Best Inflatable Kayaks Under $500

Want a reliable, portable kayak that is easy to store but doesn’t cost a whole lot?

An inflatable kayak can be an excellent investment that will provide hours of outdoor fun.

However after some quick research you might find yourself confused on which one to get.  With so many options available models can vary greatly in size, quality, features, and especially in price.

Although the higher priced inflatable kayaks are often made stronger and perform better there are still a few great options to consider if you don’t want to invest a lot into your purchase.

The models below are some of the best inflatable kayaks you can get for under $500.

BEST ‘CHEAP’ INFLATABLE KAYAKS

These kayaks will give you quite a bit for your money and perform decently.

They handle well on flat water or when dealing with some chop.  They are excellent for beginners and recreational paddling.

1. SEA EAGLE 370 SPORT

• 12’2″ Long
• 34″ Wide
• Weighs 32 lbs.
• Max Load 650 lbs.

The 370 Sport is one of my favourite on this list.  It is an extremely popular entry level kayak.

I see the Sea Eagle Sport kayaks around often when I am out paddling and the people using them always seem to have only great things to say when I ask how they like them.

I normally see the Sport being used on lakes and calm rivers.  However I have also seen it being used on the ocean in Hawaii going from larger boat to shore and playing around on protected ocean bays.

See the package options and prices for the 370 Sport at the official SeaEagle.com website.

The Sport has quite a few advantages that make it so popular.

• For one it is very versatile. This is a tandem kayak that can easily be paddled solo by adjusting the position of the seats.  You can move the seats and load it up with kids, dogs, camping or fishing gear.  It can hold up to 650 lbs.
• It is durable. I rarely hear of issues with the Sport models. The material is not as strong or thick as the higher priced Sea Eagle FastTrack, Explorer or Razorlite kayaks but it is definitely a step up from many others on the market in this lower price range.
• The Sport is easy to handle and the 370 tracks particularly well.  I find it easy to turn and control even when paddling solo. It takes a little more effort to paddle in wind but seems to plow through choppy water well.  I especially enjoy paddling the 370 Sport as a tandem as it glides nicely with two people powering through.
• It comes with a great 3-year warranty. That might not seem like a huge deal but it is almost unheard of to get a 3-year warranty on a cheaper inflatable kayak. Most only offer 1 year and that’s if you’re lucky so 3-years is very cool and shows the quality of construction.
• The price is excellent for what you get. Their package options are awesome and include the paddles, seats, pump, and bag as well as extras’s depending on which package you choose.

Click here for our full review of the Sea Eagle 370 Sport Inflatable Kayak.

2. SEA EAGLE 330 SPORT

• 11’2″ Long
• 34″ Wide
• Weighs 26 lbs.
• Max Load 500 lbs.

Click here for our full review of the Sea Eagle 330 Sport.

The 330 is identical in every way to the 370 Sport except that it is one foot shorter. It is also a tandem that can be used solo by adjusting the seats.

I have actually spent quite a bit of time paddling the 330 Sport as a tandem and as a solo kayak. My personal preference is to use the 370 for tandem paddling and the 330 for solo use.

I find the extra room in the 370 really nice to have especially if paddling with anyone with longer legs or a dog.

That being said however the 330 is lightweight, very portable, costs a little less and includes the same good construction, features and warranty.

So if you don’t need the extra space, the 330 might be the way to go. With the lighter weight I do notice that it is more susceptible to being blown by the wind.  So on windy days you might notice that it takes more effort to keep on track.

However for use on flat water lakes paddling around with the family, fishing or going from larger boat to shore, it works great and you get a lot for your money with this boat.

See the package options for the 330 Sport on the official SeaEagle.com website.

3.  Aquaglide Chinook 100

• 10’5″ Long
• 36″ Wide
• Weighs 28 lbs.
• Max Load 400 lbs.

The Aquaglide Chinnok is a tandem kayak that can also be used as a solo.

I have tried both their inflatable kayaks as well as their inflatable stand-up paddle boards and have never been disappointed.

The Chinook is their lower end model but it’s a good product.  It is stable, comfortable and easy to paddle.

The Chinook100 does not have as much leg room as the slightly higher priced Chinook120.  So if two taller people will be paddling you might prefer the larger size.

I do wish that it had a high pressure rigid floor, which would help with performance but for the price I don’t want to complain as it’s a nice ride.

It is built strong, the tracking is decent, comfort level is very high, overall features are good and their kayaks come with a 3-year warranty.

The best price for the Aquaglide Chinook is at Amazon.com.

4. INTEX CHALLENGER K1

I have decided to add one more kayak in this list.  I’m not going to say that this is one of the best kayaks for under $500 but it is certainly extremely popular and a lot more fun than I had originally imagined.

The Intex Challenger sells on Amazon.com for a great price.  It’s crazy cheap and comes with a paddle, pump, fin and carry bag.

The Challenger is ideal for fun days at the lake with family and friends and also perfect for camping or trekking.

It is ultra portable, probably the most portable inflatable kayak I have ever tried.

It is not made as strong or as durable as the others and for this reason it is best suited for calm water and paddling along the shorelines.

However for under $60 it gets you on the water and feels surprisingly comfortable and easy to paddle.

Check it out in the video below then click here to read our full review.

5. INTEX EXPLORER K2

The Intex Explorer isn’t my favourite kayak but it’s affordable and very popular.

Once again the best price is typically at Amazon.com.  It tends to go in and out of stock, so you just have to watch for when it’s there.

It’s a two person inflatable kayak but the seats can be moved so that it is ideal for paddling solo as well.

There isn’t a ton of leg room when paddling with a partner so if you are taller you’ll want to use it solo or maybe to paddle only with a child.

I used it mostly for paddling with my dog.  He happily set himself up in the second seat and we paddled along calm rivers and lakes.

The Explorer K2 is 10’3″ long and 3′ wide.  It weighs 30.6 lbs. so it isn’t super light.

I  had no trouble carrying it in the carry bag but once inflated it is easier to carry with a partner.

All in all it’s a fairly comfortable ride and it is super portable.

The tracking isn’t the straightest but this kayak works well for playing around on the water and easy recreational paddling.

Click here for my full review on the Intex Explorer K2 Inflatable Kayak.

Check out my video below to see the Explorer K2 in action.

Inflatable kayaks are ideal for:

• Days at the lake
• Fishing in those hard to reach yet ideal spots
• Bringing on larger boats to get from ship to shore or just to paddle around
• Traveling and exploring new waterways
• Storing in a small space and transporting in the trunk of your vehicle
• Camping with friends and family
• Fitness and fun

They are awesome and you will love your inflatable kayak if you get the one that suits your needs best.

There are some really nice high quality models out there but not everyone needs or wants to spend a thousand dollars on a high-end inflatable kayak.

Although a higher price will typically get you a better quality boat there are definitely options such as the ones listed above for getting on the water for less.

Factors To Consider

There are a few factors to consider before choosing an inflatable kayak with a lower price tag.

1. Quality

Very often the cheaper the price, the thinner and less durable the material will be.

Thinner material will result in a less durable product. Punctures, which are far less common in high-end models, can happen more easily if not careful.

Besides the less durable material, the valves are often cheaper as well.

You might be okay with this if you don’t plant to use the kayak often or perhaps it is being used as a second option for friends or family member.

2. Performance

The other part of the equation is performance.

To get an inflatable kayak that tracks really well you will most likely need to pay the higher price.

You will often get quite a bit of yaw movement (side to side motion) making it harder and definitely slower to get anywhere with the cheaper models.

This might not be important if planning to use the kayak for lazy days hanging at the lake but if you’re trying to get anywhere it can be very frustrating.

I have reviewed a few models where no matter how hard I paddled it felt like I was going nowhere.

3. Customer Service

You may not think of customer service initially as you are doing your research for a new kayak but it is worth considering.

Think about things like can you get replacement parts? How good is the warranty? Can I get ahold of a person if I have an issue or a question?

I get many emails from people who have purchased a lower end kayak, have had an issue and can’t get ahold of anyone at the company or find any replacement parts. How frustrating is that?!

Buying from an established company that stands behind their product can give you peace of mind and possibly save you from a big headache down the road.

Want To See More Reviews?

Check out our list of best inflatable kayaks for recreational use.