10 Best Kayaks for Thrill-Seeking Families
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For outdoorsy families, kayaking is a fantastic way to enjoy nature, get some exercise, and bond over a shared adventure. Choosing the right kayak can enhance your experience, offering stability, comfort, and safety. In this guide, we’ve reviewed the ten best kayaks for families, each offering unique features to suit various needs and preferences.
Table of Contents
Quick Glance: Best Kayaks for Thrill-Seeking Families
| Kayak | Best For | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Intex Excursion Pro Kayak | Best Overall | Inflatable, durable, high-pressure inflation, adjustable seats |
| Ocean Kayak Malibu Two | Best Tandem | Sit-on-top, three seating positions, stable, versatile |
| Sun Dolphin Bali SS 10-Foot Sit-On-Top Kayak | Best Budget | Lightweight, stable, storage compartment, adjustable foot braces |
| Pelican Maxim 100X Sit-in Recreational Kayak | Best Recreational | Lightweight, adjustable footrests, storage hatch, excellent tracking |
| Old Town Dirigo Tandem Plus Kayak | Best High-End | Tandem, durable, comfortable seating, ample storage |
| Lifetime Youth Wave Kayak | Best for Kids | Lightweight, durable, swim-up step, multiple footrest positions |
| Perception Tribe 13.5 Tandem Kayak | Best for Large Families | Sit-on-top, spacious, adjustable seats, stable |
| Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Convertible Kayak | Best Convertible | Inflatable, versatile (solo/tandem), durable, high-performance |
| Vibe Kayaks Skipjack 120T | Best for Fishing | Tandem, stable, multiple fishing rod holders, comfortable seating |
| Sevylor Quikpak K5 1-Person Kayak | Best Portable | Inflatable, backpack system, easy setup, durable |
1. Best Overall: Intex Excursion Pro Kayak
- SUPER-TOUGH – 3-ply laminate construction combined with SuperStrong enhanced molecular formulation PVC provides superior…
- STABILITY and MANEUVERABILITY – High-pressure inflation provides extra rigidity and stability, with spring-loaded valves…
- STORAGE – Extra space in the bow and stern allows for storing any necessities for your adventure; stainless steel D-ring…
The Intex Excursion Pro Kayak is our top pick for families. This inflatable kayak is made of durable material and offers high-pressure inflation for extra rigidity. It features adjustable seats and ample storage space, making it perfect for family adventures on the water.
2. Best Tandem: Ocean Kayak Malibu Two
- Stackable design
- Additional options available with the insert location for the Comfort Plus Seat
- QuickStash Dry Hatch providing convenient waterproof storage
The Ocean Kayak Malibu Two is ideal for tandem kayaking. This sit-on-top kayak offers three seating positions, allowing for solo, tandem, or even triple use. It is stable, versatile, and great for families wanting to paddle together.
3. Best Budget: Sun Dolphin Bali SS 10-Foot Sit-On-Top Kayak
- Tracks and paddles with ease while offering maximum stability
- P.A.C. (Portable Accessory Carrier) can be used as extra storage
- Storage compartment with shock cord deck rigging
The Sun Dolphin Bali SS is an excellent budget-friendly option. This lightweight and stable sit-on-top kayak features an adjustable foot brace system, a large storage compartment, and a comfortable seating area, making it great for family outings.
4. Best Recreational: Pelican Maxim 100X Sit-in Recreational Kayak
- Upgraded Features: Additional storage in this kayak includes a front hatch with bungee cord and a rear tank well with me…
- Stable: The shallow V-chine hull offers better manoeuverability and tracking while giving you increased secondary stabil…
- Safe: Added floating blocks on each side of the kayak along with a flatter hull type ensures you safety and peace of min…
The Pelican Maxim 100X is perfect for recreational use. This lightweight kayak offers excellent tracking and stability, adjustable footrests, and a storage hatch for your gear. It’s ideal for families looking to enjoy calm lakes and rivers.
5. Best High-End: Old Town Dirigo Tandem Plus Kayak
- Old Town’s Dirigo Tandem Plus Recreational Kayak is a breakthrough tandem design with two non-confining cockpit openings…
- The Dirigo Tandem Plus kayak features contoured poly seats and easy-grip thigh pads for all-day comfort on the water. Th…
- Packed with features, the Dirigo Tandem Plus is a versatile design that includes a Click Seal hatch with bulkhead, a glo…
The Old Town Dirigo Tandem Plus Kayak offers a high-end kayaking experience. This durable tandem kayak provides comfortable seating, ample storage, and excellent stability, making it perfect for serious family paddlers.
6. Best for Kids: Lifetime Youth Wave Kayak
- YOUTH-SIZED DESIGN: 6.5-foot kayak perfect for young paddlers ages 5 and up, featuring a stable hull design and integrat…
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Made from high-density polyethylene that’s UV-resistant and impact-resistant, maintaining strength…
- SAFETY FEATURES: Multiple footrest positions accommodate growing children, with swim-up deck and molded hand grips for e…
The Lifetime Youth Wave Kayak is designed specifically for kids. It’s lightweight, durable, and features a swim-up step and multiple footrest positions, making it easy and fun for children to handle and enjoy the water safely.
7. Best for Large Families: Perception Tribe 13.5 Tandem Kayak
- Unleash unmatched adventures with our 2 person sit-on-top kayak. Proudly made in the USA, this kayak is designed for eas…
- Experience unparalleled comfort with adjustable framed seatbacks, cushioned seat pans, and molded knee/thigh areas, ensu…
- Our American-made sit-on-top kayak adjusts to paddlers of all sizes with integrated footrests and offers generous storag…
The Perception Tribe 13.5 Tandem Kayak is great for larger families. This spacious sit-on-top kayak offers adjustable seats, plenty of room, and excellent stability, allowing multiple family members to paddle together comfortably.
8. Best Convertible: Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Convertible Kayak
- ENHANCED STABILITY – Experience superior balance with the kayak’s wide beam design and multi-layer material, ensuring a …
- ULTIMATE DURABILITY – Built to last, the robust construction features a durable outer cover and internal aluminum ribs, …
- GENEROUS CAPACITY – Comfortably accommodates two paddlers with a maximum weight capacity of 550 lbs, making it perfect f…
The Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Convertible Kayak is versatile and convertible. This inflatable kayak can be used solo or tandem, offering durability and high performance on the water. It’s perfect for families seeking flexibility in their kayaking adventures.
9. Best for Fishing: Vibe Kayaks Skipjack 120T
- 𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐋𝐄 𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐋𝐄𝐑’𝐒 𝐌𝐔𝐋𝐓𝐈-𝐓𝐎𝐎𝐋: The Sea Ghost 110 is your all-in-one fishing platform, offering unmatched agility and bui…
- 𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐘 𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐄𝐔𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐁𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐘: Navigate tight spaces effortlessly with the precision toe-controlled rudder, perfect for reaching …
- 𝐎𝐑𝐆𝐀𝐍𝐈𝐙𝐄𝐃 𝐅𝐈𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐆𝐄𝐀𝐑: Keep all your essentials within arm’s reach with built-in tackle tray slots, gear mounts, rod ho…
The Vibe Kayaks Skipjack 120T is the best option for family fishing trips. This tandem kayak is stable, comfortable, and comes with multiple fishing rod holders and ample storage, making it perfect for a day of fishing with the family.
10. Best Portable: Sevylor Quikpak K5 1-Person Kayak
- 90-DAY LIMITED WARRANTY
- Easy-to-carry backpack system turns into the seat
- 21-gauge PVC construction is rugged for lake use
The Sevylor Quikpak K5 is an excellent portable option. This inflatable kayak features a backpack system for easy transport and setup, and it’s durable enough for various water conditions. It’s perfect for families who love to explore different locations.
Final Words
Selecting the right kayak for your family is essential for ensuring a safe, enjoyable, and memorable experience on the water. The options listed above cater to various preferences, from budget-friendly and kid-friendly to high-end and portable choices. Consider your family’s needs, preferences, and the type of water activities you enjoy to choose the best kayak that will enhance your outdoor adventures.
