Beach Bowl Galaxy: The Secret Undersea Cavern

Dive into the water and grab any of the numerous shells (such as the one in the center of the ocean floor) then throw it at the cracked wall on the ocean floor, just below the waterfall to reveal a secret cavern.

Swim through the secret cavern up to a fence. Bust open the boxes on the right to reveal an opening, leading to the other side. Pound the switch here, then use the Launch Star that appears to blast off to another planet.

This strange looking world is home to several Thwomps, and some weird rolling box things. If either lands on you, it's instant death, but thankfully the rolling boxes have an opening where there mouth should be that Mario can take refuge in as they roll on past. Furthermore, the rolling boxes won't roll over any of the raised portions of the level, so use these sections to plan your next move.

Follow the path underneath the first thwomp, then prepare for your first encounter with a rolling box. Wait for the box to roll away, then hang out on the second tile beyond the first raised section - this tile is where the box's mouth will land, so it's safe. Wait for the box to roll over you, then follow the path up to a series of moving platforms.

1-Up
The first green platform on the left leads to a 1-Up. But make sure to jump back across, as it disappears once stepped on.

Note for the Impatient: Yeah, we know, waiting for a safe time to pass by the rolling blocks can be boring. So if you're impatient, you can actually follow them up to a corner, then simply jump around them to the path around the bend.

We suggest crossing only when the large sections roll into place. This way, you won't have to jump over anything, thereby preventing an accidental fall. When on the last portion, ride it around to short staircase.

Watch out for another rolling block just beyond the staircase which rolls around this section perpetually. Head left to avoid meeting it head on, then run up a ramp to the next raised section.

For the remainder of the level, you can either strictly follow the path, taking refuge inside the blocks mouths as they roll around, or take a much easier (and faster) shortcut. Whenever you reach one of the green, vanishing platforms, long jump off of it to another on the other side. Just keep heading in the same direction using this method to easily bypass both the blocks, and most of this level.

After the final green platform, follow the path underneath one more Thwomp, then bust open the crystal for your star.