The course is notable as the only course which changes based on the completion of another: Bowser's Sub sits in the docking area of this world until Mario defeats him in Bowser in the Fire Sea, after which Bowser's submarine disappears, the gate blocking the passageway to the pond outside Princess Peach's Castle opens, and moving poles appear in the framework of the docks. A variety of marine life, including Sushis, Bubs ( Cheep-Cheeps in the remake), and a Manta Ray, live in the first big drop off. The entrance to the course is above a large pool of water connected to a submarine dock by an underwater passageway.

Like Jolly Roger Bay, this course takes place in and about a large, deep body of water.

Watch out for the big black hole in the wall underwater in the second area of the level because really strong currents can suck Mario in and bring him back outside the castle. It consists of two main areas connected by an underwater passageway: the first is a relatively empty drop off with some marine life and a massive whirlpool in the center, the other the location is the docking point where most of the stars are located. Much of it is underwater, as are the majority of the stars. Beyond the 30 star door in the basement Dire, Dire Docks is the ninth level in the games Super Mario 64 and Super Mario 64 DS and is the game's second water-based level.