Boats and Water Activities

Overview

Water activities in inZOI expanded significantly with the free Island Getaway DLC, released on August 20, 2025, alongside the v0.3.0 base game update. The base update introduced pool swimming and ocean swimming as core mechanics, while the Island Getaway DLC added the tropical Cahaya region with snorkeling, boat rental, resort activities, and more. Water content is concentrated in two locations: Bliss Bay for surfing and beach sports, and Cahaya for snorkeling, boat exploration, resort experiences, and island life.

Swimming

Swimming is governed by the Swimming skill, which was introduced with the v0.3.0 update. The skill description reads: "The higher your Swimming Skill, the longer you can stay in the water and the better your chances of avoiding ocean hazards." Zois can swim in both pools and open ocean water. Children develop the Aquatic Adaptability skill instead: a preparatory ability that transitions into the full Swimming skill when the Zoi reaches the Teenager age stage.

Pool Swimming

Swimming pools are the safest way to practice. Pools are found in public parks, community lots, and gyms, and can also be constructed in a Zoi's home lot through Build Mode. To build a pool at home, navigate to the building tab, select exteriors, then choose from preset pool options or construct custom pools using pool walls. Adding a ladder is recommended for easy access, though Zois will simply jump in without one. Pool swimming carries no drowning risk under normal conditions and is ideal for building the Swimming skill early on.

Using a tube or float in the pool is a good option for relaxation. Your Zoi will feel better resting on it, and it does not drain energy the way active swimming does.

Ocean Swimming

Ocean swimming is available at the beaches in Bliss Bay and Cahaya. Unlike pool swimming, the ocean presents real hazards:

As the Swimming skill increases, a Zoi becomes a more efficient swimmer. They move faster through water, drain energy more slowly, and face fewer encounters with dangerous creatures.

Swimming Skill Progression

The Swimming skill is leveled by spending time in the water, whether in pools or the ocean. Pool practice is safer but slower, while ocean swimming provides faster skill gains with higher risk. Key thresholds include:

Surfing

Surfing is available in Bliss Bay, specifically along the western coastline at Muscle Beach. It has been one of the recreational activities available since the base game and remains a fan-favorite.

Requirements

• Fitness skill level 3 is required to unlock surfing. You do not need to purchase a surfboard, boards are scattered along the beach in various spots and can be interacted with directly for free.

• Not every surfboard on the beach allows surfing. Only those positioned close enough to the water will show the surfing interaction. If the option does not appear, try a different board further along the shoreline.

• Zois with the Life of Excitement desired life path are more inclined to surf and may develop urges to do so.

How Surfing Works

Locate a surfboard near the shoreline in the Muscle Beach area and click on it to begin. Your Zoi will paddle out into the waves and attempt to ride them. Surfing is both a recreational activity and a way to build the Fitness skill, maintaining posture and paddling on the surfboard raises Fitness, creating a positive feedback loop where surfing itself helps meet its own prerequisite for future sessions.

If your Zoi has not yet reached Fitness level 3, you can still interact with a surfboard to practice paddling or work on good posture, both of which contribute Fitness skill points. This means the surfboard itself can be used as a training tool to reach the threshold needed for actual surfing.

Raising Fitness for Surfing

If your Zoi needs to reach Fitness level 3, there are several methods:

• Use fitness equipment at home, yoga mats, dumbbells, treadmills, punching bags, and barbells can be purchased in Build Mode under the Fitness category.

• Visit Bliss Bay Muscle Beach's outdoor gym (near the basketball court), which has squat racks, barbell bench presses, pull-down machines, and other equipment available for free.

• Practice paddling and posture on a surfboard at the beach. This counts as Fitness training even below level 3.

• Jog or run around the neighborhood.

• Swim in a pool, swimming also contributes to Fitness.

Surfing is currently only available in Bliss Bay, as other cities lack the open coastline and wave conditions needed. Dowon and Cahaya do not have surfing.

Snorkeling

Snorkeling is a major feature of the Island Getaway DLC and takes place in Cahaya's crystal-clear waters. It requires both Swimming skill and rented equipment.

Equipment Sets

Visit a snorkeling stall on the beach to rent gear. One convenient location is in the middle of Barat Beach on the right side of the Cahaya map. Three equipment tiers are available, each requiring progressively higher Swimming skill:

1. Beginner Set basic mask and snorkel for shallow-water exploration near the shore. Recommended for new players starting out.

2. Diver Set intermediate gear that allows exploration of deeper waters and coral formations.

3. Ocean Pro Set advanced equipment for the deepest dives, giving access to the full underwater environment.

How Snorkeling Works

Once equipped, swim far into the ocean to reach the Deep Sea area. You can choose between two activities: Practice Snorkeling (which gradually increases skill level) or Start Snorkeling (which allows full exploration and collection of marine life). The underwater environment around Cahaya is populated with sea turtles, dolphins, colorful fish, and vibrant coral reefs. Be cautious of sharks and jellyfish, which can seriously injure or kill your Zoi. Ancient temples submerged on the sea floor can also be discovered during dives.

Collectibles and Rewards

Collected sea life (such as sea urchins and other specimens) goes directly into your Zoi's inventory during snorkeling sessions. These items can be sold at the Coin Exchange Kiosk located in the Sri Lestari Resort, just to the left of the information desk. Coins earned from the exchange can be redeemed for special resort-themed items at the same location.

Boat Rental

Boat rental is available in Cahaya as part of the Island Getaway DLC. Zois can rent boats from blue ticket booths located at docks along the beach.

How to Rent

Approach a blue rental hut at any dock in Cahaya and select "Rent a Ship." A selection menu appears showing the available vessels and their prices. Once rented, your Zoi takes full control of the boat. Controls use the same directional inputs as walking (WASD on keyboard, left joystick on controller), with the mouse for camera control.

Available Boats

Five named boat types are available for rental, each with different pricing:

• Old Jet Boat a vintage watercraft, the budget option for getting around.

• Skiff a small, simple boat suitable for short trips between nearby locations.

• Troller a mid-range fishing vessel, practical for casting a line while exploring.

• Hydrojet a faster watercraft for covering distances quickly.

• Catamaran a larger, more stable vessel with room for multiple passengers.

More extravagant boats are primarily aesthetic. They do not offer significant functional advantages over cheaper options. Boats serve multiple purposes:

• Transportation: Cruise between Cahaya's three islands, reaching areas inaccessible by land such as remote beaches or the Miatara Temple.

• Fishing: Cast a line from the back of your boat using a fishing rod.

• Diving launch point: With a high enough Swimming skill, your Zoi can jump off the boat into deep water to begin snorkeling in areas too far from shore to swim to.

Disembarking

When you reach another dock, you enter a "Disembark Zone." Select "Disembark" to exit alone or "Disembark All" when traveling with companions. To resume your journey, approach the boat, select it, and press "Get In."

Water Taxis

For those who prefer not to rent, bright yellow Water Taxis offer a free alternative form of transportation. Simply walk up to one at the dock and select your destination from a menu of all available locations, marked by blue icons on the map. Water taxis function as fast travel, similar to other public transport in inZOI, they are instant and convenient for getting between islands without the manual sailing experience.

The Deserted Island

One of the most exciting uses of a rented boat is sailing to the deserted island, a mysterious landmass located between the main island and the resort island. The deserted island offers a survival-oriented experience distinct from the resort's luxury. Here, Zois can gather resources, explore uncharted terrain, and experience a more isolated side of island life. Weather conditions must be favorable to make the crossing, so plan your trip accordingly. After natural disasters strike, the deserted island may contain unique treasures or hidden mysteries.

Beach Volleyball

Beach volleyball is a group activity available at the Beach Volleyball Court in Bliss Bay, a community lot located on the southeast side of the city near Muscle Beach. To play, interact with the volleyball net and your Zoi will join a pickup game. Beach volleyball is a social activity. Other Zois on the lot may join in, and it builds both Fitness and relationships.

There is no dedicated volleyball skill. The activity functions as recreation and fitness training, making it a fun way to work toward the Fitness level 3 threshold needed for surfing.

Cahaya: The Three Islands

The Cahaya map introduced by the Island Getaway DLC consists of three distinct islands:

1. Main Island a working island where Zois can earn a living through farming (growing and selling crops), mining (gathering minerals and gemstones using crafted pickaxes), and fishing. Tools like pickaxes are crafted at a crafting table in your yard.

2. Resort Island the luxury destination featuring multiple accommodations (Garden Villa, Premier Ocean View Villa, and Private Water Villa). The resort includes swimming pools, snorkeling stalls, a spa with foot, hand, scalp, and full-body massages plus sauna sessions, bars and clubs with DJs, the great white shark display in the resort lobby, billiards, bowling, and an arcade where you exchange Meow for Resort Coins to play games. The Sri Lestari Resort is the main hub for exchanging snorkeling collectibles.

3. Deserted Island the wild, uncharted island accessible by boat, offering survival-oriented gameplay and resource gathering. Weather conditions must be favorable for the crossing.

Miatara Temple

The Miatara Temple is Cahaya's most mystical landmark, accessible by boat or water taxi on the left side of the map. It has two main areas: the Supelaem building where yoga is practiced on mats, and the main temple where the Guardian Cats reside. Activities at the temple include:

Cahaya Careers

The Island Getaway DLC introduces several rabbit hole careers specific to Cahaya, including tour guide trainee, turtle nestwatcher, encyclopedia investigator, taxi driver, meditation and yoga assistant, farmer, and miner.

Seasonal and Weather Considerations

Water activities in inZOI are affected by in-game conditions. Surfing and beach volleyball are best enjoyed during warm weather, while boat travel to the deserted island requires clear conditions. Rain and storms can limit outdoor activities, though pool swimming remains available regardless of weather. Floods in Cahaya can damage crops on the main island. As the game continues through Early Access, seasonal weather systems may become more detailed, the 2026 Roadmap mentions ongoing environmental improvements.

Rental Boats

Five types of boats can be rented from blue ticket booths at docks on Cahaya's beaches. To rent, approach a booth, select "Rent a Ship," and choose from the available vessels. Once rented, the Zoi boards automatically.

More expensive boats are primarily cosmetic upgrades. They do not offer significant functional advantages over cheaper options in terms of speed or handling. The Troller is the exception, as it is oriented toward fishing.

Jet Skis and Hovercrafts

The v0.5.0 update (December 2025) added jet skis and hovercrafts as new water vehicle types, expanding transportation options for coastal areas in Cahaya.

These vehicles are available alongside the original five rental boats and can be accessed from the same dock areas in Cahaya.

Controls

Boat and water vehicle controls mirror the standard movement inputs:

The camera rotates freely while aboard, giving full 360-degree views of the surrounding ocean and islands.

Island Hopping

Cahaya has three islands, each with dock access points:

Zois can also travel between islands using the smartphone travel function, but boats allow stops along the coastline and access to open-water areas that are unreachable by other means.

Fishing from Boats

One of the primary reasons to rent a boat is deep-water fishing. Boats can reach fishing spots that are too far from shore to access on foot. To fish from a boat:

1. Rent a boat from the dock (the Troller is the best choice for dedicated fishing, as it has rod holders).

2. Sail to open water or a specific fishing area.

3. Click the tackle box located behind the driver's seat to open the fishing options.

4. Select a fishing method: free fishing or Advanced Bait fishing (5 Meow per cast).

5. Catch fish as normal. Deep-water spots offer different species than shore fishing locations.

Fish caught from boats can be sold, cooked using cooking recipes, displayed in fish tanks at home, or logged in the Collection Log. Some fish species are only available in deep-water areas accessible by boat.

Deep-Water Fish Species

Boat fishing in Cahaya provides access to exclusive oceanic species that cannot be caught from shore. Many premium species require Gold or Diamond tier fishing rods. Using Advanced Bait (5 Meow per cast) is worthwhile since premium species sell for far more than the bait cost.

Notable species available from deep-water boat fishing include:

• Blue Marlin, Black Marlin, Cobia, Mahi Mahi

• Sea Bream, Skipjack Tuna, Bluefin Tuna

• Great White Shark, Zebra Shark, Whale Shark

• Orca, Giant Manta Ray, Giant Sea Turtle

• French Angelfish and various other reef species

• Ghost fish variants (appear only between 6 PM and 6 AM)

Fishing Rod Sources

Before renting a boat for fishing, make sure your Zoi has a fishing rod. Rods can be obtained from:

• The Farm Store in Cahaya (purchase directly).

• A Crafting Table on your property (craft from gathered materials).

• The Whatever Tiny Shop (occasionally available).

Higher-tier rods (Gold, Diamond) unlock access to rarer deep-water species. Shore fishing in Dowon and Bliss Bay yields common freshwater and coastal species, so boat fishing in Cahaya is the only way to catch the premium oceanic fish listed above.

Diving from Boats

Boats also serve as launch points for snorkeling and diving. Sail to deeper waters, then have the Zoi climb off the back of the boat to begin snorkeling. This requires:

• Snorkeling gear rented from a snorkeling stall on the beach (three tiers: Beginner, Diver, Ocean Pro).

• Sufficient Swimming skill for the chosen equipment tier.

• Adequate energy and needs levels (ocean swimming drains energy quickly).

Boats are the only way to reach the deepest snorkeling areas, where submerged temples, coral reefs, and rare marine life can be found.

Other Boat Activities

• Sunbathing: Some boat types offer sunbathing interactions, letting Zois relax on deck while at sea.

• Group rides: Multiple Zois can ride together on larger boats like the Catamaran. This makes boats useful for family outings.

• Reaching the Miatara Temple: The Miatara Temple is accessible by boat or water taxi on the left side of the Cahaya map. Sailing there provides a scenic coastal route.

Weather and Sailing

Weather conditions can affect boating. Storms and heavy rain may restrict travel, particularly to the Deserted Island. Plan boat trips during clear weather for the smoothest experience. After natural disasters strike, the Deserted Island may contain unique treasures or hidden mysteries worth sailing out to discover.

Tips

• Use water taxis for quick island-hopping when you just need to get somewhere. Rent boats when you want to fish, dive, or explore the coastline.

• The Troller is the best boat for dedicated fishing trips thanks to its rod holders for stationary fishing.

• The Catamaran is ideal for group outings with the whole household.

• Bring a fishing rod before renting a boat if you plan to fish from it.

• Always disembark at docks, not beaches, to avoid the abandoned boat bug.

• Check the weather before sailing to the Deserted Island. Storms can make the crossing dangerous.

• Rent snorkeling gear from the beach stall before renting a boat if you plan to dive in deep water.

• Jet skis are good for quick solo trips. Hovercrafts can traverse shallow water and land, making them versatile for exploring Cahaya's varied terrain.

• The smartphone travel function can get you between islands instantly, but you miss out on fishing, diving, and scenic exploration along the way.