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Finding the perfect recreational kayak that fits your budget can be a challenge. Fortunately, Sun Dolphin has been producing affordable kayaks since 1982, located on the shores of Lake Michigan. All of their kayaks are proudly made in the USA and crafted to provide the best value for your money.
Sun Dolphin kayaks are constructed from high-density, UV-resistant polyethylene. These durable materials ensure that your kayak will withstand regular use and the test of time, allowing you to enjoy it for many years to come. Their range includes a variety of sit-in and sit-on-top kayaks, suitable for both recreational paddling and angling.
Beginners will especially appreciate the user-friendly design of Sun Dolphin kayaks. With their wide and stable hulls, sit-in models featuring large open cockpits, instill a sense of confidence in paddlers. To help you determine if Sun Dolphin has a kayak that suits your needs, we’ve provided an overview of their recreational and fishing models.
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Comparison table: Sun Dolphin Kayaks in 2023
Sun Dolphin Aruba 8 SS
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Sun Dolphin Aruba 10
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Sun Dolphin Aruba 12 SS
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Sun Dolphin Bali 6
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Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS
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Sun Dolphin Camino 8 SS
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Sun Dolphin Bali 12 SS
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Sun Dolphin Bali 13.5 SS Tandem
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Recreational Kayaks
Sun Dolphin Aruba 8 SS
Length: 8 ft. / 243 cm
Width: 28 in. / 71 cm
Weight: 27 lbs. / 12 kg
Capacity: 260 lbs. / 118 kg
The Aruba 8 SS is Sun Dolphin’s most compact kayak. Its lightweight design makes it easy to transport between your car’s rooftop and the water’s edge. Choosing a lightweight kayak not only allows you to get on the water quickly but also reduces the risk of injury during transport.
While on the water, the Aruba 8 SS offers easy paddling and straight tracking, thanks to its defined keel at the bow. It provides storage space on the rear deck and features a secure hatch for smaller items. You can enjoy your surroundings comfortably and without worrying about losing your paddle, thanks to the convenient paddle park across the cockpit rim.
Due to its compact size and lower weight capacity, the Aruba 8 SS is better suited for smaller-framed paddlers. The adjustable seat system, featuring a padded backrest and footpegs, ensures a comfortable experience. Additionally, the high-rimmed cockpit deflects splashes, keeping you dry throughout your adventure.
Sun Dolphin Aruba 10
Length: 9 ft. 7 in. / 292 cm
Width: 29 in. / 74 cm
Weight: 40 lbs. / 18 kg
Capacity: 250 lbs. / 113 kg
The Aruba 10 is designed for lake kayaking and leisurely floating downstream on gentle rivers. Its large cockpit allows for easy entry and exit, providing a sense of freedom. Kayaks with spacious cockpits often instill confidence in wary paddlers, eliminating any feeling of restriction and allowing for a relaxed and enjoyable journey.
Inside the Aruba 10, you’ll find a molded seat for enhanced comfort, complete with a padded backrest. The inclusion of protective thigh braces prevents your legs from rubbing against the hard outer plastic. Adjustable footpegs keep you securely in your seat throughout your paddling excursion.
The rear of the Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 features a storage compartment with a secure lid and shock cord. Additionally, there is a water bottle recess on the front deck, complete with a bungee cord to keep you hydrated and safe on the water.
Sun Dolphin Fiji 10 SS
Length: 9 ft. 7.5 in. / 293 cm
Width: 29.5 in. / 75 cm
Weight: 44 lbs. / 20 kg
Capacity: 280 lbs. / 127 kg
The Sun Dolphin Fiji 10 SS is a wide and stable kayak with a clearly defined keel line. Designed for lakes and rivers, it effortlessly tracks through gentle to moderate winds. Perfect for leisurely exploration and paddling.
At the rear of the Fiji 10 SS, a portable accessory holder can be towed behind your kayak, providing extra storage capacity. This opens up the rear of your kayak, creating a storage well while keeping your equipment safe in the accessory pod. Furthermore, the hands-free electronics console at the front of the cockpit allows you to use your phone, camera, or GPS without interrupting your paddle strokes.
For maximum comfort on the water, the Fiji 10 SS boasts a fully adjustable backrest and molded seat. Padded thigh rests prevent your legs from rubbing against the hard plastic shell. Adjustable foot braces ensure a comfortable seating position throughout your entire kayaking experience.
Sun Dolphin Aruba 12 SS
Length: 12 ft. / 364 cm
Width: 30 in. / 76 cm
Weight: 47 lbs. / 21 kg
Capacity: 395 lbs. / 179 kg
The Aruba 12 SS is a long and wide kayak, ideal for beginner and intermediate paddlers alike. Its combined stability and speed make it suitable for extended day trips exploring rivers and lakes. The defined keel line at the bow and stern allows the Aruba 12 SS to track through the wind with ease, enabling paddlers to maintain higher speeds with less effort.
Featuring a large cockpit area for easy entry and exit, the Aruba 12 SS provides a liberating kayaking experience. A spacious cockpit often boosts confidence, giving nervous paddlers a more comfortable and unrestricted journey.
The kayak’s removable portable accessory carrier serves as additional internal storage or can be towed behind your kayak. Additionally, there is a bow hatch for small day items, while two flush mount rod holders behind the seat cater to recreational anglers in search of their perfect fishing spot.
Sun Dolphin Bali 6
Length: 6 ft. / 183 cm
Width: 25 in. / 64 cm
Weight: 28 lbs. / 13 kg
Capacity: 140 lbs. / 64 kg
The Bali 6 is designed with young paddlers in mind. Its large, open design offers stability, while the easy access to the cockpit boosts confidence for children learning to kayak. Graduated footrests and comfortable open seating ensure that this kayak can be enjoyed by children as they grow.
Equipped with a swim platform at the rear, easy reentry is possible, making the Bali 6 an excellent choice for summer swimming in local lakes. Additionally, there is a paddle rest at the bow, allowing your child to stow their paddle securely while they swim.
The lightweight nature of the Bali 6 encourages young paddlers to get involved in carrying it to and from your vehicle. Engaging them in every aspect of kayaking fosters a lifelong passion for the sport.
Sun Dolphin Camino 8 SS
Length: 7 ft. 11 in. / 241 cm
Width: 31.5 in. / 80 cm
Weight: 40 lbs. / 18 kg
Capacity: 225 lbs. / 102 kg
The Camino 8 SS is a downriver cruiser designed for you to sit back and enjoy the ride. Its slight rocker at the bow allows for a slight tracking ability, but it primarily goes with the flow. The flat rear section and wide beam enhance stability and ease of boarding.
Any water that enters the Camino 8 during your downstream cruise will drain through the self-bailing ports, ensuring you stay dry on the water. The molded seat, padded backrest, and molded footwells provide comfort without overwhelming features.
A large storage well is located at the rear of the Camino 8, secured with a shock cord to keep your equipment safe and secure.
Sun Dolphin Bali 10 SS
Length: 9 ft. 6.5 in. / 291 cm
Width: 29.5 in. / 75 cm
Weight: 44 lbs. / 20 kg
Capacity: 250 lbs. / 113 kg
The Bali 10 SS strikes a balance between stability and agility, providing a recreational kayak that enables you to explore with ease. Its defined keel line facilitates smooth tracking, even against the wind. The v-shaped hull flattens in the center, enhancing maneuverability.
When embarking on long days out on the lake, ample storage space is essential. The portable accessory holder at the rear of the kayak doubles as a watertight tow-behind pod, offering extra storage capacity. Storage at the bow, paired with a water bottle recess in the middle of the kayak, ensures plenty of room for all your gear.
Comfort is prioritized in the Bali 10 SS, with padded backrest and adjustable footpegs providing a delightful kayaking experience. Padded thigh protection prevents discomfort caused by contact with the hard plastic shell of the kayak.
Sun Dolphin Capri 10 SS
Length: 10 ft. / 306 cm
Width: 28.5 in. / 72 cm
Weight: 44 lbs. / 20 kg
Capacity: 250 lbs. / 113 kg
The Capri 10 SS is a compact and stable recreational kayak equipped with ample onboard storage. Its lightweight construction allows for easy transport from your vehicle’s rooftop to the water’s edge. The Capri 10 is maneuverable on the water while maintaining excellent tracking capabilities against the wind, thanks to its v-shaped hull.
The kayak’s molded seat features drainage slots, ensuring a dry and comfortable kayaking experience. The adjustable backrest and foot braces allow you to find your perfect seating position, enabling you to spend the entire day on the water.
A large storage area at the rear of the Capri 10 securely stows all your equipment, while a smaller storage hatch between the paddler’s legs provides easy access to smaller items. Paddle storage on the side of the kayak allows for hands-free moments to capture photos or savor the scenic beauty.
Sun Dolphin Bali 12 SS
Length: 11 ft. 11.5 in. / 364 cm
Width: 31 in. / 78 cm
Weight: 48 lbs. / 22 kg
Capacity: 395 lbs. / 179 kg
The Bali 12 SS is the larger sibling of the Sun Dolphin Bali 10 kayak. The additional length allows for increased speed and exploration capacity, enabling you to venture further, faster. Its stable platform remains balanced even in moderately choppy conditions.
The Bali 12’s high capacity suits larger paddlers or those who prefer to carry ample equipment. The large storage area at the bow, in combination with the portable accessory carrier, provides significant storage space. If needed, the portable accessory carrier can be detached and towed behind your kayak.
Comfort is paramount, and the Bali 12 excels in this aspect. The padded seat pad and backrest ensure optimal support during long days of kayaking. The seatback is fully adjustable, as are the footpegs, enabling you to find your preferred paddling position. Padded thigh protectors prevent discomfort from prolonged contact with the hard plastic shell.
Sun Dolphin Bali 13.5 SS Tandem
Length: 13 ft. 5.5 in. / 410 cm
Width: 34.5 in. / 88 cm
Weight: 70 lbs. / 32 kg
Capacity: 500 lbs. / 227 kg
The Bali 13.5 SS Tandem is a versatile recreational sit-on-top kayak that accommodates one to three paddlers. The adjustable seats allow solo paddlers to enjoy the same high-backed comfort experienced by tandem paddlers. The bow and stern positions feature adjustable footpegs, while the middle seat boasts graduated footwells.
Three paddlers may opt to utilize the central molded seat position for their young paddler or pet. The self-bailing scupper holes in the hull keep paddlers dry while on the water.
Two large storage hatches and one smaller hatch offer ample space for stowing equipment away from the elements. Additionally, recesses at the bow and stern, secured with a shock cord, accommodate larger equipment. Thanks to its generous capacity, you can carry a significant amount of gear before reaching the Bali 13.5’s limit.
Fishing Kayaks
Sun Dolphin Journey 10 SS
Length: 9 ft. 6.5 in. / 291 cm
Width: 29.5 in. / 75 cm
Weight: 44 lbs. / 20 kg
Capacity: 250 lbs. / 113 kg
The Sun Dolphin Journey 10 SS offers an affordable way to elevate your fishing experience. Its large, open deck design allows for easy access to your equipment while on the water. The kayak’s width enables you to move around, gather your gear, and cast your line without the risk of capsizing.
The portable accessory carrier located at the stern of the kayak can be detached and towed behind, resulting in a spacious storage well secured with a shock cord. Additionally, the Journey 10 SS features a large storage space at the front, recessed tackle storage in the sidewalls, and a central hatch.
Two flush mount rod holders behind the seat, along with a swivel rod holder at the center, cater to changing fishing setups as you paddle. The padded seating and backrest, combined with adjustable footrests, ensure comfort during your extended fishing trips. Bailing scuppers in the hull allow water to drain, preventing you from sitting in a puddle all day.
Sun Dolphin Journey 12 SS
Length: 11 ft. 11.5 in. / 364 cm
Width: 31 in. / 78 cm
Weight: 47 lbs. / 21 kg
Capacity: 395 lbs. / 179 kg
The Journey 12 SS is the larger counterpart to the Journey 10, offering a sleeker, faster, and more maneuverable fishing experience. With its increased capacity, this kayak is designed for longer fishing excursions. Its V-shaped hull at the bow and stern allows for better tracking against moderate breezes, while the central width ensures stability during casting.
The Journey 12 SS boasts ample onboard storage. It features a bow recess secured with a bungee cord, as well as a removable rear portable accessory carrier that can be towed behind, creating an additional large storage well. An internal hatch located ahead of the paddler offers storage for small items kept within easy reach.
The seating is fully adjustable, allowing for maximum comfort throughout your fishing trip. The low-profile seating design allows for freedom of movement, while the two flush mount rod holders behind the seat and one swivel mount in front keep your fishing setup within reach.
Sun Dolphin Boss 12 SS
Length: 12 ft. 3.5 in. / 375 cm
Width: 33 in. / 85 cm
Weight: 78 lbs. / 35 kg
Capacity: 500 lbs. / 227 kg
Loaded with features typically found on high-end kayaks, the Boss 12 SS combines stability and speed with its catamaran-style hull. Catamaran hulls provide stability on the water while maintaining speed and superior tracking against the wind, facilitating easier access to your favorite fishing spot.
When it comes to fishing, space to move is crucial. The top deck of the Boss 12 is equipped with non-slip pads, and a stand-up assist strap aids in standing from your seat. The seat itself offers three different folding positions, or it can fold away entirely, maximizing your freedom to cast and catch.
Both the front and rear storage wells are spacious enough to accommodate milk crates or buckets, and they are secured with a shock cord. With a swivel mount and four flush mount rod holders, you have a wealth of options to choose from when planning your fishing setup. Additional storage can be accessed through the front hatch, and universal mounting plates allow for further customization.
Sun Dolphin Excursion 10
Length: 9 ft. 7 in. / 292 cm
Width: 29 in. / 74 cm
Weight: 41 lbs. / 19 kg
Capacity: 250 lbs. / 113 kg
The Excursion 10 is a fishing-specific version of Sun Dolphin’s popular recreational kayak. Lightweight and easily transportable, this kayak allows for effortless rooftop transportation and compact storage. Getting to the water with minimal effort and hassle means more time for fishing.
The large open cockpit features a molded seat, padded backrest, and adjustable footpegs. You can adjust the Excursion 10 to fit your needs quickly and easily, ensuring a comfortable experience on the water. Behind the cockpit, two flush-mounted rod holders are accompanied by a swivel rod holder, providing quick access to your fishing apparatus.
The Excursion 10 tracks well against moderate breezes and is best suited for calm fishing lakes and shorter journeys. Though its lower capacity may restrict the amount of gear you can take, a storage hatch at the rear of the Excursion 10 ensures your equipment remains secure. Additionally, a water bottle holder on the front deck keeps you hydrated under the sun.
Sun Dolphin Excursion 12 SS
Length: 11 ft. 11.5 in. / 364 cm
Width: 30 in. / 76 cm
Weight: 47 lbs. / 21 kg
Capacity: 395 lbs. / 179 kg
The Excursion 12 SS is a fishing kayak with a closed cockpit design, enabling longer journeys further afield. Its length, stability, and tracking capabilities make it suitable for moderate winds and mild choppy conditions. The Excursion 12 SS allows you to reach your favorite fishing locations faster, maximizing your time spent casting.
The detachable portable accessory carrier at the stern of the kayak opens up a large storage well secured with a bungee cord. This carrier is watertight and can also be towed behind as an additional storage option. On top of the kayak, bungee cords and a small storage hatch on the bow keep items secure and within easy reach.
Incorporated into the Excursion 12 SS is a covered electronics console at the front of the cockpit, offering protection for your accessories while providing the convenience of on-the-move usage. Two flush-mounted rod holders and one swivel holder keep your fishing setup close at hand. Furthermore, the comfortable and adjustable seat, complete with adjustable footpegs and padded thigh protectors, ensures a pleasant experience throughout your entire fishing excursion.