Pontoon boats are well known for being a source of fun on the lake. Due to their minimal wake and smaller outboard engines, pontoon boats are perfect for lounging and coving. This list was made to demonstrate some of the best inflatable lake floats for hanging out at the lake, bay, or river. Lake floats include features such as detachable canopies, recessed cup holders, and inflatable pillows. Additionally, some people appreciate moving around while floating so we have selected the best floating saddles as well.
If you are in a rush below are a few of our favorite lake floats.
| Image | Title | Why We Like | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Bestway Floating Island | Best Overall |  | Check Price |
 | Aqua Glide Water Park | Best Water Park | | Check Price |
 | Rubber Dockie Floating Mat | Best Floating Mat | | Check Price |
 | Intex Floating Mat | Best Value Mat | | Check Price |
 | Solstice Floating Dock | Best Floating Dock | | Check Price |
Lake Float Considerations
Rules and Regulations
Some bodies of water have specific rules pertaining to large floats. You need to research the regulations governing the body of water where you intend to use the float.
Budget
Floats range in price starting from about $100. They can also cost thousands of dollars depending on the brand and features. Determine you budget beforehand to help select the float which best suits your needs.
Location
There are multi-functional lake floats, which means they can be used in lakes, swimming pools, bays, and rivers. It is vital to consider if the float can be used on your desired water body.
Accessories
One essential accessory for a lake float is a good quality electric pump to inflate the float. It is also an intelligent decision to invest in a repair kit for any holes.
Transportation
Boat owners should ensure their pontoon boats can store lake floats. Anyone operating their craft with an already inflated lake float should ensure a proper rope is available to secure the float.
Best Lake Floats
Bestway Tropical Breeze 6 Person Inflatable Float
The Bestway Tropical Breeze 6 person inflatable float is not the biggest, or the most extravagant, but the combination of awesome features puts this inflatable float at the top of our list. It comes packed with features including a removable sun shade, back cushions, cup holders, as well as a built in cooler. If you own this raft you would have a hard time leaving the lake.
Intex Splash ‘N Chill Inflatable Float
If you came to the lake to party and catch up with friends then this is the raft for you. Comfort is key with the Intex Splash ‘N Chill inflatable float. It offers four full sized seats with back and head rests and a triple “lounger” section for some heavy duty chillin’. Intex provides a couple of ramps to get on and off. Otherwise you can always swim up through the the middle and probably scared your friends in the process.
People who purchased this float really like the size. It is huge and can probably fit more people than advertised, especially kids. The cupholders have plastic sleeves so they are a lot easier to use than a vinyl cupholder. As with all of these large inflatable floats, the biggest complaint is it acts like a sail if you tie it up to your dock overnight. Also, the dreaded leak has ruined a few people’s weekend, so we suggest you test it before heading down to the lake.
This one is definitely an over the top attention grabber and a must have if you are looking to chill out with 6-7 of your closest friends.
Intex 5 Person Inflatable Float
For a small family or a group of friends, the Intex 5-person inflatable float is a great way to enjoy the lake. Each seat has a cozy backrest and armrests for spending time lazing, partying or lounging. There are four cup holders provided to hold beverages or drinks, while a mesh center allows feet to keep cool. A rope ladder is provided on the side for entering or leaving the raft. To keep the raft in place, an anchor bag is included that may be filled with sand or weights. Overall, the Intex float meets all requirements to be the perfect companion for fun times in the water.
Aqua Glide Water Park
Aquaglide’s water park isn’t just one float, it is a huge assortment of inflatable water features. The only reason the waterpark isn’t at the top of the list is because most of the features are so gigantic that we wouldn’t even think about putting them on a pontoon boat. Just to name a few, you can get the following features from Aqua Glide to build out your water park: bouncing dome, catapult, climbing structures, slides, climbing walls, hamster wheel, see saws, volleyball courts, trampolines, pools, rafts, towables, and the list goes on and on! If it has ever been a dream of yours to setup a huge inflatable water park, then Aqua Glide is a great place to start!
Rubber Dockie Floating Water Mat
Sometimes the simplest floats are the best, and you don’t get much more simple than the Rubber Dockie floating mat! No cupholders, no frills, no coolers. However, what it lacks in features it makes up in high quality construction, an amazing ability to float, and the ability to roll up easily for storage. The Rubber Dockie floating pad is known for its superior quality and bungee cord tether that comes in handy when off of your pontoon boat. This mat quickly becomes the life of the party for kids and adults alike.
Intex Giant Inflatable Floating Mat
The Intex giant inflatable floating mat is pretty similar to the other floating mats on the list, but it does have a few differences that we wanted to point out that make this one of the best floating mats. First and foremost is the price. A lot of other mats cost $400 – $500. This Intex mat is under $100!
This mat is highly rated by people who have purchased it. It is worth noting, this mat is inflatable, so it’s not as sturdy as the typical solid foam mat. This means that it’s a little more difficult to walk on so you have to keep an eye on the kids. More frequent falls will lead to more frequent instances of kids getting under the mat. You always have to watch the kids around one of these mats.
Otherwise, this float is very sturdy and comfortable. Adults love to lounge on it, and the design is pretty nice. The “waffles” allow water to easily get on the raft so you can stay cool. Another bonus is that it’s inflatable. You can easily deflate the mat for transportation and avoid the cumbersome nature of the traditional “roll up” foam mat. This one is definitely on the top of our list for a great value and a very fun raft to have on your pontoon boat.
Airhead Sun Comfort Saddle
The Airhead sun comfort saddle falls into the “simpler is better” category. Noodles have held the top spot for this category for a long time. But this floating saddle and other similar products starting showing up about 10 years ago. From personal experience, we know you need 2-3 noodles to get a good float. So if you can use one saddle instead, then it’s well worth the convenience and price.
This Airhead sun comfort saddle is made out of a closed cell foam that is environmentally friendly and super durable. They are really simple, and they keep you afloat much better. While these saddles are not inflatable, we can’t help but mention these glorious floats since they are vital to a good “coving” day on the lake!
Solstice Inflatable Floating Dock
We have been searching far and wide for a solid inflatable floating dock, and we finally found what we were looking for with the Solstice inflatable floating dock. It’s an awesome combination of an inflatable float and a solid-surface rigid dock. This series of inflatable rectangular docks come in a variety of sizes depending on your exact needs. Now, we are not going to guarantee that this inflatable dock isn’t going leak, but this series has a great chance of impressing family and friends with a fun, comfortable, and portable dock.
Jasonwell Inflatable Floating Beer Pong Table
Who doesn’t love beer pong? Especially beer pong while you are wading in the water? This inflatable beer pong table from Jasonwell is perfect because it comes with a built in cooler and built-in cup holders for the game and extra drinks. If you are using this in a lake or deep body of water be sure to bring some floatables, like the Airhead saddles, to sit on while you are playing. Purchasers of this ingenious beer pong table love it because the cupholders fit a regular Solo cup, there is a smaller cup holder specifically made for ping pong balls, and it seems to hold air quite well. For the unlucky few it sometimes develops a small leak.
Conclusion
In conclusion, inflatable lake floats are a must-have for anyone looking to enhance their time on the water. Whether you’re lounging solo, hosting a floating party, or enjoying a day of family fun, the right float can make all the difference. With so many options available, from compact loungers to expansive multi-person inflatables, there’s a perfect float for every occasion. Invest in a high-quality, durable design that suits your needs, and get ready to create unforgettable memories on the lake. Relax, unwind, and let the water carry your cares away!
