We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

The 5 Best Kayaks for Dogs of 2024

Collage of kayaks we recommend for dogs on a colorful background

The Spruce Pets / Lecia Landis

Kayaking is a fun way to bond with water-loving dogs. Before you embark on a kayaking adventure with your fuzzball pal, however, you’ll need a Fido-friendly kayak (and life jackets!). 

To help in our search for the best kayaks for dogs, we spoke with Joe Nutkins, dog training instructor and co-director at Dog Training for Essex & Suffolk, who recommended “sit-on-top” style kayaks for use with your pet. Rather than an enclosed cockpit, sit-on-top kayaks have a broad seating area that sits more atop the kayak.

"This makes it much easier for you and your dog to get clear of the kayak if it were to capsize,” Nutkins told The Spruce Pets. The expanded surface area also allows for more flexible seating, and space for your dog to readjust their position.

Our favorite kayak for dogs is the Perception Hangtime 11 Kayak, which is roomy, with adjustable seating and plenty of storage. Plus, with a 350-pound capacity and a large front deck, it can easily accommodate dogs of just about any size.

What We Like
  • Sit on top style

  • Large front deck with space for most dogs

  • Five drink holders

  • Additional rear seat

What We Don't Like
  • Paddles not included

With a 350-pound weight capacity and a spacious front deck, the Perception Hangtime 11 Kayak will support a dog of almost any size dog, so you can both hang out and enjoy the ride. For human comfort, the reclinable center seat has a high back with a headrest, and there is also a padded rear seat where an additional human can relax.

The sit-on-top-style kayak weighs only 67.5 pounds, is made of durable polyethylene, and has integrated handles at both the bow and stern that—unlike other kayak's with straps—will likely never have to be replaced. The kayak is equipped with five drink holders, and there is storage located behind the seat to stash your dog's treats (and yours, too).

The dog-friendly kayak is available in four vibrant ombre shades, but paddles are sold separately.

Materials: Polyethylene | Dimensions: 130 x 33 x 13.5 inches | Weight: 67.5 pounds | Weight Capacity: 350 pounds | Colors: Blue, turquoise, purple, orange

What We Like
  • Fits two adults and one dog

  • 500-pound weight capacity

  • Four fishing rod holders and two mounting points for accessorizing

  • Four carry handles

  • Comes with padded seats and paddles

What We Don’t Like
  • 12-foot design isn’t very maneuverable

With a 500-pound weight capacity, this kayak can support virtually any size of dog and up to two humans. It's made from a single piece of UV-resistant, high-density polyethylene (a type of plastic), making it claw- and puncture-resistant. It also comes with two EVA foam-padded seats and paddles, so you’re ready to head out on the water right away.

Despite its 12-foot length, the Driftsun Teton 120 weighs only 72 pounds and is easier to lug around thanks to four fixed carrying handles. It’s not the most compact or maneuverable pick, but if you want to spend a full day on the water with a paddling partner, a large dog, and all of your gear, then the Teton 120 is ready to accommodate. In addition to its four rod holders for fishing, the Teton 120 is loaded with attachment points for accessories and storage space, including watertight storage hatches, bungee storage, and even built-in cup holders.

Materials: UV-resistant rotomolded polyethylene | Dimensions: 12.2 feet x 32 inches | Weight: 72 pounds | Weight Capacity: 500 pounds | Colors: Green/blue, blue/white, pink/blue

What We Like
  • Numerous color options

  • Large rear storage

  • Durable, puncture proof plastic

What We Don’t Like
  • Only accommodates one person

If you plan on taking numerous items, or simply stashing away some treats for the trip (both for you and your pup!) consider this storage-rich plastic kayak, which features a large rear storage area, complete with tie-downs to hold items in place in windier conditions. This kayak is made from super-sturdy, puncture-proof plastic, too, making it a durable option for many weather conditions and scenarios. 

The seat portion for you is supportive and super-comfortable. Unlike many kayak seats, this one has a tall back, which makes it feel like sitting in a real chair. 

We’d be remiss not to mention the funky, groovy color options that this kayak comes in, including a meld of turquoise and blue, or a fiery orange-and-red combination. Speaking of capacity, this one is best for a single human and a single dog. There’s only one human seat, and the relatively small size means it’s perfect for one dog and one person. 

Materials: Polyethylene | Dimensions: ‎113 x 31.5 x 16.25 inches | Weight: 46 pounds | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Colors: Blue, turquoise, purple, orange

What We Like
  • Lightweight and easy to carry

  • Rated for rough waters

  • Separate inflatable chambers

  • Comes with carrying bag

  • Includes removable center fin

What We Don’t Like
  • Only comes with hand pump

  • Not a lot of internal space

While “inflatable” and dog claws don’t seem like a great match, the ultra-durable Sea Eagle 300X Explorer is one inflatable kayak that should be able to endure your dog’s paws. Constructed from 1000-denier reinforced PVC, the Explorer inflatable kayak is rated for Class IV whitewater rapids (the highest class is VI, indicating rough rapids for an advanced skill set) and is made with overlapping, reinforced seams. You might still want to trim your dog’s nails beforehand, but the relatively small interior of this Sea Eagle kayak makes it most appropriate for small and medium dog breeds anyway (while 9 feet long, the inflated borders take up a lot of the usable space).

Like most inflatable kayaks, the Sea Eagle 300X isn’t as maneuverable as hard-shell versions, though the inclusion of a separate inflatable, high-pressure, drop-stitch floor adds some much-needed rigidity and structure. The floor is one of three separate inflatable chambers, which means that even if you somehow manage to puncture one part of the kayak, there are additional chambers to support you in the water, including separate inflatable chambers on the port and starboard sides.

Since it’s designed for rough water, the Sea Eagle 300X also includes 16 drain valves, which makes it easy to let splashed water out. It’s also got a removable fin that’s useful for flat water, providing a keel that makes for smoother straightaway steering.

Materials: 1000-denier reinforced PVC | Dimensions: 9 feet 10 inches x 3 feet 3 inches | Weight: 30 pounds | Weight Capacity: 395 pounds | Colors: Blue

Best Set for Multiple Kayaks

Lifetime Sit-On-Top Kayak

Lifetime Lotus Sit-On-Top Kayak with Paddle
PHOTO: Amazon
What We Like
  • Excellent value

  • Oars included

  • Sit-on-top style

What We Don’t Like
  • May not be best for super-fast paddling

If you have more than one pup and more than one person who’d like to join in on your kayaking trip, consider bagging a set of two matching kayaks. In addition to simply looking adorable in all their matchy-matchy splendor, these kayaks are priced at a bargain when you buy them in a set of two, which saves you money.

These kayaks are simple and relatively accommodating for most dog sizes, though it is worth noting that they’re slightly smaller, lengthwise, than some other options. This can be a good thing, though: If you have a mid- to large-sized SUV, these kayaks should be able to fit, with a bit of effort, in your car. 

Made from hard-shell, UV-resistant plastic, these kayaks are super-durable. Each boat also comes with a set of aluminum oars. Additionally, these kayaks feature heavy-duty bands at the back for keeping all your additional supplies safe and secure while you cruise. The seats feature high backs, which can provide extra comfort and support good posture while you’re out on the water for a few hours. 

Materials: High-density polyethylene | Dimensions: ‎96 x 30 x 10 inches | Weight: 38 pounds | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds | Colors: Blue

Final Verdict

Our top pick is the Perception Hangtime 11 Kayak for its roomy front deck, which has enough space for a dog to ride while their human paddles in the super comfy seat that reclines. Plus, the kayak has lots of storage space too.

What to Look for in Dog Kayaks

Capacity

When shopping for a kayak for you and your dog, it’s important to consider size as it pertains to the boat itself, as well as your pup. 

“If there are two owners and one dog, you’ll most likely need a three-seater kayak,” Nutkins told The Spruce Pets. Open-face kayaks often have movable or removable seats, which allow you to customize the space to provide an area for your dog.

“If your dog is light enough, you might be able to put them in your lap,” Nutkins said, but advised picking a kayak with enough space for your dog to both safely sit and lie down. While some kayaks have storage compartments in the front and back, look instead for models that have unstructured space that can be repurposed for your dog.

Inflatable vs. Hard-Shell

Kayaks are typically made of a super-durable, reinforced waterproof material. Make sure to double-check that the material is puncture-proof, however, to avoid any accidental tears from your pup’s nails.

One benefit of an inflatable kayak is its potential to create more space. According to Nutkins, “In inflatable kayaks, seats are often removable, so you can feel free to remove the extra seat entirely.” This can be handy for multi-dog excursions. Plus, they can be easier to transport. “Inflatable kayaks often come with straps so you can carry them on your back and keep your hands free,” said Nutkins.

Hard-shell kayaks—particularly the sit-on-top style, which allows you more flexible space to move around in—are preferable for most kayak outings with your dog. Hard-shell plastic kayaks are typically more durable than inflatable kayaks. Many are also UV resistant, so they protect from color fading over the years. While solid kayaks are great for roof racks on the top of your car, they could be harder to carry while navigating with your dog, Nutkins advised.

Shape

In addition to the two main types of kayaks (i.e. sit-on-top or sit-in kayaks), kayaks come in many different shapes within these two types. Some kayaks feature a rounded front, while others taper much more significantly. Shape is an important consideration in terms of comfort for your dog.

Nutkins notes that plastic kayaks can be narrower than inflatable kayaks, which may be roomier and more comfortable for dogs. That said, for smaller dogs, the solid, covered tip on a hard plastic kayak (vs. the open end on an inflatable kayak) may feel safe and cozy for smaller dogs.

FAQ
  • How do you train your dog to ride in a kayak?

    Safety is the most important factor. To ensure a safe ride with your dog, “consider your dog’s size, weight, and ability to climb or scramble up out of water," said Nutkins. Ask yourself whether your pup is more likely to follow your guidance, or to panic, if the boat suddenly capsizes. For all dogs, but especially those who aren’t the most adept swimmers, a life jacket is a must.

Why Trust The Spruce Pets?

Sophie Wirt is a pet enthusiast and freelance writer for The Spruce Pets. She has two cats, and a soft spot for dogs, too. For this article, she consulted Joe Nutkins, dog training instructor and co-director at Dog Training for Essex & Suffolk. Nutkins regularly kayaks with her own dog.