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Best Floating Coolers In 2022

This product guide was written by GearHungry Staff
Last Updated April 30, 2019
GearHungry Staff
GearHungry Staff posts are a compilation of work by various members of our editorial team. We update old articles regularly to provide you the most current information. You can learn more about our staff here.
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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

1
Intex Mega Chill Inflatable Floating Cooler

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We think the Intex Mega Chill is the ultimate floating cooler. If you want to enjoy a day lounging in your pool (or at the lake), you’re gonna need refreshments. And that means you need somewhere to keep them cold. Whether it’s bottles of water or beers, the Intex Mega Chill has plenty of room. The main cooler compartment is big enough to hold a 12-pack, a couple of bottles of water, and enough ice to keep it all cool. Then, on the outside, it has multiple cup 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. 

Key Features:

Holds up to 30 cans 

Five cup holders

Extra storage areas 

Three air chambers 

Two durable grab handles 

Repair patch included

Specification:
  • BrandIntex
  • Model56822EP
  • Weight3 pounds
Pros

Large main cooler compartment 

Extra drinks and storage spaces 

Durable design 

Easy to connect to a boat 

Cons

Cooler compartment isn’t insulated 

BUY ON AMAZON

2
Airhead Aqua Oasis Beverage Floating Cooler

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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. 

Key Features:

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

Specification:
  • BrandAirhead
  • ModelAHAO-1
  • Weight2.4 pounds
Pros

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

Cons

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

BUY ON AMAZON

3
Intex 58837EP River Run II Sport Lounge Floating Cooler

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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.

Key Features:

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

Specification:
  • BrandIntex
  • Model58837EP
  • Weight11 pounds
Pros

Ideal for just the two of you

Robust enough to hold plenty of weight

Quick inflating time because of the durable valve system

Cons

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

BUY ON AMAZON

4
CreekKooler Pup 15 quart Floating Towable Cooler

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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.

Key Features:

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

Specification:
  • BrandCreekKooler
  • ModelCK1662
  • Weight8.8 pounds
Pros

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

Cons

Great for kayaking, but not necessarily great for pool parties

BUY ON AMAZON

5
Beer Nation Inflatable Beer Pong Table and Cooler

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If you’re looking for the ideal pool party floating cooler, then the Beer Nation Inflatable Beer Pong Table (with cooler, of course) is a 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.

Key Features:

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

Specification:
  • BrandBeer Nation
  • Weight4.01 pounds
Pros

Unique product that’s fun and easy to use

Surprisingly robust for a beer pong table

Keeps drinks cool for hours at a time

Cons

Some difficulty inflating as the product is quite large

Not suitable for children

Quite large if you only need it for cooling drinks

BUY ON AMAZON

6
CreekKooler – Outdoor Insulated Floating Cooler

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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.

Key Features:

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

Specification:
  • BrandCreekKooler
  • ModelCK00210R
  • Weight17 pounds
Pros

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

Cons

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

BUY ON AMAZON

7
CoolerZ Tropical Breeze Inflatable Floating Island

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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 sunshade, 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 drink storage area too, as the cool bag provided really isn’t that large.

Key Features:

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

Specification:
  • BrandBestway
  • Model43105E
  • Weight56.2 pounds
Pros

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

Cons

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

BUY ON AMAZON

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.

best floating coolers

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!

best floating coolers

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.

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