Updated April 14, 2023
With the myriad of kayak models on the market today it can be difficult and time-consuming to do the research necessary to find one that will meet your needs. We’ll try to cut the process down to a more manageable size for you below by introducing you to some of the best ocean models with descriptions, photos, and some helpful videos. After that is a comparison table, a brief buying guide, and a coastal paddling guide video.
Please let me know in the comments section at the bottom if you have any questions or concerns. I’d love to know your thoughts.
For more reviews of kayaks and boats, please check out these posts:
Marine VHF Radios / Kayak Trolling Motors / Kayak Fish Finders / Marine GPS / Marine Binoculars / Touring Kayaks / Tandem Kayaks / Whitewater Kayaks for Beginners / Lake Kayaks / Ocean Kayaks / Whitewater Kayaks Beginners / Lake Kayaks / Fishing Kayaks / Beginner Kayaks / Recreational Kayaks / Inflatable Kayaks / Inflatable Boats / Canoes
Best Ocean Kayaks Reviews
- Oru Kayak Coast XT Ocean Kayak
- Dagger Stratos 14.5 L Ocean Kayak
- Old Town Castine 140 Ocean Kayak
- Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 Angler Ocean Kayak
- Ocean Kayak Zest Two Expedition Ocean Kayak
- Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Expedition Elite Ocean Kayak
- Riot Kayaks Edge 14.5 LV Ocean Kayak
- Vibe Kayaks Sea Ghost 130 Ocean Kayak
Oru Kayak Coast XT Ocean Kayak
It is fast and performs well over distances in a variety of conditions, especially in coastal environments, and includes thigh braces for maneuverability.
The adjustable seat is comfortable and the durable double-layered polypropylene construction withstands bumps and scrapes.
Substantial storage possibilities are provided by the fore and aft deck lines and below.
- Weight capacity of 400 pounds
- 1 paddler
- 5mm double-layered polypropylene construction with rust-resistant hardware
- UV treated – good for 10 years
- Fold-up design rated for 20,000 folds in a lifetime
- Folds to the size of a large suitcase
- 3 bulkheads add rigidity
- 180 liters of storage below deck
- Adjustable seat
- Reflective deck lines
- Rollable if capsized
- 1-year warranty, 30-day money-back guarantee
- Length: 16 feet, Width: 25 inches (at cockpit)
- Weight: 34 pounds
- Price: $$$$
Dagger Stratos 14.5 L Ocean Kayak
Adjustable seating, and thigh and foot braces form a customized comfortable fit and an adjustable skeg aids in tracking a true course.
Substantial storage is available in the bow and stern hatches and deck rigging for long days on the water. It also comes in the 14.5 S model configured for smaller paddlers.
- Weight capacity of 275 pounds
- 1 paddler
- Polyethylene construction
- Adjustable contoured seat with leg lifter
- Adjustable foot brace system and padded thigh braces
- Bow and stern hatches with bulkheads
- Bow and stern bungee deck rigging
- Adjustable skeg
- Soft-touch handles
- Length: 14 feet 6 inches, Width: 23.5 inches
- Weight: 53 pounds
- Price: $$
Old Town Castine 140 Ocean Kayak
Ample storage is available in the form of bow and stern storage hatches, bungee rigging, and a removable slide track.
The low-profile seating is adjustable in the base and back along with adjustable thigh and foot braces for the best comfort over many hours.
Retractable bow and stern handles aid in portage and a replaceable skid plate protects the structure of the stern on landing.
- Weight capacity of 375 pounds
- 1 paddler
- Most suitable fit for medium-sized paddlers
- Adjustable seat with low profile backrest
- Adjustable thigh and foot braces
- Easy sealing bow and stern hatches
- Bow and stern bungee deck rigging
- Reflective deck line
- Removable slide track storage
- Replaceable skid plate
- Rudder ready (rudder sold separately)
- Retractable bow and stern carry handles
- Length: 14 feet, Width: 24.75 inches
- Weight: 53 pounds
- Price: $$$
Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 Angler Ocean Kayak
There is substantial storage from bow to stern for a day of paddling or fishing including a large rear tank well big enough for a cooler, as well as a sizable front sealed hatch, a 6-inch lock hatch, and bungee support.
Ergonomically placed rod, cup, and paddle holders free your hands for fishing.
The manufacturer has great confidence in durability with a lifetime warranty on the hull.
- Weight capacity of 325 pounds
- 1 paddler
- 4-way adjustable seat
- Easy-seal front hatch
- Large rear tank well with bungees
- 6-inch cam lock hatch
- 2 flush-mounted rod holders and 2 cup holders
- Paddle holders on each side
- Lifetime warranty on the hull
- Length: 13 feet 4 inches, Width: 28 inches
- Weight: 56 pounds
- Price: $$$
Ocean Kayak Zest Two Expedition Ocean Kayak
Big open tank wells fore and aft with bungees can secure a substantial amount of baggage for extended paddling and 4-way adjustable seats with multiple molded foot braces allow people of different sizes to sit comfortably.
There are side paddle holders and carry handles along with two more grab handles at each end, and this cruiser has the same lifetime warranty on the hull as the Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 above.
- Weight capacity of 600 pounds
- 2 paddlers
- 4-way adjustable seat
- Molded foot braces
- Large front and rear tank well with bungees
- Paddle holders on each side
- Bow and stern grab handles, side-mounted carry handles
- Lifetime warranty on the hull
- Length: 16 feet 4.5 inches, Width: 31 inches
- Weight: 75 pounds
- Price: $$
Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Expedition Elite Ocean Kayak
It’s easy to set up and has a low center of gravity and a comfortable adjustable lumbar seat for easy paddling on an all-day tour.
There is lots of legroom and considerable storage space in the rear with D-rings and bungee lacing.
Lightweight and exceptionally easy to transport in its duffel back, it is durable with a 1-year warranty.
- Weight capacity of 450 pounds
- 1 paddler
- Aluminum rib frame in the bow and stern
- Drop-stitch floor construction
- Easy set-up with high-flow Spring and Twistlok valves
- 9 chambers, low center of gravity
- Enclosed design for dryness
- Adjustable seat with lumbar support
- Adjustable foot braces
- Molded rubber handles
- Repair kit and a duffel bag with removable straps included
- D-rings, bungee deck lacing, and rear storage area
- Rudder mount (rudder not included)
- 1-year warranty
- Length: 13 feet, Width: 32 inches
- Weight: 42 pounds
- Price: $
View More From Advanced Elements
Riot Kayaks Edge 14.5 LV Ocean Kayak
Substantial storage is possible in large sealed bulkheads front and rear and with bungee cords.
It has a retractable skeg, leg and thigh braces for tracking a precise course, and a drain plug and reflective lifelines for safety.
Two people can easily move its 60 pounds with carrying handles front and rear.
- Weight capacity of 325 pounds
- 1 paddler
- Polyethylene construction
- Narrow bow and deck profile
- Custom-fit seating
- Adjustable leg braces
- Built-in thigh braces
- Retractable skeg
- Large bulkhead sealed storage in the front and rear
- Bungee storage front and rear
- Reflective lifelines
- Drain
- Carry handles front and back
- Length: 14 feet 5 inches, Width: 22.25 inches
- Weight: 60 pounds
- Price: $$
Vibe Kayaks Sea Ghost 130 Ocean Kayak
It’s fast and tracks well with adjustable foot braces, a comfortable two-position seat, and a toe-controlled rudder.
A slip-resistant deck, lots of storage with a rear tank well, sealed front well, bungees, dual-hinged console, tackle toss tray, rod holders, and 6 accessory tracks all combined on the Sea Ghost’s stable platform, make it a great set-up for fishing.
If you want to take the next step into technology there are 10 scupper holes and a fish finder and accessories mount.
- Weight capacity of 550 pounds
- 1 paddler
- Rotomolded polyethylene construction
- Two-position seat
- Adjustable foot braces
- Toe-controlled rudder
- Dual-hinged console
- Fish-finder and accessories mount
- 6 accessory tracks
- Rear tank well with bungees
- Forward sealed well
- Tackle toss tray
- 2 rod holders, cup holder
- Slip-resistant deck
- 4 carry handles
- 10 scupper holes with plugs
- Length: 13 feet, Width: 33 inches
- Weight: 75 pounds
- Price: $$
Best Ocean Kayaks Comparison Chart
| Picture | Kayak | Type | Length | # of Persons | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Oru Kayak Coast XT Ocean Kayak | Sit In/Folding | 16 feet | 1 | $$$$ |
  | Dagger Stratos 14.5 L Ocean Kayak | Sit In | 14 feet 6 inches | 1 | $$ |
  | Old Town Castine 140 Ocean Kayak | Sit In | 14 feet | 1 | $$$ |
  | Ocean Kayak Prowler 13 Angler Ocean Kayak | Sit On | 13 feet 4 inches | 1 | $$$ |
  | Ocean Kayak Zest Two Expedition Ocean Kayak | Sit On | 16 feet 4. inches | 2 | $$ |
  | Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Expedition Elite Ocean Kayak | Sit In/Inflatable | 13 feet | 1 | $ |
  | Riot Kayaks Edge 14.5 LV Ocean Kayak | Sit In | 14 feet 5 inches | 1 | $$ |
  | Vibe Kayaks Sea Ghost 130 Ocean Kayak | Sit On | 13 feet | 1 | $$ |
| Picture | Kayak | Type | Length | # of Persons | Price |
Ocean Kayak Buying Guide
As mentioned at the top, when kayaking in the ocean, conditions will be different than those faced in lakes and streams. Considerations include wind direction and speed, tidal currents and waves, offshore currents, and boat traffic. Also, the ability to deal effectively with an emergency can receive interference from those factors and help may be much more difficult to find. For these reasons, it’s important to be prepared by selecting a kayak suitable for the task and to be ready with the necessary kayaking and emergency skills.
Length
Generally, kayaks designed for ocean paddling are longer. The length adds to stability when negotiating the currents and waves that can be encountered. Longer models will track straighter and generate more straight-line speed.
Width
Wider kayaks are more stable but narrow ones can better generate the speed to handle currents and conditions. Ocean kayaks for fishing will usually be wider than the average ocean kayak width due to the stability factor. Less experienced kayakers will probably be more comfortable with wider models.
Weight
The heavier the kayak, the deeper it sits in the water which makes it slower than light models sitting higher in the water. However, the ability to maneuver can be enhanced when the kayak is heavier because the weight will help it track straighter. Lighter kayaks are inherently more maneuverable but on the rougher surface conditions common in the ocean are less stable.
Steering Options
Skegs and rudders can play a more important role in ocean kayaking. A rudder will help you make quick turns and skegs help track in waves and rougher surface conditions. Many kayaks designed for ocean use have these as standard or optional features.
Seating
Sitting comfortably in a position for the most effective paddling is a major consideration. Because a lot of the kayaking done in the ocean is for touring and longer journeys, this is especially important. Before you embark on a lengthy paddling experience it would pay to know the best way to sit in a kayak and make sure the seating is set up properly. The best kayak models have adjustments to your requirements that you should investigate before purchasing.
Leg Room
Especially for longer trips, you must have adequate room for your legs. If you feel cramped or squeezed, comfort and paddling efficiency will be impacted. Make sure the kayak design and layout can accommodate your body size and length. Sit-on open deck models inherently have more deck volume, but if you pack the area with baggage and gear it can impact the amount of legroom.
Foot Braces
These are the place where you put your feet that you can brace against as you paddle. When your feet are in the most effective position with knees bent, you are able to use the core body and leg muscles to help drive your paddling. The best arrangement will help minimize fatigue in your shoulders and arms.
Thigh Braces
Your thighs rest against the braces which prevent rubbing against the material of the kayak structure. They also assist in achieving stability.
Durability
Ocean touring can be an all-day activity in a very powerful environment. It is essential to have a kayak with an effective design suitable for it with strong and durable materials and accessories. Failure of key components like the hull, paddle, or seating could prove disastrous.
Choose a Kayak Suitable for your Goal
Conditions and the activity you focus on should determine which kayak you choose. If fishing is the goal, you will probably choose a sit-on model that has the stability and accessories to handle it. For scuba diving, you will need to have the space for the gear and easy on-and-off capability and stability that a sit-in model with a small cockpit opening would make impossible. A trip through large waves and swell would require different features than one used for a smooth surface. You get the picture. Make sure your kayak is suitable for the activity you choose.
For more reviews of kayaks and boats, please check out these posts:
Marine VHF Radios / Kayak Trolling Motors / Kayak Fish Finders / Marine GPS / Marine Binoculars / Touring Kayaks / Tandem Kayaks / Whitewater Kayaks for Beginners / Lake Kayaks / Ocean Kayaks / Whitewater Kayaks Beginners / Lake Kayaks / Fishing Kayaks / Beginner Kayaks / Recreational Kayaks / Inflatable Kayaks / Inflatable Boats / Canoes
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