Crawling Through 1-Block Underwater Gaps with an Elytra

Entering Narrow Submerged Passages

Underwater mining, flooded caves, and ocean structures often contain one-block-tall openings that require swim mode to enter. Navigating these while wearing an elytra previously caused frustrating collisions because deploying the wings underwater prevented your hitbox from shrinking into the swim posture.

1. Approach a submerged one-block gap with your elytra equipped.

2. Submerge yourself completely in front of the opening.

3. Sprint forward into the water to trigger the horizontal swimming stance.

4. Direct your camera straight into the narrow opening.

Moving Safely Through Tight Spaces

Because the elytra is prevented from deploying underwater, your character seamlessly drops into the one-block-high swimming hitbox. You will slide directly through the gap just as you would while wearing regular chest armor or no armor at all.

Continue holding your forward movement key to swim through the tunnel. If you need to stop inside the gap, you will stay in the crawl position without being ejected or trapped by glitching elytra wings.