Deep Keep

Deep Keep is the first level of Sea Breeze Cove in Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze. This level takes significance as the first underwater level in the game. Unlike in the previous Donkey Kong Country games, Donkey Kong must either exit the water or swim into bubbles in the water in order to breathe. Aside from various underwater enemies, common obstacles in this level include moving spiked structures and strong currents that can push Donkey Kong and the others into the spikes.

Three soundtracks play throughout this stage. At the beginning, "Deep Keep" plays in the area immediately before entering the water. "Funky Waters," and later, "Aquatic Ambiance Returns," play throughout the underwater sections of the level.

Kong Letters

 * K: In the underwater area at the beginning of the level, the letter K is surrounded by two fish enemies.
 * O: After the first checkpoint, the letter O is located next to a rotating spike structure.
 * N: Immediately following the second checkpoint, the letter N is located in the center of four fish enemies.
 * G: The letter G is in the center of a large area located immediately before the end of the level.

Secret Exit

 * In the section following the first checkpoint, the Kongs enter an area where they are closed in by two walls and must progress by swimming over three yellow buttons in the background. Once they do so, the path opens ahead. However, if they travel left instead, a new path opens, which leads to a portal that opens the level, Rockin' Relics. The portal is preceded by a current that can only be crossed with assistance from Dixie Kong's propeller abilities.