Heavy may receive a commission if you purchase a product through a link on this page.

15 Best River Floating Tubes: Your Buyer’s Guide

What beats floating down the river on a hot summer day? Whether you frequently enjoy floats down your local stream or look forward to a big annual river trip, our list of the best river floating tubes will take your aquatic adventures to the next level!

Price: $ – $
15 Listed Items

Selecting The Right River Floating Tube

When purchasing a river floating tube, definitely consider where exactly you plan on using the inflatable.

If the river or stream you enjoy floating has obstacles and hazards like overgrown trees, protruding rocks, and swifter rapids, then it goes without saying you'll need a particularly tough tube to handle the abuse.

If where you enjoy floating is more of a slower, wide open lazy river setting, then you'll be fine with one of the cheaper vinyl options.

Whatever style river you're looking to float, don't forget to purchase some wading shoes to protect your feet in the water if you don't already own a pair, and don't forget about some of the awesome river-floating accessories like an inflatable cooler for everyone's beer!

Play Boats for Kids

Seeking an inflatable or hard boat for the kiddos with a focus on fun? We've tracked down the best play boats for kids within our top list so you can find just the right Jr. vessel!

Our list of the best kids kayaks has also pinned down some killer options for river floats, days at the lake, and beyond!

Inflatable SUPs

While stand up paddle boards are sometimes not suitable for river floating, they can be a blast depending on the water flow and hazards. Many options can even support multiple passengers, so they can be a blast for group floats. Check out our top list of the best inflatable SUPs for some awesome options.

Portable Kayaks

Love the idea of running your favorite river or stream in a kayak but don't have the cargo space to transport your own boat? Our list of the best portable kayaks might have some options that are compatible with your vehicle and/or storage space.

Don't forget to check out our roundup of the best kayak storage systems while you're toying with the idea for some inspiration on how and where to stash your boat and other gear.