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Boats and Water Activities
February 22, 2026 at 12:46 PM
Convert bullet-point lists to tables for better readability
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 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.
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 is available at the beaches in Bliss Bay and Cahaya. Unlike pool swimming, the ocean presents real hazards:
Item | Description |
|---|---|
Energy drain | Swimming in the ocean causes significant energy drain. Make sure your Zoi's needs are full before entering the water. |
Drowning | If a Zoi swims for approximately three in-game hours continuously without a break, they will drown. Once vitality drops, freestyle swimming becomes sluggish and unresponsive, that is the warning sign to get out of the water and recharge. Drowning is one of the few ways a Zoi can die from a gameplay mechanic. |
Dangerous creatures | At lower Swimming skill levels, there is a chance of encountering sharks and other dangerous marine life, which can seriously injure or even kill your Zoi. Higher Swimming skill reduces this risk. |
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.
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:
Skill | Effect |
|---|---|
Level 3 (Intermediate Mode) | Unlocks intermediate swimming, allowing Zois to stay submerged longer and dive deeper than beginners. |
Higher levels | Required for snorkeling with better equipment sets at Cahaya. Also enables swimming to deeper waters for diving opportunities. |
Maximum level | Dramatically reduces energy drain and virtually eliminates encounters with dangerous creatures. |
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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:
Beginner Set basic mask and snorkel for shallow-water exploration near the shore. Recommended for new players starting out.
Diver Set intermediate gear that allows exploration of deeper waters and coral formations.
Ocean Pro Set advanced equipment for the deepest dives, giving access to the full underwater environment.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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 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.
The Cahaya map introduced by the Island Getaway DLC consists of three distinct islands:
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.
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.
Deserted Island the wild, uncharted island accessible by boat, offering survival-oriented gameplay and resource gathering. Weather conditions must be favorable for the crossing.
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:
Item | Description |
|---|---|
Meditate with Cat | Sit and spend time with the sacred cats that roam the temple grounds. Cats may give you gifts. |
Yoga | Practice yoga at the Supelaem area on provided mats. |
Wish Tree | Submit wishes at the board located just outside the Miatara Temple building. |
Fortune Sticks | Use the Fortune Stick Tube next to the Wish Tree (costs 10 Meow). |
Cat Temple Shop | Purchase cat-related items including treats, toys, talismans, and Catnip Candy. |
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.
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.
