Players will unlock the Maricopia Reef (Day) course in New Pokemon Snap after reaching research level 2 in Blushing Beach (Day). It's quite a large course compared to some of the others and there are two different routes for players to explore. There are 15 different types of Pokemon scattered throughout the reef and its surrounding areas as well as some unique photo opportunities that can't be found anywhere else.
For all the different types of Pokemon that call the reef their home though, there's not a single one that can't be found elsewhere, so those only looking to complete their New Pokemon Snap Photodex with at least one picture of each Pokemon needn't spend too much time exploring if they don't want to. That said, the Pikachu riding a Mantine is definitely worth seeing at least once.
Every Pokemon In Maricopia Reef (Day)
Research Level 1
- Finneon - There are a few schools of Finneon swimming around in the opening section of the course. They swim off pretty quickly as players get near, although a well-placed and hastily thrown Fluffruit can still have some interesting effects.
- Wingull - There are Wingull flying around everywhere in the Reef (Day) course, although the best place to get a decent shot is near the big whirlpool where one can be found sitting peacefully on a rock. Players can find a hidden Wingull too by throwing an Illumina Orb into the Pelliper nest on the pillar behind Machamp.
- Sharpedo - Another Pokemon that shows up a lot in the course is Sharpedo. They tear around the place causing chaos; attempting to catch both Squirtle and Machamp while they're enjoying a dip in the water. Sometimes, if given a Fluffruit, the Sharpedo will even jump out of the water too.
- Magikarp - There's a solitary Magikarp flapping around in the whirlpool, but the only way to get it to show itself is to throw a Fluffruit right into the center.
- Wailord - A Wailord will emerge right in front of the player not long after they pass the whirlpool, although getting a decent picture can be tricky due to how big it is and its distance from the player. At higher research levels, however, a second Wailord will show up opposite the first one and is far easier to photograph.
- Pelipper - From the middle section onward, Pelipper can be seen just about everywhere. If players take the alternate route by scanning the area past the Machamp, they'll also find a whole bunch of Pelipper just swimming around near the course's exit.
- Mantine - Mantine also show up in a lot of places, more so as the player's research level increases. At research level 1, however, they'll mainly start to show up after players pass the whirlpool. If players summon in Pikachu and Mantine by lighting the first Crystabloom, the pair will show up at various points throughout the course.
- Machamp - Machamp is stood on a rock not far past the whirlpool. Initially he just acts the same as he does on the Beach (Day) course, but at higher research levels he'll eventually jump into the water and take a swim.
- Mareanie - There's a pack of Mareanie chasing a Corsola around near the end of the course on the player's left hand side.
- Corsola - As well as the one being chased by the Mareanie, there are a few more Corsola stood around on little rock islands in the same area.
- Pyukumuku - Pyukumuku can be found in the mouths of some of the Pelipper on the alternate route. Hitting the Pelipper with an Illumina Orb will cause the Pyukumuku to pose for the player while hitting the Pelipper with a Fluffruit will cause the Pyukumuku to fly out. If a Pelipper doesn't already have a Pyukumuku in its mouth, players can make it scoop one up by hitting it with an Illumina Orb.
Research Level 2
- Pikachu - Once players reach research level 2, hitting the Crystabloom directly in front of the starting location with an Illumina Orb will sometimes cause a Pikachu riding a Mantine to spawn in from over on the left. At higher research levels, the likelihood of this happening increases dramatically. They'll take a similar route to players through the reef, so can be seen near the two Wailord as well as by the default exit if players slow down the NEO-ONE by keeping the camera zoomed in and facing away from the exit.
- Squirtle - There's a whole island of Squirtle over to the left of the player's starting position as well as some swimming around in the water and standing on rocks a little later on. Initially, there'll be one getting chased by a Sharpedo too, although a larger Pokemon shows up to protect it once players reach research level 3.
Research Level 3
- Lapras - Lapras can be found immediately to the player's right when they spawn in and another will show up on the left hand side a little later on. It's another chance to snap a picture of one being ridden by a Squirtle for those who missed it in the Blushing Beach (Day) course, although there are perhaps better picture opportunities for photos of Lapras once players unlock the Reef (Evening) course a little later on.
- Wailmer - There's only one Wailmer in the course and it is very easy to miss. Just before players reach the point where the alternate route kicks in, they'll need to quickly turn around and should then see the Wailmer swimming peacefully behind them. Hitting it with an Illumina Orb will cause it to shoot out a jet of water, which is a requirement for one of the many photo requests in the game.