Do you enjoy day excursions on the lake?
How about casting a line out for the day to catch some fish?
For those who don’t like the inconvenience of moving a boat, yet still want to paddle around enjoy the excitement that the sea, river, and lake have to offer, kayaks are an excellent option. Every kayak on the market varies in terms of features, comfort, size, design, and more, meaning it can be a bit of a hassle trying to find the perfect one.
Kayaks are a serious investment. It is important to consider your needs so that you can find the perfect kayak for your water excursions, as well as for the price. Though the market may seem saturated, there are certainly kayaks that are designed to reign supreme over others. Luckily for you, we’re here to help you find exactly what you need with our best Costco Kayak reviews.
Our Favorite Picks
#1 Sea Eagle 370 Pro
- 3-Person inflatable sport kayak
- 12’6” in length
- 650lb capacity
#2 Intex Explorer K2
- Inflatable design for portability
- 10’ in length
- 400lb max capacity
#3 Intex Excursion Pro
- Pro Series inflatable kayak
- 12’7” in length
- 400lb max capacity
The Top 5
#1 Sea Eagle 370
The Sea Eagle SE370 is no doubt one of the best kayaks that is on the market today.
Designed with inflatable material and the ability to fit three people, it is versatile and practical all at once.
The kayak comes with two inflatable seats, each of which can be removed, as well as two paddles.
Altogether, the kayak can hold up to 650lbs.
Plus, it is suitable for class III whitewater kayaking, which is pretty awesome considering that it’s inflatable.
There are two skegs on the bottom that help improve tracking capabilities, though they also help to protect the bottom from any obstacles or debris.
There is a skirt that comes along with the Sea Eagle, which minimizes the amount of spray you get from surrounding water.
This can help keep you warm in colder climates.
At just 26lbs, you’ll be happy at how easy this kayak is to transport. You can pump it up in just under 15 minutes, cutting down on pre-water prep time.
The beauty of being able to deflate it is that you can throw it in your trunk when you’re done.
There is no need for a rack or additional storage space! With durable PolyKrylar, the sun and saltwater are no match for the Sea Eagle, meaning you’ll be able to go kayaking for years without worrying about it degrading.
Pro’s
- Lightweight, inflatable design
- Added skegs for tracking and protection when paddling
- Comes with a spray skirt
Con’s
- No ropes for tying gear down
- Paddles feel a little cheap
#2 Intex Explorer K2
The Intex Explorer K2 might just be one of our favorite tandem kayaks on the market.
It includes a pump, two paddles, and a removable skeg.
It is safe and comes at a low price, perfect for smaller children and families.
It looks like a banana, which makes it fun for the little ones to ride around, though it also helps to increase visibility for added safety.
It is recommended that the vessel is used on quiet rivers or lakes.It comes complete with removable seats, which can fit two people.
The seats are very comfortable too, as they are inflatable and mold nicely to the shape of your body. The kayak is very easy to maneuver, so whether you are paddling with a friend or paddling solo, your kayaking journey won’t feel difficult.
Plus, the lightweight design makes it easy to transport.With a stable and low-profile design, beginners shouldn’t have an issue getting this out on the water either.
There is a removable skeg and fin on the bottom, which adds a bit of tracking. You’ll be able to glide through the water with ease without worrying about staying in a straight line. Overall, if you’re looking for tandem kayaks that aren’t incredibly expensive, the Intex Explorer K2 is a solid choice.
Pro’s
- Puncture-resistant design
- Easy paddling
- Comfortable seats
Con’s
- Paddles feel a bit cheap
- Carry bag is not very durable
#3 Intex Excursion Pro
The Intex Excursion Pro Kayak is perfect for those who are looking for easy-to-use tandem kayaks.
It glides through the water like a knife through hot butter.
It comes with a pair of aluminum oars that have paddles on both ends.
Each of the oars is extra long and each has durable grips so that you can hold onto them tightly as you paddle.
When inflated to the correct air pressure, this kayak can hold up to 400lbs in weight.
Thanks to the included hand pump, pumping it up quickly and correctly is easier than ever.
There are two inflatable seats that are included, which help to provide a fair amount of back support when you’re paddling hard. The seats are also adjustable to help fit your body. To attach your fish finder or GPS unit, you can use the included mounting brackets.
For those who are into fishing, the swivel fishing rod holders are a huge plus. There are even removable skews so that you can maintain total stability as you cut through the water, no matter how shallow or deep it is. Lastly, there are a few handles located on the front and back, making it easy to transport once you get back to shore.
While it may be more expensive than the Intex K2, this pro kayak is perfect for those who are deeper into the kayaking world, yet want a nice inflatable to add to their collection.
Pro’s
- Lightweight and easy-to-transport design
- Stable i-beam floor
- Tons of onboard storage space
Con’s
- Some say it deflates after a few hours of sitting around
#4 Sun Dolphin Bali 12 SS
The Sun Dolphin Bali 12 SS is more of a traditional kayak compared to the inflatable kayaks that we have talked about in this article.
It is one of the best recreational kayaks for beginners, though many experienced kayakers praise it as well.
It is made with a sit-on-top design, though has an open cockpit design, which makes it very easy to enter and exit.
The kayak can hold up to 395lbs as well!
There are adjustable foot braces so that both you and your kids can ride in it with ease, as well as protective thigh pads so that you can stay comfortable when the water get a bit rougher. The storage compartment is helpful for stowing away smaller items such as snacks, drinks, wallet, keys, etc.
The best thing about the Sun Dolphin Bali 12 SS is that it tracks with ease, providing riders with total stability no matter how shallow or deep the water is. Though it may not be nearly as portable as an inflatable kayak, it is incredibly lightweight, which makes it easy to transport.
Whether you are touring or fishing, the Sun Dolphin Bali 12 SS can pretty much handle it all.
Pro’s
- Tracking and stability are a priority
- Comes with a portable accessory carrier
- Convenient entry and exit with open cockpit
Con’s
- Water comes in the drain holes
- Foot braces are a bit uncomfortable
#5 Perception Rambler 9.5
The Perception Rambler 9.5 is one of our favorite hard shell kayaks.
It can roll on the waves with ease while remaining in control no matter how crazy conditions get.
If you’re in the market for a kayak that is both playful and portable, this one is an excellent choice. Whether you are a veteran or beginner, you’ll find the Rambler easy to maneuver.
Though it is marketed as a sport kayak, we like to think of it as just as much of a fishing kayak.
It comes with a center console that stores away all of your bait and tackle, as well as a tankwell, which can hold all of your additional gear. The recessed storage tray is great for organizing your bait or putting your lunch on.
The short length gives it a bit of added paddle stability, especially for little ones who are still learning how to ride. It performs well in all kinds of waters from open bays to light surf. There are handy molded cup holders, which keep cold beverages within arms reach too, great for a hot day.
Overall, the Perception Rambler 9.5 is perfect for those who want to add a bit of excitement to their kayaking experience.
Pro’s
- Designed with durable high-density polyethylene
- Molded side handles make transport easy
- Can paddle well in all kinds of water
Con’s
- Does not come with scupper plugs
Inflatable Kayaks Vs. Hardshell Kayaks
One of the major advantages of inflatable kayaks is that they are portable and lightweight. When you’re all done, you can simply deflate them and put them in a carrying bag for transport. There is no need for additional racks or storage space. They are also much better for beginners, as they are designed with supreme stability in mind when paddling, similar to inflatable SUPs.
On the other hand, they aren’t great for high-performance kayaking quite like hardshell kayaks are. Hardshell kayaks also provide a little more paddle control when you are moving in more extreme conditions.
Which Kayak Should I Buy?
No matter where on the water you want to paddle, a good kayak for sale from Costco should be able to get you there. It is important to always consider what you need most when purchasing a kayak so that you can get the right fit for your type of excursion. If we had to choose our favorite out of all these kayaks, it would definitely be the Sea Eagle SE370. With a high-quality, inflatable design, a high carrying capacity, and a stable paddling character, it’s a wonderful all-around kayak for the lake, river, or ocean.
Good luck and happy kayaking!
OUR #1 PICK – Sea Eagle 370 Pro
Our Rating
