Floating down the river on an inner tube during a hot day is a great way to relax. Getting together with your family and friends to spend the day on the river is always an enjoyable activity. If you’re shopping for an inflatable tube that is comfortable and durable read this guide to choose the best tube for the river.
Riversearch.com is Reader-supported. When you purchase gear through links on our site, we may earn commissions.
Best Inflatable Tubes for the River
- Intex River Run I Sport Lounge, Inflatable Water Float, 53″ Diameter
- Intex 58837EP River Run II Sport Lounge, Inflatable Water Float, 951/2″ x 62″
- Tube In A Box The Original Swim and Snow Tube
- Bestway Rapid Rider Inflatable River Tube Inflatable Tube
- CoolerZ Rapid Rider X4 Inflatable 4-Person Island Tube
1. Intex River Run I Sport Lounge, Inflatable Water Float, 53″ Diameter
– Tube with Cup Holders
Product Features
Brand Name: Intex
Colors: Blue and white
Capacity: 1 Person
The top spot on our list of river tubes goes to the Intex River Run I Sports Lounge. This inflatable tube measures a comfortable 53″ in diameter making it perfect for a relaxing float down the river. This raft features a back-rest for comfort, two handles, and a mesh bottom which is designed to keep you cool. There is also a grab rope around the tube to make it easier to use. There are also two cup holders on each side of the tube. Overall this is an excellent budget-friendly rafting tube with a lot of great features.
2. Intex 58837EP River Run II Sport Lounge, Inflatable Water Float, 951/2″ x 62″
– 2 Person Inflatable Tube with Built-in Cooler
Product Features
Brand Name: Intex
Colors: Blue and white
Capacity: 2 Person
If you’re shopping for an excellent 2 person river floating tube, the Intext River Run 2 Sports Lounge is a great choice. This is very similar to their 1 person model, but designed to comfortably fit two people. There are two side grab handles, two cup holders, two built-in backrests, and a grab rope around the tubes. There is also a mesh bottom for comfort and a mini cooler with a lid built in between the two tubes. Overall this is a very well built inflatable tube with everything you need to float down the river all day.
3. Tube In A Box The Original Swim and Snow Tube – Classic Black Inflatable Tube for Water or Snow
Product Features
Brand Name: Tube In A Box
Colors: Black
Capacity: 1 Person
The next spot on our list of inner tubes for floating goes to the Tube In A Box Original Swim and Snow Tube. This tube is designed to be tear-resistant so you won’t have problems with the tube deflating. They have three sizes of tubes a 36 inch for adults and kids 120 lbs or less, a 40″ tube for people 120-175lbs and a 45″ tube for people weighing up to 280lbs. The best thing about these tubes is that they are built durable and that they have multiple sizes. The drawbacks of these river tubes are that they are just plain black tubes. They don’t have any additional features (though you can purchase a cover which has handles
4. Bestway Rapid Rider Inflatable River Tube Inflatable Tube
– Cheap Inflatable Water Tube
Product Features
Brand Name: Bestway
Colors: Blue or Pink
Capacity: 1 Person
Another excellent inflatable tube for rivers, pools, and lakes is the Bestway River Rapid Inflatable River Tube. This one is an extremely affordable tube made from durable vinyl. The tube measures 53 inches in diameter and has a built-in backrest. The tube has many other additional features two like two side cup holders, two side handles, and a grab rope all around the outside of the tube. Overall this is an excellent value, and if you’re a bargain hunter shopping for one of the cheaper tubes on the market, this might be the one for you.
5. CoolerZ Rapid Rider X4 Inflatable 4-Person Island Tube
– Extra Large 4 Person River Floating Tube
Product Features
Brand Name: CoolerZ
Colors: Blue and Orange, Yellow
Capacity: 4 Person (also offer 1 person and 2 person tubes)
The CoolerZ Rapid Rider 4-Person Island Tube is the perfect extra-large tube for taking your family and friends down the river. This river tube is designed to fit 4 people, so it includes 4 backrest cushions, 4 cup holders, a mesh bottom, and open middle for dipping your feet in the water, and two built-in coolers to hold your beverages and snacks while going down the river. Overall this is an excellent value if you’re looking for something to float 4 people down the river in comfort.
River Floating Inflatable Tube Buying Guide
When shopping for an inflatable tube for rafting down the river, there are few things you may want to look for
- Backrests
- Seating Capacity
- Cup Holders
- Built-in Cooler
How to Choose a River Floating Tube
1. Backrests
These days you will find many models of river floating tubes that have built-in back-rests for additional comfort and support. If you’re going to be floating down the river for several hours, choosing a tube that will keep you comfortable will be important, so this may be a feature you want to look for.
2. Seating Capacity
Another thing you may want to consider is the seating capacity of the river tube. If you want to stay connected to your family, friends, or girlfriend, a 2 person or 4 person tube is a good option.
3. Cup Holders
If you really want to relax in the hot sun while floating down the river (or in a pool or lake) a tube with cup holders can be a good choice. Staying hydrated is important, especially with the sun beating down on you.
4. Built-in Cooler
Some models of the inflatable tubes also have built-in coolers that you can fill with ice to hold multiple beverages and snacks. If you intend to be on the water for several hours, this might be something you look for when purchasing your tube. You may also buy a floating cooler separately, which is another option if you have a tube without one.
