Best Touring Kayaks in 2019 | Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

Who does not love tours? When you get a combination of water and tour then the best part of fun arises. Adventures are never fun without water and so we are here to get you through the best touring kayak so that you can have the superlative outdoor fun as soon as possible.

We are presenting 10 best touring kayaks in the market in combined with the positive and negative phases. For the better selection, we have also come up with the buyers guide so that your investment does not go wrong. Let’s have a look.


Our Top Picks Of Best Touring Kayaks Designed For Fishing


Budget friendly
best sit on top kayak
  • ​​Best Kayak for beginners
  • ​Budget friendly sun dolphin kayak
  • ​​Lightweight and protable
  • Easy to transport
also great
sun-dolphin-kayak-one-person
  • ​​Perfect recreational kayak
  • ​Easy to get in and out off, Tracks well
  • ​​Easy to handle, very good kayak
Sun-Dolphin-Bali-SS-kayak

Are you searching for a touring kayak? You are on the right track if you are settling on the Sun Dolphin’s 10-foot sit-on-top kayak. It offers you the maximum stability and affords you tracking and paddling with utmost ease. If you are bearing extra gears, then the Portable Accessory Carrier or P.A.C can be utilized as an additional storage for your gears.

To keep your accessories dry, this kayak has dry-storage compartment along with the deck rigging with shock cord. For the ease of entrance, it has an open cockpit. The sitting area is spacious and comfortable with the use of thigh pads. This kayak includes adjustable foot braces in conjunction with paddle holders.

What we liked

  • Has maximum stability
  • Has dry-storage compartment
  • Has adjustable foot braces

What we didn't like

  • Not so easy to navigate
Sun-Dolphin-Excursion-kayak

If you are planning for a tour of the lakes or rivers, this Sun Dolphin Excursion is the ideal kayak you can go for. This is so much lightweight and so it will be easy for you to bear this kayak anywhere and do kayaking. The maximum stability is ensured by super tracking and paddling.

The kayak is durable because it is made with forti-flex high-quality polyethylene which is craggy UV alleviated. So, no more worries related to the lasting ability. It has a single swivel rod holder along with two flush mounting rod holders for your convenience.

What we liked

  • Lightweight
  • Durable
  • Total 3-rod holders

What we didn't like

  • Flatter's bottom
Sun-dolphin-kayak

This sit-on-top kayak is great for summer outings in the water with your family because the features will amaze you. It has got a spacious open cockpit for easy entrance. For storing your gears, it has convenient storage compartment along with the deck rigging of shock cord.

The foot braces, as well as the seats, are adjustable and the seats have got high back support with padding facility. Polyethylene of high density is used for crafting this kayak. The collar is spray deflector and the kayak is UV-stabilized.

What we liked

  • Adjustable padded seats
  • Adjustable foot braces
  • Convenient storage compartment

What we didn't like

  • The edges are excessive sharp
Sun-Dolphin-Bali-SS

As all the Sun Dolphin Kayaks afford you the maximum stabilization with the proper ease of paddling and tracking, this Bali also ensures the comfort. If you are a person who bears extra accessories, then don’t worry about it as this kayak by Sun Dolphin has additional storage Portable Accessory Carrier called as P.A.C for you extra gears.

This easy to carry kayak is so much lightweight and portable. The seating area is roomy and comfortable. The additional comfort it provides you is the padded thighs and foot braces that are adjustable. The paddle holder is also included with this.

What we liked

  • Portable Accessory Carrier included
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Padded thighs and adjustable foot-braces

What we didn't like

  • No higher seat back
Sun-Dolphin-Aruba-SS-Sit-in-Kayak

This Sun Dolphin Kayak named as Aruba is a 10 feet sit-in kayak which is very spacious and comfortable for any kayaker. The craftsmanship done by high-density Polyethylene ensures that the kayak is enough durable and sturdy.

The UV-stabilizer aids your kayak to stay away from UV rays in the summer days. The protective thigh-pads provide comfort and the adjustable foot-braces certify safety. The weight capacity of this kayak is 250 pounds. It includes paddle holders along with water bottle holder.

What we liked

  • Spacious and comfortable
  • Great weight holding capacity
  • Ideal craftsmanship and protection

What we didn't like

  • Has so many sharp edges
Sun-dolphin-sit-on-top

Are you searching for a sit-on kayak? Sun Dolphin is in your aid and presents the Aruba series SS 8 feet kayak that will beat any other sit-in kayaks in the market. Family fun in the water is incredible and when with the best kayak, it will be the best experience for you. This 8 feet kayak is large and enough room for your family.

For the utmost stability, the tracking system and the padding method is made in the easiest way possible. This is lightweight and easy to bear along with the statement of versatility which certifies that people of any age can ride this kayak. The seatback is padded for additional comfort and the storage compartment is convenient. It also bears a drink holder and is perfect for lakes and rivers.

What we liked

  • Roomy storage
  • Padded backrest
  • Versatile and lightweight

What we didn't like

  • No footrests
sun-dolphin-kayak-one-person

Do you want to decide on a sit-on-top kayak? The Sun Dolphin brings you the Bali series that will not only amaze you're with the features but also with the colors. This is 8 feet in length and so you can say that this kayak has enough space to sit on.

This kayak is very much portable because the weight of the kayak is so light. For the additional comfort of your back, this kayak has adjustable seat-back. For effortless entrance, it has an open cockpit. The foot wells are accommodated and it has onboard storage.

What we liked

  • Lightweight and portable
  • Adjustable seatbacks
  • Onboard storage facility

What we didn't like

  • Not ideal for professionals
Sun-Dolphin-Journey-fishing-kayak

Are you ready for river and lake fishing? This sit-on-top kayak by Sun Dolphin is a Journey series 10 feet kayak that will blow your mind. If you are an angler or is interested in fishing sports, this is your best bet. This Journey Kayak is super lightweight so that you can easily bear this.

It has one P.A.C or Portable Accessory Holder for your storage difficulties. The carrying handles are retractable and it includes a swivel and 2 mounting rods.

What we liked

  • Lightweight and portable
  • Includes 3 rods
  • A. included

What we didn't like

  • The backrest cannot be included
sun-dolphin-12-feet

Sun Dolphin is a leading brand in manufacturing kayak and other fishing accessories. This Aruba series kayak is a sit-in kayak which lengths 12 feet. It is large and enough capacious for your family to seat and control the kayak.

It ensures you highest stability along with ultimate ease in paddling and tracking. It also concludes flush mounting rods for fishing and P.A.C for your gear storage. This is very lightweight to bear and it is made of high-density Polyethylene for durability. The crafting material is UV-stabilized so that it can protect your kayak from UV rays.

What we liked

  • Has 12 feet long space
  • Includes flush mounting rods
  • Lightweight and durable

What we didn't like

  • Expensive
sun-dolphin-one-person

In search of sit-in kayak, this Aruba series 10 feet boat may surprise you with the incredible positive aspects and colorful design. Just like the other Sun Dolphin kayak, this kayak also has a spacious and roomy body where you can sit comfortably and paddle easily.

For all the gears you bear when kayaking, this kayak also has P.A.C or Portable Accessory Carrier which is unique and can be removed (removable.) The foot braces are flexible and protection is certified by the thigh-pads. The seating facility is highly comfortable and it concludes with water bottle holders and paddle holders.

What we liked

  • An electronic console that is hands-free
  • Flexible foot-braces and thigh-pads
  • A.C included

What we didn't like

  • Has so many sharp edges

Buyers Guide: What should you look for in a Best Touring Kayak?

Whenever you are purchasing a kayak, make sure you are purchasing it after knowing all the details you should know. Water may be fun but it can be the cause of death for anyone. So you have to select your kayak in terms of some condition so that you can have the fun without any worries.

Shape and Size

The design of the touring kayak is long and narrow because this is the best way of cutting through the water and going ahead. This kind of kayak has a pointy nose. This nose ensures a little bit of drag. The design must be sleek because this certifies that you can paddle the kayak with less force and effort.

The hull shape is important is pointing out the stability along with a secondary stability. To be a little clear we can say that, when you sit in the kayak it may seem not-so-stable but when the sped of the kayak will increase, the stability will increase and it will provide a steady outcome.

Storage Compilation

Tours for a week or more may require anything and everything packed in a bag. The same thing goes for touring with a kayak. A kayak which has less storage may leave you in fault because you cannot take you necessary accessories with you in that.

The long nose and the long tails under the deck of the best touring kayak is used as storage compartments. Some kayaks afford you extra bungee system for your travel issues. Before purchasing a kayak, ensure that the storage is enough for you and your family.

Seating Facility

Seating facility is one of the foremost concerns which purchasing a touring kayak because if it is not comfortable then the journey will go in vain. Touring kayaks are usually made for long trips as you need to sit for a long time. Make sure that the seats have backrest or seat-backs that are enough comfy.

The foot-rests and foot-braces should be important issues. The foot-braces should be flexible and adjustable according to your foot. The height of the seat should properly adjust with your height otherwise you may suffer muscle-pain.

Cockpit

You have to choose a touring kayak that will fit your body size. When the weather is cold, you can take the blankets around you for making it snugger. It will require you more space. If you have less space then you will have less control over the kayak.

Material

Many materials are used to make the touring kayaks and the most popular materials are Polyethylene, Polycarbonate, Kevlar, and Fiberglass. Kevlar is a little pricey but is the best material. Fiber-glass is lightweight but not that durable. Polycarbonate is scratch-resistant and affordable. Polyethylene is the most popular and durable material.

We recommend you using Polyethylene as it is durable, affordable, flexible and damage-free.


Some FAQs about Best Touring Kayaks

What is the best paddle size for touring kayak?

As you are going on a long journey, the lightweight small paddle size is recommendable for touring purpose. This may cost you a little bit more but this will lead you comfortable paddling.

Are rudders needed for touring kayaks?

If you have used any paddle-board without fin then you will get to know the importance of touring kayaks. A rudder system will help your kayak to stay pointed in one straight line and stop your kayak from moving here and there.

What sized touring kayaks are best for women?

Usually, touring kayaks are available from 10 feet to 15 feet. The women should go for touring kayaks that length 10 feet to 13 feet. This will lead them enough storage but an easy-to-handle device.

What is the difference between a sea kayak and a touring kayak?

Sea kayaks keep the bottom of the kayak half dry and have the secondary stability so that you do not tip over. Touring kayaks have a skinnier body than sea kayaks and these have a capacious storage with extra stability, Touring kayaks are made for calm water where sea kayaks are best for larger swells.

Are touring kayaks only available in sit-in version?

No, the touring kayak is not available in sit-in version. You can get both sit-on-top and sit-in touring kayaks in the market.

Final Verdict

Water is fun and so is kayaking. If you are up for tours with your family and friends for spending the best days, touring kayaks can be the lifesaver.

We have presented the best touring kayak along with the pros and cons and have also mentioned the thing that you should remember before buying.

May the best bet be yours and you choose the best kayak for your tour. The rest is up to you. But before kayaking, be sure that you know swimming.