Kayaking on the ocean is a very different experience than paddling on flatwater on a lake or protected bay. You’re more likely to get wet from ocean spray and you’ll have to be content with more winds and stronger currents. Fortunately, the best sea kayaks are specifically designed to keep you dry and help you navigate the conditions you’ll find when paddling on the ocean.
Heavy winds and strong currents are two of the most significant challenges for sea kayakers. This is why the best sea kayaks offer a rudder and/or skeg system that gives you extra control over the direction of your vessel. In this article, we’ll explore ten of the best sea kayaks at a variety of price points, as well as the most important features to consider when buying a new sea kayak.
For more of our top kayaking gear recommendations, check out these popular articles:
Lake Kayaks | Touring Kayaks | Kayaks for Beginners | Sit In Kayaks | Kayaks Under $500
Kayaks for Kids | Kayaks for Dogs | Sit-On-Top Kayaks | River Kayaks
Kayaks for Women | Canoes | Tandem Kayaks | Lightweight Kayaks
Quick Answer - The Best Sea Kayaks
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Dagger Stratos 14.5 L
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Old Town Castine 140
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Pelican Premium Sprint 140DT
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Delta Kayaks Delta 14
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Eddyline Sitka LT
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Delta Kayaks Delta 15.5 GT
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Oru Kayak Coast XT
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Eddyline Fathom LV
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Eddyline Fathom
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Delta Kayaks Delta 17
Comparison Table - Best Sea Kayak
| Picture | Name | Style | Paddlers | Weight | Length | Width | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Dagger Stratos 14.5 L | Sit-Inside | 1 | 57 pounds | 14'6" | 24.5” | $$ | 4.7 |
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Old Town Castine 140 | Sit-Inside | 1 | 53 pounds | 14’ | 24.75" | $$ | 4.7 |
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Pelican Premium Sprint 140DT | Sit-Inside | 1 | 55 pounds | 14’ | 25" | $$ | 4.7 |
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Delta Kayaks Delta 14 | Sit-Inside | 1 | 45 pounds | 14’ | 23.75" | $$$ | 3.8 |
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Eddyline Sitka LT | Sit-Inside | 1 | 49 pounds | 14'6" | 23.5" | $$$ | 4.9 |
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Delta Kayaks Delta 15.5 GT | Sit-Inside | 1 | 50 pounds | 15'6" | 24.25" | $$$ | 4.8 |
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Oru Kayak Coast XT | Sit-Inside (Folding) | 1 | 36 pounds | 16’ | 25" | $$$ | 4.5 |
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Eddyline Fathom LV | Sit-Inside | 1 | 47 pounds | 15'6"’ | 21" | $$$ | 4.6 |
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Eddyline Fathom | Sit-Inside | 1 | 50 pounds | 16'6" | 22" | $$$ | 4.7 |
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Delta Kayaks Delta 17 | Sit-Inside | 1 | 50 pounds | 17’ | 22.5" | $$$ | 4.9 |
| Picture | Name | Style | Paddlers | Weight | Length | Width | Price | Rating |
Reviews - The Best Kayak for Sea Kayaking
Dagger Stratos 14.5 L
Specs
- Length: 14'6"
- Paddlers: 1
- Style: Sit-Inside
- Weight: 57 pounds
- Width: 24.5”
Features
- Wide Hull and Large Cockpit Makes This A Great Choice For Larger Paddlers
- Adjustable Seating System Enhances Ergonomic Paddling Position
- Thigh Braces and Foot Braces Are Adjustable For A Personalized Fit
- Bungee Deck Rigging For Extra Gear Storage
BEST FOR: BEGINNERS ON TAME WATERS
The Dagger Stratos 14.5 L is a great sea kayak for beginners that plan to paddle in protected bays or the calm waters of a sound. But this kayak can also perform for intermediate and expert paddlers. It has a larger cockpit and wide hull that makes it an ideal choice for larger paddlers. Several adjustable features, including the seat, thigh braces, and foot braces, make it easy to find a custom, personalized fit in this kayak. In addition to storage compartments in the front and back of this kayak, it also features bungee deck rigging to give you extra areas to secure gear while you’re out paddling.
Old Town Castine 140
Specs
- Length: 14’
- Paddlers: 1
- Style: Sit-Inside
- Weight: 53 pounds
- Width: 24.75"
Features
- Low-Profile Backrest For More Comfortable Resting When Wearing A PFD
- Removable “Slide-Track” Storage Increases Gear Storage On The Deck
- Front and Rear Bulkhead Storage Compartments
- Quick-Sealing Hatches For Dry Storage And Easy Access When You Need It
BEST FOR: ALL-DAY PERFORMANCE
The Old Town Castine 140 is designed to keep you comfortable when paddling all day. Many times, it can feel like your PFD (personal flotation device) doesn’t match up with the seat back of your kayak. In this sea kayak, the low-profile backrest makes you more comfortable by allowing your PFD to rest on top of it. Dual storage compartments in the front and back of this kayak give you plenty of dry storage space, but it also comes with a removable sliding storage system that allows you to store more gear in the cockpit where it’ll be more easily accessible throughout the day.
Pelican Premium Sprint 140DT
Specs
- Length: 14’
- Paddlers: 1
- Style: Sit-Inside
- Weight: 55 pounds
- Width: 25"
Features
- Deep Hull (bottom) Improves Tracking
- Rudder System Helps You Navigate In Strong Winds Or Crosscurrents
- Front And Rear Bulkheads Provide Extra Flotation In Choppy Water
- Pre-installed Bungee Cords For Strapping Down Gear
BEST FOR: SMOOTH TRACKING ON RECREATIONAL OUTINGS
The Pelican Premium Sprint 140DT kayak features a deep hull (bottom) that helps to improve straight-line tracking and also adds stability to the overall design. An adjustable rudder system also provides extra steering and navigational support, especially when you’re dealing with strong winds or crosscurrents. The bulkheads in the bow (front) and stern (back) of this kayak provide added flotation and pre-installed bungee cords give you plenty of ability to strap down your gear.
Delta Kayaks Delta 14
Specs
- Length: 14’
- Paddlers: 1
- Style: Sit-Inside
- Weight: 45 pounds
- Width: 23.75"
Features
- Impact-resistant Hull Withstands Bumps Against Rocky Shorelines
- Multi-position Seat For Adjustable Comfort And Excellent Back Support
- Deployable Rudder To Help With Tracking And Navigation
- Locking Hatch Covers For Watertight Gear Storage
BEST FOR: WEEKEND TRIPS OR EXTENDED TOURS
If you want a sea kayak that you can use for more than just a few hours of tooling around on the local coastline look no further than the Delta 14. This boat is an excellent choice if you’re looking to kayak for a full weekend or an even longer tour. The impact-resistant hull (bottom) makes this kayak more durable against the bumps and hits that come with pulling up on rocky shorelines. It features a multi-position seat that’s adjustable for a wide variety of body types and a deployable rudder to help you track straight when dealing with currents and strong winds. In addition to locking hatches in the front and rear of the kayak, ample bungee deck rigging gives you additional ability to secure the gear you’ll need for a full weekend (or longer) in your kayak.
Eddyline Sitka LT
Specs
- Length: 14'6"
- Paddlers: 1
- Style: Sit-Inside
- Weight: 49 pounds
- Width: 23.5"
Features
- Retractable Skeg With Incremental Adjustments For Improved Tracking
- Shallow Hull For Easier Turning And Better Maneuverability
- Multiple Backrest Heights For A Personalized Fit
- Retractable Carry Handles Secure In Position While Paddling For Reduced Drag
BEST FOR: OPEN-WATER DAY ADVENTURES
The Sitka LT is the mid-size kayak in Eddyline’s Sitka series. If you like to explore open waters or even just relax on the lake for an afternoon, this is a great sea kayak for you. It features a retractable skeg and carry handles that can be secured in position or deployed when needed. The skeg can be adjusted in small increments to help you fine-tune your kayak’s tracking in high winds or when battling ocean currents. This kayak’s shallow hull, however, also makes it easier to maneuver if you, for example, like to explore caves and small coves along the shoreline. The backrest of this kayak can also be adjusted to multiple heights to fit a variety of body types comfortably.
Delta Kayaks Delta 15.5 GT
Specs
- Length: 15'6"
- Paddlers: 1
- Style: Sit-Inside
- Weight: 50 pounds
- Width: 24.25"
Features
- UV-resistant Construction Withstands Hours In Direct Sunlight Without Breaking Down
- Seat Indexing System Allows Seat To Slide Forward And Backward To Fit Paddler Height
- Two Sealed Dry Storage Compartments For Storing Overnight Gear
- Integrated Rescue System Makes It Easier To Right And Re-enter Kayak After Capsize
BEST FOR: ALL LEVELS OF PADDLERS ON LONG TRIPS
If you’re looking for a kayak that can suit paddlers of various experience levels on a long, multi-day expedition, the Delta 15.5GT is an excellent, stable choice. It features UV-resistant construction so it can hold up against prolonged exposure to direct sunlight on trip after trip. It also includes a seat indexing system that allows the seat to slide and secure in place dependent upon the height of the unique paddler. Dual, sealed dry storage compartments provide ample space for overnight gear and an integrated rescue system makes it much easier to right and re-enter this sea kayak, even if the paddler has relatively limited experience self-rescuing.
Oru Kayak Coast XT
Specs
- Length: 16’
- Paddlers: 1
- Style: Sit-Inside (Folding)
- Weight: 36 pounds
- Width: 25"
Features
- Folding Design - Kayak Folds Up Into The Size Of A Large Suitcase
- Double-layer Construction To Withstand Sliding On Rocks Or Sand
- Custom Thigh Braces To Help You Get Comfortable And In Ergonomic Paddle Position
- Front And Rear Deck Lines For Attaching Gear
BEST FOR: THE WORLD-TRAVELING SEA KAYAKER
Oru Kayaks are inspired by traditional Arctic kayaks and are best if you want a kayak that you can take with you as you travel to paddle the Seven Seas around the world. When you’re done paddling, it folds up to the size of a large suitcase and can be stored in the back of your car, van, or underneath the plane on your next connecting flight. The Coast XT features double-layer construction so that it holds up against being dragged on rocks or sand when you want to put in or take out. It also boasts custom thigh braces that help you sit comfortably and maintain ergonomic paddle position so that you can use your core muscles to paddle and not just your arms and shoulders. If you’re heading out for a full-day adventure, the Coast XT also features front and rear deck lines that give you ample ability to attach all your gear.
Eddyline Fathom LV
Specs
- Length: 15'6"’
- Paddlers: 1
- Style: Sit-Inside
- Weight: 47 pounds
- Width: 21"
Features
- Abrasion And Impact-resistant Exterior To Withstand Dragging On Beaches Or Rocks
- High-volume Front Deck For More Leg Room
- Sliding Seat Adjusts To Paddler’s Height For More Comfortable Fit
- Low Back Deck Makes It Easier To Execute Rolls When/If Needed
BEST FOR: SMALL PADDLERS
The Fathom LV from Eddyline is a smaller, lighter version of Eddyline’s Fathom series. It’s a perfect fit if you’re a smaller paddler and you want to make sure you feel comfortable and confident handling your kayak in rough ocean conditions. The full-volume front deck of this kayak gives you ample leg room and additional space to store gear that you want quick access to while on the water. The sliding seat system makes this kayak adjustable to your height and the low back deck makes it easier to execute a roll if you find yourself surprised and needing to right your kayak. It also features an impact and abrasion-resistant exterior so you don’t have to worry about handling it so gently when pulling it up on shore.
Eddyline Fathom
Specs
- Length: 16'6"
- Paddlers: 1
- Style: Sit-Inside
- Weight: 50 pounds
- Width: 22"
Features
- High-efficiency Hull For Better Acceleration And Improved Stability
- Deployable Skeg For Tracking In Crosswinds And Strong Currents
- Front And Rear Compartments For Dry Storage And Added Flotation
- Sliding Seat And Back Band To Adjust To Your Height And Body Type
BEST FOR: LIGHTWEIGHT, OVERNIGHT ADVENTURES
The Eddyline Fathom sea kayak is a great lightweight option if you’re looking for a kayak that you can comfortably use for a fun, overnight adventure without working too hard. The highly-efficient hull of this kayak makes it easier to get up to speed, maintain speed, and stay stable when you’re battling waves and crosswinds. The deployable skeg will further help you track straight to your desired destination. The sliding seat and back band system make the seat in this kayak adjustable to fit your height and body type. Front and rear compartments give you plenty of room to store dry gear and also provide this kayak with additional buoyancy.
Delta Kayaks Delta 17
Specs
- Length: 17’
- Paddlers: 1
- Style: Sit-Inside
- Weight: 50 pounds
- Width: 22.5"
Features
- Abrasion And Impact Resistant Construction
- Multi-position Seat System Provides Excellent Back Support And Personalized Fit
- Low-profile Front Day Hatch Provides Accessible Storage For Day Trips
- Press-lock Hatch Covers Create A Watertight Seal
BEST FOR: MID- TO LARGE-FRAMED PADDLERS
The Delta 17 is the perfect sea kayak for paddlers with larger frames. The kayak boasts heavy-duty construction that makes it more resistant to scratches or damage from impact against rocks or other objects. It offers a multi-position seat system that allows you to adjust for a more comfortable fit and the low-profile front day hatch that gives you a dry place to store any gear you want quick access to throughout the day. The hatches in this kayak are secured with press-lock hatch covers that guarantee the items you need dry will stay that way throughout your paddling adventures.
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A SEA KAYAK
LOCATION
Sea kayaking provides some of the most amazing opportunities for viewing ocean wildlife all over the world. But different bays, sounds, and coastlines come with different variables that you need to take into account when choosing a sea kayak. Some examples of those variables include prevailing wind direction and strength, prevailing currents, boat traffic, types of wildlife you might encounter, and opportunities for shore access once you launch.
These are just a few examples of the considerations to keep in mind when selecting a sea kayak. Fewer opportunities to shore access, for example, means you’ll need a kayak that can store all the gear you need for the duration of your trip. It may also mean that you might not have a convenient place to pull your kayak up if you need to bail it out. So, something like an integrated rescue system to help you right and re-enter your kayak might prove imperative.
SEATING SYSTEM
After the location where you’ll primarily be paddling, the comfort of the kayak should be your next consideration. Believe it or not, there is a proper way to sit in a kayak. If you don’t know how to get yourself comfortably into your kayak, it won’t matter how adjustable the seating system or backrest are – you’ll still be sore after paddling.
That being said, an adjustable seating system is really important for your comfort over the lifetime of your boat. Our bodies naturally adapt and change through the years, so you’ll want a kayak seating system that can adapt right along with you. Furthermore, you’ll want to make sure the seating system in your kayak can be adjusted to fit your height. The best place to learn this information is to consult the recommendations of the individual manufacturer for the specific kayaks you’re looking at.
DECK VOLUME
The deck volume of your kayak should be ample enough for your legs to fit comfortably and still have some space to move around. When you’re paddling on a longer trip, you’ll often find yourself changing up the position of your legs to stay comfortable. If you feel too squeezed into your kayak, you won’t be able to do this. So, make sure the deck volume is ample to provide you with the type of leg room you need. A little extra on this front can’t hurt either, because it will give you additional space to store some of the gear that you’ll want quick access to while you’re on the water.
WEIGHT
The weight of the sea kayak you choose will mainly come into play when you’re transporting it to and from the water. But it will also play a role in your ability to maneuver the kayak once you’re on the water. The more the kayak weighs, in general, the deeper it will sit in the water. In some cases, this can actually help the kayak track straighter. But it will generally make your overall paddling speed slower.
On the other hand, a lighter kayak that sits higher up out of the water will glide over the water’s surface more effortlessly. Therefore, you’ll be able to accelerate faster and maintain greater speed over a longer distance. The main drawback here, though, is that a kayak that sits higher up out of the water also becomes less stable in rough-water conditions.
MANEUVERABILITY
Maneuverability is mainly going to be determined by the length of your kayak and the design of the hull (bottom). In general, a longer kayak is going to be more difficult to maneuver quickly. Longer kayaks are designed to track straighter and offer more straight-line speed. Shorter kayaks, on the other hand, will make it easier to make tight turns and maneuver around rocks or other obstacles.
The design of the hull also plays a role in the maneuverability of the kayak. Generally speaking, a hull design that is closer to a V-shape (and therefore makes the kayak sit deeper in the water) will make the boat track straighter but maneuver less tightly. On the other hand, a shallower hull design will make the kayak easier to maneuver and more able to make quick, tight turns.
FEATURES EXPLAINED
HATCHES
The hatches of a kayak are actually the lids or covers that seal the kayak’s storage compartments from water or other debris entering them. The locking system of a kayak’s hatches are generally what is responsible for the compartments truly being watertight (or not!).
HULL
The hull is the bottom of the kayak. As we mentioned in the previous section, the kayak’s hull design is largely responsible for its performance. In other words, the bottom of the kayak will determine how well it tracks, how quickly it can accelerate, and how easy it is to maneuver the kayak.
DECK (AND BACK DECK)
The deck is the front of the kayak that’s exposed to the air. In many boats, there is a storage compartment built into the deck and also bungee rigging on top of the deck to provide additional space for attaching and storing gear.
The back deck of a sea kayak also typically includes a built-in storage compartment and bungee rigging for added gear storage. The height of the back deck of a sea kayak also plays a role in how easy it is to roll a kayak. In general, a lower back deck makes it easier to roll and right your sea kayak in the event of a capsize.
COCKPIT
The cockpit is the area where you’ll sit in order to steer and maneuver your kayak. The cockpit of a sea kayak can include a number of features, such as bottle holders, tracks to attach gear, thigh braces, foot pads, and more.
THIGH BRACES
Thigh braces are located inside the cockpit of your sea kayak. They give you a comfortable place to rest the tops of your thighs against without them rubbing directly on the plastic or composite material of the kayak itself. They also allow you to gain much-needed stability in your kayak.
FOOT BRACES (OR PEDALS/PADS)
The foot braces (sometimes called pedals or pads too) of a kayak gives you a place to secure your feet while paddling. By bending your knees, securing your feet against the foot braces and your thighs against the thigh braces, you’re able to maintain a more ergonomic paddle position. This position encourages you to engage your core muscles when paddling so that you experience less fatigue in your arms and shoulders.
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