10 Best Kayak Lights To Buy In 2024

Lovers of kayaking find enjoyment at every time of the day they choose to go exploring the waters, whether day or night. Night kayaking is as fun as days but can get dangerous if proper preparations are not put in place. 

Safety devices are needed to safely ride on water at night. Arguably, the most important of them is light. Running on the water with light at night doesn’t only help you to see where you’re headed, but it also helps others to be cognizant of you.

If you decide to go on your next kayaking adventure at night, you’ll need light. There are many kayak lights available on the market, and knowing which one is best for you may not come easy. 

In this article, we seek to make choosing easier for you by preparing for you 10 of the best kayak light options you can get on the market.

Our Top 10 Picks For The Best Kayak Lights

1. YakAttack VISICarbon Pro Light

The YakAttack VISICarbon Pro Light, a 12 by 36 inches carbon fiber light, just stepped into the market with great features that offer night kayakers a good way to see clearly and be seen at night while cruising waters.

It can easily be attached to canoes, kayaks, and many other water devices, providing a bright, white light that travels as far as 1,000 feet away from its source. You can use this light when the weather isn’t clear or whenever being seen is of importance- at dawn or night.

The light has up to 40 hours of running time. Meaning it is perfect for long night kayaking. With an AC adapter and a USB cord, it is also rechargeable and is suitable for any AC power source. Lastly, the YakAttack VISICarbon Pro Light can serve as a backup when there’s a need for a light source in emergencies.

Pros

• Made from carbon fiber material, the YakAttack VISICarbon Pro Light is very lightweight, yet, durable.
• With a bright OLED, seeing where you’re going in the dark is made easy.
• You can easily replace the single AAA battery which powers the light when needed.
• The light is made waterproof and comes with a lifetime warranty
• It can be easily attached to a fishing rod, canoe, kayak, or any other watercraft.
• It comes with a 3-level light setting namely; flashing, low, and high.
• With all the features, it is interestingly affordable. It would be a nice option for you if you’re running on a budget.
• The light has a rechargeable battery pack that can be recharged through a USB port.

Cons

• The YakAttack VISICarbon Pro Light can be quite expensive for those running on a tight budget.
• Less durable compared to other light options on the market
• It is not easy to set up and use.

Notwithstanding the disadvantages, the YakAttack VISICarbon still stands as a perfect option if you’re after quality.

2. Kayalu Kayalite LED Kayak Light

The Kayalu LED kayak light is another new product available on the market for night kayakers. It can be easily attached to the canoe, kayak, and other watercraft. It comes with a bright, white light that helps with your vision at night.

It also allows you to be visible to others when cruising on waters at night. Powered by a portable battery, you do not have to worry about being tangled up in wires it cords in your kayak. 

The Kayalu LED with its durable, bright light, is a perfect companion to run through the waves of the dark. And it is a perfect choice if you’re interested in affordable, and reliable kayak lights.

Pros

• The Kayalite LED kayak light can be easily attached to your kayak.
• Provides better illumination ahead and around your path on the water.
• It is waterproof and durable.
• With a running time of up to 12 hours, you can go kayaking all through the night
• Comes with a 3-level brightness setting flashing, low, and high.

Cons

• Operating the Kayalu Kayalite LED kayak light with wet hands can be difficult
• Has a low brightness which makes seeing from afar difficult.
• It is quite expensive, especially for people running on a tight budget.

3. Yak-Power Full Light System

Yak-Power’s Full Light system is a trending new way to spark up your night kayaking activities. The company has designed a solar-powered lighting system, a perfect choice for kayaking, emergencies, camping, or any situation that might require that you use some extra light.

The system is designed with a small solar panel that charges up the device during exposure to sunlight and automatically turns off when there’s not much sunlight.

It also consists of several LED lights that you can easily hang on a tree or any other support. It is indeed a perfect lighting system that requires no battery change or AC source connection.

Pros

• Ensures safety through the provision of adequate visibility.
• You can easily install it on your kayak or any other support.
• Gives bright light that can be spotted from afar
• Comes with adjustable lighting settings which allow you the luxury of lighting choices.
• The system is designed to be waterproof. It can also withstand both normal and harsh weather conditions.
• Comes with a quick-release system that makes attachment and detachment easy to do.

Cons

• The Yak-Power light system is quite expensive
• Often comes bulky, and takes up much space on the kayak.
• Comes with installation difficulties which lead to issues while kayaking on the water.

4. GOODSMANN Kayak Light for Night Kayaking

Kayaking at night is fun when you can see your surroundings. It is even more fun with specially designed signal lights like the one from Goodsman.

The Goodsman LED Marine Signal Stern Kayak Light is a perfect option for any situation that requires bright light, including search and rescue operations. The bright light from this device can travel as far as 1,000 feet from its source, coupled easily to your kayak stern.

Pros

• The Goodsman LED Marine Signal Stern Kayak Light is waterproof and is fit for any kind of weather.
• Travels far and can be seen a long distance away.
• Its travel distance helps to avoid collisions in places with boat traffic by allowing others to see you
• It is also easy to attach to your kayak. It is also easy to use.
• It comes with a 3-level light setting: low, high, and strobe.

Cons

• When on full level, it can be blinding, therefore might not be recommended for use in conditions where there’s low light
• The device regularly needs charging because it is powered by batteries. For this reason, to keep it running, you may constantly need to change the batteries.
• The device is quite expensive

5. Railblaza Illuminate i360 LED Kayak Navigation Light

The Railblaza i360 LED navigation light is a great option for lovers of night kayaking. It is a lightweight and compact device. It is safe and easy to install on your kayak, thanks to a built-in clip. The light also provides visibility around 360 degrees.

Powered by a rechargeable battery, you can regularly keep it charged with the help of a USB cable wherever you go. Lastly, it features a 3-mode brightness setting namely, low, high, and strobe.

Pros

• Installation is easy to do, thanks to a built-in clip.
• Gives a brightness that travels a long distance.
• The Railblaza Illuminate i360 LED Kayak Navigation Light is adjustable and rotates 360 degrees for utmost visibility on water.
• The light is also durable and waterproof, making as a perfect choice for night kayakers who are interested in only reliable light sources.

Cons

• The device can be expensive for many
• The average battery run-time is very low
• It doesn’t always stay on a spot, causing a distraction during kayaking
• When viewed from the side, the brightness seems to reduce.

6. Innovative Lighting Portable LED Bow Light

This portable LED night lighting system is a specialized and innovative design, constructed to provide you with a sure visibility and safety level for all activities you may be involved in.

The device is easy to install on your kayak, making it a great fit for low-light and night kayaking. And if you also enjoy fishing while kayaking, the light will perfectly fit when mounted on a fishing pole.

Furthermore, the LED Bow light is endowed with nice features such as F2K- Flash-to-kill, a good run-time, and a 3-level brightness setting: low, high, and flashing. The light also doesn’t flicker and travels at a long range of distance, giving sufficient visibility.

Pros

• The Bow light comes with a strong casing that helps protect it from damage
• It is ergonomically designed
• The device is lightweight and compact
• Its small and compact design makes it easy to move around with
• It is waterproof. This makes it fit for use under all weather conditions.
• It comes with brightness option settings that allow you to choose whatever light level you prefer.

Cons

• Visibility can be difficult in murky or dark waters because the light doesn’t come with much brightness
• You’ll need to keep charging the device’s battery because the run time is short, lasting only about 2 hours when fully charged.

7. Nightfishion Kayak Lights

The Nightfishion Kayak is a creatively designed light that ensures water cruisers stay safe at night. The lights are an easy addition to your kayaks as they come with simple, light, weights that your kayak wouldn’t feel their presence.

Easy to attach and adjust, they are endowed with all necessary accessories for your convenience. They can be used with your already existing navigation lights. 

They also come with 2 power settings and a USB cable for charging. The Nightfishion’s single LED light has a dual-colored LED suitable for use on choppy waves during the daytime or calm waters at night.

Pros

• The Nightfishion Kayak Lights have good brightness and provide good visibility during night kayaking.
• With just the hit of the power button, you can easily turn the light on or off, so that you don’t worry about unplugging your battery-powered light.
• The lights have a plastic base that allows them to hold firm when mounted on the kayak.
• Lasting 3-AAA batteries prolong your stay on the water.
• Not too expensive for those on a budget

Cons

• The lights don’t seem to mount well on kayaks with circular bows
• Absence of magnet or clip for easy attaching to the kayak’s deck. This makes it likely for kayakers to lose the light when on the go, although this problem doesn’t occur much with plastic kayaks.

8. Attwood 14192-7 Deck-Mount Kayak Light Kit

The Attwood 14192-7 LED kit is another great option to consider in lighting up your kayak, boat, or any other watercraft. The kit features 4 bright LED lights that you can mount anywhere on your craft or around your kayaking area.

The white LED lights are great for use in any water type, whether freshwater or saltwater. Equipped with all necessary hardware, they’re easily attached to your kayak. Moreover, the Deck-Mount LED lights eat up little power, making them a suitable addition to watercraft whose electrical systems.

Pros

• The lights are constructed using a durable plastic material.
• The design also has a sleek and modern look.
• The lights are easy to install. They are also suitable for use on power and sailboats
• The lights come with a shatterproof lens that makes a sudden impact of no effect.
• They’re also waterproof and can be used in any weather condition.
• They’re affordable
• The built-in switch allows for easy usage.

Cons

• Getting to point the light in the right direction can be a little difficult
• The brightness of the light is not often enough for many applications.
• They do not travel far in length, so may not be a good recommendation when kayaking at night on a large expanse of water.
• When compared with other lighting options on the market, it is more expensive.

9. Shoreline Marine Portable LED

The Shoreline Marine Portable LED has entered the lighting market with a new and unique design, changing the general way most people kayak and fish.

The device is lightweight and waterproof making it easy to install on a kayak and able to withstand rough weather conditions. Its compact design makes you able to carry it around, wherever you go. More so, it provides a bright, white, light that makes visibility possible for night anglers and kayakers.

What’s more, the Shoreline Marine Portable LED fits many budget types. It is very affordable, especially for budget-conscious people. Therefore, if you’re considering getting a great illumination option for your night adventure, the Marine Portable LED is one to choose from.

Pros

• The Shoreline Marine Portable LED is easy to use and mount in any direction
• The bulb is resistant to shock, greatly reducing fire risks
• The light is designed to be resistant to water.
• It features a high-quality material design.
• Features a built-in grip that makes transporting easy to do.

Cons

• Relatively more expensive than other aforementioned night kayaking lights.
• Doesn’t come with bright light compared with other expensive lightning, like itself
• To operate, the device requires a 12V battery which is often rare to find around the waters.

10. UST See-Me 1.0 Waterproof Kayak LED Light for Emergency

One of the most difficult situations is during emergencies; like exiting a building. The brain runs at a pace faster than normal and the mind is not able to handle a thought at a time.

This is often dangerous, especially when it’s in the dark and there’s no access to light. The UST See-Me waterproof light is designed to be helpful in this kind of situation. Portable and compact, it is easy to carry whenever you’re on the go.

Moreover, it features a waterproof and impact-resistant design that fits for use under all weather conditions. The bright, white light allows you to see and be seen from afar. If you’re hoping to get a light lightning device for emergencies, then the UST See-Me 1.0 Waterproof LED Light for Emergency is your best bet.

Pros

• The battery run time of the UST See-Me light is long
• Compact and portable, fit to carry about.
• The waterproof design makes it perfect for any kind of weather.
• Comes with a 3-mode brightness setting: low, high, and strobe.
• When on high mode, you can use it for as long as 10 hours, while it lasts for about 50 whooping hours when on low mode, and 20 hours when on strobe mode.
• The light projects to long-distance making visibility all around you possible.

Cons

• The device may not readily be available when needed during emergencies because it runs on batteries, and batteries often run out.
• The UST See-Me Led light is expensive when compared to similar products on the market.
• The durability is low.

Other Worthy Mentions

1. Botepon Marine Kayak Bow Lights

Perfect for better illumination of your paths on the water while kayaking, the Botepon Marine kayak low lights are another night light for kayakers.

With their unique and effective bright light design, you can easily look out for what’s ahead of you during nighttime on water. Their easy attachment and adjustable features provide you with the perfect light level of your choice.

This makes them great for night fishing and night kayaking. Furthermore, the lights come in a set of four, offering you wider illumination options to choose from whenever the need arises.

Pros

• The lighting device helps to ensure safety on the water by making you and your kayak visible to other night water adventurers.
• It also helps to avoid accidents or sudden collisions with other anglers, kayaks, or boats on the water.
• When the exhilaration of being on the water in the dark sets in, you can feel relaxed knowing that you have these lights on and that you’re visible to other kayakers and anglers. This reduces the risk of accidents.
• Its waterproof design makes it ideal for use under any weather conditions.

Cons

• The durability of this device is very low. This is proven by its magnetic base no longer holding the light firmly in your kayak.

2. Attwood 14191-7 Clamp-On Kayak Light

The last on our list is the Attwood 14191-7 Clamp-On Kayak Light, a great option for night kayakers who are interested in getting a strong, reliable, yet affordable light.

There’s the presence of a clamp that makes attachment to the side of your kayak easy. The device while attached to your kayak gives a bright, white, light that allows you to see where you’re headed.

Its waterproof design makes it perfect for use in harsh weather conditions. It can also serve as a good signal light to others on the water or shore with you.

Pros

• It is a perfect choice for use under any weather condition
• The presence of a pivoting head allows you to place the light in any direction you want.
• Has a 2-level lighting setting that allows you to fix to your most preferred brightness level.
• Its compact and lightweight features allow for easy installation of your kayak’s gunwale through the help of a clamp, providing bright light for night fishing or kayaking.
• The clamp-on also allows for easy removal.

Cons

• Installing the Attwood 14191-7 Clamp-On Kayak Light can be difficult
• However, once installed, removal can be difficult too.
• It is a bit pricey compared to similar kayaking lights
• In the case of a dead battery, a solution can be done by totally removing the light from the kayak.

That you’ve come this far implies you’re a true lover of kayaks. We’re sure you’re better than when you started this article.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Kayaks Need Light At Night?

The question of whether or not using lights at night is necessary for kayakers has been around for a long time. Some think that using a bright PFD is enough and additional lights are not necessary and are a waste of resources.

Some, on the other hand, believe that night lights are so necessary for safety during night kayaking as safety goggles are too deep for swimmers. The two sides both have solid arguments.

Both arguments have their advantages and disadvantages, so everything ultimately boils down to individual kayakers’ choices. Do you feel safer with a night light? Why not get one? If you feel it’s a waste of money, you may not buy it. Your safety is the ultimate goal.

How To Put Kayak Lights On

We can both agree that kayaking at night seems to be more fun! But you may be stuck with how to put on the light when you’re ready to start this sweet experience. To answer your question on this matter, we have brought you a few steps on how you can.

The first step you need to take is to get the right light, for example, from those on our list. If you’re running on a tight budget and cannot afford a light specially designed for a kayak, you can get bike lights or any other suitable light. Your safety is paramount.

Now that you have gotten your most preferred, the next step is how to successfully attach it to your kayak as stated below:

1. The best way to do this is by using the mounting kit that comes with your kayak from the manufacturer, but it requires that you have a hole or two in the kayak for easy mounting. Using a different mounting kit may get you a little confused, hence why the manufacturer’s kit is your best option.
2. You can install your lights using plastic zip ties, or you can use Velcro which is cheaper.
3. Lastly, take your lights now with zip ties or Velcro and install them on your kayak’s casing so that they’re firmly held towards the bottom of your kayak.