10 Best Floating Coolers To Buy In 2024
A quality floating cooler that holds your cold and refreshing drinks complement your party decor in the pool, lake, or even while kayaking, fishing, or doing any water activities.
These coolers are light and easy to carry for a short hike on a hot day, and they float and have an ice compartment to keep your food and drinks cool longer.
Whether you’re searching for something dazzling and quirky, or just an essential accessory to make your trip exciting on those fishing trips, you’re one step closer to choosing the best floating ice chest for your needs with our list.
1. Intex Mega Chill Inflatable Floating Cooler
Taking alongside this three-person floating cooler when launching on a pool, a floating island raft, or going down a river comes with an incredible experience.
Made of tough 16 gauge vinyl construction guarantees its stability on the water. Its design allows for easy inflation and deflation and the double handles make transporting it to and from the water an easy task.
Attached to this cooler are 4 cup drink holders and the cooler space can hold up to 30 cans, plus an additional storage area around the sides. There’s also an embedded three air chambers and a patch repair should there be a need for repair while on water.
This inflatable can be used as a floatation base while the lid stays in place protecting your refreshments. Intex floating cooler doesn’t promise you solid ice by the end of your float but your drinks will be secure, cool, and refreshing and you can’t beat this cooler for the price.
Specs and Features
- Dimensions: 35 x 25 x 10 Inches
- Deflated size: 35″ Diameter
- Weight: 3 Pounds
- Capacity: Up to 30 Cans
- Material: Heavy Gauge Vinyl
Pros
- Built-in cooler and can hold up to 30 cans
- Five, very well-designed built-in cup holders
- Handy storage area on the sides
- Easy to carry with durable handles
- Easy to use connectors and rope
- Three air chambers for safety
- Comes with a repair patch
- Great value for money
- Sturdy and durable
2. Intex Mega Chill II, Inflatable Floating Cooler For Pools
With Intex Mega Chill 2, there’s no need to get out of the pool for a nice refreshing beverage. This is a perfect connect-and-float cooler system that is not only super buoyant but also stable on the water.
When floating this heavy cooler filled with beverages on a river with rapids or taking large waves from boats, it doesn’t tip over. It features 6 cup holders to keep beverages within easy reach and the base can also be used as a floating base for a cooler of up to 48 quarts.
Intex Mega Chill 2 comes with a big removable ice chest and the lid comes off completely to accommodate your cooler or choice. Made with tough 16 gauge vinyl construction, it is sturdy and durable.
This kind of inflatable also features four heavy-duty handles for easy transportation, and with three air chambers, even if one chamber is punctured, it won’t go down. The included repair patch is used to fix minor issues that might come up while on the water.
An ideal choice that can be use as a cooler float to float a traditional ice chest such as a YETI or RTIC cooler of up to 48-quart capacity.
Specs and Features
- Dimensions: 48 x 38 x 24 Inches
- Weight: 7.4 Pounds
- Capacity: A 48 Quart Cooler that can carry up to 72 Cans
- Material: 16 Gauge Vinyl
Pros
- The ultimate floating cooler for refreshments
- Traditional coolers can use it as a floatation base
- A 48-quart cooler that can hold up to 72 cans
- Six built-in cup holders
- High level of buoyancy and stability in the water
- Three air chambers for safety
- Heavy-duty handles for ease of carrying
- Part of Intex connect ‘n float system
- Repair patch included
3. Airhead Aqua Oasis Floating Beverage Cooler
This is a leak-proof floating cooler that works effectively for tubing down rivers, pools, lakes, and beaches. Not only can you use the soft cooler for picnicking and camping, but you can also equally leave the base at home.
This cooler keeps ice solid for hours and beverages cold for a longer time because it is well insulated, elevated by an inflatable base that adds air between water and ice.
Featuring six built-in numbered drink holders that are deep enough, room to accommodate 24 cans and ice, and the sundry holder on the base holds the tanning lotion within reach.
The adjustable shoulder strap is for easy carrying, plus the molded rope connector is welded to the side and the inflatable base can easily be inflated using the mouth. The leakproof inflatable base makes it very stable and buoyant on water.
This is the best soft-sided floating cooler but may not be the best-looking option. Made with heavy-duty nylon and vinyl materials, it is sturdy and durable.
Users attest that it is extremely durable. That means you will get tons of use out of it and enjoy your money’s worth over and over again.
Specs and Features
- Dimensions: 14 x 10 x 5 Inches
- Weight: 2.4 Pounds
- Capacity: 24 Cans
- Materials: Heavy-duty Nylon and PVC
Pros
- Highly rated floating cooler
- Deep and roomy, holds quite a lot
- An inflatable vinyl base offers excellent insulation and floatation
- Keeps ice for hours
- Leak-proof with a top zipper
- Six numbered drink holders
- Sundry holder perfect for tanning lotion
- Added adjustable shoulder strap for easy transportation
- Very well thought out design
- Perfect for a pool party
4. CreekKooler – 30 Quart Outdoor Insulated Floating Cooler For Rivers & Lakes
CreekKooler is the best floating cooler in the market that works well as a refreshments cooler and also as a fishing cooler for anglers.
This American Made, dual-walled, roto-molded cooler float is made with a Reinforced blow-molded construction, so you can expect it to be durable enough to withstand all kinds of terrain surfaces.
An ideal choice for all manner of watersports adventures, including standup paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing, and anything else that involves floating.
The embedded heavy-duty rope handles enable you to tighten the cooler close to a kayak, canoe, raft, or SUP so it glides smoothly behind you and is within arms reach.
Thanks to the streamlined kayak-like hull that enables it to float very well even when fully loaded. It also features 1.75-inch-thick foam insulation which ensures that your favorite beverages are kept chilled as well as keep your catch fresh for a longer time.
With a capacity of 30 quarts, it is larger than it looks and can hold 30 12-oz cans and 20lbs of ice while the smallest model holds 15 12-ounce cans, plus 10 pounds of ice.
Attached to it are 4 drink holders and with a locking lid and O-ring design, it is fully water-tight and also works as secure dry storage. Although it is one of the most expensive options, when it comes to floating coolers, you get what you pay for.
Specs and Features
- Dimensions: 39.5 x 21 x 12 inches
- Weight: 17 Pounds
- Capacity: 30 Quart
- Material: Blow Molded Plastic Hull, Foam Insulation
Pros
- Roomy 30-quart capacity
- Double-walled and has foam insulation
- Superior ice retention of 48 hours
- Four drink holders on board
- The locking lid is water-tight, great for secure dry storage
- A versatile all-terrain cooler you can take anywhere
- Rugged and durable blow-molded construction
- Perfect for a pool party
5. TRC Recreation Folding Floating Cooler For Kayaks
The quality TRC floating cooler has a premium look and Bahama blue hue. A perfect choice for swimming pools, beaches, water sports, and even on land.
The ice chest is top-rated and the users love its large capacity, superior ice retention, quality and durability, and attention-grabbing good looks. The quality thick closed-cell foam construction stands it out among many others.
It is a good insulator and foam does greatly in keeping your favorite drinks and beverages chilled all day. Even in extreme heat or hottest climates, it will interest you to know that ice lasts for at least a day with the lid on and drinks stay refreshingly cold for over 24 hours.
It is capable of holding up to 18 beverages plus ice and stays afloat even when it’s been packed with many cans, bottles of beverages, and water bottles.
The TRC floating cooler is high quality, well-designed, and a good cooler that can be attached to a kayak, tube, or raft. Added to this floatable cooler is a tie-off grommet at the back and a loophole in front to tie, preventing your cooler from floating away. Also, it comes with two handy cups.
Whether you are floating on a lake or down a river, the low-profile design allows it to float well without tipping over and it’s also easy to clean. Made with a high-quality foam with glossy vinyl, you can expect it to be tough and durable.
Specs and Features
- Brand: TRC Recreation
- Material: Synthetic
- Color: Bahama Blue
- Dimensions: 23 x 17 x 9.5 Inches
- Item Weight: 6 Pounds
- Capacity: 18 Beverages
- Material: Closed-cell Foam and Vinyl coating
Pros
- High-quality closed-cell foam construction
- Coated with a thick foam, it can retain ice
- Can hold 18 beverages and ice
- Tie off grommet and loop for towing
- Versatile cooler perfect for pools, lakes, rivers, and even land
- Most attracted by people and its color in Bahama blue makes it exceptional
- Two convenient cup holders
6. ICEMULE Pro Collapsible Floating Backpack Cooler
In comparison, this cooler is second to none in terms of durability, versatility, and ice retention. With the combination of Moleskin exterior and Polar Layer Insulation, it can keep your beverages cool and iced for up to two days.
Water sports enthusiasts find it interesting to know that they are buoyant enough to float without tipping. You can easily carry it on your back, on your boat, or in your boat for the ride. Particularly, the IceMule Pro exists in a variety of sizes and coolers.
Specs and Features
- Brand: IceMule
- Color: Black
- Item Dimensions: LxWxH11.02 x 14.17 x 16.93 inches
- Item Weighs: 2 Kilograms
- Chamber Depth: 17 Inches
Pros
- Waterproof
- It floats
- Very well insulated
- Backpack cooler
- Compact
- Variety of colors available
7. ICEMULE Jaunt Large Collapsible Floating Backpack Cooler
This is a soft-sided cooler bag that is built to outlast your next beach day, hike, picnic, and many more. Its tough Muleskin Exterior and Interior plus PolarLayer Insulation ensure superior ice retention, quality, and durability. It holds up to 6 cans and ice for up to 24 hours.
This backpack-style cooler comes with 2 padded and ventilated straps. A hand-free cooler that allows you to grab your surfboard, fishing pole, or any other adventure gear. IceMule is a portable cooler perfect for both men and women.
Its collapsible design allows for easy packing once not in use and the front zipper pocket is great for storing accessories and keeping them dry.
The welded seams and zipper-less closure make this a waterproof, floating cooler, and with the IM AirValve, Inflating and deflating this lightweight, backpack-style cooler is easy. It floats well without tipping over even when it is fully loaded.
Specs and Features
- Brand: IceMule
- Color: Devoe
- Item Dimensions: LxWxH7 x 7.5 x 17 inches
- Item Weight: 0.65 Kilograms
- Capacity: 9 Liters
Pros
- Easily packed due to its collapsible design
- Keeps your drinks and beverages cold for up to 24 hrs
- It is a hand-free cooler
- Buoyant and waterproof
8. WoW World of Watersports Inflatable Floating Fridge
This is one of the best floating beer coolers that are very easy to use. With a 30-quart capacity, it can hold up to 30 cans of your favorite beverage while on a boat, lake, pool, or beach.
It features a thick, double-layered, and padded base, and thick sidewalls, and the air within the chambers provides superior insulation and ice retention to keep drinks chilled for a couple of hours.
The thick bottom makes it super buoyant on water and even if it were to tip, the zipped-up lid would secure your lunch and drinks.
It also features a Tote handle for easy hauling in and out of the water, 4 molded beverage cup holders, and a Special holder for your WOW-SOUND speaker to keep it close.
Made of heavy-gauge PVC, it is durable and strong. The vinyl material is durable enough to withstand being dragged on rocks, twigs, and sticks without tearing or puncturing.
With the speed valves, Inflating and deflating this equipment is a breeze. This cooler can be attached to your floating island, lounge, or anything else within arms and ear’s reach with the added grommet.
Specs and Features
- Dimensions: 16 x 14 x 6 Inches
- Weight: 6.2 Pounds
- Capacity: 30 Quart, Holds 30 Cans
- Material: Heavy-gauge PVC
Pros
- An ideal option for your water sports
- Capable of holding up to 30 cans plus ice
- The Tote handles are for easy transportation when fully loaded
- The zippered keeps refreshments secure
- Four handy beverage holders
- Heavy-duty durable construction
- The padded base and thick sidewalls offer excellent insulation
- Tote handles for easy transport
- Speed valves for fast inflation and deflation
9. Permian Portable Floating Cooler
PERMIAN Coolers Insulated Cooler Bag is the answer when looking for a more compact option that’s super easy to carry. It weighs 1.9 pounds, floats well in water, and doubles as a dry bag.
Whether you’re kayaking, boating, surfing, hiking, camping, hunting, or fishing, these insulated dry bags are designed to keep ice bricks for up to 30 hours and, capable of holding up to 10 cans, and alongside the ice pack, they are kept cool all day long.
In place of a lid, it comes with a roll-top closure to create a tight seal and instead of two traditional backpack straps, the waterproof cooler comes with a padded strap that you can loop across your body.
Although hands-free it features welded seams that are completely leakproof, ensuring all your sailing and paragliding gear stays dry.
Once you place your food and drinks inside along with ice, and then roll the top 3 times toward the logo on the bag, creating a seal, the cooler bag is ready to go in seconds. Make this insulated cooler bag your companion in your next adventure.
Specs and Features
- Brand: PERMIAN
- Material: Plastic
- Color: Blue
- Insulation Material: Polyethylene
- Chamber Height: 8 Inches
Pros
- Comes with a multi-layered sack and a special air valve for unmatched insulation.
- Keep ice bricks cold for up to 24 hours.
- Waterproof cooler backpack
- Durable outer bag and a padded shoulder strap
- Enhanced and unbeatable performance
- Ready to go in a second
10. Brantics Inflatable Floating Beach Cooler
Brantics is another incredible cooler that’s best suited to short-distance paddles or casual lounging on the water with no particular destination in mind.
Unlike every other cooler, it packs down to a super compact size when you’re not using it. Made from high-quality vinyl, this inflatable cooler is sturdy and strong.
The cooler accommodates up to 12 12-ounce cans, plus 10 pounds of ice with an additional room to spare. The zippered lid keeps everything secure even if it is flipped over as well as keeps your drink at the temperature you want them.
It features two molded handles for easy transportation, 4 plastic cup holders for your drinks, three separate air chambers, a rope tie grommet that can be attached to your raft, boat, or dock, and a repair patch just in case there is any minor tear and punctures while on water.
To inflate this particular cooler is very easy because the cooler and the base are all one piece.
Specs and Features
- Brand: Brantics
- Material: Vinyl
- Color: Sky Blue and White
- Item Dimensions: LxWxH24 x 24 x 12 inches
- Chamber Depth: 11.81 Inches
Pros
- Sturdy and strong
- Just the right size for you
- The zippered lid keeps everything secure
- Comes with 2 handles for easy carrying even when full
- There’s a repair patch
Choosing the best-floating coolers requires looking out for the following features
There are a lot of things to be put into consideration before purchasing a floating cooler and our buying guide provides you with the right details, from a floating ice chest to a high-tech lunch cooler.
To make your summer vacation an unforgettable one, here are some tips to help you choose a suitable cooler.
Materials
If it is your first time buying a floatable cooler, it is a bit difficult to know the best material to go for as the market is full of a variety of coolers built with different materials.
Floatable coolers that are built with materials like Vinyl and PVC are durable and high-quality as well as keep the cooler afloat. So before considering any cooler, you should go through the product’s reviews from previous users to know its durability and effectiveness.
There’s always a huge difference in safety and comfort between coolers made with thin materials which can be offered for a lower price and the ones with quality materials which are likely expensive.
Durability
The quality and durability of a floating cooler determine its lifespan. Inflated floating coolers aren’t durable enough to withstand the rips and tears that are common in water.
So there is a tendency for the cooler to depreciate over time. Ensure you make general research about the product’s durability before purchasing as it entails how long it will last.
Capacity and Size
Although it all depends on your needs and preferences, the bigger the size, the larger the capacity.
Whether you’re planning for a pool party or purchasing for your family and personal use, there’s a need to go for a bigger but portable floating cooler that will meet your needs and at the same time will not take up a sizable area of your pool, thereby distracting your visitors from swimming and having fun as they’re enjoying their barbecue.
Ensure when buying that you choose the size that suits your needs having in mind that you will need to store it away when not in use.
Stability
If your floating cooler is not stable enough, there is a tendency for it to capsize. For the safety of your drinks, you must inquire from the reviews and the company’s description about the product’s stability. To avoid ruining the fun in the middle of the party, go for a cooler that is strong and stable.
Carrying Capacity
When going for the best floating cooler for tough outdoor conditions, whether as a novice or seasoned enthusiast, you should in addition to many other important features take into consideration the size of the floating cooler, how many people it will be used for as well as what you like to store in the cooler.
It is important you first make a mental checklist of what requirements you need, sizes and shapes included then find your n.
Effectiveness in cooling
One of the reasons for getting a floating cooler is for it to maintain ice at a specific temperature and keep your drinks and beverages cold and fresh on water. So there’s no need to purchase a cooler that lacks its effectiveness in cooling and retaining ice.
Reach out for a quality product that is capable of retaining ice for up to 30 hours in temperatures as high as 95 degrees.
Design
Among the many features that you look out for when purchasing a floating cooler is the design. Do they look attractive?
Are they easy to use? Are they practical? Are there any added features that enhance functionality? All of these factors make it worth your money.
Also, floating coolers are designed as an entertaining accessory while in the water but if there’s a need for a more serious floating cooler that suits kayaking or fishing excursions, then an inflatable floating might not serve you right.
Portability
Whether you are on the lake camping, on the beachfront, or even on land, you need a floating cooler that is easily deflated or inflated. It is quite easy to deflate and inflate the best quality floating cooler.
However, ensure you go through the previous user’s review when it comes to portability because it is very important.
Lightweight
For a cooler to float easily and effectively, its weight is of importance. A good quality cooler is expected to be stable enough to handle a full load of office, food, drinks, and other items without tipping over.
So making the cooler itself as light as possible becomes a much bigger priority. Unlike the conventional hard-sided and even soft-sided ice chest, carrying floating coolers is much easier.
Affordable
If your budget is below the cost price of the higher-end floating ice chests on the market, you’re likely going to purchase the most affordable ones.
Most coolers are made of rubber and a few gaskets and might not have the significant premium charges that coolers made of Vinyl and plastic demand. That isn’t to say that because they’re affordable they aren’t good at all.
Benefits Of A Floating Cooler
There are several benefits attached to owning a floating cooler while on water. They include:
- With a floating cooler, you can grab a bite or drink without having to get out of the water.
- Just like a regular cooler, transporting it from one place to another is quite easy as some of them weigh no more than 10-15 pounds.
- The best way to combat the heat while remaining hydrated during the summer vacation is by owning a floating cooler
- It is affordable, especially the inflatable version, and this implies that no one is limited from enjoying the luxury.
- Floating coolers keep your drinks and beverages cool and retain ice because it is made with insulation.
- Just like in a regular land cooler, you can load it with many things.
- It gives room for more space and can be attached to your watercraft, boat, kayak, or tube.
Limitations Of A Floating Cooler
These products don’t come without having their limitations, either. Once you get to know the shortcomings of a floating cooler, it helps you determine if the product you’re buying will meet your preferred needs.
Small Capacity
Based on research, we have come to observe that most floating coolers are of a smaller size and might not have the storage capacity for a huge group for several days. That doesn’t mean there’s no one large enough to accommodate a small group of people for a day.
Relatively Weak
Floating coolers are made of thinny rubbers and as a result they’re prone to tears and punctures which can eventually ruin them.
Ensure handling these products with extreme carefulness by making sure you avoid sharp corners, stepping on them, or rubbing them up against abrasive surfaces.
Even while transporting and storing them, it is still required of you to take care of them. They are relatively weak compared to the much tougher hard-sided coolers that you are used to seeing.
Limited Ice Life
One of the cons of purchasing a lightweight floating cooler is that a floating cooler will not offer you excellent insulation
compared with the ones you are used to seeing. This is due to the less-insulated materials used with the combination of having thinner walls, and not implementing a high-quality gasket between the lid and the body.
All these things add up to the effective result of most floating coolers having a limited ice lifespan. There are many more to add to these but they will be heavy.
Assembly/Inflation
Unlike normal coolers that require no assembly before they can be used, floating coolers take a bit more preparation.
Before you can use the cooler, it needs to be inflated. While some users prefer Inflating it once and leaving it aired up, others will deflate it for easier storage and transportation.
We advise you to use a pump( especially one you can trust is important) to inflate your cooler rather than blow it up the good old-fashioned way with your lungs. The pump does the work well, easily, and fast.
Inflatable Floating Coolers vs Hard Case Floating Coolers
Both kinds work well enough, but hard-cased coolers require no assembly, whereas inflatable versions need a pump to inflate them.
Although most don’t come with a pump, it is important to have one you can trust. Hard-cased versions are typically sturdier, more durable, and more expensive.
They also tend to be made from hard plastics that make them last a lot longer and arguably float even better while Inflatable coolers are the exact opposite; cheaper yet prone to rips and tears.
Types of Floating Coolers
While we have established that most floating coolers will need to be inflated before they can be used, there are different ways in which this process is accomplished.
Some floating coolers have a single inflatable base that you can place the cooler directly on top of while others have an inflated ring built into the side of the cooler and some are even designed to have the top part of the storage area remain open to allow the entire product to float semi-submerged in the water.
Also, their application areas differ as well. There are light-duty coolers that are designed to be used in a calm pool with a little wake and that don’t need to have super long-term cooling performance and there are others that are more robust and capable of performing in rougher water conditions and that will also have longer ice life.
Some of the floating coolers are designed to only hold each cup or bottle for extreme short-term usage or games like beer pong. First know what you want and the type of floating cooler you need.
Floating Picnic Table With Cooler
Have you ever wanted to enjoy a cold beer while floating in a cool swimming pool without the embarrassment of falling off your lilo? Sounds like heaven, right? A floating picnic table is a great option.
This incredible inflatable table can be used in a pool, lake, or even down a river. It features an anchor rope so you won’t find yourself accidentally crossing the Atlantic any time soon.
It also comes with a huge built-in cooler, and a recessed cup holder on each seat. WOW Aqua Table makes a solid option.
Quick Tips For River Tubing With A Cooler
The first approach to actualizing this is buying cans. Ensure not to cross boundaries in the area. To make your drink more comfortable, coolers with side cup holders are a great option.
Good thing some of these coolers are with side cup holders. Also, coolers that are easily accessible are most preferable. Have your bag of trash paced in the cooler.
In conclusion, Inflatable coolers have been underrated by so many yet a useful tool during the summer. So amazing that you will get to enjoy your favorite beverages and snacks, while lounging and relaxing in your backyard pool.
For those who love being entertained during the warmer weather, inflatable coolers and bars are a must-have. Whether you like to keep it simple and minimal or fun and playful, we got your back.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Type of Floating Cooler is The Best?
The market is full of a wide variety of floating ice chests, so we encourage you to make a mental checklist of what requirements you need.
But generally, the best floating coolers keep beverages cold for at least a few hours while floating at the same time so you don’t have to hold your drinks while enjoying a day in the water.
What Cooler Is Best For A Pool?
When searching for a fun and functional cooler for your backyard pool, you might want to consider one of the many inflatable coolers. These products range from cute and kitschy to more straight-ahead designs more suited to adult entertaining.
What cooler can be used in the pool and on a kayak?
If you’re seeking an insulation system for use on your backyard pool, kayak, or personal watercraft, you’ll want to select just the right option that properly suits your needs.
A floating cooler works very well and may make the most sense for you. With the inflatable bases, you can attach your hard-side cooler to your kayak.
The Intex Mega Chill we’ve featured can do double duty as a stand-alone cooler with a lid, or you can remove the lid and insert your cooler inside. It comes at a pretty reasonable price point. A great option is Ozark Trail
Does the RTIC backpack Cooler Float?
IT FLOATS – RTIC inflatable Cooler float can keep your drinks colder than ever. They are waterproof from the bottom up. Each cooler can float along with you, which is a huge advantage to being waterproof 100%.
Can A Floating Cooler Sink?
Most small floating coolers are designed with airbags and this prevents them from sinking.
Where Can I Use My Floating Cooler?
Your floating cooler can be used in any water environment such as a river, lake, sea, or ocean. Whether you’re having a summer party next to your house pool, going kayaking, or boating on a river or lake, a floating cooler is a great compliment. If you plan on using a floating cooler on seawater, ensure to take care of it to reduce wear and tear.
How do you go tubing with a cooler?
First, create a knot. Ensure you Loop the rope around the left handle in the raft. Repeat this process with the right handle on the cooler and the opposite side of the raft. Tie to a person’s inner tube or inner-tube handle the far end of the rope.
Does a Styrofoam cooler float?
Styrofoam might float, but that doesn’t mean it is a floating cooler. Because of the foam’s fragile nature, it might not be able to withstand the river’s jarring. Your cooler will tear apart splicting your beer, which eventually leads to pieces of foam littering all over.
Do coolers float in water?
With the right tools, any cooler can float down a river but, most coolers are heavy and can’t be used in tubing
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