Course 9: Dire, Dire Docks

Welcome to Dire, Dire Docks, a challenging underwater course that requires precise swimming and careful navigation. This guide will help you collect all the Power Stars and 100 Coins within this aquatic environment.

Star 1: Board Bowser's Sub

This star is your primary objective for entering Bowser's domain. Follow these steps:

Upon entering the course, immediately dive into the water.
Swim straight ahead through the initial tunnel. You'll emerge into a large, open underwater area.
Look for a large, metallic submarine in the center of this area. This is Bowser's Sub.
Swim to the top of the submarine. You'll find a Power Star waiting for you there.

Star 2: Through the Jet Stream

This star requires you to navigate a powerful underwater current. Be prepared for a bit of a challenge!

From the start of the level, swim through the initial tunnel as you did for Star 1.
In the large open area, locate the strong jet stream of water emanating from a pipe on one of the walls.
Strategy: To get through the jet stream, you need to use Mario's strong swimming ability. Hold down the "A" button to continuously swim against the current.
Swim directly into the jet stream. It will push you back initially, but keep holding "A".
Eventually, you'll be able to push through the current and enter the pipe it's coming from.
Inside the pipe, you'll find a small chamber with the Power Star.

Star 3: Get the Red Coins

Collecting all eight Red Coins in Dire, Dire Docks can be tricky due to the underwater environment. Here's where to find them:

Red Coin 1 & 2: In the initial tunnel, before you reach the open area, you'll find two Red Coins floating near the entrance.
Red Coin 3 & 4: In the large open area with Bowser's Sub, look for two Red Coins floating above the submarine itself.
Red Coin 5 & 6: Near the jet stream pipe (used for Star 2), you'll find two more Red Coins. One is usually near the pipe's opening, and another slightly above or to the side.
Red Coin 7 & 8: Swim to the very bottom of the large open area. There are two Red Coins resting on the seabed, often near the pillars or walls.

Once you've collected all eight Red Coins, the Power Star will appear in a fixed location, usually near the center of the large open area, above Bowser's Sub.

Star 4: Blast Away the Wall

This star requires you to open a hidden passage using a Bob-omb Buddy.

Enter the course and swim through the initial tunnel.
In the large open area, locate the Bob-omb Buddy. It's usually found on a small ledge or platform near the entrance to the jet stream pipe.
Talk to the Bob-omb Buddy. It will activate and follow you.
Lead the Bob-omb Buddy to the large, cracked wall on one side of the open area. This wall is typically opposite the jet stream pipe.
Once the Bob-omb Buddy is near the wall, it will explode, revealing a hidden passage.
Swim through the newly opened passage to find the Power Star.

Star 5: Eye to Eye in the Secret Room

This star involves a hidden room and a unique enemy encounter.

First, you need to access the secret room. This is done by blasting away the wall as described for Star 4.
Once the wall is open, swim through the passage. You'll enter a small, enclosed room.
Inside this room, you'll find a large, stationary enemy with a single eye. This is a Big Boo's Eye (or similar large eye enemy).
Strategy: To defeat this enemy, you need to swim around it in circles. As you circle, its eye will follow you. After a few rotations, the eye will become dizzy and vulnerable.
When the eye is dizzy, quickly swim up to it and punch it (B button).
Repeat this process a few times until the enemy is defeated.
Upon its defeat, the Power Star will appear in the room.

Star 6: Collect the 8 Yellow Coins

This star is a bit of a trick. There are no 8 Yellow Coins to collect for a Power Star in Dire, Dire Docks. This star is obtained by collecting 100 Coins in the level. See the 100 Coin Power Star section below for details.

100 Coin Power Star

Collecting 100 coins in Dire, Dire Docks can be challenging due to the limited number of easily accessible coins. Here's a breakdown of where to find them:

Initial Tunnel:
- Red Coins (2): 2 coins.
- Yellow Coins: Several scattered throughout the tunnel. Look for them along the walls and floor. (Approx. 10-15 coins)
Large Open Area:
- Red Coins (6): 6 coins (from the Red Coin Star).
- Yellow Coins:
  - Around Bowser's Sub: Many coins circle the sub and are on its surface. (Approx. 20-25 coins)
  - Near the Jet Stream: Several coins are found near the pipe entrance and within the jet stream itself (if you can collect them while fighting the current). (Approx. 10-15 coins)
  - Seabed: Look for coins scattered on the floor of the large area, often near pillars or the walls. (Approx. 15-20 coins)
  - Above the open area: Some coins float higher up in the water. (Approx. 5-10 coins)
- Coin Rings: There are often rings of coins that appear when you defeat certain enemies or perform specific actions (e.g., swimming through a specific hoop). Keep an eye out for these.
Secret Room (after blasting wall):
- Yellow Coins: A good number of coins are found within this room, especially after defeating the Big Boo's Eye. (Approx. 15-20 coins)

Strategy for 100 Coins:

Prioritize collecting all 8 Red Coins, as they contribute to your total.
Thoroughly explore the initial tunnel and the large open area. Leave no corner unchecked.
Defeat any enemies you encounter, as they often drop coins.
open the secret room (Blast Away the Wall) and collect all coins within it.
If you're still short, re-enter the jet stream pipe (Through the Jet Stream) as there are coins inside that small chamber as well.

Once you collect your 100th coin, the Power Star will appear in a fixed location, usually near the center of the large open area.