Overview
Underwater exploration is one of the highlight features of the Island Getaway DLC, available in Cahaya. Zois can swim through crystal-clear tropical waters, discover coral reefs, encounter marine wildlife, and explore submerged ancient temples containing treasure. The system combines a hidden snorkeling skill, three tiers of rental equipment, and a Resort Coin reward loop that ties into the broader island economy. A sufficiently high Swimming skill is required to access deeper waters and longer dive sessions.
Getting Started
Before diving into Cahaya's waters, your Zoi needs to build up their swimming ability. Practice water exercises at local pools or in shallow coastal areas to increase your Swimming skill. Breath-hold exercises in the water are particularly effective for leveling up the skill quickly. Once your Zoi can swim comfortably, head to the snorkeling stand at Barat Beach (located on the right side of the Cahaya map) to rent equipment.
Travel to Cahaya through the travel system.
Build your Swimming skill through water exercises, especially breath-hold practice in shallow areas or pools.
Visit the snorkeling stand at Barat Beach to rent a snorkeling set.
Select 'Practice Snorkeling' to build your hidden snorkeling skill before attempting a full dive.
Once your snorkeling skill is high enough, select 'Start Snorkeling with Your Equipment' to explore the sea floor.
Snorkeling Equipment
Three equipment tiers are available for daily rental at the Barat Beach snorkeling stand. Higher-tier sets allow longer dive times and access to deeper waters where rarer collectibles are found. Equipment is rented per day and cannot be purchased permanently.
Equipment Tier | Dive Capability | Best For |
|---|---|---|
Beginner Set | Shallow waters, short dives | New swimmers learning the basics |
Diver Set | Medium depth, moderate dive time | Intermediate swimmers exploring reefs |
Ocean Pro Set | Deep sea access, extended dive time | Experienced divers hunting temples and rare finds |
The snorkeling stand also rents equipment at different price points depending on the tier. The Beginner Set is the cheapest option, while the Ocean Pro Set costs the most but grants access to the full underwater map.
Snorkeling Skill
Underwater exploration uses a hidden snorkeling skill that is separate from the general Swimming skill. Your Zoi builds this skill by choosing the 'Practice Snorkeling' option after equipping gear. During practice, your Zoi swims near the surface and gets comfortable with the equipment.
Once the snorkeling skill reaches a certain threshold, a new interaction unlocks: 'Start Snorkeling with Your Equipment.' This is the full exploration experience where your Zoi dives down to the sea floor to collect items, explore reefs, and discover temples. Higher snorkeling skill levels increase dive duration and reduce stamina drain during underwater sessions.
Underwater Zones
Cahaya's waters are divided into distinct zones, each hosting different marine life and exploration opportunities. The map marks various zones where you can encounter specific creatures.
Shallow Waters
The area immediately off Barat Beach. Safe for beginners with the Beginner Set. Expect small fish, sea urchins, and basic collectibles. No dangerous wildlife spawns here, making it ideal for building the snorkeling skill.
Coral Reefs
Vibrant reef formations located between the main island and surrounding islets. The reefs are home to diverse fish species and sea turtles. Snorkeling near coral reefs is the safest form of intermediate exploration and yields a steady supply of collectible sea life.
Deep Sea
The deep sea zone lies far from shore. Your Zoi must swim a considerable distance or rent a boat to reach it. Dolphins appear in deeper waters, but so do sharks and jellyfish. The Ocean Pro Set is strongly recommended for deep sea exploration because the extended dive time gives you enough air to navigate hazards and reach the submerged temples.
Marine Life
Creature | Location | Behavior | Danger Level |
|---|---|---|---|
Fish (various species) | All zones | Swim around coral reefs and open water | None |
Sea Urchins | Shallow waters, reefs | Stationary; collectible items | None |
Marked turtle zones, beaches | Swim slowly near reefs; also found on beaches | None | |
Dolphins | Deep waters | Swim in groups; peaceful | None |
Sharks | Deep sea patrol zones | Patrol specific routes; will attack Zois | Dangerous |
Jellyfish | Specific drift zones | Drift through open water; sting on contact | Dangerous |
Both sharks and jellyfish can seriously injure or even kill your Zoi. Watch for visual indicators on the map showing patrol zones before diving into deep water.
Underwater Temples
Submerged ancient temples are hidden beneath Cahaya's waters, located between the main island and the deserted island. These structures are the primary target for experienced snorkelers because they contain treasure deposits that cannot be found elsewhere. Reaching the temples requires strong swimming skills, an Ocean Pro Set for sufficient air, and careful navigation around shark patrol routes.
Temple treasure goes directly into your Zoi's inventory upon collection. The items found inside vary in rarity and value, and selling them at the Coin Exchange Kiosk in Sri Lestari Resort converts them into Resort Coins. Resort Coins can then be redeemed for exclusive resort-themed items and rewards that are not available through any other method.
Collectibles and Rewards
While snorkeling, your Zoi automatically picks up sea life and treasure into their inventory. Collectibles include sea urchins, shells, and other marine items. All collected items can be exchanged at the Coin Exchange Kiosk located at Sri Lestari Resort.
Reward | Description |
|---|---|
Coin Exchange Kiosk | Located at Sri Lestari Resort. Trade collected sea life and treasures for Resort Coins. |
Resort Coins | A special currency earned through snorkeling collectibles and other island activities. Spend them on resort-exclusive cosmetic items and decorations. |
Rare finds | Temple treasures are worth significantly more Resort Coins than standard sea life collected from reefs. |
Boating to Dive Sites
Six types of boats can be rented in Cahaya. Your Zoi can sail to deeper waters and dive off the back of the boat to reach underwater areas that are too far to swim to from shore. This is the primary method for accessing deep sea temples and remote reef systems. Fishing from boats is also possible with the right equipment, letting you combine two activities in a single trip.
Stamina and Safety
Swimming drains both energy and stamina. Long dive sessions without adequate Swimming skill can leave your Zoi exhausted on the surface, unable to dive again until they rest. Keep these safety tips in mind:
Build your Swimming skill before attempting deep dives. Low skill means short dive times and faster energy drain.
Rent the highest equipment tier you can afford. The Ocean Pro Set provides the longest air supply.
Avoid areas marked with sharks or jellyfish until you are comfortable with underwater navigation.
Rent a boat to reach remote dive sites and underwater temples instead of swimming the full distance.
Snorkeling near coral reefs is the safest way to start exploring and is available at lower Swimming levels.
Return to shore or your boat before energy runs out. A Zoi who runs out of stamina in deep water is in serious danger.
The underwater temple treasure can provide valuable items worth selling, but plan your air supply for the return trip.
Community Requests
The inZOI community has submitted wishlist requests on the official forums for full scuba diving with dedicated equipment, free-swim underwater movement (rather than the guided snorkeling path), and deeper underwater biomes. These features are not confirmed but reflect popular demand for expanded underwater gameplay.