The Best Floating Coolers To Keep Your Drinks Chilled In 2022

The ICEMULE Jaunt is quite a bit different from most of the other coolers on this list as the bulk of the products here are inflatable coolers, and this model is more closely related to traditional coolers or soft-sided coolers. The ICEMULE Jaunt is my favorite cooler for paddleboarding and river days. I use this all the time and regularly use it to store food for weekend trips in my van. This cooler has excellent ice retention, rivaling most other coolers at 24 hours. When the exterior is inflated, this cooler floats, so you’ll never lose it. The Jaunt also features backpack straps for hands-free carrying. Nearly all ICEMULE Coolers float, so check out their other models to find the perfect option for you.

The WOW Float Fridge 30Pack Cooler is the best floating cooler for lake days, and I tested it here in Oregon on Trillium lake with friends. We used it both onshore and floated it between our barge of paddleboards so we always had easy access to our drinks. It retained ice for the full seven hours we were at the lake with no leakage or issues! Like many of the coolers on this list, there are built-in cup holders on the exterior for holding everyone’s favorite beverage with the main drink storage being in the middle. The 30-can capacity means that there’s plenty of space for all kinds of beverages and snacks inside this floating ice chest.

If you want to enjoy a day lounging in your pool (or at the lake), you need refreshments. And that means you need to store them somewhere to keep them cold. The Intex Mega Chill has plenty of room, whether it’s bottles of water or beers. The main cooler compartment is big enough to hold a 12-pack, a couple of water bottles, and enough ice to keep it all cool. Then, on the outside, it has multiple drink holders and larger spaces for snacks. Other features include two durable grab handles, an easy-to-use connector, and three air chambers for a stable ride and to ensure that this inflatable cooler doesn’t sink if one of them is popped. Intex is well known for their high-quality inflatables and the Intex Mega Chill is no exception!

Got a small pool party coming up for close friends and family? The Airhead Aqua Oasis Floating Beverage Cooler is ideal for summer pool shenanigans. Holding up to 24 cans or bottles with additional six drink holders, the AIRHEAD cooler might not be the biggest on the market but it certainly does the job. The numbered cup holders are ideal if you’re constantly getting your drinks mixed up. With a bright design, the Airhead is perfect for long, lazy days in the sun by the pool and is easily spotted when out on the lake too. It doesn’t get much better than this! Our guide to the best coolers for camping features more great products like this. 

Another great Intex product on our list of the best floating coolers! However, this one is different as is more of a floating lounge than a simple 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 you and a friend or significant other are enjoying a float on the lake, river, or in your own private pool, this floating cooler is ideal as it comes with two built-in drink holders and armrests for perfect relaxation. The sturdy grab handles, mesh bottom, and connectors make this a durable inflatable cooler and tube. The built-in cooler has a lid, so you can keep your drinks and food covered up and increase ice retention. This tube is perfect for river floats with your loved one.

This is an excellent floating cooler, especially if you’re looking for a floating cooler for a kayak. Not only does it look like an inflatable 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.

If you’re looking for the ideal pool party floating cooler, then the Beer Nation Inflatable Beer Pong Table (with cooler, of course) is perfect. Whether you’re relaxing on the lake or having the ultimate pool party, this can be your centerpiece and keep your guests entertained for hours. There’s an extra-large cooler in the middle, which is then surrounded by the quintessential floating beer pong table. This is quite a large float, so it might not be ideal for those with smaller pools and especially not for those with children, but if you have a Spring Break party or a big summer blowout coming up, then this floating cooler will be a hit. For a gimmicky float, it’s also high quality and well-constructed, so there’s no need to worry that it will let you down or leave you with a deflated float at the bottom of the pool.

Find yourself often on the water in your kayak or raft in need of a drink? The CreekKooler Outdoor Insulated Floating Cooler is perfect for those who are active on the water or need extra storage for big days, large groups or multi-day outings. The floating ice chest has a water-tight locking lid, so you know your drinks will remain safe and dry, and foam insulation keeps them cool for hours. This cooler works just as well on dry land too. Although more expensive than most, it is worth the money as it’s robust, durable, and perfect for kayaking. Some customers have even accessorized their floats to match their fishing kayaks, which looks great and will ensure your floating cooler is the talk of the river. If you don’t use this as an ice chest, you can use it as an additional storage area for gear on big missions.

Don’t forget to also check our guide to these best-selling golf coolers.

Floating island is an understatement for this cooler. This giant product from Bestway can hold up to six people, allowing you, your friends and family to relax and enjoy the ride on this robust and comfortable float. With six cup pouches, a removable sun awning, extra-wide backrests, and a 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. With a removable sunshade, the Tropical Breeze allows you to take a break from the harsh summer rays, plus there’s an area for dipping your feet into the water and keeping them cool. The cool bag isn’t the largest of the coolers on our list, but we couldn’t not showcase this unique product that’s literally built for water fun.

The Big Bobber Floating Cooler is a great hard floating cooler modeled after a classic fishing bobber. This is our favorite hard plastic floating cooler for fishing. This model holds up to 12 cans and features a hideaway built-in handle for easy carrying. You can store the big bobber on land or in the water and anchor it to your gear, boat, or nearby rocks or trees to keep it from floating away. Aside from its cute shape, the big bobber floating cooler also offers excellent functionality and can keep drinks cold all day long while you focus on fishing. When you aren’t fishing, this ice chest can double as a pool cooler for pools or lakes. It makes a great gift for fishermen.