Intex Mega Chill II Inflatable Floating Cooler
Summer Waves Corona Inflatable Floating Cooler
CreekKooler Outdoor Insulated Floating Cooler
When you’re relaxing on the water, there’s one thing that could kill your vibe. Having to get out and fetch yourself a drink. You’ve worked hard all week and all you want to do is chill on your float in the pool or cruise the river in your kayak. You deserve to have a cool beverage close to hand. That’s why you need a floating drinks cooler. We’ve been searching the web for the best floating cooler. Here are our favorite 10 products.
The Best Floating Cooler
1Intex Mega Chill II Inflatable Floating Cooler
The Intex Mega Chill II is our favorite all-around floating inflatable cooler. It does everything a floating cooler should do, without any unnecessary gimmicks. The first thing to mention about this cooler is that it’s a basic float with a large removable ice chest on top. The ice chests can hold up to 72 cans as well as enough ice to keep it cool. That should keep you and a couple of friends busy for at least a couple of hours.
If – for some reason – you don’t want to use the removable ice chest, you can place your cooler on top (up to 48 quarts). Around the base, 6 cup holders fit a can perfectly, so you can go hands-free. Plus, it has four durable handles and Intex’s Connect ‘n’ Float system that allows you to hook it up to your boat or float. For the price, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more durable and versatile pool float cooler. If you are preparing for an outdoor adventure, you need the right cooler for camping, so check out our selection of the best ones on the market.
Removable ice chest
Holds 72 cans + ice
6 cup holders
Connect ‘n’ Float system
4 durable handles
Repair patch included
- BrandIntex
- Model58821EP
- Weight7.4 pounds
2Intex Mega Chill Floating Cooler
We were so impressed by the Intex Mega Chill Cooler 2, we thought we’d include its baby brother on this list as well. Intex Mega Chill Cooler benefits from a lot of the same awesome design features, but it’s slightly smaller and doesn’t hold as many beers. It has a spacious section in the middle that can hold up to 30 cans and ice, without causing the beverage cooler to sink. However, unlike the larger version, the ice chest isn’t removable. On the plus side, it has 5 built-in cup holders and 2 trays to hold all your drinks and goodies. And, it has the same Connect ‘n’ Float system to keep it attached to your boat or float.
The size of this floating drink cooler makes it perfect for couples or small groups. It has enough space in the chest and cup holders for a group of 5. However, if you’re hosting a pool party, we’d recommend going for the bigger version.
Holds 30 cans + ice
5 cup holders
2 trays
Connect ‘n’ Float system
2 durable handles
Repair patch included
- BrandIntex
- Model56822EP
- Weight1 pound
3COOL FLOAT Plastic Floating Cooler
If you’ve got a bit more money to spend, you could go for a solid-plastic floating cooler. COOL FLOAT Plastic Floating Cooler is more expensive than the inflatable versions, but there’s no risk of punctures, so it should last a lot longer. It’s also worth mentioning that the Cool Float was the first floating cooler on the market. They’ve been in this game for years and have barely changed the product since it first came out. That’s because they got it right the first time around. They still have the same product pictures from the 90s.
The cooler holds 18 cans as well as ice. It has 6 cup holders on the outside and 6 small trays, which can be used to hold snacks. The ice chest has a solid lid that you can screw on to keep everything in place and to keep your drinks chilled for longer. If you want a solid and reliable floating drink cooler for pool parties or days on the river, this is still one of the best. There isn’t anything that can go wrong with it. You can also give it as a Christmas gift to somebody who likes spending a lot of time on the water in summer.
Holds 18 cans + ice
Lockable lid
6 cup holders
6 trays
Made in the USA
- BrandCOOL FLOAT
- Weight8 pounds
4Beer Nation Inflatable Beer Pong Table with Cooler
This next float has a built-in beer pong table. What could go wrong? Beer Nation Inflatable Beer Pong Table with Cooler is the perfect floating cooler for pool parties and other social gatherings in the water. In the middle of the float, there’s a cooler that can hold a six-pack of beer and enough ice to keep it chilled. Then, on each side, there are 10 cup holders for you and your friends to throw the pong ball into. There are also 8 extra cup holders around the floating table to keep everyone’s beers steady. As sturdy as this table is, we wouldn’t recommend it to anyone who doesn’t want beer spilling in the pool – it’s going to happen.
The whole table is 6 x 3 feet, which makes it full regulation size (we didn’t know there was such a thing)! One of the best things about this table is that it comes with a 100% Happy Customer Guarantee – if you’re not satisfied with the table in any way, they’ll replace it or give you your money back.
Regulation size beer pong table
10 cup holders each side
8 extra cup holders
Small cooler in the middle
100% Happy Customer Guarantee
- BrandBeer Nation
- Model8541823715
- Weight4 pounds
5GoFloats Giant Party Gator Floating Alligator
It’s every kid’s dream to have an inflatable alligator to ride around the pool on. Well, now you can live out that dream as an adult and the best thing is, this time the dream includes beer! The GoFloats Giant Party Gator wins our award for the most fun floating cooler. It looks exactly like the floating alligator you had as a kid, except it has an ice chest in the middle to hold your drinks.
It’s not the biggest ice chest on this list but it can still hold 20 cans and ice. That should be enough to keep your party going for a while before you refill. Plus, the ice chest has a lid to keep your beers at perfect drinking temperature for longer. It’s also got 4 large cup holders that are big enough to hold standard party cups. We also like the fact that it has 4 built-in grommets so you can tether the Party Gator to your boat or in a fixed spot in the pool. Our only small concern is that it’s made from pretty thin vinyl, so it could tear if you’re not careful. An amazing gift for beer lovers.
Holds 20 cans + ice
6 feet long
4 cup holders
Built-in grommet attachments
- BrandGoFloats
- ModelPG-01
- Weight2.6 pounds
6Sevylor Inflatable Cooler Float
The Sevylor Inflatable Cooler Float is designed for people who already have a cooler and just need a way to make it float. It can facilitate a 28 Quart Coleman Cooler or anything smaller. That should give you enough space to take around 30 cans and ice (or freezer packs) to keep them cool. It’s also got 4 cup holders around the device to hold your beers.
One of the potential downsides of a float like this is that your cooler could end up falling in the water. Fortunately, they’ve solved that problem by adding 2 Snap ‘N’ Stay cords. You just pull these over the top of the cooler and they’ll keep it secured to the float. It’s also made out of pretty thick material, so it’s not likely to burst and deflate. If you’ve already got a cooler that will fit, this is a great way to save money and still have the luxury of a floating pool cooler. Some customers have even used it as a float for their dogs, so it’s pretty versatile.
Fits a Coleman 28 Quart Cooler
4 cup holders
10-gauge PVC (12-gauge bottom)
Snap ‘N’ Stay cords
Double lock fast valve
- BrandSevylor
- Model2000010628
- Weight1.6 pounds
7CreekKooler Outdoor Insulated Floating Cooler
The CreekKooler might look like a military submarine but you can guarantee it’s not going under the water. This is, by far, the most heavy-duty floating cooler on this list. It’s made out of thick plastic and has a dual-wall, blow-molded construction. So, it’s not going to break when it hits a rock or another boat. Inside the cooler, you can fit 30 cans and 20lbs of ice. And, thanks to the 2-inch insulation in the hull and deck, it can keep the ice cold enough not to melt for up to 48 hours. This floating cooler completely outperforms its competitors at keeping your beers colder for longer.
We also love the fact that it has two heavy-duty handles, so you can tow it behind your boat or even drag it on dry ground. This makes it the best floating cooler for kayak fishing, camping, boat trips, and more. If you have the money to spend on a CreekKooler, you can be sure you’re buying the best floating cooler available.
Holds 30 cans + 12lbs ice
Ice retention – 48 hours
Insulation in hull and deck
4 cup holders
2 heavy-duty handles
Dual-wall, blow-molded construction
- BrandCreekKooler
- ModelCK00234R
- Weight18 pounds
8WOW World of Watersports Floating Cooler
The WOW Floating Cooler is one of the most feature-packed floating coolers on the market. The main attraction is the large cooler that can hold 30 cans and enough ice to keep them chilled. It’s also got 4 molded cup holders that can fit a water bottle, can, or party cup. In addition to these, it’s got a special holder for a WOW-Sound speaker, which is the company’s waterproof speaker. That means you can have your drinks and music close to hand when you’re out in the water. One of the best features is the zippered lid. Floating coolers are liable to flip over if things get a bit rowdy. With this lid, your drinks and snacks will stay secured in the center compartment.
One thing that surprised us about this cooler is how tough it is. It looks like it would pop pretty easily, but it’s made from heavy-duty PVC. That means it can handle the general wear and tear that a floating cooler is likely to go through. It’s also backed by a 1-year warranty, so if it does get damaged, you should be able to get a refund or replacement.
Holds 30 cans + ice
Zippered ice chest
4 cup holders
Holder for WOW-SOUND Speaker
Tote handles
- BrandWOW Sports
- Weight369243
9TRC Recreation Super Soft Folding Cooler
This next floating cooler is another non-inflatable option. Instead of inflatable material, this company has used a high-quality, closed-cell foam, which is naturally buoyant thanks to the air inside each cell. The obvious benefit of this is that it can never be popped, so it should last a lifetime. The downside is that it’s more expensive and it doesn’t have the same capacity as some of the cheaper, inflatable products. TRC Recreation Super Soft Folding Cooler can still hold a healthy 18 cans and enough ice to keep them at the perfect drinking temperature. Plus, it has 2 cup holders and a slot in the middle, which appears to be for a smartphone (we wouldn’t recommend taking your smartphone in the water, no matter how badly you want to take selfies). It would be an ideal floating cooler for camping trips and for river trips because it’s naturally stable in the water and doesn’t pop easily.
Made from closed-cell foam
Holds 18 cans + ice
2 cup holders
Extra slot
- BrandTRC Recreation
- Model8841026
- Weight6 pounds
10Summer Waves Corona Inflatable Bottle Cap and Lime Floating Cooler
The last product on our list is the definition of cheap and cheerful. At less than $15, Summer Waves Corona Inflatable Bottle Cap and Lime Floating Cooler is easily the cheapest floating cooler on this list and we’d still recommend it for pool parties and other light-use. It’s not going to stand up well on a white-water rafting adventure. It doesn’t say exactly how many drinks it can hold, but we’d guess around 10 + ice. It’s got a Corona beer cap-style lid, to keep your drinks chilled. And, there are 4 in-built cup holders around the base. It’s a great budget option, but you will have to be careful not to pop it – the PVC tube isn’t thick enough to take much of a beating.
Holds approx 10 cans + ice
4 cup holders
Corona beer cap lid
Inflates quickly
- BrandSummer Waves
- ModelKF0226B00167
- Weight2.5 pounds