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Zenobia Wreck: A Diver's Paradise

Explore the legendary Zenobia Wreck off Larnaca, Cyprus: a world-renowned dive site offering a unique blend of maritime history and vibrant marine life in the Mediterranean.

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The Zenobia Wreck, often ranked among the world's top wreck diving sites, lies just off the coast of Larnaca, Cyprus. This 172-meter Swedish ferry, which sank on its maiden voyage in 1980, now rests on its port side at a depth of 16 to 42 meters, creating an artificial reef teeming with marine life. Divers can explore the ship's well-preserved cargo of over 100 trucks and lorries, swim through its corridors and discover a diverse ecosystem of barracudas, groupers, turtles, and vibrant coral formations. With excellent visibility and relatively calm currents, the Zenobia offers an unforgettable diving experience for both recreational and technical divers, making it a must-see for anyone visiting Cyprus. The wreck's intriguing history and the mystery surrounding its sinking add to its allure, drawing divers back year after year to uncover its secrets.

A brief summary to Zenobia Wreck Diving Site

Local tips

  • Book your diving tour in advance, especially during peak season (June-August), to ensure availability and secure the best rates.
  • Consider obtaining a wreck diver certification to fully explore the interior of the Zenobia and access more challenging dive sites.
  • Bring an underwater camera to capture the stunning marine life and the eerie beauty of the wreck.
  • Check the weather conditions before your dive, as visibility and currents can vary depending on the season.
  • Respect the wreck and its marine environment by avoiding touching or removing anything from the site.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From the center of Larnaca, head to the Larnaca Bus Station (K.A.P.A. Larnaca), located on the main road near the Finikoudes promenade. Look for bus routes that service the area towards Ayia Napa or Protaras. Take the bus to the Larnaca Marina stop, which is a common stop for those heading to the diving sites. The bus journey should take approximately 30 minutes. A single bus fare will cost around €1.50. Upon disembarking at the marina, several diving companies operate boat trips to the Zenobia Wreck, a short 15-20 minute boat ride away. Ensure you check the schedule and book in advance if possible, as these tours can fill up quickly. Diving tour prices typically range from €70 to €185 depending on the operator and package.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis or ride-sharing services are readily available throughout Larnaca. Simply request a ride to Larnaca Marina. The journey from the city center typically takes 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay around €10-€15 for the ride. From the marina, you'll need to book a diving tour that includes transportation to the Zenobia Wreck. Various diving companies operate from the marina, and they typically provide boat rides to the site. Ensure you check the schedule and book in advance if possible, as these tours can fill up quickly. Diving tour prices typically range from €70 to €185 depending on the operator and package.

  • Boat

    The Zenobia wreck is only accessible by boat. Numerous diving centers operate from Larnaca Marina and offer guided dives to the wreck, including boat transportation. A typical boat trip to the Zenobia takes around 15-20 minutes. The cost for a two-dive trip, including equipment rental and guidance, ranges from €155 to €200 depending on the dive center and package. Some operators also offer BBQ lunch on board for an additional fee.

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Discover more about Zenobia Wreck Diving Site

The Zenobia Wreck, a captivating underwater marvel, rests just 1.5 kilometers off the coast of Larnaca, Cyprus, beckoning divers from around the globe to explore its submerged secrets. This Swedish-built Challenger-class RO-RO ferry, launched in 1979, met its untimely demise on its maiden voyage in June 1980, forever transforming the seabed into a world-class diving destination. The MS Zenobia, measuring 172 meters in length and 28 meters in beam, was en route from Malmö, Sweden, to Tartous, Syria, when disaster struck. A software malfunction in the computerized ballast system caused the vessel to pump excess water into its port-side tanks, resulting in a severe list. Despite valiant efforts to rectify the issue, the Zenobia capsized and sank on June 7, 1980, settling on its port side at a depth of approximately 42 meters. Fortunately, all 140 passengers and crew members were safely evacuated, averting any loss of life. Today, the Zenobia Wreck stands as one of the top ten wreck dives in the world, a testament to its unique blend of maritime history and thriving marine life. The wreck's accessibility, with depths ranging from 16 to 42 meters, caters to divers of all skill levels. The starboard side, lying at a shallower 16 meters, allows novice divers to explore the upper structures, including the bridge, cafeteria, and accommodation areas. More experienced divers can venture into the deeper sections, delving into the cargo decks and engine room. One of the most fascinating aspects of the Zenobia is its cargo of over 100 articulated lorries, many of which remain chained to the decks, offering a haunting glimpse into the past. These vehicles, along with the ship's structure, have become an artificial reef, attracting a diverse array of marine species. Divers can encounter large dusky groupers, schools of barracudas, moray eels, cardinalfish, rainbow wrasses, lionfish, nudibranchs, sea stars, and a variety of schooling fish. The wreck is also home to large turtles and the occasional dolphin, adding to the allure of this underwater ecosystem. The Zenobia Wreck is not merely a dive site; it is a historical landmark that connects visitors to the rich maritime heritage of Cyprus and the Mediterranean region. The wreck's intriguing history and the mystery surrounding its sinking add to its allure, drawing divers back year after year to uncover its secrets. Some theories suggest that the vessel may have been carrying undisclosed military cargo, possibly even weapons, and that its sinking was no mere accident. Divers and historians alike continue to debate the true nature of its cargo and the circumstances that led to its final resting place at the bottom of the Mediterranean. The Zenobia's sheer size and complexity offer multiple dive routes and entry points, ensuring a unique experience with each visit. Divers can explore the ship's two massive propellers, the rear doors, cargo holds, funnels, bridge, cafeteria, and bow area. The wreck's open areas and ambient light make it accessible to most divers, while experienced technical divers can undertake safe penetration dives into the heart of the wreck. The Zenobia Wreck is a must-see for any diver visiting Cyprus. Its combination of historical significance, diverse marine life, and challenging dive conditions makes it an unforgettable experience. Whether you're a seasoned diver seeking thrilling depths or a novice looking for a memorable first dive, the Zenobia Wreck promises an adventure filled with both excitement and historical intrigue. The wreck's well-preserved lorries, vibrant marine life, and the mystery surrounding its sinking create an otherworldly scene that will leave a lasting impression. The Zenobia Wreck is more than just a dive site; it's a journey into maritime history, a chance to witness the resilience of nature, and an opportunity to explore one of the most captivating underwater landscapes in the world. So, pack your gear, book your dive, and prepare to be amazed by the Zenobia Wreck, a true gem of the Mediterranean.

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