The summer months are sneaking up on us. Especially after the year we’ve just had, I’m sure we’re all itching to get outside and do something. You can’t really separate summer and water, so everyone will want to be engaging in some fun poolside activities while they socialize as much as possible.
An amazing way to make the pool or lake that much more fun for everyone is with a good floating water mat, and we’re going to help you find the best one. By the time you finish our list, we promise you’ll have found the perfect floating water mat that will let you get all of the pros of the water and dry land simultaneously.
Carry on reading to see our full list of the best floating water mats, followed by a recap breaking down what makes each product on our list stand out. Or jump straight to our number #1 pick on Amazon here.
What Should I Look For When Buying a Floating Water Mat?
If you’ve never bought a floating water mat before, it’s probably a good idea to learn what to look for. Even if you have bought a mat for your pool in the past, it’s never a bad idea to review a little. Besides, we want you to understand the thought process we had while we made our list. This will help you learn what separates the good mats from the bad and understand how each product earned its spot on our list. We also hope that reading our short and simple rubric will give you the tools you need to conduct your own further research if we can’t find your ideal water mat.
Criteria #1: Weight Capacity – Your water mat isn’t magical, and it can only support a certain amount of weight. Of course, everyone weighs a different amount, which means that this criterion will be more important to some customers than to others. You also may want a mat that’s just for you, whereas someone else will want to lounge on the water with a buddy or two. That being said, a higher weight limit is never a bad thing, and we’re sure you’ll find something to do with that wiggle room. We want to show you the strongest floating water mats out there.
Criteria #2: Size – Just as with our first criterion, the size of your mat will be more important depending on how big you are and on how many people plan on using the mat. But unlike weight capacity, there might actually be a con to having extra space, in that it’s more material to deal with. We can’t weigh that decision for you, but we can give you the measurements of all of the products on our list. One thing’s for sure – a mat that’s much too short is useless. That’s why, all things being equal, we’re going to give the benefit of the doubt to larger floating water mats.
Criteria #3: Design – Every mat is going to be a little different. Some will be inflatable, while others will be roll-up. Some roll-up mats will have a buckle to lock them in place while others won’t. And, of course, mats will be made out of different materials. A lot of what we’re looking at in a design comes down to your personal taste, but we’ll make sure to give you all of the relevant information and make the pros and cons as clear as possible.
Criteria #4: Price – We’re not here to make you spend a ton of money for no reason. Meeting this criterion is less about being cheap and more about justifying your price. We’d rather buy an expensive product that’s cheaper than it should be than waste money on a cheaper product that isn’t worth the money and that will just break on you or not perform well.
Here’s How We’ve Determined the Best Floating Water Mats
We measured the specs of the top products on the market against our listed criteria to see how they held up and if they’re worth buying. We then checked customer reviews, blog posts, and “best floating water mats” articles to see if the products on our list performed as advertised. We’ll also make sure to include a wide variety of products that covers different niches and price points. This way, everyone can find the perfect product that will satisfy their needs and their budget.
And without further ado, here is our list – tailored to your specific needs – of the best floating water mats.
#1: Aqua Leisure Floating Party Platform (Best Value – All-Purpose)
Our list starts off with the simple but effective Aqua Leisure Floating Party Platform, which offers everything you need in an accessible package. Our top-ranked floating water mat measures 11 x 5.6 feet and boasts a weight capacity of 1000 pounds. Things will get crowded way before you come even close to approaching the weight limit.
The Aqua Leisure Floating Party Platform also features a mesh design of cozi-soft fabric that’s advertised as being 60% thicker than the average floating water mat. This floating water mat is also inflatable, which means it’ll be just about as easy as possible to travel with when it’s not in use. Plus, thanks to the in-out air valves, both inflation and deflation of the Aqua floating water mat should be quick and easy. Just make sure you have the recommended AC/DC air mat.
Finally, the Aqua Leisure Floating Party Platform boasts zippers on three out of the four sides that will let you attach this floating water mat to other mats in order to make it even larger. Just grab a few friends, join mats, and before you know it, you’ll have taken over the entire ocean.
The Aqua Leisure Floating Party Platform features mooring loops to attach to boats, which means it can be used for function as much as just for fun. You’ll always have an easy way to get from your boat to dry land, or you can just have a personal little water deck attached to your sea vessel.
This floating water mat has been praised for its easy inflation and for its size and stability, and it comes at a great price. That combination of price and performance makes the Aqua Leisure Floating Party Platform the best deal on the market, which in turn makes it our best floating water mat.
#2: CoolerZ Tropical Breeze II Inflatable Floating Island (Best Splurge)
The best deal isn’t always the best product for you, which is why some customers might want to pass on the Aqua Leisure Floating Party Platform. If you’ve decided you want to splurge and make your summer as pleasant as possible, then you’ll probably want our second-ranked CoolerZ Tropical Breeze II Inflatable Floating Island. The name “Floating Island” is more apt than you can possibly imagine, and you’ll feel like royalty if you buy this water mat. Here are the big selling points that will convince you to pass on our top-ranked floating water mat and spend the big bucks to buy the CoolerZ Tropical Breeze II Inflatable Floating Island.
Reason #1 to Choose This Product: Attached Canopy
I find myself forgetting or neglecting to apply sunscreen way too often, and if you’re like me, then you’ll want to buy a water mat that doesn’t leave you out in the sun getting cooked like a lobster. Luckily for you, the CoolerZ Tropical Breeze II Inflatable Floating Island comes with an attachable canopy that will keep you out of the sun and enjoying that nice breeze on the water. Get a water mat that feels like a little house on the ocean by purchasing the CoolerZ Tropical Breeze II Inflatable Floating Island.
Reason #2 to Choose This Product: Convenient Cupholders
No matter how stable any water mat claims to be, there’s going to be some movement. After all, the water isn’t staying perfectly still, so it’s pretty much impossible for your mat to do so. That means that, if you want to brink a nice ice-cold drink onto your floating water mat, you’ll need to make sure you have somewhere to keep it. Enter the amazing cupholders of the CoolerZ Tropical Breeze II Inflatable Floating Island. This luxurious water mat is fitted with several cupholders all around the perimeter, so everybody will be able to keep their drink safe while you enjoy the summer lifestyle.
In addition to the personal cupholders, the CoolerZ Tropical Breeze II Inflatable Floating Island features two larger holes that are perfect for placing a small bag or ice bucket to keep bottles cold for the whole gang.
On top of the bougie canopy and the convenient cupholders, the CoolerZ Tropical Breeze II Inflatable Floating Island features a back lining the entire mat, and an indent to lower your feet so you can comfortably sit down. It measures 10.5 x 9.5 x 2 Feet and has a weight capacity of 800 pounds. Finally, it also has an attachable mini mat that makes it easy to climb aboard from the water or safely get to the shore.
There’s not really any way to sugar-coat it, it’s expensive. But it’s fun for the whole family, and after hearing about all of those amazing features, I dare you to tell me with a straight face that the CoolerZ Tropical Breeze II Inflatable Floating Island isn’t worth the money. Buy this floating water castle and live your best life.
#3: Wow Inflatable Floating Water Walkway (Best Flexible Option)
If you’re tired of finding a floating water mat that has everything you’re looking for but isn’t the right size, then check out the Wow Inflatable Floating Water Walkway. The Wow Inflatable Floating Water Walkway is made from heavy-duty 30 Gauge PVC, and that gives it the strength necessary for its 900-pound weight limit. It also boasts water-resistant foam that helps it dry quickly, and it can be inflated with an electric or automatic pump. Couple that with its quick deflation speed, and the Wow Inflatable Floating Water Walkway is just about the most convenient option out there.
Just like our number one floating water mat, the Wow Inflatable Floating Water Walkway features zippers that let it attach to other mats, so you can get creative with how big you want your water mat to be. On top of that, it offers amazing stability, and, as the title implies, Wow actually recommends using it as a walkway from the boat to dry land.
Finally, the Wow Inflatable Floating Water Walkway is also one of the cheapest products on our list. If you want to make sure you have a convenient mat that will be ready for any occasion, buy the Wow Inflatable Floating Water Walkway.
#4: Intex Giant Inflatable Floating Mat (Best Low Cost)
If you took a second to look at all of the floating water mats out there, you’ll know just how good a job we’ve done so far of keeping things cheap. But “cheap” is a relative term, and we know that most of our mats might still be outside your budget. That’s why we made sure to include the Intex Giant Inflatable Floating Mat, which is the best way to relax on the water without ruining your saving plan. For less than a full tank of gas, you can be living the life on the water.
This budget water mat is a pretty simple case of “you get what you pay for” but that’s not to say it’s a bad product. The Intex Giant Inflatable Floating Mat measures 9.5 x 7 feet and has a weight capacity of 600 pounds. That may be light compared to our other products, but it’s still big enough and strong enough to fit 3 fairly large individuals. Plus, thanks to its “connect ‘N float” connectors, you can buy two of these mats, connect them, and have a massive mat that’s still cheaper than pretty much any other water mat out there.
There’s not much else to say, so I won’t waste my breath. If you want to live the water mat lifestyle without emptying out your bank account, spend your pocket change on the Intex Giant Inflatable Floating Mat.
Why Are Floating Mats So Expensive?
Floating water mats are much more expensive than most customers probably expect. After all, it’s just a mat that you throw on top of the water, so what’s the big deal? Unfortunately, the durability required to hold up several full-sized adults requires a lot of material. Adding thickness for increased durability will also impact the price of your mat. Of course, the good news is that these products are built to last, so you should be getting your money’s worth from your mat, and you don’t need to worry that you’ll be replacing it every season.
How Do I Anchor My Floating Water Mat?
As we’ve mentioned, most of our products have some mechanism that will help you fasten them to a dock or boat. That’s usually a simple manner of tying your mat to the other point of interest with a sturdy rope. Of course, if you want to stay put without using a boat or a dock, things get a little tougher. Then you need to make a proper anchor, and since you’re not a pirate, I’m going to assume you’ve never done that before.
The first step is to buy quality anchor, which, ideally, will be a shock-absorbent bungee rope. These ropes are designed to make sure that, in the case of strong winds, the rope absorbs the force and keeps your anchor in place doing its job. The next step is to attach a buoy to the other end of your anchor line, which is usually as simple as using a steel snap hook. Then just attach it all to your mat, and you’re good to go. Remember that anchor lines do get worn down over time, so you’ll want to check on your rope periodically.
How Do I Roll Up My Floating Mat?
The actual rolling up process is pretty simple. Just start from one end, make sure to keep everything nice and tight, and then fasten your mat once you’re done rolling it up from the foot to the head. Of course, there are some important details you’ll need to remember. Namely, make sure to hose off your mat and wash off any debris, and make sure to let it dry completely before you roll it up. After that, you’re good to go and ready to be on your way.
Verdict: Your Best Floating Water Mats
We’re reaching the end of our list, and you’re hopefully starting to get a good idea of which of our products is best for you. But if you haven’t made up your mind yet, not to worry. We don’t want to rush, and we know how important it is to make sure you’re getting the floating water mats that’s perfect for you. That’s why we’re going to recap all of our floating water mats and focus on their standout features. This way, you’ll be able to see the highlights and really know what each product has to offer for you.
If you want the best value for your money, pick the Aqua Leisure Floating Party Platform.
Our number one pick boasts a large frame of 11 x 5.6 feet and a high weight limit of 1000 pounds. That’s enough room for the whole family, and you’ll have some weight leftover for the dog. The Aqua Leisure Floating Party Platform boasts being 60% thicker than other mats, so you know you’ll have a comfortable and durable mat that will last for years to come.
Tack on the convenient inflatable build and the zippered sides that let you add extra mats on for even more room, and the Aqua Leisure Floating Party Platform really is the full package. Of course, it also has one of the most competitive price tags on the market, and that’s what makes the Aqua Leisure Floating Party Platform the best deal out there.
If you need the most luxurious experience possible, pick the CoolerZ Tropical Breeze II Inflatable Floating Island.
I’m having trouble thinking of a feature the CoolerZ Tropical Breeze II Inflatable Floating Island doesn’t have. It doesn’t come with a butler. That’s technically a flaw, right? Well, other than a butler, it offers pretty much everything you could reasonably expect from your water mat – from cupholders to a canopy. As pricey as it is, there’s really just no way to argue that the CoolerZ Tropical Breeze II Inflatable Floating Island isn’t worth it. So if you want the water mat that makes every other mat on the market look like the wooden raft from Castaway, then pull out your wallet and buy the CoolerZ Tropical Breeze II Inflatable Floating Island.
If you want to keep the spending cheap, pick the Intex Giant Inflatable Floating Mat.
We’ve made it very clear how expensive floating water mats can be, and that just makes the Intex Giant Inflatable Floating Mat even more impressive. You’re not even suffering a big hit in terms of performance. You’re really just getting a smaller mat, but it’s still big enough for multiple people. It can support up to 600 pounds, so a lot of customers might say that’s a pretty small sacrifice. If it’s not big enough, just use the hooks to attach it to another mat. It’ll still be cheaper than the rest of the competition, and you’ll have a massive mat that will leave you feeling like the ruler of the seas. Save your hard-earned cash by purchasing the Intex Giant Inflatable Floating Mat.
That brings us to the conclusion of our article. Hopefully you’ve made a decision, but if the highlighted water mats above didn’t grab your attention, you might be more interested in the adjustable and portable Wow Inflatable Floating Water Walkway.
Remember, each of our water mats have a feature or two that separates it from the crowd, so this is what you’ll want to focus on while you make your purchase. Of course, you also may want to decide what feature is most important to you before hand and work backwards from there. We also purposefully kept our list pretty cheap, but if you’re willing to splurge for a bona fide water house, there are plenty of luxury mats out there for you.
In any case, that’s all for now. We hope our list has helped you, and we hope you find the perfect water mat to enjoy the pool or lake.