7 Best Water Inflatable Tubes for Your Next Family Trip

Summer or not, water inflatable tubes can make water activities more enjoyable for the family. Whether you want to get your adrenaline rushing and have fun in the water or lounge to relax, you can never go wrong with an inflatable. If you’re trying to get one for your next trip, you may find the options available overwhelming.

That’s why this article has compiled a list of the best inflatable tube picks on the market. Find out what benefits and features they offer to enhance your water experience. Learn which tube would be most suitable for your adventure needs and preferences.

7 Best Inflatable Tube Picks for Your Water Adventures

Best Banana Float: Island Hopper 10-Person Banana Boat Tube

Using a banana boat is one of the best ways to enjoy the water with your loved ones. This Island Hopper 10-Person Banana Boat Tube is a premium inflatable that’s popular for its durable construction and end-to-end quality. It’s available in three different models: the original, Whale Ride, and the Red Shark. They differ in terms of design, as the original looks like a classic yellow and blue banana boat.

You can use this banana boat tube not just for transporting people over water but to transport equipment as well. All models also have an advanced UV-resistant coating for extra protection and durability. With its innovative side-by-side seating design, you and your family will have a lot of space.

Specifications:

• Dimensions (LxW): 17 x 8 feet
• Max Load: 1800 lbs
• Passenger Capacity: 10
• Material: Heavy-grade 1100 Denier reinforced PVC

Pros:

• No assembly is required
• It comes with an air pump, a storage bag, and a carry bag
• 5 valve and 5 air chamber construction for choppy water and ocean use
• Extended stainless steel D-ring tow harness
• Double reinforced seats, knuckles, and footings
• Resistant to abrasion and temperature

Cons:

• It can be pricey for some buyers

Best for Rivers: NRS Wild River Float Tube

If your family wants to try other locations, like the river, you need a suitable tube like the NRS Wild River Float Tube. This is a round water float tube that offers a lot of toughness, making it ideal to use against the currents of a river. It comes with padded handles that you can use when the ride gets exciting. They also make it easier to carry the tube from one place to another.

One unique feature of this float tube is that it’s available in a version with a non-removable mesh floor for support and security. If there are young children in your family, this version can be a better option for them.

Specifications:

• Total Diameter: 45 inches
• Max Load: Not Specified
• Passenger Capacity: 1
• Material: 28-gauge PVC Air Chamber covered with 840-denier nylon and 34-oz coated polyester

Pros:

• Durable PVC inner bladder
• Reliable Leafield C7 valve for easy inflation and deflation
• Reinforced stainless D-ring for attaching other items to the tube
• Removable cover

Cons:

• Available in blue color only
• Buyers report the valve being not aligned with the opening, making it challenging to inflate

Best for Pools: CoTa Global Inflatable Pool Float Tube

The swimming pool is a popular go-to place for some family time and vacation. For a suitable tube for pool water, you can get a CoTa Global Inflatable Pool Float Tube for you and your family members. It’s a classic round, donut tube design that can last for a long time. Aside from the pool, you can also use it on the beach.

One of its best features is that you can easily inflate this tube using a manual pump, by mouth, or with an air pump. This makes it easy to set up for on-the-go floating capabilities. You and your kids can use it to just lounge and relax in the pool.

Specifications:

• Total Diameter: 36 inches
• Max Load: 275 lbs
• Passenger Capacity: 1
• Material: Premium PVC vinyl 

Pros:

• UV and tear-resistant
• Available in 8 different colors
• It comes with a repair patch
• Chic design
• Extremely affordable

Cons:

• It doesn’t come with any other accessories

Best for Multiple People: RAVE #Epic 3-Person Towable Boat Tube

If you want to have more exciting moments in the water, go for the RAVE #Epic 3-Person Towable Boat Tube. You can choose to sit on the tub using its backrest or opt to ride it chariot-style for more excitement. Aside from being durable, it’s also built with safety in mind, as it comes with handles to keep everyone on board with every wave and turn they face.

Specifications:

• Dimensions (LxWxH): 78 x 77 x 34 inches
• Max Load: 510 lbs
• Passenger Capacity: 3
• Material: Heavy-duty 28-gauge PVC bladder with 420D/840D Nylon Cover

Pros:

• Comfortably and safely holds 3 riders at once
• Durable material and construction
• It has a Boston valve for quick inflation and deflation
• It comes with a patch kit and a 1-year warranty
• Quick connect tow points

Cons:

• Available in one color or design only (red and yellow)
• Weight capacity makes the tube more ideal for kids' use

Best Towable: Airhead Chariot 1-2 Rider Warbird 2

If you only need an inflatable for you and your partner, the Airhead Chariot Warbird 2 Towable Boat Tube is a good option. It’s specifically designed to provide comfort and security for two riders only. It’s a versatile towable tube that comes with high-back recumbent seating and knee and knuckle guards. Plus, with dual two points, you can choose your favorite ride style.

Specifications:

• Dimensions (LxW): 82 x 92 inches (deflated)
• Max Load: Not Specified
• Passenger Capacity: 2
• Material: Heavy-gauge PVC bladders with heavy-duty full nylon cover

Pros:

• Double webbing foam handles
• Kwik-Connect tow point for fast hook-ups
• Patented speed safety valve
• EVA padding for comfort

Cons:

• Some users report leaks in different areas of the tube

Best Raft: BRIS 13ft Inflatable White Water Inflatable Boat Floating Tube

The BRIS 13ft Inflatable River Raft is the perfect raft you need if you prefer thrilling water adventures. It’s a durable inflatable that’s resistant to both tearing and punctures, making it ideal in fast and intense water currents, like in rivers or the sea. Even in extreme humidity, it won’t easily get damaged thanks to its heat-welded seams and quadruple overlap.

Some of its best features are its removable high-pressure drop stitch floor and its unique self-bailing system. These ensure stability and optimum performance. It even comes with three inflatable thwarts that are detachable.

Specifications:

• Dimensions (LxW): 156 x 18.8 inches 
• Max Load: Not Specified
• Passenger Capacity: 8
• Material: 2000 Dtex 1.2mm PVC fabric

Pros:

• Safety valves for overinflation prevention
• Its bottom is covered with protective rubber
• Thick, premium PVC material
• It comes with a lot of accessories like a pump, repair kit, and a carrying bag

Cons:

• It can be pretty heavy when inflated

Best Deck Tube: Jobe Droplet 2-Person Towable

Deck tubes like the Jobe Droplet 2-Person Towable Tube are the best inflatables for fast rides. Unlike other tubes, you commonly use and ride this type of tube while lying on your stomach. Since you need strong grips for fast rides, this tube comes with soft and grippy handles to ensure your safety while bumping over the waves. It even features a quick connector for easy towing.

Specifications:

• Diameter: 66.9 inches 
• Max Load: Not Specified
• Passenger Capacity: 2
• Material: 28G PVC with 420 Denier nylon cover

Pros:

• 3-year warranty
• Double-stitched nylon for durability
• Handles have foam for comfortable grips
• Suitable for towing off the back of a jetski

Cons:

• Available in one color or design only

Conclusion

Inflatable tubes offer comfort, support, and security for all kinds of water adventures. Whether it’s an exciting and intense activity or a relaxing one, you can easily find a quality one that would suit your needs. To determine the best tube to get, think about what you plan to use it for, who will use it, and your budget. If you want to check out more product options, you can visit our water inflatable tube collection.