7 Best Inflatable Kayaks Under 500 [Buying Guide 2021]

Kayaking is the most lovable sport because it is fun and easy-going. An inflatable kayak will be an incredible addition to your gear because it lets you explore outdoors while being in the water. It is something you do not experience while riding a bike or hiking.

Is kayaking a workout? Definitely! It is an excellent workout because it allows you to push your upper body muscles to the maximum. However, if you want to enjoy the scenery and have fun, you can coast slowly across the water surface.

Are they designed only for recreational purposes? Luckily not! You can use these well-designed watercraft for fishing because they can handle knives, fins, and hooks. Moreover, these inflatable kayaks are utilized for military purposes and the coast guard. Plus, it is used for rescue and patrol missions.

Why these inflatable kayaks in the limelight? These kayaks are getting better with time. They are incredibly portable and lightweight, and even the kids find it hassle-free to carry the kayak.

Furthermore, the best thing about inflatable kayaks is their storage! You do need a large storage area or a roof rack to store them. They can easily fold down; thus, making it easier for you to store and keep them anywhere you like.

Were you aware of the fact that the best inflatable kayaks under 500 dollars are also available? Yes, you read that right.

There are tons of choices that come with essential accessories. Therefore, you do not have to compromise on the additional accessories, looks, and brands.

We have done ample research to find you the most reliable options within your budget that will perform decently and are more robust. If you want to know more about it in detail, proceed to read the guide!

Comparing Best Inflatable Kayaks Under 500

1. Intex 68310VM Dakota K2 – A Great Kayak For A Lot of Fun

This two-person inflatable kayak is explicitly designed for agility and speed in the water. It contains both long and short skegs. The long one is perfect for straight-line tracking, while the short-one is ideal for easy and quick turns.

What’s more, its outstanding construction is ideal for water adventures. The kayak is constructed from puncture-resistant, tough, and high-quality vinyl. Moreover, it contains three separate air chambers, and for maximum rigidity, it possesses an inflatable I-beam floor.

What else? The presence of handles on the front and back of the kayak makes it easy to transport it in and out of the water when inflated.

Furthermore, to make your ride comfortable, this kayak offers removable and adjustable seats with backrests. Plus, this kayak is manufactured only for two people and can support up to 400 pounds.

Not to mention: the presence of the Boston valve allows you to inflate and deflate the kayak quickly.

2. Intex Explorer K2 Kayak – An Economical and Outstanding Canoe

It is one of the well-acclaimed kayaks because of its incredible features, and it is affordable. It goes out of stock pretty quickly, so you have to keep an eye on this kayak for its availability.

Moreover, Intex Explorer K2 provides comfortability to whoever wants to use this model. This cockpit-designed kayak has adjustable inflatable seats with a backrest. Its outstanding construction delivers space and comfort that allows you to relax in the middle of the lake.

What’s more: this canoe is for two people. Since you can re-adjust the seats, you can also go for paddling solo. However, it does not have plenty of legroom, and if you are tall, you might want to go solo or with a child.

Furthermore, the kayak weighs 30.6 pounds, so it is not feather-light. But it is easy to carry it in a carry bag. Once you inflate it, it becomes super portable and lightweight. Plus, it can only accommodate 400 pounds and not more than that.

What else? It is constructed for smaller bodies of water like mild rivers and lakes. Plus, its bright yellow color increases visibility in case you encounter any emergency.

Not to mention: to enhance the directional stability, you can also remove the skeg.

Surprisingly enough: the tracking is not the straightest, but it is ideal for recreational paddling and playing around on the water.

3. Intex Challenger K1 Kayak – The Best Bang For Your Bucks

This one-person kayak is fantastic for adults and teens, plus it is very budget-friendly.

What are a few remarkable things about this watercraft that makes it the best? It is a trendy model among individuals who love kayaking but are on a budget.

Intex Challenger K1 has rugged vinyl construction. It is constructed from durable welded material with eye-catching graphics for added safety on the slow-moving river or the lake.

What else? It comes with everything you need. It includes a kayak, adjustable seat, a paddle, storage bag, and skeg that snaps underneath for stability, air pump, and patch kit. It comes with one aluminum collapsible oar for paddling. It is easy to assemble and straightforward to use.

Plus, inflating and assembling the kayak is effortless. However, it takes time when you are assembling for the first time because the manual directions are vague. The manual pump that comes with this kayak works perfectly in inflating this watercraft.

Moreover, the inflatable seat is nice and comfortable. Its cockpit is designed to provide ample space for the legs. It does not allow your legs to get squished or feel too restricted in the kayak.

Furthermore, the skeg stays in place. Plus, this kayak provides enough room in the front and back sections to store your dry bag with leftovers and gear leftovers.

What’s more: this watercraft is compact and lightweight. You can easily carry it in the carry bag; however, you might face issues putting the wet kayak back into the carry bag.

How is that so? It is because the air only goes in one way when you are pumping, and you do not have to rush to close the cap for fear of air escaping.

4. Sea Eagle 370 Pro Inflatable Portable Kayak – An Exceptional and Versatile Kayak

Is convenience a more important priority for you than performance? This surprisingly solid and well-made boat is stable in rivers and lakes even with moderate winds.

This three-people canoe is lightweight and portable, but do not let this weight fool you because it is extremely rugged and can hold up to 65 pounds.

Moreover, Sea Eagle 370 comes with two movable and super comfortable seats for improved back support, two paddles, a carry bag, a repair kit, a pressure gauge, and a foot pump.

This brand states that it takes less than ten minutes to set it up. However, if you are a beginner, it might take 15 to 30 minutes. The foot pump comes with works excellent; therefore, you do not have to use an electric pump.

What’s more: this kayak offers dual skegs that help the boat track. Oddly enough, it can slide sideways with stronger winds.

Furthermore, the storage bag it comes with has plenty of space to put all the accessories and parts. However, the carry bag does not have two backpack-style straps; thus, it becomes uncomfortable and awkward to carry.

Plus, the paddles have aluminum shafts and asymmetrical blades. They are relatively easy to assemble, and they do not brush against the sides of the canoe. Hence, making it easier for you to paddle.

5. Intex Excursion Pro Kayak – Hands Down The Best Inflatable Kayak for the Price

Do you want your excursion to feel and look like much higher-end kayaking? This two-person fishing kayak will put a smile on your face out in the water.

What does this boat set include? This NMMA (National Marine Manufacturers Association) certified kayak comes with two 86-inches aluminum oars that are easy to assemble, a high-output pump, two fishing rod holders, and a pressure gauge.

Since Intex Excursion Pro is constructed from super-tough laminate PVC with a polyester core, it is highly resistant to abrasion, damage, harsh impact, and sunlight. Besides its sturdiness, it can handle a weight capacity of 400 pounds.

How is this fishing kayak designed? The canoe is designed by using three-ply abrasion-resistant and high-impact material. Therefore. It is unaffected by saltwater, oil, and gasoline. Like other watercraft, it also has an I-beam floor to provide extra rigidity.

It has a three-chamber construction and an integrated drain plug. Moreover, the presence of spring-loaded valves allows instant inflation and deflation. Plus, its high-pressure inflation provides extra stability and rigidity.

What features does it offer? To make your fishing trip more effortless, it provides an adjustable and removable mounting bracket for additional accessories like two swivel fishing rod holders, fish finders, and a GPS. It also includes a repair patch and a carry bag.

If we talk about its seats, they both have a backrest and are adjustable and removable. Plus, it also offers one removable seat booster and adjustable footrests. Moreover, if you want to tie down the gear and handbags, there is plenty of storage space in the bow and stern with the stainless steel D rings.

6. Solstice by Swimline Durango Kayak – A Pet-friendly Inflatable Kayak

If you are looking for an alternative to a regular plastic kayak, this might be the solution. It is constructed from a very sturdy nylon material and offers more excellent stability.

This economical and fun boat for small lakes and ponds offers excellent performance. Plus, it is durable and has superior quality materials and fabric.

What’s more: It is very light and easy to move around but has a rigid body. The sturdy floor is perfect for a dog’s claws, and the tough bottom can withstand rocks.

Furthermore, it has four handles to grab. You will find one at each end and the other two on the sides. Plus, it has heavy-duty D ring tie-downs, and not many inflatable kayaks offer that.

What else? It has three separate chambers; it is easy to inflate with the foot pump provided. The whole setup process takes about five to ten minutes. Moreover, this V-shaped bottom watercraft’s bucket seats are adjustable and are made from sturdy nylon.

Two individuals whose height is greater than 5ft 5-inches and are kayaking together may fit okay in the canoe. The person sitting in the back might have to cross legs or sit with knees up. Tall people might have issues because it would be a very tight fit.

Not to mention: This kayak can bear only 400 pounds. The weight exceeding this requirement can cause issues with poor buoyancy.

7. Airhead Montana Kayak – A Perfect Recreational Kayak

Are you searching for a canoe that is perfect for cruising yachts, exploring remote areas, vacationing, and camping?

This portable, compact, and lightweight kayak is designed for moderate white water and lakes. Its bright orange color is vivid enough to provide visibility and safety on the water.

It can fit two twelve-foot persons, and it is more spacious than a ten-foot model. Neoprene elbow guards are used to make paddling more comfortable. Plus, the stretch net in the bow and six D-rings at the bow and stern secures your gear.

What about its construction? This kayak is constructed from semi-rigid heavy-gauge PVC. It has a tubular I-beam floor that provides superior tracking, buoyancy, and comfort.

Moreover, it has durable tri-laminate reinforcements at the bottom. The presence of four bottom fins provides superior tracking and low drag.

Furthermore, this canoe consists of nylon and stainless steel hardware that will not rust. It also has three air chambers that are entirely enclosed by rugged nylon with water-resistant and UV coatings.

Its removable seats allow you to go solo if you do not want to go with anyone else. Like this Airhead kayak, the seats are also inflatable with excellent back support.

What other features does it offer? The inflation and deflation process is very straightforward. The presence of two Boston valves makes inflation and deflation easier.

Best Inflatable Kayaks Under 500 Buyer’s Guide:

If you are a kayaking beginner, it is necessary to keep an eye on many factors. Once you go through these factors, it will protect you from buying low-quality kayaks. Thus, saving your bucks from being wasted because mostly they do not come with warranties.

So what do you have to look for? Individuals can become pessimistic about the kayaks available under 500 dollars. But little do you know that most of them are of excellent quality and are well-designed like we mentioned above.

To choose the best one and according to your preference, you have to look for its size, space, comfort, material, performance, quality, and other features.

Let’s discuss each of these considerations in detail!

Quality

Sometimes the lower price translates to thinner and less durable material. The more delicate material will ultimately produce a less durable product. Plus, punctures can happen more frequently.

The most common and good quality materials from which inflatable kayaks are manufactured are PVC (polyvinyl chloride), textiles, polyethylene, neoprene, Nitrylon, and Hypalon.

Moreover, PVC is significantly cheaper and is most frequently used in manufacturing entry-level inflatable kayaks. The only drawback is that it degrades from exposure to UV rays or chemicals.

Performance

The other essential thing to consider is the performance. It is not necessary that only the sky-high priced kayaks will work exceptionally. The budget-friendly inflatable kayaks also deliver impeccable performance. However, a few slightly cheaper models may not track very well and might be slower than others.

What’s more: these inflatable kayaks are perfect for recreational purposes like hanging out in the small lake, rivers, and calm water.

Comfort

Since you will spend your weekends or holidays lazily hanging in the water and basking in the sun, you will need a spacious kayak and whose seats are incredibly comfortable.

You will be sitting in a kayak for hours, so you do not want to buy a watercraft that has a tight fit because it will want you to stretch out your legs after a few minutes. That can become irritating!

Therefore, look for something like foamed adjustable seats with enough padding and plenty of leg space.

Storage and Deck Space

Whether you are an expert or a beginner in kayaking, you should be able to move comfortably when you ride the canoe.

It is crucial to have enough deck space to fit you and other essential items. Otherwise, your movement will be overly restrictive.

What else? When you are kayaking, you cannot go empty-handed. You will require your necessary equipment. Therefore, the kayak you are about to purchase should have a place for storing the equipment properly, and it should be easily accessible.

Weight Capacity

Various kayak brands offer different weight capacities. Most inflatable kayaks have a weight capacity of about 200 to 500 pounds.

Moreover, make sure that you do not cross the weight limit. If you do, it will lead to poor buoyancy. The kayak will not sink, but it will be lower in the water. It will not perform how it is supposed to, and it will become less stable.

Weight

Different kayaks have different weights. Remember to opt for the one that is not too heavy. Best inflatable kayaks under 500 are usually lightweight, portable. You can easily carry them around and store them.

Hull’s Shape

The hull’s size can vary massively. If you want to use the kayak for recreational purposes and are a novice, it is better to go for the medium-length kayak with a broader base. These types of kayaks are straightforward to maneuver and provide stability in the water.

It is better to avoid short, wide, and long, thin kayaks because they are hard to paddle in a straight line, unstable, and instantly turn.

Skeg

You may have seen the word “skeg” while reading about the different inflatable kayaks. But what is a skeg anyway? It is a solid fin that extends into the water from the kayak’s stern or the hull’s underside. It is there to enhance the kayak’s tracking in a straight line in windier situations.

What’s more: the skeg should not fully extend into the water because it becomes harder to quickly turn the kayak.

Spray Skirt

The spray skirt’s primary purpose is to keep out water from the kayak. It will prevent your kayak from capsizing by stopping the water from entering. Hence, keeping your watercraft fully dry.

Moreover, it is only used in a sit-inside kayak that fully covers your lower half.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Inflatable kayaks have improved dramatically over the years. They have become more durable and sturdy. They are outstandingly designed, offer plenty of features, and paddling is easier. Thus, they provide a hassle-free kayaking experience.

We hope that you find our guide about the best inflatable kayaks under 500 informative and comprehensive. Before committing to a particular type of kayak, make sure that you do ample amounts of research.

By doing this, you will end up expending your hard-earned money on the right type of kayak that will provide you long-term outdoor fun. Plus, it will save you from headaches down the road. The inflatable kayaks that we have mentioned above are one of the best under 500 dollars. Moreover, they are great for an entry-lover paddler.