Best Tandem Kayaks of 2025
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Tandem kayaks are a great way to enjoy the water with a partner or friend. These kayaks are designed to accommodate two people, with a seating arrangement that allows for comfortable paddling and maneuvering. Tandem kayaks come in a variety of styles and sizes, from sit-in to sit-on-top models, and are suitable for a range of water activities, including touring, fishing, and recreational paddling. Whether you're looking for an adventure on the lake or a peaceful paddle down a river, a tandem kayak is a versatile and enjoyable option for two people.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Tandem Kayaks
Pelican Argo 136XP
The Pelican Tandem Kayak, known as the Pelican Argo 136XP, is designed to offer stability and efficiency on the water. The multi-chine flat bottom hull with a keel extension ensures a smooth and stable ride, while the patented Ram-X material makes it lightweight and durable. With Ergofit seating, you can paddle comfortably for hours, and the adjustable footrests cater to paddlers of all sizes. The multiple storage zones, including a waterproof hatch and a cockpit bottle holder, ensure you're fully equipped for any journey, whether short or long.
Perception Tribe 13.5 Sit on Top Tandem Kayak
Experience unmatched adventures with the Perception Tribe Tandem Kayak. Proudly made in the USA, this 2 person sit-on-top kayak is designed for easy paddling and supports up to 500lbs. It's perfect for both beginners and seasoned kayakers. Enjoy unparalleled comfort with adjustable framed seatbacks, cushioned seat pans, and molded knee/thigh areas, ensuring a comfortable fit for all your journeys. The kayak adjusts to paddlers of all sizes with integrated footrests and offers generous storage with front and rear tank wells secured by bungee tie-downs. Keep essentials secure in two central hatches and benefit from efficient drainage with scupper holes. Personalize your kayak experience with two solo mount recesses for additional mounts and accessories. Transport and storage are made easy with durable, one-piece side carry handles.
BKC TK122U Tandem Fishing Kayak w/ Accessories
The BKC TK122U Tandem Fishing Kayak is a single piece, roto-molded high-density polyethylene kayak that is capable of supporting up to 770lbs, providing superb stability for fishing in all sorts of conditions. It comes fully equipped with accessories such as 2 ergonomic aluminum frame seats, 2 adjustable aluminum paddles, 2 waterproof hatches, 4 built-in rod holders, 2 paddle parks, and 1 bungee cargo tie-down. With 2 flush-mount rod holders and 2 articulating rod holders, you can keep multiple baited lines in the water at once. The dual watertight storage hatches will keep all your valuables dry, and the rear cargo space with bungee cord will hold all of your fishing stuff and outdoor gear.
Intex Explorer K2 Kayak
The Intex Explorer K2 Kayak is a two-person inflatable kayak set with aluminum oars and a high output air pump. It is designed for comfort and space, with an adjustable inflatable seat and backrest, and a removable skeg for directional stability. The bright yellow color helps visibility in case of emergency, and it is made for smaller bodies of water such as lakes and mild rivers. Customers are pleased with the convenience and price of the kayak, but some find the seat to be lacking in back support.
BKC Brooklyn 13.5 Tandem Pedal Kayak
The BKC Tandem Pedal Kayak is the ultimate tandem experience for two adults with a 680-pound weight capacity. Its high-density polyethylene construction ensures durability and a smooth ride. Designed for speed, the dual pedal drive systems allow effortless gliding through the water. With two watertight hatches and spacious cargo recesses, there's ample storage for all your kayaking essentials. Fishing enthusiasts will love the three built-in rod holders and stable hull, perfect for hands-free fishing and stand-up casting.
Pelican River Gorge 130X Tandem Kayak
The Pelican River Gorge 130X Tandem Kayak is a sit-on-top recreational 2 person kayak that offers stability, safety, and comfort. It features an upgraded quick lock hatch and tank well with bungee cords for additional storage, molded footrests, two bottle holders, and four accessory eyelets. The twin-arched multi-chine hull provides excellent stability and easy access, while the added flotation inside the hull ensures safety and peace of mind. The adjustable ERGOFIT G2 seating system with thicker ergonomic padding provides targeted cushioning and better air flow. Weighing only 73 lb, it is lighter than its competitors, making it easier to transport.
Kokanee Kayak by Lifetime
The Lifetime Kokanee Kayak offers a well-rounded experience for both solo and tandem paddlers. Its high-density polyethylene construction is UV-protected, ensuring durability and longevity against the elements. You’ll appreciate the two adjustable seat backs, which provide comfort for extended outings. Additionally, the kayak features multiple footrest positions, allowing you to find the perfect fit no matter your height. For added convenience, there’s a hatch that provides storage beneath the deck, making it easy to bring along essentials for your adventure.
Retrospec Coaster Tandem Kayak
The Retrospec Tandem Kayak is perfect for two adults and even your dog! Its inflatable design offers stability and comfort, making your time on the water enjoyable. The kayak is constructed with durable materials, ensuring it withstands various adventures while supporting a weight of up to 505 lbs. Setting up is quick and easy—just inflate, attach the seats, and you’re ready to explore. Plus, its lightweight nature makes it super portable, allowing you to carry it effortlessly and store it conveniently when not in use.
Lifetime Kokanee Sit-On-Top Kayak
The Lifetime Sit-On-Top Kayak is a versatile watercraft designed for solo or tandem paddling. Constructed of UV-protected high-density polyethylene, this kayak is built to withstand the elements and provide long-lasting durability. With two adjustable quick release seat backs, you can find the perfect position for comfort during your paddling adventures. The multiple footrest positions cater to paddlers of different sizes, ensuring a comfortable and ergonomic experience. Additionally, the kayak features a hatch for added storage beneath the deck, allowing you to bring along all your essentials for a day on the water. Whether you're fishing or simply enjoying a leisurely paddle, the Lifetime Sit-On-Top Kayak offers convenience, comfort, and reliability.
BKC TK219 Tandem Fishing Kayak
The BKC Tandem Fishing Kayak is the perfect craft for outdoor fun, with extra space to fit three people, it's ideal for family adventures and epic fishing trips. This kayak comes fully loaded with accessories, featuring two soft padded seats, adjustable aluminum paddles, waterproof hatches, built-in rod holders, paddle parks, and bungee cargo tie-down. Crafted for stability, the Roto Molded single Piece High density polyethylene material is superior to inflatable kayaks, making it a capable craft on ocean, lake, or river while supporting up to 595 lbs. The kayak offers superb stability for fishing in all sorts of conditions, with four flush-mount rod holders and two articulating rod holders, allowing you and your fellow fisherman to keep multiple baited lines in the water at once. The kayak also features dual watertight storage hatches to keep all your valuables dry, and a rear cargo space with bungee cord to hold all of your fishing stuff and outdoor gear.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are tandem kayaks worth it?
Tandem kayaks are great for experiencing your water adventure with your family or friends – whether for recreation or serious angler fishing. The biggest advantage to tandem kayaks is there are two people to not only share in the fun of your water adventure, but to share in paddling, pedaling, maneuvering, steering.
2. Is it better to do single or tandem kayak?
Tandem kayaks also tend to go slower, and it allows one person to take a short break if they get tired while paddling. Single kayaks can still be used by beginners because it only takes a few minutes to learn the basics of paddling down the river.
3. Can one person ride in a tandem kayak?
The best style of tandem kayak for one person is a sit-on-top with removable and adjustable seats. It is definitely possible to paddle a sit-inside tandem kayak or one with molded-in seats by yourself, but you will have to pick whether you feel more comfortable sitting in the front or back seat.
During our tandem kayak research, we found 24 tandem kayak products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 123,669 customer reviews through our big data system to write the tandem kayaks list. We found that most customers choose tandem kayaks with an average price of $953.91.
The tandem kayaks are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of tandem kayaks, including Pelican, Perception Kayaks, BKC, Intex, Lifetime. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
Jason Kiser is an editor who lives in California, he previously worked in a travel agency for ten years, which enabled him to travel a number of interesting countries and experience several different cultures along the way. His range of job and travel experiences grant him expertise in hiking, camping, outdoors and fitness.