Overview
Scuba diving is a confirmed side activity in Grand Theft Auto VI that allows players to explore the underwater environments around Leonida. Official screenshots released by Rockstar Games alongside Trailer 2 (May 6, 2025) depict a fully equipped diver swimming through an ocean teeming with marine wildlife near the Leonida Keys. The activity builds on the underwater mechanics introduced in GTA V but appears to feature significantly expanded environments, wildlife variety, and gameplay depth.
Confirmed Details
The following information has been confirmed through official Rockstar materials, including the GTA VI website and the 70+ screenshots released alongside Trailer 2.
Scuba gear: At least one official screenshot shows two divers equipped with full scuba gear, including oxygen tanks, masks, and flippers, swimming near a coral reef alongside a sea turtle.
Marine wildlife: The official screenshots depict a variety of underwater life including eels, sea turtles, coral formations, and schools of fish.
Leonida Keys setting: Rockstar's official description of the Leonida Keys describes the area as having "some of the most beautiful and dangerous waters in all of America," directly tying the scuba diving activity to this tropical archipelago region.
Enhanced swimming: Flippers visible in the screenshots suggest that players will swim faster while wearing scuba gear compared to the default swimming speed.
Equipment
Equipment | Expected Function |
|---|---|
Oxygen tank | Extends the time players can remain submerged; potentially introduces an oxygen management mechanic |
Diving mask | Provides clear underwater visibility |
Flippers | Increases swimming speed while diving |
Underwater camera | Allows players to photograph marine wildlife for side missions or collectibles |
Underwater Environments
The waters around Leonida Keys are expected to feature a variety of distinct underwater environments for players to explore.
Coral Reefs
Official screenshots prominently feature coral reef environments populated with colorful fish, sea turtles, and eels. The Leonida Keys are based on the real-world Florida Keys, which are home to the third-largest barrier reef system in the world. Rockstar's recreation appears to reflect this ecological richness, with dense coral formations and diverse marine populations.
Shipwrecks
Submerged shipwrecks are a reported feature of the underwater world. These locations may serve as exploration sites where players can search for hidden loot, collectibles, or mission-related items. The Florida Keys in real life are surrounded by hundreds of shipwrecks dating back centuries, providing Rockstar with ample inspiration for underwater points of interest.
Underwater Caves
Submerged cave systems have been mentioned in reports about the game's underwater content. These caves could serve as hidden locations that reward thorough exploration, potentially containing rare items or serving as objectives for underwater missions.
Hazards
The underwater world is not without danger. Rockstar's description of the Leonida Keys as having "dangerous waters" suggests that players will face threats while diving.
Hazard | Description |
|---|---|
Sharks | Aggressive predators that may attack divers who venture into deeper waters or linger too long in certain areas |
Oxygen depletion | Players must manage their oxygen supply; running out forces a return to the surface or risks drowning |
Depth pressure | Diving too deep without proper equipment may harm the player, similar to the mechanic in GTA V |
Strong currents | Environmental currents may push players off course or into hazardous areas |
Comparison to GTA V
GTA V introduced scuba diving as a side activity, but the underwater world in Los Santos was relatively sparse. Players could find a handful of shipwrecks, nuclear waste barrels, and collectibles, but the ocean floor was largely empty. GTA VI appears to offer a far more detailed underwater environment, with living coral reefs, diverse wildlife, and dedicated underwater locations tied to the game's tropical Florida Keys setting.
Feature | GTA V | GTA VI |
|---|---|---|
Setting | Pacific Ocean off Los Santos (Southern California) | Atlantic waters around Leonida Keys (Florida Keys) |
Marine life variety | Limited (sharks, dolphins, fish) | Expanded (eels, turtles, coral ecosystems, diverse fish species) |
Underwater points of interest | Scattered shipwrecks and collectibles | Coral reefs, shipwrecks, caves, and mission locations |
Photography | Snapmatic phone camera (limited underwater use) | Dedicated underwater camera for wildlife photography missions |
Oxygen management | Unlimited with scuba gear | Oxygen tank depletion as a gameplay mechanic |
Related Activities
Scuba diving is one of several water-based activities confirmed for GTA VI. Related activities include kayaking, fishing, jet skiing, and general swimming. The game's emphasis on water sports and aquatic environments reflects the tropical Florida setting, where water is a central part of the landscape and culture.