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Best Floating Water Mats

Updated December 2018
Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.
Bottom Line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Misson
Boat Gear Reef Mat Inflatable Floating Dock Water Lounge
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Bottom Line

A super firm and strong inflatable that comes in 3 sizes, all of which roll up to a compact size for transport and storage.

Pros

Users universally loved this mat, which is made from highly durable yet soft material used by the navy. It doesn’t sink at all, to the point where you can do yoga on it while in the water or lay on it and not get wet. Comes with a hand pump for inflation and deflates into a small size for storage (larger sizes include a storage bag.) Made by a U.S. company of boating enthusiasts in Lake Minnetonka.

Cons

It cannot be towed behind a boat, even slowly, since the mat has a tendency to submarine in this instance. A high price point.

Aqua Lily Products
Floating Foam Fun Pad Designed for Water Recreation and Relaxing
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Bottom Line

The “lily pad” style of mat does not require inflation.

Pros

Measures 6' x 14' to make a whole floating island, and can support up to 1,000 lbs., enough to hold the whole family. The float uses a 2-layer cross-linked foam material with a patented FlexCore, which is only 1-3/8" thick and is very comfortable to lay on.

Cons

While it only weights 25 pounds and is designed to be rolled up for storage, some users found this difficult. It’s a pricey option.

Best Bang for the Buck
Intex
Giant Inflatable Floating Mat
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Bottom Line

The big daddy of mats at 9' 5" by 7', at a very attractive price point.

Pros

Unique design keeps users floating right at the water's surface so you keep wet and cool in the water. Can take a lot of people and even some gear such as a cooler. Soft to the touch and comfortable to lay on. It can also be connected to other floats.

Cons

Does require inflation and may get punctured, but at this price, that’s not a deal breaker.

Redneck Convent
Jumbo Water Mat Floating Island
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Bottom Line

A huge lily-pad style mat that measures 18' by 6'.

Pros

Made from double-layered cross-linked polyethylene foam, this can take a huge payload of kids and adults. No inflation needed, and it comes with a bungee and heavy-duty carabiner to tether to a boat or dock as well as straps for storage and transport. Light and easy to carry.

Cons

Some cracking and degrading of the material over time. Not an inexpensive product.

Float N Sled
Swim Raft that Never Deflates
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Bottom Line

Does double duty as a swim raft and a snow sled.

Pros

A smaller size at 3' by 6', this consists of a set of buoyant foam floats that are inserted into a tough vinyl outer shell – no inflation needed. An adult can easily stand up on the raft – some even used it as a makeshift paddle board. A front attachment means it can be towed behind a boat, while the 6 handles are handy for snow sledding. This mat fits a few kids (and dogs) at a time. A good mid-range price point.

Cons

Can get water inside making it too heavy to lift.

How we decided

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

  • 12 Models Considered
  • 6 Hours Researched
  • 1 Experts Interviewed
  • 254 Consumers Consulted
    • Zero products received from manufacturers.

    We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

    Why trust BestReviews?
    BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.
    BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers.
    BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.

    Floating water mats are most often foam mats designed for water use. They are made in a rectangular shape similar to their inflatable counterparts. Floating Water Mats tend to be more versatile and durable than a traditional inflatable float. Many of them will support you so you can stand on it in the water. Some floating water mats are quite large, providing an island-like space many people can enjoy at the same time. Others are sized for 1 or 2 individuals. The foam mats are more difficult to store than inflatable mats. Their advantage comes in the fact that they will not fail as readily with wear and tear.

    The team that worked on this review
    • Eliza
      Eliza
      Production Manager
    • Enid
      Enid
      Editor
    • Melinda
      Melinda
      Web Producer
    ×

    Misson

    Boat Gear Reef Mat Inflatable Floating Dock Water Lounge

    Misson

    Boat Gear Reef Mat Inflatable Floating Dock Water Lounge

    A super firm and strong inflatable that comes in 3 sizes, all of which roll up to a compact size for transport and storage.
    $0
    ×

    Aqua Lily Products

    Floating Foam Fun Pad Designed for Water Recreation and Relaxing

    Aqua Lily Products

    Floating Foam Fun Pad Designed for Water Recreation and Relaxing

    The “lily pad” style of mat does not require inflation.
    $533
    ×

    Intex

    Giant Inflatable Floating Mat

    Intex

    Giant Inflatable Floating Mat

    The big daddy of mats at 9' 5" by 7', at a very attractive price point.
    $37
    ×

    Redneck Convent

    Jumbo Water Mat Floating Island

    Redneck Convent

    Jumbo Water Mat Floating Island

    A huge lily-pad style mat that measures 18' by 6'.
    $403
    ×

    Float N Sled

    Swim Raft that Never Deflates

    Float N Sled

    Swim Raft that Never Deflates

    Does double duty as a swim raft and a snow sled.
    $249

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