Craftsmanship and Creativity Reign at AquaBanas
AquaBanas may be all about inflating fun on the water, but the company also takes its craftsmanship seriously. As a leader in luxury yacht inflatables, it provides everything from slides and pools to inflatable furniture to make enjoying the water even easier and sets itself apart by designing products tailored for adults and families rather than children.
“We’re the only inflatable brand in the world designed specifically for adults,” says Mark Anastasia, founder and CEO of AquaBanas. With 35 years in the inflatable industry, if Anastasia has forgotten anything about inflatables, it’s probably not worth knowing.
“I used to tell people all the time that I’m the guy who invented the yacht slide back in 2009,” he says. (While crew may have a love-hate relationship with the slide, its significance in yachting is undeniable.) Anastasia gained invaluable experience as the owner of the Chinese factory that produced all of Freestyle Slides and as the co-founder/co-owner of FunAir for six years. With this expertise, Anastasia launched AquaBanas in 2019, delivering innovative, high-quality inflatable solutions while maintaining a reputation for excellence and reliability.
Anastasia’s expertise and strategic focus on adult-oriented designs have unlocked a broader market for AquaBanas. Beyond yachting, the brand’s inflatables are increasingly sought after by resorts and the cruise industry. The company has forged partnerships with Royal Caribbean, Carnival, the Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection, and Windstar, among others. Aboard these cruise ships, AquaBanas’ inflatables serve as both excursion destinations and onboard relaxation areas.
Resorts looking to elevate their guest experience can quickly and easily set up an inflatable playground on the water. “For the most part, you don’t have to worry about permits or construction, because they’re all temporary floating platforms,” Anastasia says. “You can pretty much place it anywhere in any municipality large enough that allows it.” AquaBanas has installed inflatable playgrounds at resorts around the world.
One of AquaBanas’ greatest strengths is its versatility and adaptability. By adopting a standardized design, the company ensures seamless customization and expansion of its product line. “It’s all engineered and designed to work together in a modular format,” Anastasia explains. This system allows users to easily connect various inflatables without any compatibility concerns, even as they expand their collection with future purchases. Products are also easily deployable by just one or two crewmembers and inflate and deflate quickly.
The company’s flagship product, the Party Bana, has become a staple on yachts and in resorts around the globe, with more than 800 units sold. It can accommodate up to 12 adults and is known for its stability and versatility. But the product portfolio extends far beyond the iconic Party Bana with a diverse range of lightweight and durable inflatable pools, slides, and even specialized furniture. “Our furniture is really cool — we have the world’s first inflatable rocking chair, and it’s absolutely badass. It’s killer,” Anastasia says. The lineup also includes a customizable inflatable Adirondack-type chair, adding even more comfort and style to the collection.
AquaBanas also offers more utilitarian solutions that enhance crew operations, including floating decks that streamline tender operations and simplify water toy management, such as PWCs, Seabobs, kayaks, and more. Designed to accommodate both work and play, every AquaBanas product maintains the same high standards of quality and durability. Today, AquaBanas products are found on approximately 600 yachts across the industry.
Looking for something unique? “If the physics allows it, I can build it,” Anastasia says. “We’re probably one of the most prolific companies in the world for custom work. So if you want a crazy slide or a system tailored specifically to your yacht, we can make it happen.” AquaBanas also offers custom Pantone color matching to complement the mothership, with options for screen printing or digital printing. “We can deliver a truly bespoke product,” he adds.
One of AquaBanas’ latest innovations is the world’s first commercial floating, regulation-size pickleball court, which will soon be installed at a resort in Hawaii. This groundbreaking addition underscores the company’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of inflatable technology and redefining entertainment on the water.
At the core of AquaBanas’ success are its inventory and fulfillment capabilities. “We’ve worked very hard to achieve this, and because we have a structured product line, our catalog is highly predictable,” says Anastasia. With an impressive $4 million in stock inventory, the company offers quick order fulfillment, with immediate shipment on a range of products.
On land or sea, AquaBanas can turn your vision into reality.