat even if a puncture does occur. But, thanks to the reinforced bottom and 2 layer hull, this kayak isn’t easily damaged. Plus, inflatable I-beam floors add to the stability. They included some features for increased comfort, too, like inflatable seats with adjustable backrests. You get some great accessories here, too, like oars, a hand pump, quick inflation valves, a carry bag, and a repair kit.
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Ocean Kayak Sit-On-Top

Ocean Kayak Sit-On-Top
For the best sit on kayak, Ocean Kayak Sit-On-Top is the winner in our book. This kayak has 3 seating positions in the bow, stern, and middle and comes with 2 comfortable seats. This makes it ideal for tandem kayaking but you can also use the middle molded in seat for a child or even a small pet! This is a great choice for a couple with a child that’s old enough to go out on the water but might not be able to help out with rowing quite yet. It’s made of highly durable polyethylene and has a deep keel that helps with control. While it doesn’t come with any storage compartments, you do get 3 gear straps to secure your items in the kayak. This is a great choice for families. Get two!
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Vibe Kayaks Skipjack 120T

Vibe Kayaks Skipjack 120T
If you’re hoping to get into tandem kayak fishing, this is one you should check out. We really believe it’s the best tandem kayak for fishing. You might be wondering why. Well, we’re going to tell you. First of all, it’s a sit on top so you get a little more freedom of movement. This one also has a lot of room for your fishing gear. There are 2 covered hatches plus a rear storage area with a bungee tie down system. Here’s the best part. It comes with mounting points for some of the most popular rod holders and includes 2 rod holders of its own. It’s almost like it was made for kayak fishing. Of course, if you aren’t into fishing, this is still a great tandem kayak to consider.
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Sevylor Coleman Fishing Kayak

Sevylor Coleman Fishing Kayak
If you’re looking for another choice for tandem kayak fishing, this one is worth checking out. It’s designed for lake use with a rugged polyethylene construction. But that’s not all. It has a tarpaulin bottom and a nylon cover that gives great protection against punctures. Included are Berkley Quick Set rod holders and even Sevylor trolling motor fittings if you’re looking to enhance your fishing skills. It’s also designed really well to accommodate two people who want to fish. The seats are soft and comfortable. Plus, they’re spaced out far enough that each person has enough room to maneuver around and reach their gear. Plus, casting shouldn’t be an issue. This kayak has an Airtight System that’s guaranteed not to leak but, just in case, there are different chambers to keep you afloat.
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Airhead Montana Kayak

Airhead Montana Kayak
This is the best 2 person kayak for someone who doesn’t want to be bogged down by having to haul a huge kayak to and from the lake. This inflatable option is great for travel and easily fits in the back of your car or even a suitcase if you wanted to take it a bit farther. It’s great for still lakes but is also graded for moderate whitewater so it can handle some rough rides. The construction is durable and has improved buoyancy because of the tubular I-beam floor. The seats are moveable and detachable so you have some customization options. It inflates and deflates quickly thanks to the 2 large valves so you’ll be able to get in the water that much faster. One more thing: the stainless steel hardware and nylon material won’t corrode.
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Sea Eagle 330

Sea Eagle 330
Another great choice for an inflatable tandem kayak is the Sea Eagle 330. It’s tremendously durable. The hull is made of 33 mm polykrylar which provides impressive tear resistance. This is a great kayak for someone who wants to bring their furry four-legged adventure partner along for the calm rides because their paws won’t damage the material. It’s formulated to resist not only UV rays, but also chemicals like oil and gasoline. Combine that with its I-beam construction and welded seams and it’s no wonder it’s rated for Class III whitewater rafting. There’s even a self-bailing drain valve. It comes with two seats, a storage bag, and a foot pump, too. That’s not all. It’s also easy to control in the water and inflates in just 6 minutes.
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Elkton Outdoors Fishing Kayak

Elkton Outdoors Fishing Kayak
This inflatable kayak from Elkton is rugged and durable and another great option for tandem kayak fishing. In fact, it is so durable that it’s not only tear resistant. It’s hook resistant, allowing you to cast without worry. That’s not all, though. You also get 2 vertical and 4 trolling rod holders, a repair kit, carry bag, and more. In case something does happen and you need to make a repair, the three removable air chambers make it easy to find and fix the problem. It has 6 mesh pockets to hold your gear and easily access it while you’re fishing. The streamlined design makes it a great choice for paddling around in areas where there are roots or overhanging branches, which is good because that’s where a lot of fish will be hiding.
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Nixie Sports Tandem Kayak

For a tandem kayak that’s comfortable enough for you to spend hours out on the lake fishing or just relaxing, you can’t get much better than this one from Nixie Sports. Paddling is almost effortless and the backrests are exceptionally comfortable. There’s also plenty of room on this best tandem fishing kayak to store your supplies for the day. It comes with bungee straps and even has cup holders. And get this - there’s a lockable hatch where you can store your valuables. It has 4 flush mounted fishing rod holders and multiple foot rest positions so you can make sure you’re comfortable while you’re waiting for the fish to bite. They even offer a 3 year hull warranty, which to us shows that stand behind the quality of their product.
For a tandem kayak that’s comfortable enough for you to spend hours out on the lake fishing or just relaxing, you can’t get much better than this one from Nixie Sports. Paddling is almost effortless and the backrests are exceptionally comfortable. There’s also plenty of room on this best tandem fishing kayak to store your supplies for the day. It comes with bungee straps and even has cup holders. And get this - there’s a lockable hatch where you can store your valuables. It has 4 flush mounted fishing rod holders and multiple foot rest positions so you can make sure you’re comfortable while you’re waiting for the fish to bite. They even offer a 3 year hull warranty, which to us shows that stand behind the quality of their product.
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Intex Challenger K2

Sometimes when a product looks cool, it’s at the expense of performance. But that’s not the case with the Intex Challenger K2. Not only does it look sporty and fun, it’s also built tough and performs well. It’s made of Intex’s special rugged Super Tough vinyl. What’s so special about it? It resists punctures and damage from UV light. It can also take scrapes and bumps like a champ. It includes a nice set of accessories as well, including two oars, a pump, and a patch repair kit. It’s easy to maneuver and has easy tracking so you’ll be able to get exactly where you’re trying to go. The I-Beam support provides added stability so you get a nice, solid ride. One last thing, it has a small bungee storage area on the front, too.
Sometimes when a product looks cool, it’s at the expense of performance. But that’s not the case with the Intex Challenger K2. Not only does it look sporty and fun, it’s also built tough and performs well. It’s made of Intex’s special rugged Super Tough vinyl. What’s so special about it? It resists punctures and damage from UV light. It can also take scrapes and bumps like a champ. It includes a nice set of accessories as well, including two oars, a pump, and a patch repair kit. It’s easy to maneuver and has easy tracking so you’ll be able to get exactly where you’re trying to go. The I-Beam support provides added stability so you get a nice, solid ride. One last thing, it has a small bungee storage area on the front, too.
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About the Author

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Samantha Dewitt

Expert Researcher and Writer

Samantha Dewitt is a lead researcher and writer for GeekWrapped, writing under a pen name. She gets excited about pet, baby, and science products and has over 12 years of experience.

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Article last updated on:

September 30, 2019

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Sun Dolphin Bali 13.5 Foot Kayak

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