Disclaimer: This page may contain affiliate links and I may get a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
Wondering what are the best kayaks for scuba diving?
You might be overwhelmed by the many kayak options out there with various shapes, sizes, and weight capacities, especially if you just started to venture into the world of kayak scuba diving.
Or maybe you are planning to look for a new kayak with better features that suit your preference since you have some experience with paddling to the diving site.
If it sounds like I have read your mind, it means that you have come to the right site.
By the end of this article, you will learn more about the 12 best kayaks for scuba diving, their respective pros and cons, and a detailed kayak buying guide that will help you to make the right kayak choice.
Let’s dive in!
Our Picks: Best Scuba Diving Kayaks
If you are short of time, here are the top pick for kayaks for scuba diving based on the following category:
- Our Pick: BOTE Zeppelin Aero
- Most Affordable: Sevylor Quikpak K1
- Beginner-Friendly: Lifetime Tamarack Angler
Summary: 12 Best Kayaks For Scuba Diving
- BOTE Zeppelin Aero
- Lifetime Tamarack Angler
- Lifetime Beacon Tandem
- Brooklyn Kayak Company FK184
- Brooklyn Kayak Company TK122
- Brooklyn Kayak Company RA220
- Perception Kayaks Pescador 12.0
- Perception Kayaks Access 11.5
- Elkton Outdoors Steelhead
- Sevylor Quikpak K1
- Ocean Kayak Malibu Two XL
- Intex Excursion Pro
1. BOTE Zeppelin Aero – Our Top Pick
- Length: 12 feet 6 inches
- Width: 38 inches
- Weight: 41 pounds
- Load Capacity: 600 pounds
- Number of divers: 1 to 2
If you do not have much storage space back home to keep the kayak after your diving trip, the inflatable BOTE Zeppelin Aero might be a good fit.
With a weight capacity of 600 lbs, BOTE Zeppelin Aero is stable enough to carry 1 or 2 tall or plus-sized divers.
Its big dimension also offers ample space to store your scuba gear, without jeopardising your comfortability.
One unique feature of BOTE Zeppelin Aero is the magnetic MAGNEPOD system.
This feature comes in handy for those who prefer to sip on their favourite beverage without worrying the BOTE thermos from knocking over by the current while paddling out to the diving spot.
This impressive kayak comes with drainage holes at its cockpit too, so you can easily drain the buildup water caused by the paddling action.
The purchase of a BOTE Zeppelin Aero is inclusive of several accessories; an inflatable paddle seat, hand pump, detachable centre fin, travel bag, and a pair of rac receivers.
In its deflated form, Bote Zeppelin Aero is conveniently packed into the given waterproof wheeled cargo bag.
Thanks to the compact size, most airlines allow it to be checked in just like any other bag.
Hence, this feature makes it one of the best kayaks for scuba diving, especially for frequent divers preferring international diving trips.
Tip: Make sure you are sufficiently covered with travel and diving insurance before flying.
Disclaimer: World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
What We Like:
- Versatile
- Durable and stable
- Easy to transport and carry around
- Can carry up to 600 lbs
- Has drainage holes
- Has an inflatable paddle seat for additional comfort and easy dive in
- Can climb in and out of the kayak with ease
What We Don’t Like:
- Paddle is not included
- Second inflatable seat is not included
2. Lifetime Tamarack Angler – Beginner-Friendly
- Length: 10 feet
- Width: 31 inches
- Weight: 51 pounds
- Load Capacity: 275 pounds
- Number of diver: 1
Lifetime Tamarack Angler has a weight capacity of 275 lbs, making it a top choice among beginner solo divers.
Made from UV-protected high-density polyethylene material, Lifetime Tamarack Angler is durable and can withstand harsh sunlight for a long period.
Tip: Check out my helpful article on crucial scuba diving tips for beginners if you are new to this interesting water adventure.
This plastic kayak also comes with adjustable padded seating, so one can adjust the seat according to their height for a pleasant ride.
Though Lifetime Tamarack Angler is small built compared to other kayaks in this list, it boasts high stability and manoeuvrability, even when the water is choppy.
Besides, this durable kayak comes with two watertight compartments where you can store your personal belongings.
Tip: No bulkhead to seal off the hatches’ storage compartment so any items that you placed inside will slide around and be in a mess. So it is best to keep all your items in a small dry bag for easy access.
If you need to store bulkier items securely, you will be glad that it has bungee cords on the bow and stern’s open compartment.
Since Lifetime Tamarack Angler comes with built-in rod holders too, you can attach a dive flag to improve kayak visibility.
What We Like:
- Affordable
- Durable
- Good manoeuvrability
- Stable even on choppy water
- Adjustable padded seating
- Can attach dive flag to the built-in rod holders
- Comes with a paddle and paddle keeper
What We Don’t Like:
- Scupper plugs are not included
- The storage compartments on the bow and stern are shallow
- Low weight capacity
3. Lifetime Beacon Tandem
- Length: 12 feet
- Width: 32 inches
- Weight: 90 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 500 pounds
- Number of diver: 1 to 2
Another Lifetime kayak that is great for scuba diving is Beacon Tandem.
As the name suggests, this sturdy polyethylene kayak can carry up to two divers at a time.
To compensate for its heavy weight and improve tracking, Lifetime Beacon Tandem is designed with a skeg wheel.
It also comes with four handles for easy transportation, be it from your garage to the pickup truck or getting into the water before heading out to the diving site.
This sleek-looking kayak has two storage compartments (centre hatch and rear-tank well), so you can store your kayak gear and personal items safely before you dive.
If you are particular about your legs’ comfort, then you will be glad about its moulded-in foot wells feature.
To prevent the paddles from drifting away while you are preparing for the dive, the two paddle keepers are another handy feature of Lifetime Beacon Tandem.
What We Like:
- Affordable
- Has skeg wheel
- Comes with 2 paddles and their keepers
- High weight capacity
- Moulded-in foot well feature
What We Don’t Like:
- Harder for the solo diver to paddle due to its heavy weight
4. Brooklyn Kayak Company FK184
- Length: 9 feet
- Width: 32 inches
- Weight: 44 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 330 pounds
- Number of diver: 1
The next best kayak for scuba diving option is Brooklyn Kayak Company FK184.
Brooklyn Kayak Company FK184 is suitable for short solo divers due to its small size and weight capacity.
Nevertheless, this fishing kayak is stable and easy to manoeuvre even when the water condition is rough.
The seat is fully adjustable and there is plenty of legroom to place the legs comfortably along with your scuba gear.
You can also keep a handphone, wallet, and snacks in its two watertight hatches. For large-sized gear, you can place them in the storage space with bungee deck rigging at the back of the seat.
5 fishing rod holders are included too, so even when you are paddling or scuba diving you can attach a dive flag or kayak lights to increase visibility.
For enhanced portability, Brooklyn Kayak Company FK184 has four handles, so you can carry the kayak easily all by yourself from the cart to the water.
And when you reach the diving site, you can secure the paddle to its paddle parks with ease before preparing for your dive.
What We Like:
- Available in several colours
- Lightweight
- Easy to transport
- Stable
- Easy to manoeuvre
- Adjustable seat
- Two watertight compartments and a bungee corded storage space
What We Don’t Like:
- May be too short for tall divers
- Low weight capacity
5. Brooklyn Kayak Company TK122
- Length: 12 feet 8 inches
- Width: 34 inches
- Weight: 74 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 770 pounds
- Number of diver: 1 to 3
Brooklyn Kayak Company brand also designs tandem kayaks targeting plus-sized divers or adult divers with lots of scuba gear.
And kid you not, TK122 has a whopping 770 lbs weight capacity!
Aside from the impressive weight capacity, the back-supported memory foam seats allow divers to enjoy additional comfort, especially during a long ride.
This is further complemented with the moulded foot well, so divers can adjust to get that optimal footrest position.
The given scupper plugs help to keep the water from getting into the cockpit through the self-bailing drainage holes during rough water condition, so you do not have to kayak while sitting in a puddle.
Tip: Remember to remove the plugs when the water condition is calmer for the excess water drained out of the kayak.
Like any other best kayak for scuba diving out there, Brookly Kayak Company TK122 comes with ample storage compartments; two hatches and a cockpit bungee deck rigging.
Also, this stable kayak has two paddles and their respective paddle parks.
What We Like:
- Suitable for plus-sized divers
- High weight capacity
- Stable
- Comes with 2 back-supported memory foam seats
- Has moulded foot wells
- Ample storage compartments
- Comes with scupper plugs
- Has 4 handles for easy transportation
What We Don’t Like
- Expensive
- Heavy
- Might experience poor customer service
6. Brooklyn Kayak Company RA220
- Length: 11 feet 5 inches
- Width: 34 inches
- Weight: 70 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 440 pounds
- Number of diver: 1
If you need a kayak with a higher weight capacity for a single diver, then Brooklyn Kayak Company RA220 is your best bet.
This impressive kayak boasts its sturdiness and stability, thanks to the high-quality polyethylene material and 34-inch kayak width.
Unlike FK184, RA220 has a foot-operated rudder system that helps in navigating your paddling course regardless of the weather and water condition.
Aside from that, Brooklyn Kayak Company RA220 has three watertight storage compartments placed in front of the seat, so you can store and access your small-sized items (like snacks!) conveniently.
To prevent your other large scuba diving items from sliding into the water, elastic cords are set in place on the open-air cargo area.
This kayak has a spacious cockpit area too, so you can stretch your legs while paddling to the drop-in site.
You can expect to see two carrying handles on the gunwales that aid in transporting the kayak between your kayak cart and the launching site.
What We Like:
- Available in several colours
- Sturdy and stable
- High weight capacity for solo diver
- Comes with a foot-operated rudder system
- Lots of storage compartments (3 watertight and 1 cargo with elastic cords)
- 2 side handles for easy transport
- 1 carved handle on the bow for easy launch
- Adjustable seat
- Comes with paddle
What We Don’t Like
- Might be too heavy to carry by a solo paddler
7. Perception Pescador 12.0
- Length: 12 feet
- Width: 32.5 inches
- Weight: 64 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 375 pounds
- Number of diver: 1
Perception Pescador 12.0 is considered one of the best kayaks for scuba diving and is popular among solo larger paddlers too.
That’s because it has good stability, manoeuvrability and tracking due to its overall great design.
This affordable kayak comes with a watertight hatch and a crisscrossed elastic cord tank well rear to store your personal and scuba diving gear.
Since the kayak comes with a cup holder feature in the cockpit, you can place your water bottle or phone as you paddle to the diving site.
One special feature of Perception Pescador 12.0 is the sliding foot braces. With that, you can adjust your footrest and achieve an optimal leg position for a better paddling experience.
Also, for personalised support and additional comfort, the adjustable seat comes with premium padding and a back-supported feature.
Perception Pescarod 12.0 has scupper holes too to drain away excess water that entered the kayak due to paddling motion or rough water conditions.
If you want to increase kayak visibility, consider securing a diver down flag onto one of the attachment mounts.
What We Like:
- Stable and sturdy
- Good manoeuvrability and tracking
- High weight capacity
- Has sliding foot braces for optimal leg position
- Adjustable seat with premium padding and back-supported
- Comes with 2 side carrying handles and multiple attachment mounts
- Comes with paddle and paddle park
What We Don’t Like
- Small storage compartment (only 1 watertight hatch and open cargo storage area)
8. Perception Access 11.5
- Length: 11 feet 6 inches
- Width: 31 inches
- Weight: 55 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
- Number of diver: 1
Another Perception kayak that made it to this list is Access 11.5.
Also made with polyethylene material, this durable kayak is manufactured using the rotational-moulding method to ensure zero leaking occurrences.
If you have bulky scuba gear or dry bags for the dive, rest assured that Perception Access 11.5 has two big tank well rear storage compartments on both front and back sides respectively.
To secure the items, both the open compartments come with bungee cord lashes too.
For small valuables and first-aid equipment, you can keep them in the dry hatch compartment for easy access.
The ergonomic seat design paired with moulded-in footwells allows paddlers to fine-tune the optimal seating position, preventing tiredness and gaining more kayak control.
Perception Access 11.5 also comes with two handles on the gunwales for easy hauling from the kayak storage room to the diving site.
You can also find a handle on the kayak’s bow and stern, aiding the kayak launch to the water surface and vice versa.
The good thing about the moulded-in handles feature is that it removes the possibility of scuba gear getting stuck when diving into the water.
Besides, the replaceable skid plates offer additional protection to the stern from damage too, especially when hauling the loaded kayak to the launching site.
What We Like:
- Light
- Durable and stable
- Comes with a moulded-in cup holder
- Ample storage compartments (1 hatch and 2 rear tank wells)
- Adjustable seat with great padding and ergonomic feature
- Has moulded-in footwells
- Comes with 2 moulded-in handles on the gunwales, 1 handle on the bow and stern
- Has replaceable skid plates
What We Don’t Like
- Lack of colour variety
- Low weight capacity
- Doesn’t come with the paddle and paddle holder
9. Elkton Outdoors Steelhead
- Length: 10 feet 10 inches
- Width: 39.5 inches
- Weight: 40 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 400 pounds
- Number of diver: 1
Elkton Outdoors Steelhead boasts its rigid drop-stitch floor feature that aids in the kayak’s stability especially when you are standing.
With the reinforced PVC layer, this nimble kayak has added protection against submerged sharp objects like rocks.
You can store the diving gear in both the bow and stern storage compartments, where the former comes with elastic bungee to secure the items.
Also, Elkton Outdoors Steelhead has multiple mounting points to place your Go-Pro, kayak GPS, and other accessories.
Its self-bailing floor will come in handy too by allowing water to escape the drainage hole while paddling to the diving spot.
The best part is the purchase of Elkton Outdoors Steelhead comes with a paddle and all sorts of kayak accessories, including adjustable foot rests and seat, dual-action hand pump, travel backpack, and removable skeg.
What We Like:
- Stable
- Durable and easy to inflate
- High weight capacity
- 2 storage compartments on its bow and stern
- Multiple mounting points
- Self-bailing floor
- Comes with the paddle, travel backpack, hand pump, adjustable seat and footrest
What We Don’t Like:
- No hatch-sealed storage compartment
- No paddle holder
Tip: Elkton Outdoors Steelhead has a tandem kayak too for a couple divers or two partners.
10. Sevylor Quikpak K1 – Most Affordable Kayak for Scuba Diving
- Length: 8 feet 7 inches
- Width: 31 inches
- Weight: 21 pounds
- Load Capacity: 400 pounds
- Number of diver: 1 to 2
Sevylor Quikpak K1 is among the most affordable kayaks for scuba diving out there.
This easy-to-inflate kayak is recommended for solo paddlers who do not have much diving gear for diving excursions.
Made from PVC material, Sevylor Quikpak K1 comes with a tarpaulin bottom that offers some degree of protection against underwater objects.
This lightweight kayak is designed with several air chambers too to prevent the user from sinking when it is accidentally punctured.
Nevertheless, the one main feature that differentiates Sevylor Quikpak K1 from others is the unique backpack system.
Before it is inflated, you can keep the kayak in the provided backpack, boasting portability and easy storage back home.
Once the kayak is pumped, the unfolded backpack serves as a seat while you are paddling to the diving spot.
What an innovative way to make use of all of the kayak accessories!
What We Like:
- Inexpensive inflatable kayak option
- Durable and lightweight
- Easy to transport and store
- Unique backpack system
- Has several air chambers
- Comes with paddle and hand pump
What We Don’t Like
- The backpack seat might not be comfortable for some users
- Tracking can be improved
- Not suitable to use on the ocean
11. Ocean Kayak Malibu Two XL
- Length: 13 feet 4 inches
- Width: 34 inches
- Weight: 70 pounds
- Load Capacity: 500 pounds
- Number of divers: 1 to 2
Ocean Kayak Malibu Two XL is stable and large enough to carry two adult paddles with a child or a furry friend.
That is because it has a weight limit of 430 pounds.
This durable kayak comes with two removable seats with back support. Thanks to this feature, you can have up to whopping seven seat configurations.
Tip: If you are diving solo, feel free to rearrange your seat to the centre so you have ample space to store and set up the diving gear.
Ocean Kayak Malibu Two XL has moulded foot wells too to ensure your optimal leg comfort and overall control.
Since the kayak is heavy due to its large dimension, the moulded-in handles help to carry the kayak easier from the parking lot to the shore.
Once you reach the location, secure your paddles to the provided holders before putting on the scuba gear and diving right in!
What We Like:
- Durable
- High weight limit
- Suitable for both solo and couple divers
- Has removable seats allowing 7 seat configurations
- Has elastic cords over the open storage compartment on the bow and stern
- Moulded foot wells
- 2 moulded-in handles on gunwales
- Toggle handles on both the bow and stern
- Has paddle holders
What We Don’t Like:
- Heavy
- Need to opt for an upgrade to get the hatches
- No paddles
- Third seat pad is not included
12. Intex Excursion Pro
- Length: 12 feet and 7 inches
- Width: 37 inches
- Weight: 43 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 400 pounds
- Number of diver: 1 to 2
The last best kayak for scuba diving that made it to this list is none other than Intex Excursion Pro.
This inflatable kayak is made using PVC material, making it durable and resistant to heat.
Intex Excursion Pro comes with spring-loaded high-pressure valves to ensure kayak inflation and deflation happen at a quick pace.
Overall, it has three air chambers so you can still make it to the shore without sinking even if it gets punctured.
This affordable kayak is also quite versatile, where it can be paddled solo or with two people.
Intex Excursion Pro is equipped with a drainage hole system so that the excess water is removed while the two carry handles on both ends help to drag the kayak into the water with ease.
You can put the diving gear just right in front of the adjustable footrest. Alternatively, you can hang any dry bag or other diving accessories to the stainless steel D-rings.
If you want to record your paddling experience or check on your current position, you can attach Go-Pro or GPS onto the adjustable mounting bars conveniently.
The purchase of Intex Excursion Pro comes with additional kayak accessories too, including two paddles, two kegs, a repair patch, a hand pump and its pressure gauge.
What We Like:
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Good for 1 or 2 people
- Has 3 air chambers
- Has drainage hole system
- Has stainless steel D-rings to hang the gear
- Comes with additional accessories, including paddles, kegs, repair patch, hand pump, pressure gauge, adjustable footrests, mounting bars, inflatable bucket seats
What We Don’t Like
- Doesn’t come with paddle holders
- Might be too small for 2 divers with a bunch of diving gear
Important Things To Consider Before Buying Scuba Diving Kayak
1. Storage Space
If you have plenty of scuba diving gear and accessories, chances are you will need a kayak with ample storage space.
Most scuba diving kayaks come with hatches and rear tank wells, typically one on the bow and one on the stern.
You can secure the smaller-sized diving gear, wallet, phone, first-aid kit, and others in the hatches for easy access.
Some kayaks’ hatches are not watertight, so consider putting the important items into a small dry bag first for additional protection.
Alternatively, you can replace the existing one with a brand new watertight cover.
For bigger items like oxygen tanks, you can place them on the spacious rear tank wells. To prevent the gear from sliding into the water, the majority of the tank wells come with elastic bungee bands too.
2. Visibility
Kayak visibility is one of the major things to consider before getting one for scuba diving.
It is always recommended to get an eye-catching, vibrant-coloured kayak so that other divers, kayaks, or motorised vehicles know your presence.
Another method to improve visibility is to attach a dive flag to your kayak.
You can also consider attaching a buoy to yourself when diving. This will inform others about your location and decrease the chance of them bumping into you, especially when you resurface.
3. Weight
The weight here is referring to the kayak’s weight, before loading up both yourself and scuba diving gear onto it.
Kayak’s weight tends to be heavier if it’s a tandem type or can fit more than two people at the same time.
With that, the weight capacity of the said kayak usually increases too.
So before you buy the best kayak for scuba diving, you need to ask yourself several questions:
- Will you be paddling alone most of the time?
- Do you have lots of scuba gear and accessories for diving?
- Do you have the kayak cart to transport the hard-shell kayak?
Because if you are a solo diver, getting a real heavy hard-shell kayak will cause you great exhaustion and danger in carrying the kayak alone from the store to the diving site.
So it is best to look for the best kayak cart to transport the kayak with ease or get the best inflatable ones for scuba diving.
4. Weight Capacity
Weight capacity is how many loads the kayak can take, which includes the weight of yourself and diving gear.
So if you are a petite person without much gear, chances are a kayak with low weight capacity can fit you just as well.
Most kayak companies state the maximum weight capacity for their kayak.
But if you want the kayak to perform according to what is being advertised, it is best to follow the 80% rule.
For example, you have a kayak with a maximum weight capacity of 600 pounds. For the kayak to perform well, the calculated usable weight capacity (80%) that you can load is 480 pounds.
5. Ease of Anchoring
Since you will dive underwater to explore the diving site, it is recommended to tie a rope with ample length around yourself to the kayak.
This will help you to get back to your kayak easily after diving, especially if you cover a large underwater area.
Also, to prevent the kayak from sweeping away by the current, most divers drop a kayak anchor into the water.
With that in mind, you might want to find a kayak that has several attachment points to attach the anchor trolley.
If you are confident with your Do-It-Yourself (DIY) skills, you can get a kayak anchor trolley kit online and install it on your kayak.
Alternatively, you can just look for a brand new best kayak for diving that comes with this feature.
6. Price
Depending on the kayak’s unique features, material, quality, and construction, a brand new kayak can cost anywhere from $200 to a whopping $6000.
Kayaks sold by Walmart or Costco are definitely cheaper, but the comfort and durability will be greatly compromised.
Equally, kayaks sold by outdoors sport company like Dick’s Sporting Goods has higher price points and better quality and functionality.
Of course, a solo paddler kayak is cheaper than a tandem kayak since tandem kayaks are heavier and offer more features and parts.
For scuba diving kayakers, the paddling duration is generally shorter compared to fishing and recreational kayaking. Hence, you might consider compromising on the kayak’s comfortability and speed by buying the cheaper kayak type.
However, if you plan to use the same kayak for scuba diving and fishing, opting for a higher-priced kayak with great features would be more sensible and beneficial in the long run.
Benefits Of Using Kayak For Scuba Diving
Here are some of the benefits of choosing a kayak over a boat for scuba diving:
- Has more control and freedom to explore new diving sites, especially the remote ones
- Can get to the tight diving spots easier
- More environmental-friendly (no fuel needed and lack of engine noise)
- Admire the surrounding scenery at your own pace
- A great form of exercise
FAQs: Best Kayak For Scuba Diving
1. Can you dive off a kayak?
Yes. One of the recreational diving types, kayak diving allows the divers to paddle from the shore to the diving site while carrying all the scuba gear. Besides being more environmentally friendly, kayak diving is great to access remote locations where a boat could not get to.
2. What style kayak is most stable?
The most stable kayak is where its hull is in pontoon shape. This hull type offers good primary stability. You can find pontoon hulls in fishing kayaks and sit-on-top recreational kayaks to boost the kayak’s stability. However, the cons of pontoon hulls include zero manoeuvrability and poor speed.
3. What type of kayak is best for the ocean?
Sea or touring kayak. They come with plenty of cargo space and have a lean feature to support a roll. Sea kayaks are great to paddle around huge water bodies, including oceans and lakes. Also, this kayak type is one of the preferred types for ocean kayak surfing.
4. Can you use a sit on top kayak in the ocean?
Yes. Sit-on-top kayaks are the preferred kayak type for paddlers paddling a long distance away from the shore, like the ocean. The kayaks will not be filled with water once they are overturned. Also, it is easier to climb back onto this kayak type from the water.
It Is Time To Get Your Own Scuba Diving Kayak
There you go- the 12 best kayaks for scuba diving that you can get for your upcoming diving trip!
Together with the detailed kayak options list, you have also learned the aspects that you need to consider before getting a scuba diving kayak.
You will no longer be anxious about which kayak to buy for scuba diving.
You will have the confidence to pick one that best suits your kayaking preference for an excellent diving experience.
You will feel excited and look forward to bringing your new kayak to the next diving trip, and the next, and the next.
Sam Lee, founder of Sam Lee Travel, is a seasoned traveler with over 10 years of experience exploring various Asian countries. Having lived in Singapore for almost a decade, Sam has developed a deep understanding of the culture, customs, and attractions in the region.
With a passion for outdoor travel adventures and water sports, Sam has helped over 25K readers per month plan their trips around Asia, including off-the-beaten-path destinations, offering helpful travel tips and unfiltered personal travel experience.