The 10 Best Inflatable Kayaks Australia 2026
We’re sure you know by now that Inflatable kayaks have been taking off, and with the freedom to adventure they offer, it’s not hard to see why!
Few of us can store a traditional hard-shell kayak, and inflatables pack down to a fraction of their size. As they’re smaller and generally lighter weight, they also make adventures much more accessible! Throw them in the back of the car for a spontaneous paddle or take one hiking to access the pristine waterways we have in Australia. Really, you could even take one on a plane to explore uncharted bays on your next Tahitian holiday (ah, we can dream…).
Inflatable Kayak Comparison
Compare the specs, watch our video analysis, or jump straight down to the inflatable kayak reviews.
Score
9.2
Size
285 x 84cm
Weight
8.2kg
Capacity
179kg
Price
$$
Score
5.6
Size
305 x 91cm
Weight
17kg
Capacity
100kg
Price
$
And if you’re wondering about whether buying the best inflatable kayak is really a good idea, don’t.
The ease and portability offered by these bad boys definitely give us more than enough reason to recommend that you buy one, immediately. Current materials engineering means top-of-the-line inflatables can create hard surfaces on par with traditional hard-shell kayaks, and in the best models, punctures are very unlikely. Check out what we think is important to look for in our article on How To Choose The Best Inflatable Kayak.
So, now that you’re convinced you need one, where should you start looking?
Relax, we’ve done the homework for you and picked ten of the best inflatable kayaks Australia for one person under $1200.
Have questions about inflatable kayaks? Skip to our FAQ section.
Or if you’d prefer to paddle with a buddy, read our 2-Person Inflatable Kayak Review.
Watch our video for tips on how to choose the best inflatable kayak
Inflatable Kayak Reviews
Know what you’re looking for? Get straight to it:
Top Rated Overall: Razor Kayaks R1 Ultra
High Performance: Aqua Maria Tomahawk Air-K 375
Family Fun: Intex Challenger K1
Undoubtedly the all-around best inflatable kayak for this price range.
Razor Kayaks’ R1 Ultra is the kayak of our dreams. It has a beautifully firm Tech-Stitch™ (Razor Kayaks’ engineered drop-stitch) floor, smooth, tough 1000-denier PVC hull, and stability for days. It’s easy to inflate, easy to dry, easy to carry and easy to paddle. Everything about this baby makes for a simple, super-fun inflatable kayak experience where you spend as much time enjoying the water and as little time setting up or packing down as possible. Our favourite part? It’s insanely well priced for a kayak of this quality.
Summary
Perfect For: All types of water.
Pros: Firm Tech-Stitch™ floor, durable, stable, manoeuvrable, lightweight, easy to carry and store, and very reasonably priced.
Cons: If we’re picky, it’s slightly slower than differently-shaped high-performance kayaks we’ve paddled.
Verdict: There’s absolutely nothing better out there in this price range.
Rating
Performance: 8
Size/Weight: 8
Durability: 10
Setup: 10
Value: 10
OVERALL: 9.2
Where to get it
The best step-up from cheap inflatables.
If you have ever started out on a basic inflatable kayak and felt like you were ready for something that actually feels closer to a real kayak, the Aqua Marina Tomahawk Air-K 375 is exactly that kind of step up. It is not aimed at total beginners or people who just want to float around for half an hour, but more for paddlers who want speed, better tracking and a more ‘serious’ feel without owning a hard shell. We used it after spending time on cheaper inflatables and the difference is noticeable straight away.
Summary
Perfect For: Intermediate paddlers who want speed and touring performance in an inflatable.
Pros: Fast, great tracking, rigid feel, comfortable seat.
Cons: Slow setup, less stable, struggles in wind.
Verdict: A high-performance inflatable that feels close to a hard-shell but needs confidence and patience to enjoy fully.
Rating
Performance: 9
Size/Weight: 7
Durability: 10
Setup: 10
Value: 8
OVERALL: 8.8
A simple, dependable inflatable kayak.
The Kokopelli Moki-Lite is a lighter-weight inflatable kayak that balances ease of use with solid build quality. It’s got a drop-stitch floor and removable tracking fin to help it steer reasonably well and while it won’t match rigid kayaks for speed, it’s great for quick outings on calm water, bays or inlets.
Summary
Perfect For: Casual paddlers who want an easy and portable kayak.
Pros: Stable, durable, portable, easy to use.
Cons: Awkward bag, wind affected, slower than hard-shells.
Verdict: A convenient inflatable kayak that trades speed for practicality.
Rating
Performance: 8
Size/Weight: 8
Durability: 9
Setup: 10
Value: 9
OVERALL: 8.8
Where to get it
Everything we love in a hybrid inflatable, but light.
The Ultralite offers the best of Advanced Elements’ hybrid approach, with those strong aluminium ribs added to an inflatable that somehow only weighs in at 7.9kg. It packs the full features of any Advanced Elements kayak; keep it in the boot of your car to whip out any time you’re close enough to smell water, or put it on your back to reach untouched paradise.
Summary
Perfect For: Smooth to choppy water, recreation, hiking trips and travel.
Pros: Light, stable, tracks well, packs into a convenient backpack, super fun.
Cons: Some assembly required (a few different valves and a floor to insert), takes a while to dry before packing away, and it’s for small people (if you’re over 6’2” or weigh more than 102kg, forget it).
Verdict: Perfect for smaller kayakers searching for that isolated water thrill.
Rating
Performance: 7
Size/Weight: 8
Durability: 9
Setup: 8
Value: 4
OVERALL: 7.4
Where to get it
Overnight Adventures
Air Kayaks Direct
Pro Kayaks
Capacity Sports
The inflatable for you and your dog.
The BOTE Deus Aero is one of those watercraft that instantly makes people stop and ask questions. It looks like a kayak, paddles a lot like a stand up paddleboard and promises to do both in one inflatable package. On paper, it sounds like the perfect solution for people short on storage who want comfort, versatility and something that feels more premium than a basic inflatable. In reality, it delivers a very enjoyable experience, but not without some clear trade-offs that are worth understanding before you buy.
Summary
Perfect For: Leisure paddlers who want a comfortable, stable inflatable for calm water and relaxed outings.
Pros: Extremely comfortable, very stable, durable build, versatile kayak and SUP use.
Cons: Heavy, expensive, poor tracking in wind, difficult to pack away.
Verdict: A premium, comfort-first inflatable that is great for relaxed paddling but not great for performance-focused users.
Rating
Performance: 6
Size/Weight: 6
Durability: 10
Setup: 6
Value: 8
OVERALL: 7.2
Where to get it
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.
Summary
Perfect 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.
Rating
Performance: 7
Size/Weight: 7
Durability: 8
Setup: 7
Value: 6
OVERALL: 7.0
Where to get it
Your ultimate companion for a day out on the water.
The price is right for this product, and that’s a step up in quality from Intex’s Challenger model. It’s no-nonsense, with tons of space, an adjustable seat, foot brace, and holders for your rods (fishing rods, that is… we keep it clean here at W&O) and phone or GoPro. Its smooth PVC surface is surprisingly fast in the water and quick-drying for easy storage.
Summary
Perfect For: Flat and calm water, fishing, and casual recreational paddling.
Pros: Stable, fast, easy to handle, very reasonably priced, comes as a complete kit with paddles and pump.
Cons: PVC laminate construction doesn’t seem super durable, included paddles and pump are not the best.
Verdict: One of the only fishing-enabled inflatable kayaks to make the cut, we’d recommend this as a great multipurpose leisure option.
Rating
Performance: 5
Size/Weight: 4
Durability: 6
Setup: 7
Value: 6
OVERALL: 5.6
The V-shaped hull is the redeeming feature for the low-cost kayak.
It’d be pretty easy to rate the Laxo 285 neck and neck with the Itiwit Cruising Kayak. On paper, they’re very similar (both fabric-covered wide little things with similar dimensions, carrying capacity and prices), but the Laxo has one thing that makes all the difference to its performance in the water: a V-shaped hull composed of inflatable tubes.
Summary
Perfect For: Recreational paddling, calm water.
Pros: Stable, good fin system, easy setup.
Cons: Fabric cover, lack of firmness, expensive for what it is.
Verdict: A good middle of the range pick for getting on the water.
Rating
Performance: 6
Size/Weight: 5
Durability: 5
Setup: 7
Value: 4
OVERALL: 5.4
Where to get it
A spongy little pocket rocket that handles surprisingly well.
We like the Challenger K1 for its small size, light weight and surprisingly agile handling. Yes, we’d prefer a much firmer floor, and combined with the inflatable seat it does feel a little like sitting a pointy marshmallow - but regardless, it paddles well and at a ridiculously cheap price point is a perfect for family or occasional users.
Summary
Perfect For: Calm, slow-moving water, recreation.
Pros: Removable skeg means it’s surprisingly manoeuvrable, easy to set up and pack down, and very cheap!
Cons: Vinyl materials used feel a little flimsy and we do worry about the kayak’s longevity. The feel is a bit softer than we’d like.
Verdict: A great entry-level inflatable kayak for those who want to dabble.
Rating
Performance: 4
Size/Weight: 8
Durability: 1
Setup: 7
Value: 5
OVERALL: 5.0
Where to get it:
A cheap, simple and decent kayak to have fun in.
The Glide Aquavate Solo is a lightweight inflatable kayak aimed at people who want a simple, stress-free way to get out on the water. It is designed for relaxed paddling on rivers, lakes and calm coastal areas, with a strong focus on portability, stability and ease of use. While it will not replace a hard shell kayak for speed or long distance touring, it offers a friendly, confidence boosting experience that makes it especially appealing to beginners, families and anyone looking for a convenient grab and go kayak.
Summary
Perfect For: Beginners and casual paddlers who want an easy, portable kayak for relaxed trips.
Pros: Quick setup, very stable, complete kit, easy to transport.
Cons: Average tracking, pressure setup can be fiddly, not built for speed or long distances.
Verdict: A fun, easygoing inflatable kayak that is well worth it if your goal is stress-free paddling rather than performance.
Rating
Performance: 2
Size/Weight: 7
Durability: 1
Setup: 7
Value: 2
OVERALL: 3.8
Where to get it
And there you have it! Ten of the best inflatable kayaks out there. Still not sure how to pick? Read our guide on How to Pick the Best Inflatable Kayak. If you do end up getting one, head over to our How-Tos to get the lowdown on everything paddling, or check out our Destinations section to discover where you could take yours!
Inflatable Kayak FAQs
Is it a good idea to get an inflatable kayak?
There are various factors that determine whether you should get an inflatable kayak or not. Most people prefer them over hard-shell options because of their portability, making them easy to store and travel with. You’ll never have to worry about it taking up the room, and it’s much easier to take anywhere than a hard-shell version.
What do inflatable kayaks cost on average?
One-person inflatable kayaks can range from super cheap ($150) to top-of-the-range products costing around $1900 or more. While the more affordable ones might seem like a bargain, in terms of durability and ease of paddling, it’s worth spending a little more to get something that will last longer and glide through the water. In our inflatable kayak review in Australia, we’ve kept to products under $1200, but there are also some beauties above this price point if you have extra money to spend.
Is it easy to paddle inflatable kayaks?
The best inflatable kayaks feel really similar to hard shell kayaks, gliding easily through the water and tracking well in a straight line. Look out for materials like drop-stitch that make the kayak’s hull rigid, and if you’re newer to paddling, choosing a wider kayak with lower sides will make for a more stable option.
What are the key differences between a hard-shell and inflatable kayak?
An inflatable kayak inflates and deflates so it can be packed away into a smaller package for storage and transport, whereas a hard shell can’t be made any smaller. Hard shells have traditionally delivered superior performance on the water and still outperform cheaper and less rigid inflatables. Inflatable kayaks using drop-stitch can seriously rival the performance of a hard shell, though!
Which is better - a folding or inflatable kayak?
There are advantages and disadvantages to both folding and inflatable kayaks. Inflatables need to be pumped to set up, and some are covered in fabric which means they take longer to dry. They’re also susceptible to puncture, although most have multiple chambers to allow you to return to shore if that happens. However, if you capsize a folding kayak and it fills with water, it will sink, which won’t happen with an inflatable. It all depends on what’s most important to you.
Is it easy to set up an inflatable kayak?
That depends on its design, but most are easy to set up, particularly those with fewer inflation points and matching valves. Most usually take 5–10 minutes of pumping, depending on what type of pump you use, as well as clipping in any seats, fins and footrests.
Can inflatable kayaks puncture?
Some cheaper inflatables that use lower-grade materials may puncture easily. However, the best inflatable kayaks that use reinforced PVC are as tough as some lifesaving RHIBs and white water rafts and won’t puncture easily. Most manufacturers also include a repair kit in the event of a puncture. The designs generally have multiple air chambers, so if your inflatable kayak does puncture while paddling, you’ll be able to make it back to shore with the support of the remaining chambers.
How long do inflatable kayaks last?
Inflatable kayaks at the lower end of the price range typically wear out much more quickly than more expensive, high-quality products. This is because they are more likely to be made of less durable materials. If you want to maintain its quality, it is crucial to leave it in a cool, dry place, away from the sun, and keep it completely dry after use.
Want More?
Get on some deep cuts. Previously reviewed inflatable kayaks no longer on our list:
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.