Best recreational kayaks are for those wanting to have fun and not make the sport too technical. Recreational kayaks are designed for casual use such as paddling on protected waters, calm lakes and lazy flatwater streams.
Performance kayaks, on the other hand, are designed more for the serious kayaker, and these boats can run into several thousands of dollars.
However, if you are a weekend yakker and you’re looking for a boat for some occasional fun out on the water, a recreational kayak will probably fill the bill.
Depending on your budget, you can spend under $100 for an inflatable model, or over $1000 for a well designed, well made recreational hard shell.
Based on recreational kayak reviews on Amazon, we have created this list of the 10 best recreational kayaks as rated by consumers who purchased them.
Best Recreational Kayaks for 2018
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1. Lifetime Manta Tandem Kayak
Rated as the best recreational kayak time and time again on Amazon’s Sports Bestsellers list, the Lifetime Manta Tandem is a favorite of casual paddlers.
The Manta is a hard side sit-on-top recreational yak that can support up to 425 pounds of passenger and cargo weight. With three seating wells, the Manta can accommodate two adults and a pet or small child, but one person can maneuver the boat without difficulty.
The Manta is 12 ft. in length and weighs a stable 57 pounds. The Lifetime Manta Tandem kit ships complete with two paddles and backrests.
>> Get a great deal on Lifetime Manta Tandem Kayak here <<
2. Old Town Canoes and Kayaks Vapor 10 Recreational Kayak
The Old Town Vapor 10 is the ideal kayak for cruising slow moving rivers and glassy lakes. Consistently rated 5 out of 5 stars by customers who have purchased this model, the Vapor 10 seems to always make an appearance on Amazon’s Top lists.
The sit-inside Vapor 10 is 10 ft. in length and is designed for the solo paddler. Great for a beginner, the Vapor is lightweight and tracks well. Store day use items the stern day well for easy access.
The cushioned seat and seatback, combined with padded thigh pads and glide track foot braces, keep the paddler comfortable for the entire day out on the water.
>> Get a great deal on Old Town Canoes and Kayaks Vapor 10 Recreational Kayak here <<
3. Sea Eagle SE370K Inflatable Kayak with Pro Package
If you are searching for an affordable option in the recreational category, check out the Sea Eagle SE370K inflatable. This Sea Eagle ships with everything you need to get the craft up and running.
A high output air pump, repair kit and 2 2-paddle aluminum oars are included with the boat. Bring the family because this craft can handle up to three people and a total weight of 650 pounds!
The boat measures 12 feet in length when inflated, but only weighs 32 pounds. The Sea Eagle SE370K inflates and assembles in less than eight minutes.
>> Get a great deal on Sea Eagle SE370K Inflatable Kayak with Pro Package here <<
4. Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 Ft. Sit-In Kayak
The Sun Dolphin Aruba is another recreational model that consistently appears on Amazon’s “Best” lists.
The 10 ft. hard side sit-inside Aruba has a spray deflector collar, adjustable foot braces and lots of storage. This model is designed for one person, and can comfortably hold up to 250 pounds.
The lightweight Aruba weighs in at an easy-to-carry 40 pounds and is available in either blue or red. The Aruba is a great choice for the budget-minded yakker searching for an all-around multi-use recreational craft.
>> Get a great deal on Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 Ft. Sit-In Kayak here <<
5. Ocean Kayak 12-Feet Malibu Two Tandem Sit-On-Top Recreational Kayak
The Ocean Kayak Malibu Two is a hard side craft designed for two paddlers and a child, but one person can handle this boat just as well. Of all recreational kayaks for sale, the Malibu Two is probably the most popular of all sit-on-top tandem models.
The 12 ft. Malibu Two accommodates up to 425 pounds so grab your partner and pile on the gear. This boat can handle it. The dog can even come along for a day of fun on the water.
>> Get a great deal on Ocean Kayak 12-Feet Malibu Two Tandem Sit-On-Top Recreational Kayak here <<
6. Advanced Elements AE1012-R AdvancedFrame Inflatable Kayak
The Advanced Elements AE1012-R AdvancedFrame Inflatable sports a unique design; part inflatable and part folding frame hard shell. The built-in aluminum bars frame the stern and bow to enhance tracking and control.
The 10 ft. inflatable body is constructed of three layers of puncture resistant material, and the craft can accommodate up to 300 pounds. With the Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame, you get the portability of an inflatable with the stability, control and tracking of a hard side.
>> Get a great deal on Advanced Elements AE1012-R AdvancedFrame Inflatable Kayak here <<
7. Ocean Kayak Frenzy Sit-On-Top Recreational Kayak
The Ocean Kayak Frenzy is a compact little sit-on-top for one person. This solid little craft may be only 9 ft. in length, but it can hold up to 325 pounds. That’s a lot of cargo you can haul along for your excursion.
The Frenzy is short enough to haul in the back of a pickup truck or on the top of a car.
>> Get a great deal on Ocean Kayak Frenzy Sit-On-Top Recreational Kayak here <<
8. Lifetime Sport Fisher Single or Tandem Kayak
If you are in the market for a recreational kayak that is also an excellent a fishing boat, the Lifetime Sport Fisher 10 ft. sit-on-top is the yak for you.
The Sport Fisher can be used as a single or tandem, but three people can ride on the craft at once. Elevated seating keeps paddlers and passengers dry for the duration of the trip.
Anglers love the Lifetime Sport Fisher because of the tunnel hull design, which keeps the boat balanced while you stand and fish or sit sidesaddle to wrangle in your catch.
The Sport Fisher kit includes two sport paddles and shock cords to secure the cargo compartment.
>> Get a great deal on Lifetime Sport Fisher Single or Tandem Kayak here <<
9. Oru Bay Kayak
The Oru bay kayak is a unique, foldable hard shell that fits into the trunk of a standard car.
This bay kayak looks more like a high performance model, but it is a great recreational craft, too, especially for apartment dwellers and others who may be short on storage space.
The Oru folds into its own carrying and storage case. The sleek solo Oru can accommodate up to 300 pounds.
>> Get a great deal on Oru Bay Kayak here <<
10. Old Town Heron 9XT Kayak
The Old Town Heron kayak is a sit-inside hard shell recreational kayak for a solitary paddler.
Here is a kayak that values comfort and ease. The adjustable flex seat has extra padding to provide the best fit for paddlers of all sizes. You can move and adjust the foot braces to securely fit with the thigh pads which heightens boat control.
Featuring stern storage to keep valuables dry and secure as you are on the water. There are handles on the bow and stern to help transport the kayak smoothly.
Agile, yet stable, the Heron is the perfect choice for the novice or the experienced navigator. This boat tracks well and controls like kayaks twice the price.