Kayaking, especially in Australia, has always been an exciting and common way to explore the waters. However, standard kayaks are not always suitable. They’re heavy, bulky, and anything but portable. The obvious solution? Inflatable kayaks!

Once inflated they are usually about the same size as a standard kayak, yet inflatable kayaks are highly compact, portable, and lightweight by comparison. Looking to get one? Here are the best inflatable kayaks you can purchase in Australia.

1. Aquaglide Navarro 130 Convertible Inflatable Kayak

Best Overall One-Person Inflatable Kayak

Among the various brands and models on the Australian market today, the Aquaglide Navarro 130 convertible inflatable kayak stands above the rest as the best one-person inflatable kayak, courtesy of a handful of impressive features. The Aquaglide Navarro 130 Convertible is also the best inflatable sea kayak for long trips.

It has an excellent design, with outstanding tracking and a solid bottom for stability. The sides are made with ripstop polyester and a drop-stick floor. It also features luggage storage above the deck and paddle holders for a great inflatable fishing kayak experience. A foot brace and a firm mesh seat make the Aquaglide the best inflatable kayak we’ve found.

This inflatable kayak comes with a convertible open deck and is created for speed and durability. The open deck is perfect for warm weather; however, you can convert it to close with the zip-in deck, making it excellent for when the weather changes and you need more protection. Sadly, this feature has to be purchased separately.

Specifications

• Seating Capacity: 1-person
• Load Capacity: 136 kg
• Kayak Weight: 15.9 kg
• Dimensions: 401 x 95 x 37 cm

Pros

• Best inflatable kayak for ocean use
• Strong and sturdy mesh seat
• Durable ripstop and drop stick constructions

Cons

• Pump and zip-in deck are sold separately

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2. Intex Excursion Pro Kayak

Best Overall Two-Person Inflatable Kayak

The Intex Excursion Pro Kayak is the perfect option if you want the best two-person inflatable fishing kayak for a mid-range price. Compared to the Challenger mentioned below, the Excursion is significantly bigger with a little more versatility and durability.  

This kayak requires about 15 minutes to be pumped up and comes with a high-efficiency pump. You’ll also discover an optional tracking fin on this model, used for touring, fishing rod holders, and adjustable inflatable seats and footrests. It also features a drainage port to expel water and a GoPro mount.

On the downside, similar to the Challenger model, it’s not the best option for durability. And the paddles are also on the shorter side. However, it’s still a good pick for regular use and tackles water nicely.

The Intex Excursion Pro Kayak is available in 1-person and 2-person seating options. If you have no need for extra seating, then choose the Aquaglide Navarro 130 inflatable kayak above as it's more durable and the more impressive option.

Specifications

• Seating Capacity: 1-person | 2-person
• Load Capacity: 100 kg | 181 kg
• Kayak Weight: 13.7 kg | 19.8 kg
• Dimensions: 305 x 91 x 46 cm | 384 x 94 x 46 cm

Pros

• Good price
• Great value package with pump and oars - the best reasonably priced inflatable kayak for two people.

Cons

• Paddles are smaller

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3. Intex Challenger Inflatable Kayak

Best Inflatable Kayak for a Budget Price

Suppose you're looking for an inflatable kayak at an affordable price. In that case, the Intex Challenger inflatable kayak is your best option. Compared to the Excursion model above, this model is a lighter, more portable, and more affordable option. It is, however, not the more durable option between the two.

When kayaking, the Challenger sits low in the water, making it easy and stable to use if you’re just starting. It is also comfortable, featuring securely attached seats for quick journeys, and is made from PVC vinyl. It's easy to set up (although the pump leaves a bit to be desired) and pack down into the added oversized stuff sack.

The Intex Challenger is heavier than some brands, and considering the rather flimsy paddles, there are better options on the market. However, if you’re looking for the best inflatable kayak at an affordable price or are a couple looking to pick up kayaking together, this could be a great starting choice.

Specifications

• Seating Capacity: 1-person | 2-person
• Load Capacity: 100 kg | 180 kg
• Kayak Weight: 11 kg | 15.9 kg
• Dimensions: 274 x 76 x 33 cm | 351 x 76 x 38 cm

Pros

• Inexpensive
• Stable and reliable
• One and two-person versions

Cons

• Not the easiest to inflate
• Flimsy paddles

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4. Sevylor Quikpak Inflatable Kayak

Best Inflatable Kayak for Heavy People

The Sevylor sit-on-top inflatable kayak is another choice among the top 1 person kayaks. This model rides high in the water and can be overwhelming for inexperienced people. For this reason, we do not recommend it for beginners. However, the fact that it rides high means that it can tackle light waves with ease.

The Kayak is our best option for people above the average weight. Its 181 kg weight capacity means it can comfortably hold heavy people steady and is fairly stable during kayaking. Compared to other models on the list, the Sevylor Quickpak packs the lot in this regard. The closest to it is the Aquaglide Navarro 130 and Driftsun Almanor options, both with a load capacity of 136 kg.

Regardless of its weight capacity, the kayak is also super portable as it can be carried as a backpack and is relatively lightweight. It is an equally good option if you're looking for a kayak at an affordable price, especially compared to some of the other one-person kayak options. Inflating the Sevylor inflatable sit-on-top kayak is fast, requiring only 5 minutes. But the paddles are not the most comfortable for prolonged use.

Specifications

• Seating Capacity: 1-person
• Load Capacity: 181 kg
• Kayak Weight: 8.2 kg
• Dimensions: 262 x 91 x 76 cm

Pros

• The best inflatable kayak for big persons
• Super quick setup
• Affordable and super portable

Cons

• Not super stable
• Paddles aren’t the best

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5. Bestway Hydro-Force Lite-Rapid X2 Inflatable Kayak

Best Cheap Inflatable Kayak for Beginners

The Bestway inflatable kayak performs excellently well for such an affordable and lightweight model. You should note that this inflatable kayak model, the Bestway Hydro-Force, is not for speed or durability (although it’s not made of cheap plastic either). Instead, it’s a way for beginners to get an idea of kayaking before committing to buying a quality inflatable kayak.

The kayak has a very smooth navigation system due to its hydrodynamic design. It is a perfect choice for rivers and streams and is suitable for all your fishing expeditions. And with integrated drain valves and quick-release valves, the Hydro‑Force Lite‑Rapid X2 is simple to inflate and deflate.

The Bestway Hydro-Force kayak features three air chambers and two adjustable seats. Quick to pump up and stiff when inflated, with included paddles and pump, the kayak has everything you need to get into the water and test out kayaking for yourself. It makes an excellent option if you’re after the best cheap inflatable kayak to begin with.

Specifications

• Seating Capacity: 2-person
• Load Capacity: 160 kg
• Kayak Weight: 8.3 kg
• Dimensions: 321 x 88 x 44 cm

Pros

• Good price
• Best inflatable kayaks for beginners

Cons

• Not designed for speed
• Lower weight capacity than the Intex Challenger above
• Does NOT come with a pump like the Intex Challenger

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6. Driftsun Almanor Inflatable Recreational Touring Kayak

Best Inflatable Kayak for Long Distance Trips

Suppose you’re looking to buy the best inflatable touring kayak for comfortable long-distance trips. In that case, the Driftsun Almanor is your best choice. It is among the best inflatable kayaks for rivers and other calm waterways.

This model is longer than most of the best inflatable one-person kayak options we evaluated. Its length and rounded hull provide speed and maneuverability. However, this comes at the expense of stability, which may be more challenging if you’re looking for the perfect inflatable solo kayak for beginners or inexperienced individuals. The Aquaglide Navarro 130 bests it in all dimensions, except the kayak weight; Driftsun is lighter.  

The Driftsun Almanor kayak features a narrow hulk design and a tight cockpit, which helps the inflatable kayak cut through the water. However, this benefit can also be a drawback for larger folks. Still, considering the comfortable seat and top-notch paddles, this is an excellent option for more experienced kayakers looking to add a new kayak to their garage.

Specifications

• Seating Capacity: 1-person
• Load Capacity: 136 kg
• Kayak Weight: 10.4 kg
• Dimensions: 335 x 86 x 32 cm

Pros

• Best inflatable kayak for touring the sea
• Lightweight and portable
• Great maneuverability

Cons

• Not designed for beginners or large folks
• Pricer option

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Are Inflatable Kayaks Worth it?

Yes, inflatable kayaks are worth it. While hardshell kayaks are more durable, they can also be a real pain to transport around. The effort required to drag it around is hardly worth the stress. Plus, most inflatable kayaks are durable and provide a similar safety experience as hardshell kayaks. Besides, they are portable, easier to carry around and store, and comfortable to use.

What to Consider When Choosing an Inflatable Kayak?

All inflatable kayaks have these few things in common; they're made to be portable, lighter than hardshell kayaks, and simple to store and transport. However, it is imperative to take into consideration these very important metrics before purchasing an inflatable kayak.

Seating and Load Capacity

The capacity is most likely the first and most important thing to get right. This answers how many people you need your kayak to carry. This might appear straightforward, but it is not always so. There are times when the freedom to change sitting positions has proven helpful, although this potentially comes at a higher weight and reduced agility.

The load capacity is also essential. The kayak must be suitable for your requirements. The only way to find out is to look at the weight capacity and length of the individual kayak, which is especially important when looking for the best inflatable kayak for a tall person.

Kayak Weight and Portability

One of the primary benefits of inflatable kayaks is their lightweight feature and portability. Quality materials frequently weigh more than flimsy ones, so being heavier is sometimes good. Inflatable kayaks almost always come with some carrying bag, whether it's a stuff sack or not. Some designs even include a backpack for easy transport, making them the more portable option. If ease of transport is important to you, consider getting a kayak that is durable but less heavy.

Material and Durability

Inflatable kayaks come in various materials, which directly affects how durable the kayak is. This is one of the most crucial things to consider, especially if you want to take on more complex conditions. Even though PVC is the most common material, there are a variety of gauges to determine how durable the kayak is. Note that sometimes you might have to trade durability for portability.

Purpose

The next thing you should think about is the purpose of your kayak and how you intend to use it. This enables you to find the ideal features you need in your inflatable kayak. You may choose between a standard kayak or a touring kayak.

A standard kayak with a wider hull that provides more stability is appropriate for beginners. River and performance kayaks, in addition to standard kayaks, are designed to meet these conditions.

Touring kayaks are built for comfort over long distances. It's important to consider how long you intend to spend kayaking at a time, as not all inflatable kayaks are comfortable for extended periods.

Performance and Stability

For a seasoned kayaker, look for designs that prioritize speed and performance; high-quality materials, a longer, narrower hull, and a sharper bow. Beginners will most likely prefer something stable and simple to get in and out of. That is a wider hull and less maneuverability and agility on the water. Besides these, consider storage, paddle quality, footrests, pump, and the kayak's carry bag.

Happy Kayaking!

We hope you found this list helpful in helping you pick the best inflatable kayak Australia offers. Take special note of the advantages and drawbacks of the models as well as their unique features and functions. Some models on this list include various accessories to get you in the water quickly and efficiently.

Kayaking is an excellent way to have fun. Whether alone, or with a family or loved one, the ideal kayak is what makes the difference. Not only for the experience of it but also for good health benefits.