See the Seas of Neopia: Understand Neopia's Oceans

     This article will bring to light the unique characteristics of these oceans and how travelling them today is only possible thanks to our sailors’ understanding of the varying conditions of each. Oddly enough, the vast majority of Neopia has no names for the ocean, so we here at the Neopian Times will be providing names to differentiate between them. These names are not scientific and have not been confirmed by any official scientific or international committees.

     1.The East Open Ocean

     The East Open Ocean is the vast expanse of water east of the mainland that separates Neopia Central from Krawk Island and Mystery Island. It also includes the ruins of Maraqua and new Maraqua within it. It technically wraps around the entire globe but for the sake of simplicity we will be sectioning it off at Mystery Island.

     This stretch of ocean is known for being extremely empty and home to some of the deepest depths on Neopia. It has some of the most widely travelled commercial and shipping routes in the world but that only covers five percent of this vast ocean.

     Mariners talk about the many hidden trenches and lost Maraquan settlements that dot the sea floor south of Krawk Island and in the west in the most remote expanse of the ocean. There have been several expeditions to this five thousand square mile stretch of ocean to see what can be discovered. Many archeological discoveries have been made pertaining to ancient Maraquan culture dated centuries before the founding of Maraqua where we know it today.

     This ocean is also home to some of the largest storms in the world. Without any land to obstruct them, storm winds reach over one hundred and fifty miles per hour and swells reportedly as high as thirty feet. High enough to considerably shift one's horizon line if they were looking straight ahead.

     Supposedly due to the unpredictability of the weather in certain sections, communities of pirates and other villains have set up makeshift strongholds in these uncharted and less travelled areas of the ocean. Reportedly even an eccentric scientist from a now defunct research project built an underwater laboratory that only certain Neopians have managed to gain access to, but there are no files that confirm the validity of this rumor.

      2.Terror Mountain Sea

     The small stretch of sea separating the landmass that Terror Mountain and Tyrannia call home is narrow but frigid. Connecting from the western side of the mainland to the East Open Ocean, what you see is what you get.

     Many Neopians who choose to travel to Terror Mountain or Tyrannia via this route will undoubtedly be miserable as their vessels plow through freezing water splashing up onto the deck and stand in the frigid air as they plow through the ice that piles up during the fall and winter months.

     This is the smallest body of water on the planet so it is not unusual to have choppy waters and strong currents as the water rushes between the northern and southern continents. Add in the ice that forms and the water breaks quite often, making for choppy water and a rather unpleasant ride.

     Due to the extreme waters, many expeditions that have occurred in other parts of the world have not happened here, and many Maraquans do not use this water passage due to the extreme cold. Although some have braved the elements and made a sport out of it. Crossing the channel between Meridell and Terror Mountain has become something of a small competition filled with dedicated, extreme swimmers. This race has gathered steam and gotten the attention of many Neopians in the last few years. What used to be a small gathering of swimmers for a competition, now has a relatively large crowd of spectators on either side of the channel.

      3.Deserted Sea

     This bit of water, so aptly named due to it being south of the Lost Desert and also effectively empty, is one of the least explored regions of the ocean today. One look on the map and you can see why. Little exploration occurs south of the Lost Desert, so the polar ice caps, as far as anyone is concerned, have nothing of value. Meaning this small stretch of sea leads to a dead end of sand and ice.

     This seclusion does have an upside. It is one of the calmest bodies of water on the planet and has become a rest stop for those sailors who are trying to escape or wait out severe weather on the western seas. The proximity to the East Open Ocean over a relatively small land crossing also means it’s a prime location for a port to quickly cross over to the other side of the world, rather than trek across the mountain ranges or sail north and through the Terror Mountain Sea.

     Many sailors tend to anchor in this quiet sea and it has since become a spectacle, with hundreds of thousands of ships small and large dotting the sea, lounging around waiting to cross over to the other side of the world, or simply taking a break from their travels. It sounds odd, but this is effectively a rest stop for any mariner out on the open ocean.

      4.Western Seas

     Grouped together are the small oceans that dot the western hemisphere of Neopia. These stretch from the coastlines of Shenkuu and Altador, all the way around the mysterious Lutari Island, Dacardia, and through the archipelago of Moltara.

     These seas present a unique experience to travellers with short travel times and picturesque scenery. The climate is mild and tropical depending on which land you are closest to. This allows for a wide variety of aquatic Petpets to be viewed and clear waters. Many guided tours exist for the aquatic enthusiasts that range from glass bottom boat viewings to snorkeling and scuba diving.

     You can come across many spectacular views. The breakwaters by the coast of Shenkuu are just as striking as the mountains and sheer cliffs are. You can really only behold them from a distance as the waters can be choppy and the tides are strong enough to push even large ships dangerously close to the rocky shore.

     Altador’s warm temperatures and closeness to the calm Deserted Sea means that the waters of its coast are less salty and are blue and crystal clear. Travelling here is highly encouraged and is a welcome break from some of the rougher seas if you’ve travelled by boat from far away.

     Finally the waters around Moltara and Lutari Island, while calm, are some of the most treacherous in Neopia thanks to the thick fog and overgrown nature that protects the coasts of these lands. The waters are murky due to the abundant aquatic foliage and soil that mixes in with the water from the islands that dot this sea. You can expect to see many shipwrecks here. Experienced sailors struggle to traverse the area and roughly eight percent of all trips into this area of the sea will end up requiring rescue according to our research.

     This sea with its beautifully calm yet treacherous areas is the most chaotic and unpredictable sea that Neopia has to offer.

     If you ever feel like travelling to another land via water, be sure to thoroughly research your route beyond just the price point. The seas of Neopia have a lot to offer as the journey can be as spectacular as the destination, or perhaps you’re taking a one way trip to a statistical doom.