Best Kayak Navigation Lights for Night Paddling

Want to go kayaking at night? Make sure you get the right lights! We checked out all the best Kayak Navigation Lights to help you pick the perfect ones. Having good lights is super important for safe night kayaking. The lights we chose will help you see and be seen after dark.

Paddling when it’s dark can be fun and magical! But you need bright lights so other boats can spot you. And so you can see where you’re going. We found awesome lights that are affordable and work great on kayaks. Now you can feel safe while enjoying the cool experience of night kayaking. Just strap on our recommended lights and you’ll be able to paddle under the stars!

Related Article: Kayaking at Night: Is It Legal & What Lights Do You Need?

Best Overall: Kayalu Kayalite Portable Bright White Led Kayak Light

The Kayalu Kayalite is a good light for kayaking at night. It is 18 inches long and has one white light that can be seen by other boats.

It has a special way of attaching to your kayak with a clip and a stretchy cord. The cord keeps the light from falling over when you move. 

The light works with 3 AA batteries and can last for a long time. The light can also go underwater without breaking. The Kayalite is not very bright and the plastic part can break easily. But it is a good choice if you kayak at night sometimes.

Best Budget: Paddlers Supply Company LED Kayak Deck Light

The Paddlers Supply Company LED kayak light is a great affordable option.

It has an 11-inch tall suction cup that sticks to hard kayaks. There’s also a backup lanyard you can tie to the deck. This keeps it secure if you hit waves.

The light has a large 3-inch cone with two removable LEDs. Together these make you visible up to 2 miles away. The whole light is the waterproof bag and won’t corrode even when submerged. You get up to 100 hours of light from 3 AA batteries.

The downside is that it doesn’t work as well on inflatable kayaks. And the suction cup sticks less on gritty surfaces. But for kayakers on a budget who want a bright, durable light, this is a great choice! The excellent visibility and low price make it a top-value pick.

Best Bow & Stern Light Set: Attwood Deck Mount LED Navigation Light Kit

 The Attwood Deck Mount LED Kayak Navigation Lights Light Kit is a good light set for kayaking where there are many boats. It has a white light at the back and a red and green light at the front of your kayak. These lights show other boats where you are going. The white light can also get taller up to 24 inches so other boats can see you better. 

You can stick the lights to your kayak with sticky pads or screws. The lights are protected from water and bumps, but they cannot stay underwater for too long. The lights use 3 AAA batteries and can last for a long time. These kayak lights are good for people who want a light at the back and front of their kayak.

 The only problem is that the lights can fall off if the sticky pads are not strong enough. But they still work well in different weather.

Best Safety Flag Light Combo: YakAttack Pro 360 Degree LED Kayak Flag

The YakAttack Pro is a good light and flag for kayaking in the day and night. It has a bright orange flag and a light that other boats can see. The flag and light are on a long stick that can get shorter or longer.

 The light can work for a long time with 3 AA batteries. You can put the light and flag on your kayak easily with a soft base that fits in many places.

The YakAttack Pro is not good for very windy weather and it is expensive. But it is a good choice if you want a light and flag for your kayak.

Best Track Mount Light: RAILBLAZA Illuminate IPS Bi-Color Navigation Light

If you have a kayak with track mounts, you might like the RAILBLAZA Kayak Navigation Lights. It is a red and green light that shows which way your kayak is going. It follows the rules of the US Coast Guard. You can put it on any RAILBLAZA port and take it off easily.

The RAILBLAZA light uses 3 AA batteries that last for up to 14 hours. The light is very bright and can be seen in bad weather. The light can also float and is waterproof, so it works well in wet places.

But remember, this light does not have a white light at the back, so you need to buy one separately. The light is also big and heavy, and the batteries run out fast. But if you want a good track mount light for your kayak, the RAILBLAZA Kayak Navigation Lights is a good choice.

Best SOS Emergency Light: UST See-Me 2.0 Strobe LED Light

If you need a light for emergencies, the UST See-Me light is a good option.

The UST See-Me light is a bright flashing light that works well at night. It can last for 120 hours, so other boats can see you if you fall in the water.

The light is waterproof and will turn on by itself if it goes underwater. You can also turn it on or off by twisting the top.

The UST See-Me light is only for emergencies, not for regular night paddling. But if you want a light to keep you safe on the water, this light is a good choice.

Kayak Light Buying Advice

For safe nighttime kayaking, having the right lights is crucial. Here’s what to consider:

What Lights Do I Need on My Kayak at Night?

If you kayak at night, you need lights on your kayak so other boats can see you. If not, you might crash into them and get hurt.

Different places have different rules for what lights you need on your kayak. Some places don’t say anything about kayaks. You should check the rules before you go. In the US, the rules are from the US Coast Guard. They are like the rules in other places, but you should still check them.

In the US, you can use these lights when you kayak:

One white light that shines all around One white light at the back and one red and green light at the front (can be one light with three colors) The best lights are the white light at the back and the red and green light at the front. They show which way you are going. But the US Coast Guard says you can also use one white light that shines all around. Or you can use a white light on your head or in your hand, but that is not good.

These rules are for when you are moving on the water. If you are not moving and your kayak is more than 23 feet long, you need one white light that shines all around. Most kayaks are shorter than 23 feet and don’t need this light. But if you stop on the water, it is good to have one white light that shines all around so other boats can see you.

There are more rules for how to put your light on your kayak, especially if you use the white light at the back and the red and green light at the front. Read the US Coast Guard’s rules for all the details.

Types of Kayak Navigation Lights

If you kayak at night, you need different lights on your kayak. You can choose from these lights:

One White Light – The easiest light is one white light that can be seen from all sides. You put it on a pole at the back of your kayak. The problem is that other boats can’t tell which way you are going. This is okay if there are not many boats around.

 But it can be bad if there are many boats near you. Two Lights – One White and One Red/Green – If there are many boats around, you should have two lights. One white light at the back and one red/green light at the front. The green light is on your right side and the red light is on your left side. 

This way, other boats can see which way you are going. 

One Light – Three Colors – Some small kayaks can have one light with three colors. It has a white light at the back, a red light at the left, and a green light at the right. This is like having two lights, but easier to put on your kayak. 

One Light and One Flag – Another light you can have is one white light at the back and one flag. The flag is bright and can be seen in the day. This is good for kayak fishing when there are many powerboats around. Other Lights – You can also have other lights, like LED lights for fishing or SOS lights for emergencies. These lights are good to have, but they don’t replace the lights above for night kayaking.

Mounting Your Kayak Light: Finding the Perfect Sidekick

Mounting your kayak light is like choosing the perfect sidekick for your aquatic adventures. Each option has its strengths and quirks, so let’s dive in and see which one clicks with your paddling style.

The Stalwart Screw Mount:

Think Iron Man tinkering in his workshop – this method involves drilling straight into your kayak’s deck. It’s the ultimate in security, holding your light firm even through choppy waves. But be prepared to break a sweat (and maybe grab a drill) – convenience isn’t its forte.

The Clingy Suction Cup:

Imagine Spiderman scaling skyscrapers – this mount uses a suction cup to grip your kayak. It’s super easy to attach and remove, perfect for spontaneous paddling trips. But just like Spidey swinging in the rain, stormy weather might cause it to lose its grip.

The Sleek Track Mount:

Got tracks on your kayak? This mount slides right in like Captain America’s shield snapping onto his arm. It’s secure, convenient, and looks pretty darn cool. But if your kayak is trackless, you’ll have to skip this option.

The Quick-Clip Comrade:

Think Hulk ripping his pants (if he wore any) – this method uses clips to latch onto your kayak. It’s lightning-fast to install and remove, ideal for minimalists and impulsive paddlers. Just remember, Hulk-like strength isn’t guaranteed – rough waters might send your light flying.

The Sticky Sidekick:

Picture Thor sticking his hammer with a crack of lightning – this method uses super-strong adhesive tape. It’ll hold your light like Mjolnir holds its place, but be warned: removing it can be tricky, and might leave permanent marks on your kayak.

Remember: Convenience often comes at the cost of security. So, if your kayaking adventures are like Captain America saving the world, go for the screw mount. But if you’re more of a laid-back Spiderman, a suction cup might be your match.

Bonus Tip: No matter which method you choose, consider getting a light with a built-in tether, like the Kayalu Kayalite Kayak Light. It’s like giving your sidekick a safety line, ensuring they don’t go overboard if things get bumpy!

With the right sidekick, your kayak light will illuminate your path and keep you safe on every paddle. So choose wisely, adventurers, and let your aquatic journeys be bright!

Mast Height

You need a light on your kayak when you paddle at night. The light can be white or have three colors: red, green, and white. Sometimes, you can also have a red and green light on the front of your kayak.

The light is on a pole called a mast. The mast can be short or tall. You should think about how tall your mast is because it can affect how well other boats can see you.

Two reasons why the height of your mast is important are:

But a taller mast is not always better. A taller mast can break more easily in strong wind. You do not want your light to break when you are paddling at night. So you should also check how strong and thick your mast is before you buy it.