Engineered for stability and straight tracking, and crafted of extremely durable military-grade material, the current crop of inflatable kayaks are superb Caribbean travel companions. We’ve picked a quartet of excellent choices, each of which offers (or includes) a carry bag and weighs in below the 50-pound mark, making them easily airline checkable. The solo kayak pictured here (the Innova Helios I) ships with a backpack-style case. With the aid of a foot pump ($29), the boat inflates in less than 10 minutes. A good-quality four-piece paddle starts at about $100 and slips easily into a checked bag.
THE BOATS
Innova Kayaks Helios I
Solo seating, 220- pound load capacity DETAILS: 24 pounds; $749, including dry bag/backpack.
innovakayak.com; Amazon.com
Sea Eagle 330
Tandem seating, 500- pound load capacity DETAILS: 26 pounds; $249, though at this writing, Sea Eagle is offering a $279 package, including the 330 kayak, two paddles, two canoe-style seats, a foot pump and a carry bag.
seaeagle.com; Amazon.com
Advanced
Elements Lagoon
Solo seating, 250- pound load capacity DETAILS: 23 pounds; $360, including carry duffel.
advanced
elements.com; Amazon.com
Aire Sawtooth
Solo seating, 400- pound load capacity DETAILS: 42 pounds; $774.
aire.com; Amazon.com
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Comments
I just got back from a 5 day kayak eco-trip with Out-Island Explorers in Exuma, and it was an incredible journey. It is a completely different perspective that what I am used to, having grown up diving and sailing the Caribbean since I was a boy. I highly recommend kayaking, and these inflatable offerings are the perfect ticket.