In this guide to the best inflatable swim docks and floating mats, we review and recommend the best portable inflatable swim docks for giving you extra play and lounge space on the lake.
In addition, we’ll cover important floating dock features and design: Some inflatable floating docks float higher and are more stable than others. Some pack for travel while others are too bulky for most cars. The best inflatable floating docks are rugged enough to hold up to a pack of teenagers and versatile enough to hold a cooler of drinks for adults when it’s time to chill and relax.
We’ve been testing and reviewing inflatable docks and swim platforms for years. Our biggest takeaway? They’re ridiculously fun for young kids, teenagers, and adults!Most importantly, the best portable swim docks and platforms will make your trip to the beach better than ever before. We like floating swim docks for two reasons: First, at busy public beaches and swim areas they let you create more play space for your friends and family to hang out, splash, cool off and jump. Second, floating docks and swim platforms are ridiculously fun! They’re way more social than individual floats.
Table of Contents:
- Best Inflatable Swim Docks
– ISLE Base Camp Dock
– BOTE Inflatable Dock 7 Native Paradise
– O’Brien Runway Flag Edition Inflatable Float
– Bass Pro Shops Swim Dock
– L.L.Bean Inflatable Swim Dock
– SOLSTICE Original Floating Dock
– Retrospec Weekender
– Mission Reef Mat Lite
– Wateraft Sandbar - Best Floating Islands
– BOTE Hangout Suite
– Island Hopper Elite Class Patio Dock 15 - Best Long ‘Runway’ Swim Docks
– O’Brien Runway Inflatable Floats
– ISLE Runway Dock - Best Floating Foam Mats
– O’Brien Water Carpet
– Aqua Lily Bullfrog Lily Pad - Best Swim Dock Alternative: ISLE Megalodon
- Best Swim Dock Accessories
- Swim Dock FAQ
Best Inflatable Swim Docks for 2024
Inflatable swim docks made from PVC with drop-stitch construction float high and are surprisingly stable on the water.In our experience, the best all-around floating swim docks feature heavy-duty PVC shells with high-pressure drop-stitch interiors. Built like inflatable stand-up paddleboards (iSUPs), these floating swim platforms are rigid enough to stand on. It makes them great for play, jumping off, and splashing . . . and yet they’re also rigid enough to support a cooler full of cold drinks without tipping. Some people even sit on them with beach chairs!
The biggest benefit to nearly rigid inflatable swim docks is how high they float. Because the best swim docks are often up to 6″ thick, they are capable of keeping you out of the water. Foam mat-type swim docks, on the other hand, constantly have water swooshing and flowing over the foam. Foam docks are refreshing and fun, but they aren’t as versatile when you want to warm up and dry off.
In our guide to the best swim docks and floating platforms for 2024, we only recommend high-quality brands that sell from retailers we trust. While you can find cheap docks from manufacturers you’ve never heard of, the risk is an outright product failure that could ruin a great beach day. Because it’s so hard to find time to get outside as it is, we recommend you invest in the best outdoor gear you can afford — and then don’t look back!
ISLE Base Camp Dock
The ISLE Base Camp Dock is an excellent do-it-all inflatable swim dock for all sorts of summertime fun and relaxation.Inflated Dimensions: 10′ x 6’6″ x 6″
Weight: 54 lbs
Rated capacity: 1,000 lbs
The ISLE Base Camp Dock is a rugged, rigid inflatable swim dock and lounge platform with a soft foam top. It’s built similarly to the high-quality ISLE iSUPs we’ve reviewed in the past (like the ISLE Pioneer 2.0 iSUP). To review the ISLE Base Camp Dock this year, we put it to the test by turning it over to six teenagers for a day on the lake. They spent hours splashing, jumping, and playing made up games. At one point they turned it over so the slick side was up, then rested one end on three stacked iSUPs to transform the dock into an impromptu water slide. At the end of the day, happy exhausted teenagers means the ISLE Base Camp Dock delivered a clear win.
Meanwhile, the ISLE Base Camp Dock comes with 14 grab handles built-in to help you transport the dock or simply climb back on when you’re in the water. ISLE also includes multiple D-loops that you can use to strap down a cooler, clip in water bottles, attach two docks together, attach the cool ISLE Tube-O-Line float/trampoline, or tie off or anchor the dock in place. It comes with an ISLE high-pressure pump as well as a backpack carry-strap system. Very highly recommended.
BOTE Inflatable Dock 7 Native Paradise
BOTE is known for making rugged and innovative inflatable water play and beach products. The BOTE Inflatable Dock 7 Native Paradise, for instance, includes built-in magnetic cup holders!Inflated dimensions: 7′ x 7′ x 8″
Weight: 35 lbs
Rated capacity: 1,050 lbs
The BOTE Inflatable Dock 7 Native Paradise is built very similarly to the ISLE Base Camp Dock — you get a rugged PVC shell with a drop-stitch interior, a cushy deck pad and lots of grab handles and D-rings for attachments. The Dock 7 Native Paradise is a bit thicker — 8″ compared to the Base Camp Dock’s 6″ — but it’s also a bit smaller at 7′ x 7′. The key benefit to this size is improved portability and a lighter weight that’s easier to carry along a sandy beach. One key feature that’s exclusive to BOTE is BOTE’s MAGNEPOD system that uses built-in magnets to let you attach accessories like magnetic drinkware and waterproof bluetooth speakers. So cool.
Meanwhile, if the MAGNEPOD system gets your attention but you want a bigger private floating island, check out the larger BOTE Inflatable Dock 10 Native Paradise.
O’Brien Runway Flag Edition Inflatable Float
The O’Brien Runway Flag Edition Inflatable Float creates a fun and bright summertime swim platform — and perfect for Fourth of July beach trips!Dimensions: 10′ x 6′ x 4″
Weight: 39 lbs
Rated capacity: not rated
The O’Brien Runway Flag Edition Inflatable Float is just 4″ thick, but it’s surprisingly stable and floats well — even with several rambunctious teenagers playing on it. We tested one of the first versions available late last summer and came away impressed with the crisp colors as well as the simple, fun overall design. Passersby on the beach seemed to appreciate it, too! As for features, this O’Brien inflatable dock is basic, but the bright, vibrant American flag print on the top more than makes up for it. Because it doesn’t have a cushy foam deck, it’s not quite as comfortable for lounging as is the ISLE Base Camp Dock, but that’s not a big deal if your priority is splashy fun play.
Bass Pro Shops Swim Dock
The Bass Pro Shops Swim Dock has a simple design that delivers an outstanding price-to-value ratio.Inflated dimensions: 8′ x 5’6″ x 6″
Weight: 31 lbs
Rated capacity: 1,200 lbs
The Bass Pro Shops Swim Dock has one of best price-to-value ratios going for it. You get a PVC, drop-stitch construction with an EVA foam top. As with all good swim docks, Bass Pro Shops includes a high-pressure pump, as well as a handy carry bag for travel and storage. Choose the Bass Pro Shop Swim Dock if you’re looking for a smaller swim dock at a very reasonable price point.
L.L.Bean Inflatable Swim Dock
The L.L.Bean Inflatable Swim Dock skips a foam deck, which helps it reduce weight and make it easier to carry, travel with and store.Inflated dimensions: 8′ x 5′ x 6″
Weight: 28.6 lbs
Rated capacity: 1,200 lbs
We appreciate the L.L.Bean Inflatable Swim Dock for its classic simplicity. Instead of a bunch of D-loops, grab handles, and foam on the top, L.L.Bean gives you a smooth PVC top with a wood-grained print. You retain 8 grab handles at the corners, and instead of steel D-loops, you get nylon loops that are lighter and softer. The best benefit of this L.L.Bean dock is its super packable size and weight: 28 lbs 9 oz with rolled dimensions of 23″ x 14″ — and it still has a float-friendly semi-rigid drop-stitch construction. Wow. If travel space and portability are priorities, the L.L.Bean Inflatable Swim Dock is for you.
SOLSTICE Original Floating Dock
Inflated dimensions: 8′ x 5′ x 6″
Weight: 28 lbs
Rated capacity: 4-6 people
Like the Bass Pro Shops Swim Dock, the SOLSTICE Original Floating Dock comes in at a competitively affordable price point for a drop-stitch swim dock. The 8′ x 5′ version is the best value, but SOLSTICE makes a variety of different designs, including a circle version with a mesh center.
Retrospec Weekender
Inflated dimensions: 7′ x 7′ x 8″
Weight: 39 lbs
Rated capacity: 1,050 lbs
The Retrospect Weekender delivers a feature-rich inflatable dock at a very competitive price point. In particular, we appreciate the high-floating 8″ thickness and many 12 grab handles. You also get plenty of tie-down D-ring points for lashing down coolers or inflatable kayak-style chairs. The bottom includes two additional D-rings, which you can use clip on an anchor. If you want a bigger dock, the 10′ x 10′ x 8″ XL version is also a great high-floating dock deal for the size and features.
Mission Reef Mat Lite
Inflated dimensions: 6′ x 10′ x 4″
Weight: 33 lbs
Rated capacity: 4-6 people
The Mission Reef Mat Lite has the same dimensions as the O’Brien Runway Flag Edition Inflatable Float — but it has a less flashy color, which is great if you want to be a bit more low-key on the water. In addition, the Mission Reef Mat Lite weighs a bit less than most of the inflatable dock competition, which is nice when you’re heading far down the beach to find an open spot. Mission makes a lot of different inflatable dock shapes, including a hexagon version with a mesh play space in the middle.
Wateraft Sandbar Series
Inflated dimensions: 13′ x 6′ x 4″
Weight: 50 lbs
Rated capacity: unrated
The size-to-value ratio of the Wateraft Inflatable Floating Raft is impressive — the 13′ x 6′ x 4″ delivers a big play space. Better yet, it’s relatively lightweight at just 50 pounds.
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Best Floating Islands
Some swim docks come in large sizes with specialized, connectable shapes like the BOTE Hangout Suite shown above.What is a floating island? It’s an extra-large swim dock with or without accessories and special features like seat backs and mesh centers. If you like to go big or go home, these ‘island’ swim docks are for you:
BOTE Hangout Suite
BOTE offers a large set of mix-and-match inflatable dock and platform components to let you create your own floating island paradise.Inflated dimensions: 13′ x 13′ x 6″
Weight: up to 108 lbs
Rated capacity: up to 3600 lbs
The BOTE Hangout Suite is nearly an entire floating category unto itself: The BOTE Hangout Suite includes the Inflatable Dock Hangout 360, which is a 1/3 and/or 2/3 sectional connectable circle with built-in seating, along with accessories like a round bar that fits in the middle. In addition, BOTE also offers the Inflatable Dock Hangout Quad Square, which is a bundle of 4 L-shaped sectionals you can fit together with a big swimming space inside the middle. It’s great for larger family and friend get togethers and gives kids a fun place to play. If you really want to relax and chill, add in a couple of BOTE Aero Lounge Inflatable Chairs. . . .
Island Hopper Elite Class Patio Dock 15
The Island Hopper Elite Class Patio Dock 15 is one of the largest available drop-stitch semi-rigid floating docks available today.Inflated dimensions: 15′ x 6′ x 6″
Weight: 68 lbs
Rated capacity: 2,000 lbs
The Island Hopper Elite Class Patio Dock 15 is a massive floating island that boasts a capacity of 2,000 pounds! This high-floating beast is often used as an extension for pontoon boats to create extra water play and lounge space out in the middle of lakes. How do you inflate such a huge floating platform? Island Hopper includes two pumps — an electric auto-stet portable inflater as well as a hand pump. Worried about the quality in such a large size? Island Hopper uses a heat-welding process for the corner seams and backs them with a 5-year “No Seam Blow-Out” warranty.
Best Long ‘Runway’ Swim Docks
Our favorite alternative to a massive square or rectangle floating island is a long rectangular swim dock. They’re great for letting lots of people hang around, and kids like to run down them. Some are even good for using as backyard slip-n-slide type toys.
O’Brien Runway 18′ Inflatable Float
The O’Brien Runway Inflatable Float gives kids space to run and jump and burn off summertime energy like never before.Inflated dimensions: 18′ x 6′ x 4″
Weight: 75 lbs
Rated capacity: unrated
The O’Brien Runway Inflatable Float is 18 feet of pure running, splashing and jumping chaos. O’Brien put D-rings every two feet around the perimeter to make it easy to attach to other docks or boats. You also get anchor points on the base to use with an anchor if you want to keep the floating dock in one place.
ISLE Runway Dock
The ISLE Runway Dock gives you a cushy foam deck pad on top and a slippery slide on the bottom.Inflated dimensions: 16′ x 4′ x 6″
Weight: 50 lbs
Rated capacity: 600 lbs
The ISLE Runway Dock is similar to the O’Brien Runway but has slightly different dimensions: The ISLE option is slightly shorter (16′ vs 18′) and slightly narrower (4′ vs 6′) but it’s also thicker (6″ vs 4″). Another key difference is the dual-sided option you get with the ISLE Runway: the top has a soft EVA foam deck pad while the bottom is a smooth surface good for slipping and sliding. If you have a swimming canine pal, be sure to add the inflatable dog water ramp!
Best Floating Foam Mats for 2024
Closed-cell foam docks and swim platforms are basically big floppy sheets of foam that float. They don’t look particularly buoyant, but they’re capable of holding multiple people. The key difference is that they’re not rigid or even semi-rigid. When you’re on a foam dock, you’ll create a depression that will end up with a bit of water in it. That water, of course, is all part of the splashy fun. Just know that lounging will be wetter than it can be on a PVC drop-stitch inflatable dock.
The key benefit to a foam dock is that you don’t have to inflate it and it won’t ever leak air. The main drawback to foam docks and swim platforms is bulkiness. Foam docks take up more space for travel and storage than most inflatable swim docks.
Aqua Lily Bullfrog Lily Pad
The Aqua Lily Bullfrog Lily Pad is a huge closed-cell floating foam mat that delivers a wet and splashy float.Dimensions: 20′ x 6′ x 1.75″
Weight: 48 lbs
Rated capacity: 1,980 lbs
The Aqua Lily Bullfrog Lily Pad is one of the most popular foam-based floating islands for water play — and it’s Made in the USA! One reason the Bull Frog Aqua Lily Pad is better than cheaper competing foam pads is its very low roll memory. Knock-off competitor foam docks often suffer from roll memory, which is when the ends want to remain curled when you want it to lay flat on the water. The Bullfrog Aqua Lily Pad improves on the original version by using three layers of foam vs two layers. The 3-layer construction with denser middle foam core gives it a more stable profile on the water than most floating foam swim mats. The biggest benefit is that you don’t have to inflate the foam Aqua Lily Pad. The biggest drawback is the rolled up pad is bulky to travel with and store. Still, at just 48 pounds, carrying this massive swim platform down to the water — rolled up of course — should be easily doable.
* Alternative Option: The Bass Pro Shops Lily Pad is made by Aqua Lily Pad and comes in a smaller, easier to store and travel with 12′ x 6′ size. The price-to-value ratio is excellent, too.
O’Brien Deluxe Water Carpet
The O’Brien Deluxe Water Carpet uses four layers of foam for a firmer float surface with less roll memory.Dimensions: 18′ x 6′ x 1.625″
Weight: 45 lbs
Rated capacity: up to 6 people
The O’Brien Deluxe Water Carpet is a similar size and shape compared to the Aqua Lilly Bullfrog Lily Pad. The key difference is the use of four thinner layers of foam to create the mat. Slightly thinner, the O’Brien Deluxe Water Carpet also has low roll memory, making it lay flatter on the water. O’Brien offers a 3-layer non-deluxe version at a slightly lower price point.
Best Swim Dock Alternative: ISLE Megalodon
If you’re not sold on a swim dock, consider the versatility of an ultra-large iSUP instead — like the ISLE Megalodon!If you’re not sold on a swim dock, the best swim dock alternative is a giant stand-up paddleboard — the ISLE Megalodon iSUP. This monster board is as big as some swim docks but it’s also a paddleboard that multiple people can paddle around. It’s super stable, great for family and friend cruising, and it’s big enough lounge on. Check out our full ISLE Megalodon Review for more detail!
Best Swim Dock Accessories
Once you’ve chosen a great new swim dock, you can add some cool accessories to extend the fun:
Bote Inflatable Aero Chairs
The BOTE Aero Chair series gives you outstanding inflatable comfort for your dock or spot on the beach.It’s hard to beat the comfort of a good inflatable chair! The BOTE Inflatable Aero Chairs use rugged PVC with a drop-stitch interior to bring you supportive lounge chairs that shed water and have no sharp edges.
ISLE Tube-O-Line
You can use the ISLE Tube-O-Line individually or attached to your floating dock.This inflatable PVC tube has rugged welded seams and a bouncy mesh floor. You can use the ISLE Tube-O-Line as a floating chill chair or as a mini trampoline.
ISLE Inflatable Dog Water Ramp Dog Catcher!
Canine pals can use this water-ready ramp to climb onto your floating dock.If you have a canine companion, the ISLE Inflatable Dog Water Ramp Dog Catcher uses a mesh ramp to give your dog a swim-to-walk path up onto your dock.
BOTE MAGNEPOD Accessories
Who needs cup holders when you have magnetic accessories?BOTE makes a whole line of MAGNEPOD Accessories that have magnetic bases that attach to magnets built into many of its inflatable docks and inflatable furniture.
Swim Dock FAQ
Are inflatable dock/swim platforms rugged and dependable?
The best inflatable swim platforms and docks are very rugged. The most rugged inflatable swim and play docks are usually built with heavy-duty PVC exteriors with internal drop-stitch fibers. The designs are very similar to how inflatable stand-up paddleboards are constructed. However, most inflatable swim platforms aren’t meant to be life-saving devices — they usually only have a single inflatable air chamber. Like any inflatable play toy for the beach, as well as iSUPs, it’s your responsibility to use it safely and responsibly. Your family and friends may also need to wear life jackets or PFDs depending on their swimming skill and your usage of the swim docks.
Will I get free shipping if I buy an inflatable dock online?
Most inflatable dock and swim platform manufacturers and online retailers offer free shipping, which is great because inflatable docks are bulky items. They do, however, often come with one shipping drawback: If you decide to return the dock or platform, you likely will need to have saved the original packaging and you may even need to pay return shipping costs. If you choose any of the high quality docks in this guide, you’ll likely be happy and satisfied, but you may want to consider retailer return policies if you’re on the fence.
What are ‘heat bubbles’ on EVA foam decks on swim docks?
One key feature of nearly rigid PVC docks with a drop-stitch construction is the inclusion of cushy EVA foam decks on the top. These decks provide grip when wet, plus a bit of extra comfort. One drawback to such large patches of EVA foam is the tendency for the foam decks to get heat bubbles when they get too hot in the sun. In our experience, this has been more of an annoyance than a structural issue, usually created after long exposure on very hot days in direct sun without splashing water around. Basically the EVA foam doesn’t have adhesive contact in that particular spot or it has separated. Depending on the manufacturer, heat bubbles may or may not be covered under warranty. The best alternative to docks with foam deck pads is a smooth dock like the L.L.Bean Inflatable Swim Dock or a foam mat-style dock like the Aqua Lily Pad.
How do I chose the right size swim platform or play dock?
This is a tough question — bigger is usually better, but bigger floating docks come with additional transport or storage challenges. For instance, big docks are bulky to store and heavy to haul to the beach. On the other hand, if you are bringing a swim dock to the beach, you should have multiple people to help carry it!
Are foam-based water carpets better than inflatable docks?
Closed-cell foam-based water mats and carpets have one big advantage over inflatable swim docks: They don’t need to be inflated and they don’t leak air if they get a puncture. Foam water mats have some drawbacks, however: They’re not as portable and travel-friendly as inflatable docks. In addition, they’re not as rigid, which means they’re not as stable on the water as inflatable docks that have drop-stitch interior constructions.
