With summer approaching fast and a myriad of social events on the horizon, from backyard barbecues to river expeditions on a kayak, getting the best floating cooler and accessories to last the season can be challenging.
We have assembled a list of 8 best floating coolers, whether you’re searching for something dazzling and quirky, that will complement your party decor, or just an essential accessory to make your trip exciting on those fishing trips, our list of cooler options will give you the information you need to make the best buy. Browse our list, and you’ll be one step closer to choosing the best floating ice chest for your needs.
OUR TOP PICK
CreekKooler – Outdoor Insulated
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Roomy 30 quart capacity
- Double walled and has foam insulation
- Superior ice retention of 48 hours
- Four drink holders on board
- Water-tight locking lid, 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
Dimensions: 39.5 x 21 x 12 inches
Weight: 17 Pounds
Capacity: 30 Quart
Material: Blow Molded Plastic Hull, Foam Insulation
EDITORS CHOICE
Intex Mega Chill II, Inflatable
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- The ultimate floating cooler for refreshments
- Works as a floatation base for traditional coolers
- Large capacity - can hold 72 cans or float a 48-quart cooler
- Six built-in cup holders
- High level of buoyancy and stability on water
- Three air chambers for safety
- Heavy-duty handles for ease of carrying
- Part of Intex connect 'n float system
- Repair patch included
Dimensions: 48 x 38 x 24 Inches
Weight: 7.4 Pounds
Capacity: Up to 72 Cans or a 48 Quart Cooler
Material: 16 Gauge Vinyl
BEST VALUE
Intex Mega Chill, 35″ Diameter
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Built-in cooler with a capacity of 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
Dimensions: 35 x 25 x 10 Inches
Deflated size: 35″ Diameter
Weight : 3 Pounds
Capacity: Up to 30 Cans
Material: Heavy Gauge Vinyl
Airhead Aqua Oasis Beverage
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- A highly rated floating cooler whose effectiveness and durability is proven
- Deep and roomy, holds quite a lot
- 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
- Easy to carry with adjustable shoulder strap
- Very well thought out design
- Perfect for a pool party
Dimensions: 14 x 10 x 5 Inches
Weight: 2.4 Pounds
Capacity: 24 Cans
Materials: Heavy-duty Nylon and PVC
Byers Big Bobber
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- A cool bobber floating cooler and a conversation spark
- 12 cans capacity and insulated to preserve cold
- Easy to carry with built-in carrying handles
- Floats well, just like a fishing bobber
- Cool yet functional gift for water adventures lovers
- Lightweight and portable
- Solid, made in the USA quality and durability
- Very easy to use
Dimensions: 14 x 14 x 15.8 Inches
Weight: 4.5 Pounds
Capacity: 12 Cans
Material: High Impact Polypropylene
TRC Recreation Folding
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- High quality closed-cell foam construction
- The thick foam gives it superior buoyancy and ice retention
- Can hold 18 beverages and ice
- Tie off grommet and loop for towing
- Versatile cooler perfect for pools, lakes, rivers, and even land
- Attractive cooler in Bahama blue and a big hit with people
- Two convenient cup holders
Dimensions: 23 x 17 x 9.5 Inches
Item Weight: 6 Pounds
Capacity: 18 Beverages
Material: Closed-cell Foam and Vinyl coating
Cool Float Plastic
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Holds 18 cans on the inside and 6 on the outside
- Six handy cup holders all around
- Has a locking lid that keeps refreshments cold and secure
- Solid US made quality and reliability
- Tough and puncture resistant plastic construction
- An environmentally friendly cooler made from recycled materials
- Perfect for a pool party
Dimensions: 24 x 24 x 15 Inches
Weight: 10 Pounds
Capacity: 16 Quart / 24 Pack
Material: High Density Plastic
WoW World of Watersports
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Perfect for water sports such as tubing and rafting down rivers
- Large capacity- can hold 30 cans plus ice
- Tote handles for ease of carrying when loaded
- Zippered lid keeps refreshments secure
- Four handy beverage holders
- Heavy duty and durable construction
- Thick sidewalls and padded bottom offer excellent insulation
- Tote handles for easy transport
- Speed valves for fast inflation and deflation
Dimensions: 16 x 14 x 6 Inches
Weight: 6.2 Pounds
Capacity: 30 Quart, Holds 30 Cans
Material: Heavy-gauge PVC
How To Choose A Floating Cooler – Buying Guide
When it comes to purchasing your cooler, our floating cooler buying guide gives you the right information, from a floating ice chest to a state-of-the-art lunch cooler. So when buying this fun-filled contraption, there is a ton of pointers you should bear in mind if you’re looking to make your summer vacation an unforgettable experience.
Carrying Capacity
When it comes to picking the right floating cooler for tough outdoor conditions, and when it comes to carrying capacity, the picking process can be very hard.
There are a couple of features you need to bear in mind when making your floatable cooler purchase. Whether you’re a novice enthusiast searching for your first cooler, you need to ensure it takes into account these top features to get the most out of it. Think about the size of the cooler, how many people will be using it and what would you like to store. Make a list of all the desired sizes and shapes and then go and find your n.1.
Materials
If this is your first floating cooler purchase, it can be tricky knowing what materials to look out for. Vinyl or PVC tend to be durable and high quality as well as keeping the cooler afloat.
We can also suggest that you take the time to check out what previous customers have said about the material. Keep in mind that the market is awash with many types of floating coolers and manufacturers may opt to use thinner materials at a cheaper cost. This makes a huge difference when it comes to safety and comfort.
Size
If you’re planning lots of pool parties this summer, then you know the bigger the float, the bigger the hold. This means you’ll need something larger that’ll cater to your friends and family.
However, you won’t need a large contraption likely to take up a sizeable area of your pool and distracts your visitors from swimming and having fun as they barbecue. When you go out to choose the cooler, ensure its the right size for your needs and keep in mind that it’ll need to be stored away once the partying is over.
Durability
Inflated floating items aren’t as durable as you probably think. Rips and tears are common in water, and this increases the chances of the cooler deteriorating over time. Before making the purchase, do a small research on the durability of float coolers in general as this will give you an idea about its longevity. Buying the best quality is essential to ensure your inflatable floating cooler lasts for a considerable period.
Portability
Whether you’re cruising on the lake, camping or beachfront, you need a floating cooler that you can quickly inflate and deflate whenever you want. The best quality floating coolers are also the best to inflate and deflate. Make sure you browse as many reviews as possible when it comes to portability and keep in mind how important portability is to you when buying a cooler.
Related Review: Beach Cooler
Stability
Make sure to inquire as much as possible about the stability of the floating cooler you intend to purchase. You need to have the confidence that you can leave your contents unattended without the floating cooler capsizing. If you’re looking to buy an inflatable floating cooler that can carry lots of weight, you don’t want the fun ruined when the cooler ends up capsizing.
Style
Finally, you’ve bought a cooler that suits all your water sports needs, but does it suit your taste? The market is flooded with floating coolers of all sizes, shapes, colors, styles, and designs.
But if you need a more serious floating cooler that suits kayaking or fishing excursions, then an inflatable floating cooler might not be the right fit for you, however, if you need an entertaining accessory while in the water, an inflatable cooler is a right choice.
You might also be interested in:
But if you’re interested in design and style, choose a cooler that fits your needs, makes a statement and most importantly, keeps your drinks cold.
FAQs
Q: Where Can I Use My Floating Cooler?
You may use your floating cooler in any water environment, river, lake, sea and 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 sea water, ensure to take care of it to reduce wear and tear.
Related Review: Kayak Cooler
Q: What Are The Benefits Of A Floating Cooler?
- You can grab a bite or drink without having to get out of the water
- Owning a floating cooler is a great way to combat the heat while remaining hydrated
- You can put almost anything into an inflatable cooler that you would put into a regular land cooler
- It frees up space and weight on your watercraft, boat, kayak or tube
Q: Can A Floating Cooler Sink?