In this article, we\u2019ll take a look at some Sun Dolphin kayaks<\/strong> in a variety of categories. So whether you need a sit-in or sit-on-top, fishing, or recreational<\/strong>, you\u2019ll find the best Sun Dolphin kayak for your below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At ten feet in length, the Aruba 10 is long enough to maintain its course despite the wide hull<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The spacious cockpit makes it a good choice for your first sit-in kayak<\/strong> and it\u2019s one of the easiest of these designs to get in and out of.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The seatback is padded and adjustable, and though I wish the seat bottom was similarly padded, I do like the multiple foot braces. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While it tracks better than many kayaks of this size and make<\/strong>, I still wouldn\u2019t trust it on difficult waterways where tide or current can pull you and alter course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But as an introduction to sit-in models, it\u2019s a great cost-effective choice that\u2019s easy to transport and paddle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Read our full Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 review.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Heavily influenced by popular sit-on-top fishing kayaks, the Bali 10 has tons of room<\/strong> and is a stable paddling platform. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s ample dry storage space<\/strong> thanks to a large watertight stern hatch and a smaller central console accessible from the seat which is a great place to house personal items. Open-air storage can be found under bungee cords stretched across the bow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even more storage can be created thanks to Sun Dolphin\u2019s intuitive Portable Accessory Compartment<\/strong> (PAC) that can be installed on the stern. The PAC can be towed behind the kayak giving you room for additional gear or a cold drink or two.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the lightest fishing kayaks on the market<\/strong>, the Journey 10 ss checks in at a svelte 44 pounds making it easy for solo paddlers to move and transport on their own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On the water, there are two fishing rod holders<\/strong>, one in the cockpit and another in the stern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While there aren\u2019t the customization options of more expensive angling kayaks, I find the port-side paddle holder <\/strong>indispensable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For storage, you\u2019ll find a lot of the same features including the PAC system which does a great job of keeping your catch cool. Add in the central console and big stern hatch and you have enough space for even the most ambitious day kayaking trips<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read our full Sun Dolphin Journey 10 SS\u202freview.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Like the Aruba, the Excursion 10 has a big cockpit for paddlers of all shapes and sizes<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tracking and stability are impressive and the Excursion can handle most lakes and rivers that don\u2019t involve rapids.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n For fishing, there are two flush-mounted rod holders behind the seat and another swivel holder <\/strong>that\u2019s accessible from the cockpit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Storage is similar to other Sun Dolphin designs<\/strong> with bungee cords on the bow and a watertight stern hatch. The PAC system has been implemented into this kayak too for additional storage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another roomy sit-in with adjustable footrests, the Phoenix 10.4 shines as the best lake and river kayak<\/a> for a company that specializes in them<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Providing a little more speed<\/strong> than some of the other kayaks on this list, it doesn\u2019t sacrifice maneuverability<\/strong> and makes it one of the more high performing Sun Dolphin boats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I do wish the load capacity was a little bigger than its 250 pounds, but for most trips around a nearby lake or day trips down a river it should be more than adequate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n With a stable design that newcomers will covet and weighing just 27-pounds, the Aruba 8 is a great lightweight kayak<\/a> for those just starting out or who have limited storage space at home<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Since it\u2019s such a small sit-in, it can be tough to get in and out of<\/strong> and some paddlers may favor the Aruba for its wider cockpit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s maneuverable and responsive which makes it fun to paddle<\/strong>. But the short keel really works against it in the speed department and makes it one of the slower kayaks from Sun Dolphin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Read our full Sun Dolphin Aruba 8 review.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re an experienced paddler looking for a boat that you can take into new or challenging water, then Sun Dolphin probably isn\u2019t for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But if you consider yourself a relative novice to the sport or want a boat you can get to the local lake on your own, you can probably find the right lake kayak<\/a> for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Sun Dolphin\u2019s boats are great entry-level boats<\/strong> with tough, forgiving plastic molded hulls that are difficult to damage. They place a focus on stability<\/strong> so that newcomers can feel confident on the water and since their boats have short keels compared to many kayaks, they\u2019re easy to handle and steer.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Sun Dolphin also offers a couple of specific designs for fishing<\/strong>. These can be sit-in or sit-on-top<\/strong> like their recreational boats but include some more storage space as well as rod holders to help get you and your gear on the water. They don\u2019t have the custom options many other fishing kayaks have, but it\u2019s hard to quibble with the overall price and quality<\/strong> of Sun Dolphin\u2019s products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The first question you need to answer when you start kayak shopping is what bodies of water you plan on paddling. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are several different types of kayaks with unique keels and hull shapes and lengths that are meant to handle varied types of water conditions<\/strong> from whitewater to long ocean crossings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For Sun Dolphin\u2019s kayaks, you should plan on just paddling calm and protected waterways<\/strong> such as smaller lakes and mellow lakes. Calm days on secluded bays may be able to accommodate Sun Dolphin\u2019s models but I\u2019d recommend extreme caution when you\u2019re exposed to either wind, tide, or current as these boats don\u2019t have the tracking or speed to get you out of trouble.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While you can fish from any kayak, angling kayaks have specific features that make it much easier<\/strong>. The biggest of these are the included rod holders that keep your poles in place when you need both hands to paddle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Once at your fishing hole, larger storage spaces that are accessible from the cockpit house your lures and spare gear<\/strong> without having to go to shore. Many kayak boats are built to be extra stable<\/strong> to handle the inevitable shifting and lunging that comes with a big fish on the line. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Higher-end models come filled with other features<\/strong> such as the ability to install a fishfinder or other custom features and the most expensive even have paddles so you can have your hands free to cast while in motion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The two main kayak design types. Sit-in boats have a \u201ccockpit\u201d the paddler sits in<\/strong>. The compartment can be more cramped<\/strong> with less room for the paddler\u2019s legs. They do provide more protection from the elements<\/strong> though, especially if a sprayskirt is wrapped around the cockpit\u2019s perimeter to keep out wind and waves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Since your center of gravity is low to the water, sit-in kayaks can be more streamlined and narrower without risk of tipping over.<\/strong> This makes them the preferred design for those that value speed or are planning on being out for several days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sit-On-Top<\/strong> kayaks have a wide-open deck which makes getting in and out of these kayaks easier<\/strong>. While they may have foot braces, many don\u2019t have thigh braces. They offer little to no protection from the weather or waves<\/strong> so they do best in warm climates where splashing water or rain won\u2019t be an inconvenience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To provide some protection, the seats are placed higher above the water line to avoid waves<\/strong>. This gives them a higher center of gravity though, so to compensate, they\u2019re built wider and bulkier so they have the same stability. It does slow them down<\/strong> however and makes them better as recreational or fishing boats where speed isn\u2019t as important. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Sometimes you can find kayaks for sale that are offering extra features that are included with your purchase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The most common included goodie for entry-level kayaks is a paddle<\/strong>. They tend not to be high-end models but are durable enough to get you started without risk of them breaking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sit-On-Top boats are often designed with scupper holes so any water that splashes onto the deck can drain. In some conditions, it\u2019s best to block these holes with scupper plugs<\/strong> and some sit-on-top kayaks include these with the boat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Inflatable kayaks often come with a carry bag and some will throw in a portable pump to make set-ups easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Featuring more expensive and higher performing boats<\/strong>, Pelican<\/a> also has boats that fall into the recreational and fishing categories<\/strong> with their fishing boats receiving special praise for their stability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition, they design more intricate and higher-performing kayaks that are meant for touring <\/strong>and can be out for multiple days in more challenging conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A company that shares a lot of similarities with Sun Dolphin<\/strong>, Lifetime\u2019s kayaks<\/a> are strictly for recreation and fishing on protected lakes and rivers. They\u2019re another cheap and easy to paddle and transport company that are good options for your first kayak.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSun Dolphin Kayaks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Best Sit-In Kayak: Sun Dolphin Aruba 10<\/h3>\n\n\n
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Best Sit-On-Top Kayak: Sun Dolphin Bali 10 sS<\/h3>\n\n\n
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Best Fishing Kayak: Sun Dolphin Journey 10 sS<\/h3>\n\n\n
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Best Sit-In Fishing Kayak: Sun Dolphin Excursion 10<\/h3>\n\n\n
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Best Kayak for Lakes & Rivers: Sun Dolphin Phoenix 10.4<\/h3>\n\n\n
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Best Lightweight Kayak: Sun Dolphin Aruba 8 sS<\/h3>\n\n\n
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Types of Kayaks Sun Dolphin is Known For<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How to Choose the Right Sun Dolphin Kayak<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Where You Plan on Paddling<\/h3>\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Aruba-10-tracking.jpg\"){kind=tracking}
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nKayak Fishing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Sit-In vs Sit-On-Top Dolphin Kayak<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Extra Features<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Sun Dolphin Kayaks vs Other Kayak Brands<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.happinesswithout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Pelican-Catch-120-Stability.jpg\")
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<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nPelican<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Lifetime<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Perception<\/h3>\n\n\n\n