Inflatable floating animals are great fun for adults and children alike. Whether it’s a giant flamingo or a playful unicorn – the selection of products is large and there is something for every taste.
Avoid buying mistakes:
BeyondSurfing presents the 9 most popular products at 2024. In the buying guide, you can find out what really matters when buying floating animals.
The best floating animals 2024?
Content
- 1 These are the top 9 floating animals in 2024
- 1.1 1. Intex riding animal flamingo toy
- 1.2 2. VEDES Großhandel GmbH – Island Peacock sports toys
- 1.3 3. intex water swimming ring penguin
- 1.4 4. Intex riding animal Whale
- 1.5 5. bestWay seal floating animals
- 1.6 6. 15 pieces Amaza drink floatie set with air pump
- 1.7 7. flamingo ring with cup holder
- 1.8 8. floating island party unicorn
- 1.9 9. bestway swan floating animals
- 2 Bestsellers: The most popular floating animals
- 3 Buy floating animals: How to make the right decision
- 4 FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers about floating animals
- 5 Conclusion: The most popular floating animals reviewed
In a hurry? Our favorite floating animals:
- Two available sizes
- Two air chambers
- Handles
- Free repair patches
- Up to 200 kg load capacity
- For several people
Checklist of floating animals
- Safety: Do not leave children unattended in the water, even with bathing animals, as they offer no protection against drowning.
- Features: Floating animals do not have a roof to protect them from the sun. Handles on the edge are particularly practical for wild romping or waves.
- Design: Some swim tires have an animal design and encourage children to swim in a playful way.
- Service life: Direct sunlight can damage the material in the long term.
- Size: XXL-sized floating animals promise extra fun for young and old.
Also interesting: The most popular swimming islands 2024.
These are the top 9 floating animals in 2024
Best floating animals with high load capacity
1. Intex riding animal flamingo toy
Advantages
- Two available sizes
- Two air chambers
- Handles
- Free repair patches
- Up to 200 kg load capacity
- For several people
Disadvantages
- Very bulky when inflated
- Difficult to inflate
Summary
This Intex mount in flamingo design is available in two different sizes. The smaller one is suitable for singles or children. The larger one is reminiscent of a floating island and offers enough space for two adults.
The material is hard-wearing vinyl. The color is radiant and long-lasting. Two side-mounted grab handles make it easier to get on. They provide additional support in waves.
The small version can be inflated by mouth. For the larger version, it is better to use a standard pump. The manufacturer has printed safety instructions on the product.
Conclusion
If you want a free choice of sizes and like the flamingo design, this product combines high quality and comfort.
An air pump must be used for the large version. If you are looking for a handy floating animal for your vacation, you should choose a different product.
Product details
Size: 142 x 137 x 97 cm or 218 x 211 x 136 cm | Material: Vinyl | Weight: 4 kg
Customer ratings
One customer ordered 5 at once because everyone in the family was so enthusiastic. The seams have a very high-quality finish and are smooth. You can relax and sunbathe on the rubber animal. The smallest version is suitable for children aged 1 year and over. Under supervision, of course. One customer also uses the product for fishing and is an eye-catcher on the river. The material is super robust. Two adults fit on the large flamingo. The price-performance ratio is excellent.
Around 7% are neutral about the product, while 6% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
A customer complains about fading color. Another complains that the air wears off after a few hours of use. There have been a few cases where a used flamingo was delivered and had to be exchanged.
FAQ
Best colorful floating animals
2. VEDES Großhandel GmbH – Island Peacock sports toys
Advantages
- Colorful design
- For up to two people
- Handles
- Does not bleach
- For children and adults
Disadvantages
- No mount
- Sun spray dissolves the color
Summary
This inflatable peacock from Vedes is not only colorful, but also comfortable. The peacock’s feathers form a semi-circular air mattress. The neck and head are attached to the front.
The design is detailed and of high quality. There are grab handles on both sides at the front. They make it easier to climb aboard and provide support in waves.
The material is robust vinyl. The seams are welded and can withstand heavy pressure. The safety valve protects against uncontrolled air leakage.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a particularly colorful floating animal that is suitable for both children and adults, this is the model for you.
If you are looking for a mount, you should choose a different product.
Product details
Size: 193x163x94 cm | Material: Vinyl | Weight: 1.17 kg
Customer ratings
Customers are delighted with the design, quality and size. The product looks exactly like the pictures. There’s even room for two and you can make yourself comfortable. The price is reasonable. The material is robust and keeps the air pressure stable for a long time. The colors do not fade in the sun.
Around 3% are neutral about the product, while 11% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
One customer’s product burst during the first use. A customer complains about discoloration on her skin.
Best floating animals without plasticizers
3. intex water swimming ring penguin
Advantages
- Ideal for children between 3 and 6
- Durable
- Free from plasticizers
- Rear opening makes it easier to put on
- Land and water toys
Disadvantages
- Not suitable for adults
- No mount
Summary
This penguin swimming ring is ideal for younger children. It playfully encourages swimming and splashing around. Only under adult supervision, of course.
The design is such that children can slip into the ring from behind. This is ensured by an opening where the ring is pulled on. Particularly suitable for children who cannot dive.
The material is hard-wearing vinyl with welded seams. The swimming ring has cute fins and a detailed penguin face with a yellow beak.
Conclusion
If you are looking for floating animals for small children, this product is the ideal combination of a floating tire and bathing animal. It provides security and encourages play.
Adults are too big for the model. You can’t sit on it like a mount.
Product details
Size: 24.6 x 15.8 x 2 cm | Material: Vinyl | Weight: 181 g
Customer ratings
The design is cute and the children like it very much. The production smell disappears quickly after unpacking. The opening at the back is very practical for the children. They are encouraged to have fun in the water and feel safe. Children can slip into the buoyancy aid without help.
Around 16% are neutral about the product, while 0% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
The floating tire quickly loses air pressure. One child had balance problems with it and often fell out. No protection from drowning.
FAQ
Further highlights
4. Intex riding animal Whale
Advantages
- Mount
- Cute whale design
- Handles
- Two air chambers
- Free repair patches
- Tilt-proof
Disadvantages
- Only up to 40 kg load capacity
- Not for lying down
Summary
This Orca whale from Intex is not only very large, but also stable. Two side fins ensure that it does not turn in the water when a child sits on it.
The two handles provide enough support to pull yourself onto the animal and stay on it even when there is a bit of swell. They are highly resilient. The manufacturer has printed valuable safety instructions.
The material is robust vinyl. The seams are welded and therefore soft on the skin. The design is child-friendly and has lovely details.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a large and stable water mount, this Orca is the right choice. Children love the product and even adult buyers have already swung on its back.
Heavy adults and all those who want to drift along in a relaxed manner should choose a different product.
Product details
Size: 9.5 x 25.4 x 22.9 cm | Material: Vinyl | Weight: 1.36 kg
Customer ratings
The children love this orca. Small children can sit on it in pairs without it tipping over. The material is very robust. The whale is very large and invites you to romp around. On land, it can also be used as a seat. Adults also have fun with the product.
Around 7% are neutral about the product, while 12% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
Inflating without an air pump is too strenuous. The warning labels are too large and detract from the appearance. The seam leaks quickly.
FAQ
5. bestWay seal floating animals
Advantages
- Handles
- Durable
- Salt water robust
- Free repair patches
- Small pack size
Disadvantages
- Not for lying down
- For children only
Summary
This Bestway seal is colorful. It is designed to be child-friendly. A smiling and cute face is printed on the head.
The side and tail fins give the floating animal stability. This prevents it from tipping over easily. A child can ride and play comfortably on it in the water.
The material is vinyl and has a robust finish. Two white grab handles provide additional safety and make it easier to get on. The bathing animal can be easily inflated using a non-return valve.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a cute bathing animal for your vacation, this is the product for you. It can be conveniently stowed in your luggage and inflated by mouth.
The sea lion is a little too small for adults and offers no space to lie on.
Product details
Size: 110 x 114 x 93 cm | Material: Vinyl | Weight: 910 g
Customer ratings
The product not only makes a high-quality impression, but also has very beautiful colors. Inflation is very quick and easy. It encourages children to overcome their fear of water. The handles are stable and well positioned.
Around 5% are neutral about the product, while 10% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
One customer reports that the product does not support the weight of 4- and 7-year-old children.
FAQ
6. 15 pieces Amaza drink floatie set with air pump
Advantages
- 15 in one set
- Various motifs
- Hold drinks
- Ideal as a bath toy
- Non-toxic material
Disadvantages
- Lose air quickly
- Not for sitting on
- Not for glass bottles
Summary
This set of small floating animals is a real eye-catcher. You can choose from different designs: Flamingo, unicorn, swan and palm trees … there are no limits to your imagination.
The product can either be used as a drink holder in the pool or as a creative water toy. Children can let little dolls ride on it or simply play with it.
The material is robust PVC with welded seams. It is free from plasticizers and of high quality. The product is easy to inflate by mouth with just a few breaths.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a water toy for your child or an eye-catcher at the next pool party, this is the ideal product.
If you are looking for a riding animal or a cozy floating island, reach for a different product.
Product details
Size: 7.5 x 8 cm | Material: Vinyl | Weight: 430 g
Customer ratings
The cup holder can also be used as a Barbie holder in the bath. The children love playing with it. Small and large glasses are held well on the water surface. You can simply blow up the little bathing animals with your mouth. The price-performance ratio is very good.
Around 18% are neutral about the product, while 9% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
One customer describes that he was unable to inflate the product. The air simply came out of the valve again. The colors do not look like the product pictures. Some items were delivered defective.
FAQ
7. flamingo ring with cup holder
Advantages
- XXL size
- Flamingo design
- Free cup holder
- Social project with fair wages
- Also for taller people
- Many details
Disadvantages
- Bulky shape
- No design selection
Summary
A flamingo in the shape of a swimming ring and XXL size. The manufacturer is committed to fair wages for people with disabilities. They are significantly involved in production.
The flamingo design is implemented in detail. Eyelashes are printed on the eyes. You can hold on to the neck or lean comfortably against it. The colors do not fade in the sun.
The width of the opening is approx. 1.1 m and suitable for taller people. The manufacturer gives the customer a small drink holder in the shape of a donut with a bite. It is suitable for cups and small bottles.
Conclusion
Anyone who values production under fair conditions should choose this product. The detailed design and the free cup holder leave a very high-quality impression.
If you want to pack in a particularly space-saving way, choose a different product.
Product details
Size: 120 x 120 x 110 cm | Material: PVC | Weight: 689 g
Customer ratings
This flamingo floating animal is popular with all ages. The robust material can withstand wild romping. The product weight is relatively low. The printed safety instructions give buyers a good feeling. The opening in the middle is large enough for stronger people.
Around 0% are neutral about the product, while 21% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
Some buyers criticize defective products. The picture on Amazon shows three cup holders. However, only two are supplied.
FAQ
8. floating island party unicorn
Advantages
- Air seat cushion
- Child-friendly
- Beverage cooler and holder
- For the whole family
- Removable floating table
Disadvantages
- Bulky
- No backrest
Summary
This spacious floating island from Intex in a unicorn design is a real eye-catcher. The animal is cream-colored, with a colorful mane, wings and a golden horn.
Some accessories are included free of charge by the manufacturer: Cup holders, a cooling compartment, air cushions and even a floating table. Simply tie it to the edge and enjoy the extra storage space.
The unicorn is a real floating island and can comfortably accommodate 4 people. If children are involved, there can be even more. The unicorn design invites children to play and adults to dream.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a playful and child-friendly design and at the same time need plenty of space and comfort, this party unicorn is the right choice.
The unicorn shape is very bulky with its neck and head. This makes folding and transportation not very easy.
Product details
Size: 503 x 335 x 173 cm | Material: PVC | Weight: 21.7 kg
Customer ratings
This party unicorn is not only large, but also sturdy. Customers really like the design. Inflating is really worthwhile. Children enjoy playing with the product.
Around 13% are neutral about the product, while 21% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
FAQ
9. bestway swan floating animals
Advantages
- Free repair patches
- 3 air chambers
- 2 golden handles
- Particularly robust fabric
Disadvantages
- High dead weight
- For one adult only
Summary
This floating animal from Bestway offers a 90 kg load capacity as well as an elegant design. With its generous dimensions, the white and gold swan is an eye-catcher anywhere.
The swan is made of vinyl and is therefore hard-wearing and robust. Three air chambers ensure sufficient safety and, should the floating animal be damaged, Bestway supplies reinforced repair patches.
Two golden handles and the gold details in the swan’s feathers make this product particularly luxurious. The recommended minimum age for the use of this product is 14 years.
Conclusion
This robust material is ideal for anyone who spends a lot of time at the lake with their bathing toy.
Due to the different air chambers, inflation is not very easy. Better to test at home before going to the lake.
Product details
Size: 169 x 169 cm | Material: Vinyl | Weight: 2.64 kg
Customer ratings
Buyers particularly praise the robustness and appearance of this floating animal. One buyer was pleasantly surprised because the swan is larger than expected.
Around 8% are neutral about the product, while 3% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
Some customers report that the material was already damaged after a short time.
FAQ
More articles you might find interesting:
Bestsellers: The most popular floating animals
(**Last update 2024-09-16)
Buy floating animals:
How to make the right decision
The week ★★★★★
(Volume 26 in 1924)
Inflatable bathing animals have been around for over 100 years. At that time they were called rubber animals because of their material. Today they are made of other materials. Special production machines were developed in Germany in 1921.
If you buy too quickly, you buy twice:
BeyondSurfing’s buying guide will help you choose a floating animal that meets your requirements.
What you need to consider when buying a floating animal
When looking for high-quality floating animals, you should pay attention to the following features:
- The right material
- The right size
- Weight
- The right valves
The material of bathing animals
Almost all models are made of materials such as PVC or vinyl, usually 240 to 360 µm thick.
Good to know:
The more layers the material has, the more resistant it is to damage. At the same time, however, this also makes it more difficult.
The right size floating animals
The larger the floating animals are, the more air volume they can hold. The more air, the heavier the weight that can be carried.
How does it work?
A large volume of air has a stronger lift. It displaces more water and can therefore hold a higher weight above water.
Weight of floating animals
The product weight is influenced by a number of factors:
- Size of the animal
- How thick is the material
- Are grab rails fitted
- Is the floating animal filled with glitter or similar?
When buying a floating animal with a colorful filling or handles, be prepared for it to weigh more.
Valves of floating animals
There are special safety valves. They prevent air from escaping as soon as they are opened. The air pressure can only drop when pressure is applied to the valve.
This does not only offer advantages:
Some customers describe that inflation becomes more difficult with safety valves. If in doubt, use an air pump.
Floating animals tested by Consumer Reports and Öko Test
Consumer Reports has not yet published a test on this topic. Öko Test examined a similar product: air mattresses. They are similar in design and material.
The following safety instructions can be applied to floating animals:
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were found in some samples. These can migrate into the body via skin or mucous membrane contact and cause cancer.
Tests carried out by TÜV Rheinland in 2009 and 2010 also found unacceptably high levels of these pollutants. In the second test, 29 out of 88 floating animals examined were found to be faulty.
Well-known brands and manufacturers
The best-known and most popular floating animals manufacturers include:
Intex, Bestway
Both manufacturers have years of experience. Its range includes all kinds of inflatable products and is known for its high safety standards and creative designs.
You can still find good products from unknown manufacturers. Pay attention to buying guides and reviews.
Inflating floating animals
With a healthy lung, you can inflate a bathing animal without any aids.
If this is too much for you on a warm summer’s day, or if you have a particularly large floating animal, an air pump will help.
If you don’t have an air pump to hand, this trick will help:
Animal designs
There is no limit to the imagination in today’s market. Manufacturers offer almost all animals as water, land or riding animals.
Most frequently produced(source):
- Dolphins
- Orca
- Sharks
Other available designs:
- Swan
- Unicorn
- Flamingo
- Crocodile
- Seal
- Whale
- Peacock
- Camel
- Parrot
- Turtle
FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers about floating animals
What are floating animals?
Where can you buy floating animals?
How expensive are floating animals?
Conclusion: The most popular floating animals reviewed
Floating animals have been a popular toy for a long time. There is a wide range on offer and it is not easy to keep track of everything.
With the 9 most popular products at 2024, next summer is guaranteed to be an absolute success.
Editor's note: The opinions expressed here are those of the author alone. The content has not been endorsed, reviewed, approved, or in any way financially supported by any advertiser. We only include products we believe to be useful. How we work*Price includes VAT, plus shipping. Customer reviews, prices, delivery times and costs may change in the meantime. By linking to selected online shops and partners, we may receive a small affiliate commission. There are no additional costs for you.
Add comment