Aqua Marina Memba 330 Kayak
Rating
Performance: 7
Size/Weight: 7
Durability: 8
Setup: 7
Value: 6
OVERALL: 7.0
A dependable kayak all in one box.
The Aqua Marina Memba 330 is a one-person inflatable kayak designed for paddlers who want an easy, stable and reliable way to get out on the water without the hassle of a hard kayak. Built with a rigid drop-stitch floor and durable fabric shell, it feels reassuringly solid once inflated and inspires confidence from the first paddle. It is aimed squarely at beginners and casual to intermediate paddlers who enjoy calm lakes, estuaries and gentle rivers, offering a good balance between comfort, portability and on-water performance at a very reasonable price point.
Comparison
Rank: #6
Open Size: Mid-long & stable
Packed Size: Compact bag
Weight: Light–mid
Capacity: Medium
Best For: Beginners and casual paddlers wanting a stable, portable kayak for calm water touring.
Pros: Stable, durable, good tracking, complete package.
Cons: Slower in wind, longer drying time, no footrest.
Verdict: A reliable, great-value inflatable kayak that performs best on calm waters and relaxed adventures.
Skip ahead to First Impressions, Setup/Packdown, Paddling Experience, or the Final Verdict, check out how the Aqua Marina Memba 330 compares to others in our list of the Best Inflatable Kayaks, or see how we choose the best inflatable kayak.
Specs:
Open Size: 330cm x 90cm
Packed Size: N/A
Weight: 13.4kg
Capacity: 110kg
Approx Price: $799.00
First Impressions
The Aqua Marina Memba 330 makes a strong first impression as soon as it comes out of the bag. For an inflatable kayak, it looks sleek and purposeful rather than soft or toy-like, compared to others we’ve seen.
The long, narrow shape hints at better speed and tracking than many recreational inflatables, while the fabric feels thick, tough and confidence-inspiring. The drop-stitch floor immediately stands out because it feels firm underfoot even before you sit down, giving the kayak a more solid, almost hard-shell feel.
The included accessories are a big plus, as everything you need to get on the water is in the box, which makes it especially appealing for beginners or anyone wanting a simple, ready-to-go package at a reasonable price.
Setup/Packdown
Setting up the Memba 330 is straightforward and beginner-friendly.
Inflation is split across the side chambers and the drop-stitch floor, and the supplied pump with pressure gauge makes it easy to avoid over or under-inflating. Most people can have it ready to paddle in around five to ten minutes. The valves are easy to access and seal well, giving peace of mind once they are inflated.
Packing it down is also relatively stress-free, too, thanks to the generously sized backpack (a massive plus!). You do not need to fold it perfectly to make everything fit, which is a welcome change from tighter inflatable kayak bags.
One downside is drying time. The fabric hull cover can hold onto moisture, so it is best to let the kayak fully dry before long-term storage. This is not difficult, but it does require a bit of patience, which can be annoying if you are packing up in a hurry. This is the same for all fabric covered kayaks, though.
Paddling Experience
As we said, the Memba 330 feels stable and reassuring, especially for an inflatable kayak. The drop-stitch floor makes a noticeable difference, reducing flex and giving a more planted, solid feel while paddling. It tracks well for its class, helped by the long waterline and twin fin setup, and it holds a straight line better than many wider recreational inflatables.
That said, it is not a high-speed kayak and you may need to make small corrective strokes in wind or choppy conditions.
The kayak glides smoothly on calm lakes, estuaries and gentle rivers, making it well-suited to relaxed touring and exploring. The seat is comfortable with good back support, although it can take a bit of adjustment to get it just right. The lack of a built-in footrest may be noticeable on longer paddles, but many paddlers find simple workarounds.
Overall comfort is good, with plenty of room for gear and a cockpit that feels open without being exposed. It can handle light coastal use and casual fishing, but it is not designed for white water or rough conditions, so keep that in mind.
Final Verdict
The Aqua Marina Memba 330 is a well-rounded inflatable kayak that delivers excellent value for its price. It balances stability, durability and portability while offering better paddling efficiency than many entry-level inflatables. While it has minor drawbacks such as longer drying time and average tracking in windy conditions, these are reasonable trade-offs given its comfort, build quality and ease of use. For beginners, casual paddlers and anyone short on storage space, it is a dependable and enjoyable kayak that is easy to recommend.
Want to see how the Aqua Marina Memba 330 compares to others? Check out our list of the Best Inflatable Kayaks.
Water & Outdoors reviews are written by our staff writers, who combined have over fifty years of experience on the water and outdoors. We may earn commissions if you choose to buy through a link you’ve clicked on our website, however this does not influence our reviews. For more information, please see our Editorial Policies.