Swimming is a fun and rewarding activity in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. It allows you to explore the ocean around your island, collect unique sea creatures, and complete your museum's marine exhibit. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to start swimming, based on firsthand experience playing the game.

Before You Start: Get a Wetsuit

Buy from Nook's Cranny

• Visit Nook's Cranny and check the cabinet where tools and goods are sold
• Purchase a wetsuit for 3,000 Bells
• Wetsuit designs rotate daily

Redeem Nook Miles

• Access the Nook Stop terminal in Resident Services
• Select "Redeem Nook Miles"
• Choose the "Nook Inc. Wetsuit" for 800 Nook Miles
• One color available per day

Equip Your Wetsuit

• Open your inventory
• Select the wetsuit
• Choose "Wear" to put it on over your clothes
• Wetsuits don't replace your outfit

Entering the Water

Wading In

• Approach the ocean from the beach
• Press 'A' to enter the water
• Your character will wade in

Diving from Rocks and Piers

• Stand at the edge of a rock or pier
• Press 'A' to dive into the water
• Adds flair to your ocean entry

Swimming Basics

Moving in the Water

• Hold 'A' to swim forward
• Use the left joystick to steer
• Release 'A' to stop swimming

Diving Underwater

• While swimming, press 'Y' to dive
• Continue using 'A' and the joystick to move
• Dive to collect sea creatures or avoid wasps/jellyfish

Resurfacing

• Automatically resurface after a few seconds underwater
• Press 'Y' while submerged to surface immediately
• Resurface to refill your oxygen meter

Finding Sea Creatures

Spotting Bubbles

• Look for columns of bubbles rising to the surface
• Bubbles indicate a creature is hiding below
• Size of shadow determines creature size

Diving for Critters

• Swim directly above the bubble source
• Press 'Y' to dive underwater
• Approach the shadow and touch it to collect
• Creature goes into your inventory

What to Do with Sea Creatures

Donate to Museum

• Bring new creatures to Blathers at the museum
• He'll accept one of each for the exhibit
• Donated creatures appear in aquarium tanks

Sell for Bells

• Sell extra creatures to Nook's Cranny for Bells
• Prices vary by species rarity
• Quick way to make money, especially rare finds

FAQs

When can I start swimming?

Swimming is available once you've upgraded Resident Services from a tent to a building. It's not available on your very first day on the island.

What happens if I run out of oxygen underwater?

Your character will automatically resurface for air if the oxygen meter fully depletes. You won't lose health or items.

Can I dive from the airport pier?

No, you can't dive directly from the airport pier. You'll need to climb down the ladder to the nearby rocks first.

How long does a wetsuit last?

Wetsuits never break or degrade. Once purchased, you can use it indefinitely.

Can I customize my wetsuit?

No, wetsuits can't be customized at a workbench like other clothing items. You'll need to buy different colors/styles from the shop as they become available.

Conclusion

Swimming in Animal Crossing: New Horizons opens up an exciting new way to experience your island paradise. By purchasing a wetsuit, diving into the ocean, and collecting sea creatures, you can fill your museum, earn Bells, and have fun in the underwater world. Follow the tips in this guide and you'll be swimming like a pro in no time!