Best Two-Person Inflatable Kayaks Australia 2024
Want to paddle with a friend, but don’t have an extra acre of garage space lying around?
If we told you 10 years ago that you could replace your traditional hard shell kayak with an inflatable one, you probably wouldn’t believe us. Fast forward, and with advances in design and materials engineering, the best inflatable kayaks can now rival the big, bulky hard shells.
We’ve looked at hundreds of 2 person inflatable kayaks and picked the top contenders to review. Through our rigorous testing and expert analysis, we’ve carefully rated our top ten 2-person inflatable kayaks around or under $1600 to help you make the best decision when you’re looking to buy an inflatable kayak for two people.
Two-Person Inflatable Kayak Comparison
Compare the specs or jump straight down to the inflatable kayak reviews.
Rank
6.0
Size
460 x 82cm
Weight
23.5kg
Capacity
249kg
Price
$$$
Rank
5.0
Size
442 x 94cm
Weight
18kg
Capacity
227kg
Price
$$
Rank
2.6
What are we looking for in the best 2-person inflatable kayak? We’re after something relatively light and that packs into a small package, sets up and packs down quickly and easily, has enough space to fit two people and gear comfortably, feels stable, glides through the water and has the firmness of a drop-stitch or Tech-Stitch floor. Check out our article on How To Choose The Best Inflatable Kayak for more information.
In this review, we’ve kept to a price limit of around $1500. There are some great kayaks available above this price, but for people who might just be getting into kayaking, $1500 or under is a more realistic initial commitment so we’ve specifically looked at kayaks within that price range.
Have questions about inflatable kayaks? Skip to our FAQ section.
2 Person Inflatable Kayak Reviews
Know what you’re looking for? Get straight to it:
Best Overall: Razor Kayaks R2 Ultra
High Performance: Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Convertible
Best Family Fun: Intex Excursion Pro K2
Most Portable: Sea Eagle 330
It made our list because frankly, there aren’t a lot of other choices in Australia.
Look, to be blunt, there’s not a lot going for the Glide Aquavate Duo. It’s a shame, because Glide’s hard-shell kayaks aren’t half-bad, and even their one-person inflatable Sport has a bit more going for it. Like the Intex Challenger, this is built of single-layer vinyl, so is more in the pool-toy territory, but is more expensive than the Challenger and can’t go in a straight line to save itself. It’s also very small for a two-person - get ready to have your knees bent up to your ears. With all that considered, even its ultra-light weight can’t save it.
Summary
Best For: Occasional recreation, flat water only
Pros: Light, cheap.
Cons: Very tight for two people, poor tracking, not durable, uncomfortable.
Verdict: Buy it as a gift for your grandchildren?
Rating
Performance: 1
Size/Weight: 3
Durability: 1
Setup: 3
Value: 3
OVERALL: 2.2
Where to get it
The uncomplicated budget boat.
The Intex Challenger K2 is clearly made for occasional recreational paddling. We were impressed by the stability of this kayak and the surprisingly streamlined design that even first-timers will do ok paddling along. It’s pretty cramped for two adults, but for its rock-bottom low price is worth a purchase if you’re only using it now and then.
Summary
Best For: Calm water.
Pros: Insanely affordable, stable.
Cons: It’s uncomfortable, doesn’t track well, and lacks durability.
Verdict: Simple at best, but its affordability puts it on our list.
Rating
Performance: 2
Size/Weight: 3
Durability: 2
Setup: 3
Value: 3
OVERALL: 2.6
Quality workmanship, but pretty squishy for two.
The Itiwit 1-2 Person Cruising Kayak is, as to be expected, very similar to the 1-person version that we’ve also tested. Decathlon’s done a pretty good job of making something relatively cheap that is durable enough to not fall apart, is easy to inflate and is nicely packable. However, as almost the shortest kayak on our list, it’s a real squeeze with two people (there is also a 2–3 person, which we’d consider as more appropriate for two people), and not pleasant to spend a heap of time paddling.
Summary
Best For: Recreation on calm water.
Pros: Stable, well-constructed.
Cons: Very small for two people, uncomfortable seats, no footrests, not great tracking.
Verdict: A good option for occasional paddlers and families.
Rating
Performance: 2
Size/Weight: 3
Durability: 3
Setup: 4
Value: 4
OVERALL: 3.2
Where to get it
A very cozy two-person option that tracks well in the water.
Straight up: the Laxo 320 is the shortest kayak on our 2-person list, and it’s a genuine squeeze for two full-sized adults. No footrests and a hard-to-dry fabric cover add to our gripes. BUT, with its dual fin system and slight V-shape to its hull, it manages to track much better in a straight line than its direct competitors, and that puts it back on our list.
Summary
Best For: Calm water, recreation.
Pros: Simple setup, stable, tracks well.
Cons: Lacks firm surfaces, very cramped for two people.
Verdict: A decent lower-cost option for people that don’t mind snuggling up.
Rating
Performance: 4
Size/Weight: 4
Durability: 3
Setup: 4
Value: 4
OVERALL: 3.8
Where to get it
The featherweight champ.
This comes first on portability (packed size and weight, taking into account quality), and the full kit sets up in less than 10 minutes. We like how it’s extremely lightweight, but there’s a compromise in terms of how much weight it can carry. We think it’s suited more for an adult and a child, or two small adults. The two rear skegs assist with pretty decent tracking, and the hull shape performs well against rough water - but its spongy tube floor and inflatable seats (combined with the white colour) gave us the very strong impression we were sitting in a marshmallow.
Summary
Best For: Rough water, casual recreation.
Pros: Extremely lightweight and easy to paddle.
Cons: Uncomfortable, small and spongy.
Verdict: Very easy to carry and inflate, but there’s room for improvement on space and firmness.
Rating
Performance: 4
Size/Weight: 5
Durability: 2
Setup: 4
Value: 4
OVERALL: 3.8
Where to get it:
The beginner-friendly option.
No issues with comfort here. Adjustable seats, a spacious interior and firm footrests make for a good day out. But comfort aside, we also can’t ignore the lower quality of materials used in construction as opposed to some other kayaks, which we feel would greatly reduce the Excursion Pro’s durability over time. We had a great time in it, but because of this can’t rate it as highly as we’d like.
Summary
Best For: Calm water.
Pros: Comfortable and packed with all the bells and whistles, affordable.
Cons: Not the most durable materials used.
Verdict: Value for money for recreational paddlers.
Rating
Performance: 4
Size/Weight: 3
Durability: 2
Setup: 4
Value: 7
OVERALL: 4.0
A dependable, high-quality pick.
The Aquaglide Navarro 145 has versatility and durability written all over it. It’s well-built, with 600 denier hex ripstop polyester and a drop-stitch floor. There was no issue with manoeuvrability, but we would’ve loved better straight-line tracking. Overall a great choice for anyone looking to go downriver, touring, and cruising, and with the spray skirt, suitable for colder weather and rougher water.
Summary
Best For: Choppy waters, recreational touring.
Pros: Sturdy and easy to manoeuvre.
Cons: Doesn’t include the pump, pump adapters, and paddles.
Verdict: Good design and performance for leisure and multi-day excursions.
Rating
Performance: 7
Size/Weight: 4
Durability: 8
Setup: 3
Value: 3
OVERALL: 5.0
Where to get it
The full package in performance.
Perfect for some serious touring, coastal exploration or full-day sightseeing. Our issues with the Convertible were the time it takes to set up and to dry after use, and difficulty forcing it back into its bag. But once it was in the water, it exceeded our expectations. Stability, rigidity, and beautiful handling make this a great choice for almost any use.
Summary
Best For: Coastal, flat water.
Pros: Fast, great weight capacity.
Cons: Narrow interior, big and heavy packed size, takes a long time to set up and to dry after use.
Verdict: Some serious downsides in ease of use, but impressively fast and stable on the water.
Rating
Performance: 9
Size/Weight: 3
Durability: 9
Setup: 5
Value: 4
OVERALL: 6.0
Where to get it
A great companion for any type of water.
If you’re looking for an easy to inflate kayak that performs well on the water, you’re in for an adventure with the Aquaglide Mckenzie 125! At only 14kg, this lightweight kayak is built with a sturdy reinforced PVC construction and a large touring fin that really helps with tracking. Its Evo-Beam floor is its major downside for us, but it offers impressive firmness for a non-drop-stitch kayak. Aquaglide has made significant changes from older models and the new Mackenzie 2 person is definitely up there wth the best.
Summary
Best For: All types of water.
Pros: Easy to inflate, comfortable and versatile.
Cons: Not drop-stitch.
Verdict: Your go-to kayak for any type of water - if it had a drop-stitch floor it would be perfect!
Rating
Performance: 6
Size/Weight: 8
Durability: 7
Setup: 9
Value: 6
OVERALL: 7.2
Where to get it
A well-constructed kayak that ticks all our boxes.
Built with the same materials found in rescue boats, Australia’s very own Razor Kayaks R2 Ultra is a dependable kayak. It’s super quick to set up and fast to dry, stable and tracks well in the water, and has a good amount of space while still remaining the lightest 2-person kayak we reviewed. What sets this apart from the rest is the durable Tech-Stitch™ floor - like drop-stitch on steroids. We really struggled to find any downsides with the R2 Ultra, and for that reason, it’s our number one best inflatable kayak.
Summary
Best For: All types of water.
Pros: Durable, easy to paddle, quick setup and packdown, great for any water.
Cons: Not the fastest among the high-performing kayaks we’ve tested.
Verdict: Couldn’t ask for more, and at a very reasonable price to boot.
Rating
Performance: 8
Size/Weight: 8
Durability: 10
Setup: 10
Value: 9
OVERALL: 9.0
Where to get it
And there you have it! Ten of the best 2 person inflatable kayaks Australia. Still not sure how to pick? Read our guide on How to Pick the Best Inflatable Kayak. If you do end up getting one, head over to our How-Tos to get the lowdown on everything paddling, or check out our Destinations section to discover where you could take yours!
Inflatable Kayak FAQs
Is it a good idea to buy an inflatable kayak?
Inflatable kayaks are a great way to explore new waterways or enjoy the outdoors without needing a huge amount of space or specialised gear to transport them. In general the best inflatable kayaks in Australia will suit a lot of people because they take up very little storage space and are much easier to transport than a hard shell kayak.
Should I get a 1-2 person convertible kayak?
If you’re not sure whether you’ll use your kayak more on your own or with a friend, convertible kayaks can be a great solution. Look out though: a lot of convertible kayaks can be too long for one person to handle, or the cockpit too cramped for two people to fit into - or both! We’d recommend comparing their length to other pure 1P and 2P kayaks out there - if you’re mostly wanting to paddle on your own, go for something shorter than the pure 2P kayaks.
What do two person inflatable kayaks cost?
They can range from super cheap (approx $380) right up to a top of the range kayak costing around $2000 or more. While the cheaper kayaks might seem like a bargain, it’s worth spending a little more to get something that will last longer and glide through the water. You’re not going to want to use a kayak that’s not enjoyable to paddle.
Is it easy to paddle inflatable kayaks?
The best inflatable kayaks feel really similar to hard shell kayaks, gliding easily through the water and tracking well in a straight line. Look out for materials like drop-stitch or Tech-Stitch™ that make the kayak’s hull rigid, and if you’re newer to paddling, choose a more stable design that’s wider kayak with lower sides.
Are hard and inflatable kayaks very different?
An inflatable kayak inflates and deflates so it can be packed away into a smaller package for storage and transport, whereas a hard shell can’t be made any smaller (unless it’s a packable hard shell, which we haven’t reviewed here). Hard shells have traditionally delivered superior performance on the water and still do outperform cheaper, less rigid inflatables, however inflatable kayaks using drop-stitch or Tech-Stitch™ can seriously rival the performance of a hard shell.
Is it easy to set up an inflatable kayak?
That depends on the design of the kayak, but most are easy to set up, particularly those with fewer inflation points and matching valves. Most usually take 5-10 minutes of pumping depending on what type of pump you use, as well as clipping in any seats, fins and footrests.
Can inflatable kayaks puncture easily?
The best inflatable kayaks that use reinforced PVC are as tough as some lifesaving RHIBs and white water rafts and won’t puncture easily (but cheap ones may!). Most manufacturers also include a repair kit in the event of a puncture, and the designs generally have multiple air chambers so if your inflatable kayak does puncture while paddling, you’ll be able to make it back to shore with the support of the remaining chambers.
How long do inflatable kayaks last?
Lower cost inflatable kayaks will have a much shorter life span than higher quality kayaks simply because they’re more prone to puncture. Taking care of your inflatable kayak by ensuring it’s fully dry before being stored, storing it in a cool dry place and out of direct sunlight will prolong its life.
Water & Outdoors reviews are written by our staff writers, who combined have over fifty years of experience on the water and outdoors. We may earn commissions if you choose to buy through a link you’ve clicked on our website, however this does not influence our reviews. For more information, please see our Editorial Policies.