🥇 Best Floating Coolers: Reviews, Buying Guide and FAQs 2023

While you're out admiring the sunlight and the sea, there's nothing as relaxing like a refreshing beverage to round off the ideal day. While kayaking, rafting, paddling your sup, or just relaxing in the swimming pool, these coolers allow you to have all of your preferred beverages and snacks close at hand.

We are all aware of how beneficial coolers can be during the summer season but how about when we are out kayaking on the lake and do not have accessibility to a cooler? Floating coolers can very handy in this situation. The ability to get our cold food and beverages without having to leave the water and return to our boat, beach, picnic spot, or anywhere else our conventional cooler is kept is a huge benefit of these coolers.

However, while normal coolers may not float on water, there are certain coolers on the market that are specifically designed to function on water.

Top Floating Coolers 2023 by Editors

• #
  Preview
  Product
  Rating
• Bestseller No. 1
  
  Pittman Outdoors PPI-ICELRG Cool Drifter Large Floating Ice Chest Cooler,Multi
  Rating:

  
  
• Bestseller No. 2
  
  Intex Mega Chill Floating Cooler
  Rating:

  
  
• Bestseller No. 3
  
  SPORTSSTUFF Inflatable Floating Cooler, 60 Quart
  Rating:

  
  
• Bestseller No. 4
  
  WOW World of Watersports Float Fridge 30 Can Capacity Inflatable Cooler, 11-2000
  Rating:

  
  
• Bestseller No. 5
  
  Inflata Shield Ozark Trail Outdoor Equipment Cooler Float 43276
  Rating:

  
  
• Bestseller No. 6
  
  Top Race 18" Large Inflatable Beer Mug Cooler, Pool Float Drink Cooler for Adults...
  Rating:

  
  
• Bestseller No. 7
  
  Intex Mega Chill, Inflatable Floating Cooler, 35" Diameter
  Rating:

  
  
• Bestseller No. 8
  
  Intex Mega Chill II, Inflatable Floating Cooler, 48" X 38"
  Rating:

  
  

You may be thinking about their durability or whether you can put your faith in them to not deflate, burst or drift away from you while you're out on the water. You could also be considering their ability to keep your beverages cold throughout the day. We'll answer all of your questions, as well as provide you with our top suggestions in the process.

What are floating coolers?

A floating cooler is exactly what it sounds like - a cooler that floats behind you as you paddle! They are often equipped with a grommet, which enables you to tie a rope across to securely connect your cooler and your kayak together, eliminating the need to bother about it falling out of your kayak.

When you're not using these coolers, they are generally deflatable, allowing you to keep them in a compact space for safer storage. They enable you to preserve food and keep beverages cool for a whole day while on water. Also they typically come with cup holders so that you can securely rest your bottles of water or cans on top of them.

It is possible to utilize floating coolers for various water sport such as kayaking to participate in any kind of water activity or if you just want something easy to use while lazing around at a swimming pool all day.

We've arranged the list for you to choose the best floating coolers to suit your need.

Top 4 Best Floating Coolers

Creekkooler Floating Cooler - Link

This is by far the greatest floating cooler available, this one from creekkooler is the finest cooler you can see on the market. It may be used as a cooler for drinks, and fishermen can even make use of it as a fishing cooler, among other applications. Due to the locking lid design it can be used as an O-ring. It is completely watertight and can be used for dry storage also. It is also one of the finest floating boxes you can see on rivers. It includes strong rope handles for connecting it securely to a canoe, kayak, raft, or stand-up paddleboard so that it glides effortlessly behind you and is always within reach. Its sleek kayak-like shell allows it to float quite effectively even when fully laden, despite its weight.

It has a capacity of 30 quarts, which is more than it seems, and can store 30 12-ounce cans of soda and 20 pounds of ice. Even while gliding over warm water with the scorching summer sun heating on it, it has exceptional ice retention for up to 48 hours because to its double-walled construction and 1.75-inch thick foam insulation. If you're out fishing over the weekend, you can count on it to preserve your cold beverages and your catch fresh.

When it comes to a sturdy and adaptable cooler that can be used anywhere, this cooler is a tough, all-weather cooler that is designed to glide through a variety of terrain. While camping, you may pull it down the coast, through the snow, or even across dry land. The toughness of the reinforced blow-molded design ensures that it can withstand these types of stresses. This product is definitely worth the price at which it is purchased.

Product description

In contrast to inflatable coolers, the long-lasting creekkooler outdoor is constructed of blow-molded plastics and has 2 inches of insulation. A paddleboard or kayak may be pulled behind it, and it has a capacity of approximately 20 pounds of ice and 30 cans.

Features

• Capacity of 30 quarts.
• It is double-walled and insulated with foam.
• Superior ice retention of 48 hours
• Four drink holders on board
• Water-tight locking top, which is ideal for dry storage in a safe environment
• A multi-purpose all-terrain cooler that may be taken anywhere.
• Blow molded structure is rugged and long-lasting.
• Ideal for a pool party.

Intex mega chill, inflatable floating cooler - Link

A small group of 2-3 people resting in a pool on a floating island raft or floating down a river will find the intex mega chill to be the ideal size for floating beverages. The cooler compartment has a capacity of up to 30 cans. The built-in cup holders are really well-designed, and this cooler includes extra storage space on the sides and bottom. If you have a small spherical cooler, you can also fit it into this inflatable cooler and use it as a flotation basis for the whole thing!

As a result of its size and design, the mega chill is a quite easy to inflate, and the two handles make it very easy to transport to and from the water. If you have intex tubes, it will link to them quickly since it features simple connections and a rope which are straightforward to use. The construction quality is superb, and it is durable inflatable. It is made up of three air chambers to provide additional protection against sinking, and it comes with a repair patch in case anything goes wrong.

This intex floating cooler floats quite well and is durable enough to withstand river tubing trips. The lid, which is securely affixed on one side and fastened with velcro on the other, remains in place while preserving your drinks. Despite the fact that you will not have solid ice at the conclusion of your float, your beverages will be safe, cold and pleasant, and the pricing is unbeatable for what you get for your money!

Product description

When you are using an intex mega chill, there is no need to leave the pool to enjoy a wonderful cold beverage. This cooler is a practical addition for a relaxing pool experience. Connectors for connecting it to the other river run items from intex are supplied and are simple to use. The deflated size is about 35" in diameter and there are 3 air chambers in total. There are five built-in cup holders and the handles are robust and long-lasting. Its connectors are also simple to use.

Features

• Up to 30 cans can be stored in the built-in refrigerator.
• Five built-in cup holders that are quite nicely designed
• There is a convenient storage place on the sides.
• Durable handles make it simple to transport.
• Connectors and rope that are simple to use
• Three air chambers are provided for safety.
• It includes a patch for minor repairs.
• Exceptional value for money
• Sturdy and long-lasting

Intex inflatable mega chill 2 - Link

The intex mega chill 2 is the ideal connect and float cooler system for carrying cold drinks for a big party while floating about in a pool or lake or when floating down a river. It has a large ice chest that can contain up to 72 cans of soda and ice. You may also use it as a cooler float, in which it can support the weight of an ice chest of up to 48-quart capacity, such as a yeti cooler. This is a practical choice since the provided ice chest is detachable, and the top may be removed fully to make room for your own cooler of preference.

Intex is the undisputed king of the inflatable coolers, and this is a durable inflatable cooler you can rely on. It floats quite well and is extremely steady on the water. It maintains its stability and does not tip over even while floating a big cooler full with drinks down a rapids-laden river or when absorbing huge waves from passing boats. With four heavy-duty handles, it can withstand being lifted, hauled, and pulled about even when it is severely loaded.

The tough 16-gauge vinyl construction ensures that it is a solid and long lasting cooler. Its three air chambers guarantee that it will not come crashing down if one of them is ruptured. A repair patch is also included in the kit, allowing you to simply patch up any mishaps that occur while you're out on the water.

Product description

This is one of the most popular floating coolers available on the market, and for good reason: it is very durable. Due to its 16 gauge vinyl structure, it will withstand a significant amount of wear and tear without breaking down. It also comes with three air chambers, which both serve to stabilize the device and ensure that if one of the chambers were to rupture, you wouldn't lose all of your belongings to the bottom of the pool or lake, as would otherwise be the case.

On the sides, there are 6 built-in cup holders and 4 carrying handles to make things even more convenient. An additional bonus is that it comes with a handy repair patch in case there is a rip. It has the capacity to accommodate up to a 50-quart cooler on the inside, or you can just fill it with ice and place your stuff straight in it as a storage container.

Features

• The best floating cooler for ice cream and other beverages
• It may be used as a flotation basis for conventional coolers.
• Extra-large storage space - it has the ability to contain 72 cans or float a 48-quart cooler
• There are six built-in cup holders.
• On water, it has a high amount of buoyancy and stability.
• Three air chambers are provided for safety.
• Handles made of heavy-duty material for portability
• Included is a repair patch.

Airhead Aqua Oasis Beverage Floating Cooler - Link

Designed for rivers that tube down, as well as, lakes, swimming in pools, and beaches, this floating cooler is a water tight and keeps drinks cold while it floats. You may even keep the base in your house and bring the soft cooler along with you on picnics and camping trips. For several hours, this floating cooler keeps ice solid and drinks icy cold thanks to its well-insulated design and raised inflatable base, which puts an additional air layer in between the ice and water. The 6 installed drink containers are adequately deep and are labeled with numbers to make it simple to find one's drink.

This airhead floating cooler has sufficient space to contain 24 cans of soda and ice, as well as a wine bottle at the bottom. It is possible to keep your tanning lotion within for easy reach by using the sundry holder provided on the base of the cooler. The cooler is equipped with a shoulder strap which you can adjust to make transporting it more convenient. Just the inflatable base has to be inflated, and it is simple to do so using your tongue. This cooler is very much compatible with different airhead watercrafts thanks to the molded rope attachment that has been soldered to the side. It is also very stable on water

This floating cooler might not be the most visually appealing choice, but it is the greatest smooth floating cooler on the market. The vinyl and nylon materials used to construct this cooler are quite strong, and the straps are also extremely sturdy. Users have said that it is incredibly long-lasting in their evaluations. Count on getting a lot of usage out of it and getting the worth of your money on a regular basis if you purchase it.

Product description

This cooler prevents you from worrying about restocking while you're relaxing in your pool. It's capable of keeping 24 cans of soda. It has 6 labeled cup holders on the floating base which can also be used to keep your lotion.

Features

• High performance and durability.
• It's deep and spacious, and it can contain a lot.
• The outstanding insulation and flotation
• It keeps ice for many hours.
• With a top zipper, this bag is leak-proof.
• There are six drink holders with numbers on them.
• Tanner's lotion holder with a variety of functions.
• With an adjustable shoulder strap, it's simple to transport.

Buying guide

It doesn't matter if you like to lay in the pool, go fishing with pals, or kayak along a river, is a pleasant way to take advantage of the warm temperatures. However, spending so much time in the sun may leave you feeling dehydrated, which is why you'll need a highly efficient floating cooler to store your favorite drinks close by and at a cool temperature.

These coolers work similarly to conventional coolers in keeping cans and bottles cold whenever they're filled with ice. The major difference is that floating coolers are more portable. This cooler floats, which makes it more easy to use while on the water since it removes the need to leave the water every time you want a refreshing beverage. Most floating coolers are inflatable, similar to a pool float, whereas others are constructed of foam or plastic with lightweight that allows them to float on the water's surface.

You will find all the details you need in our buyer's guide to help you choose the finest floating cooler that would be most suitable for you. If you're still not sure, have a look at our suggestions above for even more convenience while purchasing.

Content image

A floating cooler allows you to make more room in your boat, tube, kayak, or any other watercraft so that you may carry more of your essential watercraft equipment.

Important considerations

Conditions of the water

The conditions of the water in which you want to utilize the floating cooler must be taken into consideration when purchasing one. In any kind of floating cooler, such as the inflatable ones, will do for cooling off in a pool.

A more robust type will be required if you want to spend time on the water, whether fishing, boating, or kayaking in harsher conditions. It should be capable of withstanding the impact when dropped. If it is going to be thrown about in rougher water, it must also be able to withstand the power of rapids and waves. It is best to stay away from the inflatable coolers that can't withstand puncture.

Material

The material used to construct a floating cooler is generally a good indicator of its durability. If you're looking for the most durable material for inflatable coolers, look no further than vinyl. Unfortunately, since this material is not puncture proof, some of the floating coolers are included with a patch kit so that you may repair any rips or tears as soon as they occur. Floating coolers constructed of thick foam are more resistant to punctures and can withstand harsher water conditions.

Lightweight plastic

If you're going to be using the cooler in especially rough rapids or waves, you may want to consider getting one constructed of lightweight plastic or PVC. It is not puncture- or tear-resistant, like vinyl or foam. Plastic floating coolers are more expensive than metal floating coolers, so keep this in mind if you want to use the cooler solely for pool parties or in other calm water settings.

Size

The bigger the floating cooler, the greater the capacity for holding bottles, cans, and ice. In contrast, you wouldn't want to choose a cooler that is too big and heavy to be carried about with ease. Floating coolers are often smaller than conventional coolers, but they are generally big enough to satisfy a small group of people for a day on the lake.

For usage in your pools and for home parties, a compact cooler is generally the ideal choice since it can be quickly refilled with more ice as necessary.

Portability

If you wish to travel around with your floating cooler, you should choose a type that is as lightweight and portable as feasible. An inflatable cooler is the most convenient option since it can be deflated for simple packing. Since they can't be folded these coolers are often more difficult to pack than other materials.

Features of floating coolers

Two points

The hooks and loops on the back of certain floating coolers allow you to connect a rope and pull the cooler closer to your boat, raft, kayak, or other water vehicles. In more intense rivers, when there's a risk that your cooler may float away, this might be a very essential item to have on board.

Cupholders

Certain floating coolers are equipped with built-in cupholders that are conveniently located around the outer edge. You won't have to hold your drink the entire time you're relaxing in the water because of this. Some versions of these coolers have just 2 cupholders, while others can have as many as 8 cupholders in total.

Maintenance

An inflatable cooler is susceptible to mold growth due to the fact that it is used in water. If possible, choose a cooler that is simple to wash so that you can maintain it and prevent germs, mildew, and other debris. Avoid types with a bunch of grooves or cracks, since these may quickly become breeding grounds for bacteria and dampness.

FAQs

Where can I make good use of a floating cooler?

A floating cooler is appropriate for use in most water bodies, including swimming pools, lakes, rivers, and the ocean as well, according to the manufacturer. If you want to use these cooler in the river and ocean with strong currents, you will need a model that is very robust, so look for a cooler constructed of hard materials.

What is the best way to clean a floating cooler?

Because almost all floating coolers can be cleaned with a wet cloth, they are very simple to maintain. If there are any stains or especially sticky areas on the surface, a solution of soap and water may be used to clear them away. When washing an inflatable cooler, take caution since scrubbing too hard may cause it to shred or damage the material.

Is it possible for an inflatable floating cooler to sink?

If you operate an inflatable floating cooler with care and prevent puncturing or tearing it, it will be impossible to sink. Aside from that, certain versions are equipped with built-in airbags to prevent them from sinking if they are punctured or torn.

Buy them at Etsy, Walmart, eBay (subject to availability)

Pittman Outdoors PPI-ICELRG Cool Drifter Large Floating Ice Chest Cooler,Multi - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Intex Mega Chill Floating Cooler - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay

SPORTSSTUFF Inflatable Floating Cooler, 60 Quart - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay

WOW World of Watersports Float Fridge 30 Can Capacity Inflatable Cooler, 11-2000 - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay

Inflata Shield Ozark Trail Outdoor Equipment Cooler Float 43276 - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

CoolerZ Floating Inflatable Cooler - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Top Race 18" Inflatable Cooler, Beer Cooler for Parties, Luau Party Supplies for Adults 2 - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Intex Mega Chill, Inflatable Floating Cooler, 35" Diameter - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Intex Mega Chill II, Inflatable Floating Cooler, 48" X 38" - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Conclusion

Floating coolers are a wonderful way to enjoy your pool while keeping your hands free. It is strongly recommended that you get the Airhead Aqua Oasis Beverage Floating Cooler which is the greatest floating cooler we have found so far.

However, the other floating coolers that have been described here are virtually as excellent as they are. With so many options to pick from, we hope that our list has been of use to you in your search for the best floating cooler for your specific needs.