For many scuba divers, Cyprus means one thing: the Zenobia. The MS Zenobia was a Swedish-built roll-on roll-off ferry that capsized and sank on her maiden voyage in 1980, just off Larnaca, with a cargo of trucks still on her decks. She now lies on her port side in about forty metres of water, and she is widely rated among the best wreck dives in the world. The ship is huge, around 170 metres long, and the vehicles are still visible in the cargo decks, giving the dive a haunting, dramatic character that few other wrecks can match. This guided trip takes certified divers to the wreck on a boat from Larnaca with experienced instructors. Most trips offer two dives, so you can explore the upper decks on the first and a different section on the second, with a surface interval on the boat between. Visibility is typically excellent, often thirty metres or more, and the water is warm for much of the year. Marine life has colonised the hull, so you may see schools of fish, barracuda and the occasional turtle. It is a serious dive, appropriate for divers with advanced training, but the reward is one of the great experiences in the sport.
How it works
This is an experience for qualified divers, and you will need to show your certification card and logbook, with an advanced open water level or equivalent typically required for the deeper sections, though requirements vary by operator. You reserve for your date, meet at the dive centre or harbour, sort out equipment and receive a briefing.
The boat ride to the site takes around fifteen to twenty minutes. Check whether equipment hire, tanks and insurance are included, and bring your own computer if you have one. If you are not a diver, snorkelling trips to the shallower part of the wreck are available separately.
What to expect
You descend a shotline to the wreck, usually exploring the upper side of the hull, the bridge, the cargo decks with their lorries and the propeller. A dive guide leads and keeps to safe depth and time limits, with decompression stops carefully managed. Penetration of the wreck is typically restricted to areas suitable for the group’s training level.
After the first dive you return to the boat for refreshments before the second descent. Bring a swimsuit, towel, sun protection and warm layers for the boat, and arrange to avoid flying for the recommended period after your last dive.
Making the most of it
Choose the season that suits you, from late spring to autumn for the warmest water, though the wreck can be dived year round with a suitable wetsuit. Morning dives often have calmer seas, and weekdays are quieter. Be honest about your experience, practise your buoyancy before the trip if you are rusty and tell the guide of any concerns. Check your medical fitness to dive and stay hydrated. After a day underwater, the Larnaca seafront and its restaurants are a short drive away.
If you want more time diving, combine the Zenobia with the Green Bay underwater sculpture dive in Ayia Napa. Always dive within your limits, follow your guide’s plan and keep a close watch on your gauge, because the depth of the main deck leaves less margin than a shallow reef dive. Many divers choose to spend a few days around Larnaca to dive the wreck twice, which gives time to settle in and to explore areas of the ship you missed the first time.
What to expect
The experience
A boat-based guided wreck dive, usually two dives with a surface interval, on a large car ferry lying on its side.
Best time
Late spring to autumn for the warmest water; mornings for calmer seas.
How long
Around four to six hours from meeting to return.
Tips
Bring your certification card and logbook, build in a no-fly gap after diving and tell your guide about any concerns.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Certified divers who want one of the great wreck dives in the world.
- Families
- Not for children; divers must be certified and meet the age and fitness requirements.
- Couples
- Qualified couples can share a once-in-a-lifetime dive, with the Larnaca seafront for dinner.
- Pair with
- The Green Bay underwater statues dive in Ayia Napa, or the Larnaca Salt Lake for a nature day above water.
- Time needed
- Half a day to a full day.
Good questions
Do I need to be certified?+
Yes, this is a dive for qualified divers, and an advanced level or equivalent is usually needed for deeper sections. Check the operator’s requirements.
How deep is the Zenobia?+
She lies on her side in about forty metres of water, with the upper hull at shallower depths suitable for recreational divers with the right training.
Can I snorkel instead?+
Snorkelling trips to the shallower areas are available separately. Check the options for your date.
Is equipment included?+
This varies, so check whether hire and tanks are included when you reserve.
When is the best time to dive?+
Water is warmest from late spring to autumn, though the wreck can be dived year round with a suitable wetsuit.
