Top 7 Best Ocean Kayaks on the Market 2023 Reviews

Ocean kayaking can be one of the most liberating and enjoyable experiences to enjoy in the great outdoors. It gets you out in that fresh sea air, brings a sense of adventure and of course its great exercise.

However, which kayak will suit your needs best?

Well, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide for the 7 best ocean kayaks on the market today. We’ve taken into account both quality and value for money so that you can get the best deal possible.

We’ll also explain all the various features and design type of each kayak, so you can make a well-informed choice.

Now let’s “paddle” through each of the options and find the perfect ocean kayak for you…

Top 7 Best Ocean Kayaks Reviews

1 Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Expedition Elite Kayak

First up, we have this Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Expedition Elite Kayak.

A hybrid design…

This particular design is actually a hybrid of a previous inflatable design. It now mixes inflatable elements with a folding frame to make a very sturdy and high performing kayak.

It uses aluminum rib-frame technology, as well as Drop-stitch technology, to give it the characteristics of a hard-shell kayak. The combination of these two technologies enables you to get great paddling performance.

Length and storage…

With the kayak being a solid 13 ft in length, you’ll have plenty of storage available if you are planning on long outings into those coves, bays, and creeks.

You’ll also get good stability in varying water conditions due to the Expedition Elite having a low center of gravity. With this, you’ll also be able to paddle very easily and smoothly through the ocean.

It’s also kept stable due to it having an extra nine buoyancy chambers.

Setting up?

By using twist-lock valves and high flow spring valves, the set-up time with this kayak is quick and very simple. As soon as you arrived at your coastal destination, you’ll be able to have this innovatively designed kayak up and running in no time.

Finally, it’s worth mentioning this kayak has an adjustable seat that includes inflatable lumbar support. The foot brace is also adjustable, and this kayak has been designed to have mountable options to enhance your kayaking experience.

2 Sea Eagle 370 Pro 3 Person Inflatable Portable Sport Kayak Canoe Boat W/ Paddles

Next on our list is this Sea Eagle 370 Pro, which is designed to be a high-performance sporting style kayak canoe boat, and has a three person capacity.

Affordable and lightweight…

With the Sea Eagle 370 Pro being an affordable option, you still get very high performance and a lightweight kayak that will remain solid and stable on ocean waters. It can handle as much as 650 pounds of weight, which is enough for holding three people.

A history of kayak making…

It’s good to know that Sea Eagle has been making and selling kayaks since 1968 – so you know they must be doing something right. Over the years, they have improved their designs, and this 370 Pro model is no exception.

The 370 can be set-up in minutes and can be deflated to a very manageable size, making it easy to carry to some of the remotest of locations if needed.

Comfortable and practical…

This Sea Eagle comes with two very comfortable and movable Deluxe Kayak Seats with back support. Plus, you get two paddles, a foot pump and carry bag included. These features help give it a high ranking in a number of the best inflatable kayak reviews, as well as being one of the best inflatable boats you can buy.

Overall, although this is a very lightweight design, you can be sure the 370 Pro will be sturdy enough for some of the toughest kayaking and canoeing conditions. And of course, you’ll be able to enjoy the experience as two or three people in the boat.

3 Lifetime 10 Foot, Two Person Tandem Sit On Kayak with Padded Backrests

Moving on now, let’s take a look at this Lifetime 10 ft sit-on style kayak, which has a two person capacity and is available in green and yellow color options.

A sturdy design…

If you are looking for a sturdy no-frills ocean kayak that will deal with rough waters – this Lifetime kayak could be a great choice for you.

The rotationally molded construction is UV-protected Linear Low-Density Polyethylene that weighs a mere 60 pounds. Yet, it can be used as a single or tandem sit-on kayak that can manage 500 pounds of weight with no issues.

Also, because the kayak is built with an incredibly stable tunnel hull, it would be very difficult to tip over – making it perfect for ocean usage.

What else is included?

Additionally, it does include two backrests that are soft and give you a decent amount of back support. It also includes two double-sided paddles within the package as a whole.

Lastly, because this is a sit-on design, you won’t be touching the kayak floor – which typically will allow some water to flow in and out as you make your way through the water.

It’s also very well worth mentioning that you get a 5-year limited manufacturer warranty with this best ocean kayaks – which is good to know.

4 Ocean Kayak Frenzy One Person, Sit On Top Recreational Kayak – Best Ocean Kayak for Surf

Now we’re looking at this Ocean Kayak Frenzy, which is a one-person sit-on kayak design made for recreational use. It comes in two stunning color options, which are either “Envy” or “Sunrise.”

Have fun with the surf…

If you are looking for a kayak that you can have some great fun with on the surf – the Ocean Kayak Frenzy is a great little choice.

Of course, you’ll also just as easily be able to enjoy a smooth paddling experience on the calm ocean with this kayak as well.

Stable and responsive…

One of the great selling points of this kayak is that it is incredibly stable and response to your directional needs. It uses a long center keel, which enables you to maintain a straight motion quite easily. As well, the Tri-Form hull gives you primary and secondary stability as you paddle.

Paddle all day long…

Due to the Comfort Plus seat built-in that’s four-way-adjustable, you can position yourself just right within the kayak to paddle all day long – if you wanted to.

In addition, there’s good storage included in this set-up, with a stern tank well to store all sorts of supplies or tools. There are also bungees both at the front and the back of the kayak, which are removable.

Extra information…

Well designed carry handles allow you to carry, launch, and pull the kayak out of the water with ease. Plus, it only weighs 43 pounds, yet it can hold a capacity of between 275 to 325 pounds. It’s also 9 ft long and comes with a lifetime warranty with the hull.

5 Vibe Kayaks Skipjack 120T | 12 Foot Tandem Kayak – Best Recreational Ocean Kayak

So now, let’s delve into looking at this Vibe Kayaks Skipjack 120T, which is a 12 ft sit-on style tandem kayak. It’s available in “Moss Camo” and “Wildfire” color options.

Great for fishing…

This kayak can cater for two or even three people at a time and is ideal for anyone that wants to go fishing from their kayak. However, it’s just as good for general outings with friends or family as well.

No weight issues…

The kayak weighs 72 pounds but can handle a 500-pound capacity. This means that not only can you fit three people into the kayak, but you can also load all sorts of essentials such as food and equipment for a proper outing.

There’s even a waterproof box section built-in, so you won’t have to worry about electronics or other items susceptible to water damage getting wet.

Also, it’s 12.2 ft in length, giving it good stability, and it has plenty of room to enjoy a relaxing outing – whether you are fishing or just paddling for pleasure.

Seating…

There are two waterproof seats built-in to the Vibe Kayaks Skipjack 120T that are comfortable and sit you in an ideal position for both paddling or fishing.

Additionally, there’s even a small seat in the middle – perfect for a child or even a dog.

How it’s made…

Finally, one great aspect of this design of this best ocean kayaks, is that it has a slip-resistant hull. This makes it super easy to get safely in and out of the kayak, and therefore family-friendly as well.

6 BKC UH-TK181 12-Foot 5-Inch Sit On Top Tandem 2 Person Fishing Kayak – Best Ocean Kayak for Fishing

Now we’re taking a look at this BKC UH-TK181 2 person kayak, which has been designed primarily for fishing.

The perfect fishing kayak…

If you have fishing specifically in mind when using your kayak, this BKC kayak has an array of features that will help you get that next big catch.

It includes three articulated fishing rod holders and an additional four flush-mounted rod holders as well. So you should be all set up for all kinds of fishing set-up combinations.

Waterproof storage…

Another great aspect of this kayak is that you get waterproof storage hatches, which are located in between the leg areas of each paddler. This means you can store such things as electronic devices, keys, wallets, and any other supplies that you want to keep dry.

Free up your hands…

When fishing from a kayak, at some point, you will obviously need your hands free to actually carry out your fishing. This BKC kayak has conveniently built-in twin paddle rests that secure your paddles when you don’t need to use them.

Also, there is a cargo storage area to the rear of the kayak, which is ideal for storing all your main equipment – especially larger items. All this equipment will be securely tied down with strong bungees.

Lastly, it’s worth mentioning that there are multiple carry handles, making it incredibly easy to move your carry to various locations with ease.

Also, the entire design is of the sit-on kayak variety, which makes paddling super easy and keeps you elevated enough to see the water well as you’re fishing.

7 Riot Kayaks Edge 14.5 LV Flatwater Day Touring Kayak (Yellow/Orange, 14.5-Feet)

Finally, we’re looking at this Riot Edge 14.5 LV Flatwater Day Touring Kayak. The kayak comes in either yellow or orange color options.

A slender design…

For anyone searching for a streamlined and slender type kayak that will paddle smooth and straight – this Riot kayak should be a solid choice.

Plus, this kayak has an advanced custom-fit seating set-up, so that you can position yourself perfectly in place for long outings. The foot braces as well are made to adjust very easily so you can get the comfort you need as you paddle.

Additionally, you get integrated thigh braces for extra security, and they help increase your paddling capabilities.

Storage options…

If you need to keep your equipment sealed up tightly, this Riot kayak has sealed front and rear compartments with dual density hatch covers. This means you can keep all your belongings safe and secure as you paddle.

Plus with the compartments being both at the front and the back of this best ocean kayaks, you’ll be able to balance out the weight ratio to maintain the kayak’s performance.

Overall, this super lightweight polyethylene kayak coming in at 14.5 ft in length will give you some awesome performance on all water types. Plus, it looks great.

Now we’ve run through all of our favorite and best value ocean kayaks that we could find. We think there is a balanced selection where there should be something for everyone.

Whether you want to hit the surf, slowly paddle through coves or go fishing – There are certainly some good choices on our list.

So let’s look at which kayaks are best for particular purposes…

Best Ocean Kayak for Fishing

There is actually a great selection of kayaks that we’ve looked at that are perfect for fishing. However, if we had to choose one, it would be the…

BKC UH-TK181 12-foot 5-inch Sit On Top Tandem 2 Person Fishing Kayak with Paddles, Seats, and 7 Fishing Rod Holders Included

This 2-person kayak is ideal for fishing as a team and comes with some fantastic features such as a multitude of rod holders and even paddle holders. You’ll get waterproof storage and a whole lot of kayak for the price.

Best Ocean Kayak for Surf

Many of you will want an ocean kayak so you can really enjoy those sunny surfing days – catching waves and having a whole lot of fun.

There is also a great selection of kayaks on our list that would be ideal for surfing. Yet, again, if we had to choose one, it would be the…

Ocean Kayak Frenzy One-Person Sit-On-Top Recreational Kayak

This kayak is a beautiful looking 1-person sit-on kayak design that’s perfect for catching some surf. Not only will it perform well, but it’ll look great alongside other surfers in the ocean.

Best Recreational Ocean Kayak

There are probably many of you that would like a kayak that you can enjoy as a family or at least as a couple. Also, a kayak where you can paddle slowly through calm ocean waters or even rivers and lakes.

There are many kayaks on our list that would suit your recreational needs. Our favorite, though, has to be the…

Vibe Kayaks Skipjack 120T | 12 Foot Tandem Kayak | 2 Person, Sit On Top Kayak w/ 2 Paddles and 2 Deluxe Seats

This kayak has good space and even has a small middle seat for a child or even a furry friend. It has good waterproof storage and comfortable waterproof seating.

Other Options

If all this seems like a lot of hard work for your arms, it’s well worth checking out our reviews of the best pedal kayaks currently available.

So in conclusion, firstly we would like to thank you for checking out our article on our best ocean kayaks. We are sure there’s a kayak on our list that will suit your needs well.

It’s always important to consider the weight, length, and even storage capacity and type your kayak will have. Additionally, portability might be an issue – in which case, possibly a blow design might be the best for you.

Finally, we’d like to say good luck in finding the right ocean kayak for you, and happy paddling.