Intex Mega Chill II Inflatable Floating Cooler
CoolerZ Tropical Breeze Inflatable Floating Island
Airhead Aqua Oasis Beverage Floating Cooler
With summer just around the corner and a range of social occasions on the horizon, from pool parties to Spring Break by the river, looking for fun and durable products to last the season can be difficult. Luckily, we’ve pulled together our list of the best floating coolers. Whether you’re after something fun and quirky that will be the talk of your party, or just need an essential piece of equipment to keep you going on those kayak trips or fishing adventures, our list of options will give you all the information you need to make the best purchase for you. Check out our essential features and product buying guide too, so you know exactly what to look for when buying your floating cooler. Cheers!
The Best Floating Cooler
1Intex Mega Chill II, Inflatable Floating Cooler
This is our top pick as the best floating cooler. The Intex Mega Chill II lives up to its name and keeps your drinks cool for hours, giving you time to enjoy the sun and stay hydrated. This floating ice chest no only looks the business, but also does its job and keeps your drinks cool, protected, and safe from spillages. With a removable ice chest, that can hold up to 72 bottles and cans, as well as that all-important ice to keep them extra cool. This product can also be attached to other inflatable devices too, such as larger coolers and tubes, so your floating cooler doesn’t get lost out to sea. If you already have a cooler box that you like to take on trips, the Intex Mega Chill II can accommodate them perfectly, allowing for sandwiches and other food to come along for the ride too. This is a great all-around cooler, with lots of extra features, that give you peace of mind out on the water. Make sure you also check our guide to the best electric coolers.
Made from high-quality, high endurance vinyl
Durable enough to be able to hold a separate cooler
Removable ice chest
Six cup holders
Heavy-duty handles that allow for easy transportation
Repair patch included in case of emergencies
- BrandIntex
- Model58821EP
- Weight7.4 pounds
Robust and strong an able to hold multiple drinks
You can remove the ice chest, which gives you options just to hold the drinks
The cup holders allow for drinks to be open
Many customers stated that this is much larger than what they initially thought
Lid does not attach to the device, which sometimes means it blows away
Although the patch kit is included, this is perhaps because punctures seem to be common
2Airhead Aqua Oasis Beverage Floating Cooler
Got a small pool party coming up for close friends and family? The AIRHEAD AQUA OASIS beverage cooler is the ideal product for those more intimate occasions. Holding up to 24 cans or bottles, with six cup holders, the AIRHEAD cooler might not be the biggest on the market, but certainly does the job, keeping your drinks cool. The numbered cup holders are ideal if you’re constantly getting your drinks mixed up and the size is large enough to keep everyone hydrated, but small enough so it doesn’t get in the way. With a bright design, the AIRHEAD is perfect for long, lazy days in the sun by the pool. It doesn’t get much better than this! Our guide to the best coolers for camping features more great products like this.
Keep up to 24 cans cool at any time
Numbered cup holders mean that you won’t forget where you put your drink
Molded plastic rope connector, that allows you to tether the device to other inflatable devices
Insulated nylon cooler
Great, bright design, perfect for small pool parties
Larger cup holders for other products, such as suntan lotion
- BrandAirhead
- ModelAHAO-1
- Weight2.4 pounds
Bright and fun, so perfect for all the family
Numbered cup holders, stopping any arguments over whose drink is whose
Decent sized capacity for a small floating cooler
Not as high quality as others on the market
Doesn’t keep your drinks as cool as you would like in the intense summer sun
Smaller than usual floating coolers
3Intex 58837EP River Run II Sport Lounge Floating Cooler
Another great Intex product on our list of the best floating coolers. However, this one is a little different and is more of a floating lounge, than just a cooler. If you’re looking for something that’s small and comes with two great seats, then the River Run II Sport Lounge is a perfect choice. If there’s just the two of you enjoying a romantic float on the lake or your own private pool, this floating cooler is ideal, with two built-in cup holders and armrests for perfect relaxation. The sturdy grab handles, mesh bottom, and connectors mean that this is a durable inflatable. The built-in cooler comes with a lid, so you can keep your drinks and food covered up. Although not the largest cooler in the world, the unique seating of this floating lounge area makes up for it and is ideal for just the two of you.
Lounge seating area
Lid for floating cooler to keep drinks protected
Two cup holders on either seat
Connect n’ Float system for additional products
Can hold up to 24 cans
Built-in backrests for extra comfort and support
- BrandIntex
- Model58837EP
- Weight11 pounds
Ideal for just the two of you
Robust enough to hold plenty of weight
Quick inflating time because of the durable valve system
More focus on the seating side of things than the actual floating cooler
A few customer complaints about tears in material, which indicate its lack of durability
4CreekKooler Pup 15 quart Floating Towable Cooler
This is an excellent floating cooler, especially if you’re looking for a floating cooler for a kayak. Not only does it look like a kayak, but it’s built with the water sport in mind, naming itself ‘the ultimate water companion’. With durable materials and foam insulation, the CreekKooler can withstand different surfaces, connecting to your kayak and floating along with ease. It can hold around 15 cans of drink, as well as ice, keeping your drinks cool until you reach your destination. However long you decide to kayak for, this handing little cooler will protect and keep your drinks at optimum temperatures, so you can enjoy a cold when whenever you’re ready. With built-in drinks holders for when you have come to a stop, keeping your drinks safe on the water. The water-tight lid ensures it’s properly locked, keeping your belongings safe along the journey. The molded handles make for easy transportation too, and it can double up as a storage container on the dry as well. This is a nifty little product that not only looks great but puts the work in too. Love this product? Check out our review of the best soft sided coolers for our top picks.
Molded handles for easy lifting and maneuvering
Water-tight lid that locks and keeps your drinks safe
Keeps ice formed for up to 24 hours
Keeps up with you when you’re kayaking or rafting
Foam insulation that keeps your drinks cool, even without ice
Robust and secure, so it keeps items safe
- BrandCreekKooler
- ModelCK1662
- Weight8.8 pounds
Extremely easy to tow, which means you don’t have to think about it too much
Easy on the eye and doubles up as a dry storage container too
Lots of storage space for all your belongings
Very sturdy and durable
Great for kayaking, but not necessarily great for pool parties
5Beer Nation Inflatable Beer Pong Table and Cooler
If you’re looking for the ideal pool party floating cooler, then the Beer Nation Inflatable Beer Pong Table (with cooler, of course) is the perfect choice. Whether you’re chilling on the lake or having the ultimate pool party, this can be your centerpiece and keep you entertained for hours. There’s an extra large cooler in the middle, which is then surrounded by the quintessential floating beer pong table, so you can grab and go and keeping refilling until your heart’s content. This is quite a large float, so might not be ideal for those with smaller pools and especially not for those with children, but if you have Spring Break or a big summer blow out coming up, then this floating cooler definitely does the job. For a gimmicky float, it’s also extremely high quality and well-constructed, so there’s no need to worry that it will let you down in those crucial beer pong moments. Find more great products like this by checking out our guide to the best backpack coolers.
Beer pong game incorporated into a floating cooler
Carry handles for easy transportation from area to area
Built in cooler
Doesn’t have to be used for beer pong, as will keep drinks cool anyway
Double reinforced cooler for peace of mind
Helps to stop beer and other drinks from spilling
- BrandBeer Nation
- Weight4.01 pounds
Unique product that’s fun and easy to use
Surprisingly robust for a beer pong table
Keeps drinks cool for hours at a time
Some difficulty inflating as the product is quite large
Not suitable for children
Quite large if you only need it for cooling drinks
6CreekKooler – Outdoor Insulated Floating Cooler
Find yourself often on the water in your kayak or raft, gasping for a drink? The CreekKooler Outdoor Insulated Floating Cooler is perfect for those of you who are active on the water and need something that can keep up. The cute cooler has a water-tight locking lid, so you know your drinks are safe and dry, as well as foam insulation that keeps them cool for hours. The cooler works just as well on dry land too. Although more expensive than most, this cooler is certainly worth the money as it’s robust, durable, and perfect for kayaking. Some customers have even accessorized their floats to match their kayaks, which looks great and will ensure your floating cooler is the talk of the river. Don’t forget to also check our guide to the best golf coolers.
Two inches of insulation to keep your drinks cool
Perfect for kayaking and rafting with its unique design
Easily towable and floats well on water
Four drinks holders
Can hold up to 30 cans and a lot of ice
Water-tight locking lid so you know your drinks are safe from escaping
- BrandCreekKooler
- ModelCK00210R
- Weight17 pounds
Floats incredibly well, even when there are a lot of drinks and ice
More expensive than most, but definitely worth the investment
Holds ice well and stops it from melting, even in direct sunlight
Can feel the cooling tugging on your kayak or raft when it’s fully stocked
Not ideal for pool parties because of the tight-locking lid
7CoolerZ Tropical Breeze Inflatable Floating Island
Floating island is an understatement for this cooler. This giant product from CoolerZ can hold up to six people, allowing you to relax and enjoy the ride on this robust and comfortable float. With six cup pouches, a removable sun awning, extra wide backrests, and cooler bag, the Tropical Breeze Inflatable Floating Island is ideal for families and those of you looking to make a real statement at the pool or on the lake. The cool bag isn’t the largest of the coolers on our list, but we couldn’t not showcase this unique product, perfect if you’re looking for something a little more robust and for socializing too. With a removable sun shade, the Tropical Breeze allows you to take a break from the harsh summer rays, as well as an area for dipping your feet into and keeping them cool. This can also double up as another drinks storage area too, as the cool bag provided really isn’t that large.
Sun shade for when you need those cooler moments
Six cup holders, so you can keep your drink separate from everyone else
Cushioned backrests for when you need a break
Cooler back that works well for food and drinks
Six-person capacity allowing you to socialise with friends and family
Mesh bottom for durability
- BrandBestway
- Model43105E
- Weight56.2 pounds
Customer reviews have stated that the float could handle more than six people, which is great if you’re popular
Material is thick and durable
Plenty of seating room
Because of its size, it takes a while to assemble and blow up
Heavy to carry after you have assembled it, so make sure your friends are nearby!
Canopy sometimes acts as a sail, so you may need a small anchor to stop it floating away
Floating Cooler Buying Guide
Our floating cooler buying guide gives you the essential information you need to make the best decision for you when it comes to purchasing your cooler. From state of the art floating islands to a floating ice chest, there are lots of pointers you should bear in mind when buying this fun and often essential product for the summer.
How We Chose Our Selection Of The Best Floating Coolers
We know important it is to know exactly where your information comes from, which is why we’ve scoured the internet for the best brands, reviews, and price options to give you every option you need to make the right decision when it comes to buying your floating cooler.
By looking at the good, the bad, and the downright weird reviews on our range of featured products, we’re able to illustrate how well these floating coolers work and which one is the best for your needs. Remember, not everything you read is necessarily true and some of these reviews will have come from disgruntled customers. We’ve done the hard work for you and sifted through to ensure we’ve only included the pool cooler reviews that matter.
We’ve also included a range of brands so that we’re not biased in our selection. This means that you can choose the right brand for you, as well as seeing what other products they have. Some brands take their floating coolers more seriously than others – it’s all about finding the best one to fit your lifestyle.
Features To Look For In Floating Coolers
Picking the right floating cooler is an art – and although it might not seem like the most essential of purchases, you’ll find it coming in extremely useful during those long, hot summer days, where you need to say hydrated. There are a number of features you should bear in mind when making your floatable cooler purchase. Whether you’re a seasoned water baby or looking for your first cooler, you need to ensure it takes into account these top features in order to get the most out of it.
Materials –if you’ve never bought a floating cooler before, it can be tricky to know what kind of materials you should be on the lookout for. This is why it’s important to read the reviews and do your research on the best materials for the best cooling ability. PVC or vinyl tend to be high quality and durable, as well as keeping your drinks afloat.
Effectiveness –there’s no point buying a floating cooler that doesn’t actually keep your drinks cool. The better quality the product you’re buying, the more information the company will provide you on insulation. If you’re just purchasing a float to hold your current cooler, then you don’t have to concern yourself too much with insulation – but make sure it’s stable enough to hold that weight.
Size –the bigger the float, the bigger the hold. If you’re planning lots of large pool parties this season, then bear in mind you’ll need something larger that will cater for all your friends and family. However, you won’t want something so big that it takes over the pool and distracts from swimming and having fun because it keeps getting in the way. However, you’re choosing to use your cooler, make sure it’s the right size for your needs – and keep in mind how often you think you’ll use it as it will need to be stored away too.
Durability –pool products and inflatable items aren’t often as durable as you would like. With water, this increases the risk of the product deteriorating and rips, tears or even permanent deflation are risks that can occur. Ensure you research the types of materials being used as this will have an impact on durability, as well as how well the product has been put together. High quality is essential when it comes to floating coolers.
Portability –whether you’re at home, down the river, or on the lake, you need a floating beer cooler that you can easily deflate and inflate whenever you require. The better the quality of the product, the easier it should be to inflate and deflate. Of course, many reviews cover portability, so ensure you read them thoroughly and consider how important this is to you when purchasing your cooler.
Stability –when using your inflatable cooler float, you want to have the confidence that you can leave drinks open and unattended, without the cooler capsizing. Consider reviews and the description of the product, ensuring that they talk openly about stability. This is especially important if you’re looking for an inflatable drink cooler that can withstand a lot of weight. You don’t want a capsized cooler ruining all the fun!
Style – so you’ve picked something that suits all your needs, but does it suit your tastes? Floating coolers come in a range of different styles and designs; some of which are a little more tongue in cheek than others. If you need a more serious floating cooler for more intense activities, such as kayaking or fishing, then an inflatable pirate ship might not be right for you. However, if you need a floating pool cooler that will not only be functional but also entertain the kids, you might be headed in the right direction. However, you choose your design, make sure it fits your needs, makes an impact, and most importantly, keeps your drinks cool.
