10 Best GPS Watches For Kayaking In 2023

If you love what the Fenix 3 Titanium above offers but would prefer a lighter and outdoorsy watch, here is a version with a fiber-reinforced polymer case and a rubber band. It also has GPS/GLONASS satellite reception and an EXO antenna that connects to GLONASS and EPO to lock onto satellites fast and deliver accurate readings even in difficult conditions. The battery lasts up to 20 hours in GPS mode and as long as 50 hours in power-saving UltraTrac mode, making it great for kayaks for camping. 

This Fenix 3 is easy to figure out and operate. The sunlight-visible display with LED backlight is easy to read in all conditions. This Fenix 3 is rugged and built to stand up to the roughest conditions. A waterproof GPS watch up to 10ATM/100 meters, splashes, rain, and even shortlived submersions won't damage it. It is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts such as kayakers, hikers, skiers, and mountaineers.

Garmin Vivoactive is one of the best GPS watches on the market. Although it does not have a kayaking or paddling mode, its GPS functionality is excellent and this is a great watch to kayak with. It locks onto the satellites and acquires GPS signals very quickly and its GPS readings are accurate. It will also track your journey and paddling activity and you can even download a kayaking app. With GPS enabled, a fully charged battery will last you 10 hours. 

Thin and lightweight, it is comfortable to wear. The high-resolution color display is easy to read even under glaring sunlight and it has backlight for when conditions are gloomy. It is sturdy and water-resistant so it will give you long-lasting service. It is also a stylish watch you can wear everywhere.

If you're looking for a non-chunky kayak watch that won't burden your hands, this activity tracker is so small and light that you will forget it is on your wrist while paddling. If you have small wrists and find it hard to find a GPS watch that fits your wrists well, this trendy tracker is perfect for 4.8-7.4 inches wrists. Its GPS tracking is surprisingly accurate for a device this small. Depending on your location, the GPS can take seconds or minutes to acquire a signal.

The battery life is up to 8 hours in GPS mode. As you kayak or use it as a hiking GPS, it will track distance, time, speed or pace and even map your journey. It also has LiveTrack functionality. The interface is simple to use and the always-on Chroma color touchscreen is responsive and visible even in direct sunlight. It is water-resistant and you can swim with it on. 

Paddle with style, track your location and map your kayaking trips accurately with this Garmin Fenix 3 Titanium GPS watch that balances utility and elegance perfectly. Its location finding functionality is superior, as it features GPS and an EXO antenna that pairs with GLONASS and EPO to find satellites super fast and track distance and location with a high level of accuracy.

While it looks like it is made to be worn with suits only, it is equipped for outdoor activities and watersports such as kayaking, SUP boarding, and hiking. Titanium construction with a sapphire crystal makes it lightweight and also virtually indestructible. With 10ATM / 100 meters water resistance, it is able to resist damage by water very well even when in a surf kayak. It is intuitive and the display is bright in sunlight or daylight and has backlight for dim light. 

Just want a simple and affordable GPS watch with basic GPS functionality and general activity tracking? The Garmin Forerunner 15 is a great basic GPS watch and a very good value. It may take a few minutes to lock onto satellites when you in a new location but it functions well and the tracking is accurate and reliable.

It will track your time, pace, and distance and map your kayaking adventures. Having GPS on throughout, the battery will last for up to 8 hours. It also has an optional heart rate chest strap. Water-resistant up to 50 meters, the Forerunner 15 can withstand splashes and accidental drops into the water. It is easy to set up the watch and the buttons are easy to use. The watch face is easy to read and it has a backlight. Lightweight and with a comfortable strap, it won't weigh your arm down.

The Garmin Fenix 5 is hands down the best GPS watch for kayaking. It has everything a paddler needs, wants, and more. Its GPS functionality and accuracy is superior as it communicates with both GPS and GLONASS satellites. It has a built-in paddlesports profile and performance metrics for kayaking, canoeing, etc. It will record your kayak stroke count, stroke rate, and even distance per stroke. It also has one of the longest battery lives. With GPS on, the Garmin Fenix 5 has a 20-hour battery life or 35 hours using the UltraTrac battery saver mode. You can rely on it on overnight or weekend kayak camping trips. 

The button navigation on the Garmin Fenix 5 is easy to use and the LCD display is easy to see even when it is sunny. It has a backlight for night use. Other features you will find useful on your paddling adventures include a barometric altimeter, 3-axis compass and gyroscope, map feature, sun/moon, and tides app to monitor tides if you own an ocean kayak. Water-resistant up to 100 meters and featuring a rugged and durable build, the Garmin Fenix 5 is ideal for taking out on the water.