Top 10 Best Portable Tandem Kayaks (2021 Reviews)

If you are fond of adventure and have explored more of the wild, you might want to try something different which is on water. There are many ways to enjoy this and one of which is to have a partner with you. For this, how about an interesting ride on a tandem kayak?

A tandem kayak is a type of kayak or narrowboats usually made of a light frame with a watertight covering design for two people. It can be a great team-building activity or just an interesting experience to try with someone you trust. From the look of the design to safety protection, here are the ten best tandem kayaks listed for your convenience.

Top 3 Picks:

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List of The Best Tandem Kayaks Reviews:

10. Driftsun Rover 120/220 Inflatable Tandem Kayak

10. Driftsun Rover 120/220 Inflatable Tandem Kayak


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This Driftsun tandem kayak is durable and lightweight. It is made from 1000D reinforced layered PVC side tubes and heavy-duty PVC Tarpaulin bottom that provides durable protection from punctures. Able to be fully inflated to a full-sized kayak in less than 10 minutes, it weighs a manageable 28 Lbs. With the rigid high-pressure drop stitch floor, removable flatwater tracking fin, and ample rocker profile, this kayak delivers unmatched stability and control in rough and flat water.

Additionally, this kayak achieved the whitewater rating making it suitable up to class III and IV rapids. The whole package of purchase comes with adjustable EVA padded seats with high back support, adjustable aluminum kayak paddles, deluxe double action hand pump, rear tracking fin, and travel bag. This kayak can bear up to 600 Lbs.

Key Features:

  • Durable and lightweight craft
  • Stable and maneuverable design
  • Adjustable EVA padded seats with high back support,
  • Adjustable aluminum kayak paddles
  • Rigid high-pressure drop stitch floor

9. Elkton Outdoors Tandem Fishing Kayak

9. Elkton Outdoors Tandem Fishing Kayak


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The next great quality tandem kayak to mention is from Elkton Outdoors. This kayak is constructed with a rotomolded injected body to ensure your kayak will never crack or puncture and will last for years to come. It also includes 4 inset rod holders and is designed with two carry handles for convenient transportation. The size of this kayak is 12.2 feet in length and 3 feet wide while fits easily in the bed of a truck or a trailer.

For the seat, this kayak is crafted with two adjustable EVA padded high-back premium kayak seats to ensure comfortable seats. For the storage, there are plenty of rooms enough for the two people. It includes an airtight compartment and two storage areas located on each end of the kayak along with a designated platform for ice chests.

Key feature:

  • Two carry handles for easy transportation
  • Built-in dry storage
  • 4 inset rod holders
  • Two adjustable premium kayak seats
  • Two double-sided paddles

8. Vibe 120T Tandem Kayaks

8. Vibe 120T Tandem Kayaks


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This Vibe kayak features 2 or 3 people sit with a 500-pound weight capacity which makes it perfect for fishing, travel, or family recreation. This kayak is engineered with built-in ergonomic backrests and cushioned seats for the comfort of the users. More importantly, this product is constructed with performance-crafted ultra-stable rotomolded single piece polyethylene which is leak-proof, durable with built-in buoyancy adding safety and peace-of-mind.

Functionally, it is also designed with flush mount rod holders with caps and 4 mounting points for Scotty, RAM, or Railblaza mount rod holders. For the storage, there are two V-Wave hatches with built-in cup holders for safe housing of smaller items and a rear cargo area with bungee tie-down straps for larger gear. The cargo hatches are waterproof.

Key feature:

  • 4 fishing rod holders
  • Waterproof cargo hatches
  • Two V-Wave hatches with built-in cup holders
  • Built-in ergonomic backrests and cushioned seats

7. Intex Explorer K2 Kayak

7. Intex Explorer K2 Kayak


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The Intex Explorer K2 Kayak is sporty and fun with a streamlined design for easy paddling. The bright yellow color and sporty graphics make the kayak highly visible in the water.
It is also lightweight and compact and just a snap to assemble so that you can take the fun of kayaking wherever you go.

Made with rugged vinyl construction, this sturdy kayak has an inflatable I-beam floor for comfort and rigidity. A removable skeg provides directional stability, while two adjustable, inflatable seats with backrests are included for comfort. With the Boston valve on each side, it is just a breeze for quick inflating or deflating. The Explorer K2 Kayak package comes with accessories including two 86” aluminum oars and an Intex high-output pump for easy inflation and deflation.

Key feature:

  • Visible bright yellow color
  • Lightweight and compact design
  • Rugged vinyl construction
  • Inflatable I-beam floor

6. BKC TK219 12.2′ Tandem Fishing Kayak

6. BKC TK219 12.2' Tandem Fishing Kayak


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Looking for a tandem kayak that can accommodate up to 3? Then, you should check his BCK TK219K tandem kayak. This kayak has extra space to fit three people making it ideal for paddling with kids on family adventures and epic fishing trips. Additionally, the package is equipped with 2 soft padded seats, 2 adjustable aluminum paddles, 2 waterproof hatches, 6 built-in rod holders, 2 paddle parks, and 1 bungee cargo tie-down. It also comes with dual watertight storage hatches for storage.

More importantly, this kayak is made from molded single-piece high-density polyethylene material that is superior to inflatable kayaks and a capable craft on the ocean, lake, or river, while supporting up to 595 lbs. This kayak will remain balanced even in choppy waters or swift currents thanks to its 34-inch beam, and it offers superb stability for fishing in all sorts of conditions.

Key feature:

  • Single-piece roto-molded high-density HDPE
  • Superior stability from the wide and flat bottom
  • Large storage capacity
  • Two adjustable rod holders

5. Intex Challenger Kayak

5. Intex Challenger Kayak


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The next great quality tandem kayaks to consider is this Index kayak. The Intex Challenger K2 Kayak is sporty and fun with a streamlined design for easy paddling. Two 86 inch aluminum paddles and an Intex high output pump for easy inflation and deflation. The Boston valves are useful for quick inflation or deflation.

For the materials, this kayak is made from the company’s rugged, super-tough vinyl that is heavy-duty puncture and UV damage-resistant for long-term durability. The inflatable I-beam floor is useful for rigidity and stability. Measured at 30 by 15 by 138 inches (W x H x D) inflated, it can support up to a 400-pound maximum weight limit. The package includes two 86 inch aluminum oars, high capacity pump, and a repair patch kit. The seats are removable and adjustable.

Key Features:

  • Heavy-duty puncture-resistant vinyl
  • Removable and adjustable seat
  • Inflatable I-beam floor for rigidity
  • Boston valves for quick inflation/deflation

4. Wilderness Systems Tandem Kayak

4. Wilderness Systems Tandem Kayak


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This Wilderness System tandem kayak features a signature rounded hull that delivers swift acceleration and helps users paddle longer distances faster. With phase 3 AirPro seats, this kayak offers fully adjustable, ergonomic seating with ventilated mesh to keep you cooler while supporting the lower back. Additionally, this kayak offers large, padded footrests for support and comfort. It is also easy to adjust the locking lever to accommodate paddlers of different heights.

What is more, the stern bulkhead foam of the product adds extra buoyancy to the water; bulkheads are a safety feature of the kayaks. For storage, the dry storage hatch keeps your gear safe and dry and also compatible with the Orbix Round Pod for easy storage options. This kayak can hold up to 500 lbs.

Key Features:

  • Adjustable footrests
  • Phase 3 AirPro seating
  • Orbix sealed storage
  • Stern bulkhead foam
  • 500 lbs maximum capacity

3. BKC TK181 12.5′ Tandem Kayak

3. BKC TK181 12.5' Tandem Kayak


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Another great tandem kayak from BKC is this TK181 tandem kayak. This product has extra space to fit three people making it ideal for paddling with kids on family adventures and epic fishing trips. It is made from roto-molded single-piece high-density polyethylene material which is superior to inflatable kayaks and a capable craft on the ocean, lake, or river while supporting up to 595 lbs. It will remain balanced even in choppy waters or swift currents with its 34-inch beam. It offers superb stability for fishing in all sorts of conditions.

For fishing lovers, there are four flush-mount rod holders and 3 articulating rod holders that allow you to keep multiple baited lines in the water at once, or just keep the rods out of your way during paddling. With one for each seat, users can store valuables dry inside the BKC TK181 dual watertight storage hatches.

Key Features:

  • Large storage capacity
  • Multiple fishing rod mounts
  • Up to three people space
  • Roto-molded single piece high-density polyethylene material

2. BKC TK122U 12′ 6″ Tandem 2 or 3 Person Kayak

2. BKC TK122U 12' 6


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If you are looking for a kayak that can support more weight, you should check this BKC TK122U tandem kayak. This is another great tandem kayak from BKC. It can support up to 770 lbs weight capacity and has extra space to fit three people making it ideal for paddling with kids on family adventures and epic fishing trips. Users can safely stow their wallets, keys, and more in the two BKC TK122 watertight storage hatches. There is one for each seat and open cargo space with tie-downs.

Moreover, it is made from roto-molded single-piece high-density polyethylene material which is superior to inflatable kayaks and a capable craft on the ocean, lake, or river. It will remain balanced even in choppy waters or swift currents with its 34-inch beam. It offers superb stability for fishing in all sorts of conditions.

Key Features:

  • Large storage capacity
  • Two fishing rod mounts
  • Watertight storage hatches
  • Up to 770 weight capacity
  • Roto-molded single piece high-density polyethylene material

1. Driftsun Voyager 2 Person Tandem Inflatable Kayak

1. Driftsun Voyager 2 Person Tandem Inflatable Kayak


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The last high-quality tandem kayak to mention is from Driftsun. The Driftsun Voyager tandem kayak is very portable. When deflated for transport this inflatable kayak measures only 26”(L) x 16”(W) x 8”(H) and fits nicely into the included carry bag. Its lightweight design makes it easy to handle by one person, weighing in at only 27 lbs. The two adjustable paddles are also included. It can be quickly inflated with the included dual-action pump.

For the material, it is made from heavy-duty PVC Tarpaulin bottom that provides durable protection from punctures, The double-threaded Boston valves are guaranteed not to leak, and the tough 840D coated nylon oxford fabric top cover is ripped and tear-resistant. For the users, the kayak is designed with high-quality EVA padded seats that offer high-back support for hours of comfortable cruising.

Key Features:

  • Portable and lightweight design
  • Dual-action pump for quick inflation
  • Heavy-duty PVC Tarpaulin bottom
  • Tear-resistant tough 840D coated nylon oxford fabric
  • High-quality EVA padded seats that offer high-back support

Tandem Kayaks Buying Guide

What are the things to be considered when choosing to purchase the tandem kayaks? It is always a hard decision to choose just one among thousands of products available on the market. Therefore, to help you with choosing the right tandem kayaks, these are the things you should consider:

Material

This should certainly be one of the first things for considerations. The kind of materials that the kayak is made from is crucial because it determines how durable and stable the boat is going to be. Depending on the brand, the common material used to make kayaks including polyethylene, composites, or ABS plastic.

Weight

The weight is the next thing to be considered. You will need to carry the kayaks so you will need to consider the portability when thinking of purchasing one. To the extent that it does not compromise the quality and function, you should opt for the lightest of all so that you can carry it and other accessories comfortably.

Number of people

Another thing to be considered is whether you want to opt for a standard two people tandem kayak or you need the extra spot. Especially for a family trip, if you come with children, you might want to purchase the tandem kayak for up to 3 people so that you will not be worried about your child.

Weight capacity

In addition to the number of spots, it is also important to notice the weight capacity. Normally, you will need to consider the weight of you and your partner combine so that you can ensure stability and safety when cruising on the kayaks. Logically, you will want to go for the one with more weight capacity. However, it might also compromise the weight of the kayak itself. Therefore, you should take a variety of things into consideration.

Comfort

Whether you need a backrest or footrest or other features will be what to consider when choosing the kayak. If you intended the use the kayak just for fun, you might not need the backrest. However, if you intended to go fishing which would take a long time, you should choose the one that is ergonomically designed for comfort.

Storage

You will have your essentials with you, and the storage will be essential to have. You might want to have storage that is watertight or waterproof so that your essentials are well protected.

Conclusion

To conclude, looking forward to a trip on the water this time? Then, invest in the great quality tandem kayak. The choosing process can be exhausted with numerous options out there in the market especially with thousands of options out there. Therefore, we have lined up the ten tandem kayak just for you.

We hope you have found the one that is just right for your needs. Additionally, it is also useful and recommended to be aware of some tips on things to consider when choosing one as presented above.

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