Secret Shines & Hidden Levels

Beyond the main story Shines and Blue Coin collections, Isle Delfino holds a multitude of truly hidden Shines and even entire secret levels that challenge Mario's platforming prowess. These often require keen observation, specific F.L.U.D.D. techniques, or interaction with seemingly innocuous elements of the environment. Collecting these is crucial for 100% completion and unlocking all of the game's secrets.

Bianco Hills' Secret Shines

Bianco Hills, while seemingly straightforward, contains a few elusive Shines that are easily missed on a casual playthrough. These often involve interacting with the environment in unexpected ways.

The Hidden Windmill Shine:
- Location: This Shine is located high above the main village, near the large windmills.
- Prerequisites: You'll need the Rocket Nozzle or a very precise Hover Nozzle jump to reach the top of the tallest windmill.
- Walkthrough:
  1. Start from the main village area.
  2. Locate the tallest windmill with the rotating blades.
  3. Use the Rocket Nozzle (if available) to launch yourself onto the central platform of the windmill. If you don't have the Rocket Nozzle, perform a high jump and then continuously use the Hover Nozzle to gain altitude and land on the platform.
  4. Once on the platform, look for a small, discolored patch on the ground. Spray this patch with water until the Shine Sprite materializes.
River Cave Challenge:
- Location: Tucked away behind the waterfall at the end of the river leading from the main village.
- Prerequisites: None, but the Turbo Nozzle can make the platforming easier.
- Walkthrough:
  1. Follow the river from the village towards the large waterfall.
  2. Instead of going over the waterfall, look for a small, hidden opening behind the falling water.
  3. Enter the cave. This is a challenging platforming segment with moving blocks and tight jumps.
  4. Navigate the precarious platforms, using your Hover Nozzle to correct any missteps.
  5. At the end of the cave, you'll find the Shine Sprite waiting.

Ricco Harbor's Underwater Secrets

Ricco Harbor, with its vast aquatic areas, hides several Shines beneath the waves or in hard-to-reach spots accessible only by careful swimming and F.L.U.D.D. manipulation.

Submerged Crate Shine:
- Location: Deep within the waters of Ricco Harbor, near the large cargo ship.
- Prerequisites: The ability to swim effectively and manage your air supply.
- Walkthrough:
  1. Dive into the water near the bow of the large cargo ship.
  2. Swim downwards, looking for a cluster of wooden crates on the seabed.
  3. One of these crates will appear slightly different or have a faint glow. Spray it repeatedly with water.
  4. The crate will break open, revealing a Shine Sprite. Be mindful of your air meter!
The Crane's Perch:
- Location: Atop the highest point of the large crane structure in the harbor.
- Prerequisites: Excellent platforming skills and precise Hover Nozzle control.
- Walkthrough:
  1. Head to the base of the massive crane.
  2. Begin your ascent by jumping onto the lower platforms and girders.
  3. Utilize wall jumps, triple jumps, and careful Hover Nozzle bursts to navigate the intricate structure.
  4. The final stretch involves a series of narrow beams. Take your time and aim your jumps carefully.
  5. At the very top, you'll find the Shine Sprite resting on the crane's highest point.

Delfino Plaza's Hidden Levels

Delfino Plaza itself, the central hub, contains not just hidden Shines, but also portals to entirely new, challenging levels. These are often triggered by specific actions or by finding cleverly concealed entrances.

The Secret of the Bell Tower:
- Location: High above Delfino Plaza, within the bell tower.
- Prerequisites: Rocket Nozzle is highly recommended for easy access.
- Walkthrough:
  1. Locate the tall bell tower in Delfino Plaza.
  2. Use the Rocket Nozzle to launch yourself onto the roof of the tower. Alternatively, you can perform a series of wall jumps off the side of the tower, but this is much more difficult.
  3. Once on the roof, look for a small, open window or archway.
  4. Jump through this opening to enter a hidden platforming level. This level features rotating platforms and tricky jumps.
  5. Successfully navigate the level to earn a Shine Sprite at the end.
The "Noki Bay" Pipe:
- Location: A seemingly ordinary pipe in Delfino Plaza, near the main fountain.
- Prerequisites: You must have unlocked Noki Bay in the main story.
- Walkthrough:
  1. Head to the area near the large fountain in Delfino Plaza.
  2. Look for a green pipe that is usually blocked off or inaccessible.
  3. After unlocking Noki Bay, this pipe will become active. Jump into it.
  4. This pipe transports you to a secret area within Noki Bay, often a challenging platforming gauntlet or a unique puzzle that rewards a Shine Sprite upon completion. The specific challenge varies depending on which episode of Noki Bay you've completed.