johnnyafrica.com · Dive Editorial
Independent editorial covering logistics, visibility, and penetration detail.
Dive Spot Guide•
Zenobia Wreck, Cyprus
1980 ferry wreck on its port side in Larnaka Bay, trucks still in the holds.
Boat dive from Larnaca; low current, high visibility year-round. Two dives recommended to cover the full wreck.
About Zenobia Wreck, Cyprus
The Zenobia is a Swedish roll-on/roll-off ferry that sank on its maiden voyage in 1980 and now lies on its port side in Larnaka Bay, making it one of the most celebrated wreck dives in the Mediterranean. The wreck's enormous scale — over a hundred trucks still lashed to the cargo decks — means most divers return for a second dive just to cover the full length of the ship, from the propellers and engine room to the bridge, restaurant, and cargo holds. Visibility is consistently high in the sheltered bay, and current is low year-round, which makes conditions more forgiving than most wreck dives of this depth and complexity. Marine life has colonised the structure densely: turtles circle the mast area, barracuda and grouper patrol the upper decks, and lionfish have become a fixture along the hull. Advanced certification is required given the depth profile and penetration options.
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Research Estimate At Zenobia Wreck, Cyprus
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
VisibilityVisibility: 25m
AccessSimple entry
Aquatic LifeExceptional variety
FacilitiesGood facilities
Crowd / PopularityQuite busy
CurrentNo current
SurgeFlat calm
Where Is Zenobia Wreck, Cyprus?
This spotNearby spotsExplore nearby spots on the map
Community sourced coordinates.
Zenobia Wreck, Cyprus Planning Details
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
17m - 42m
Depth Note
Wreck lies on port side; shallowest point of hull approximately 16-18m; maximum depth at base approximately 42m. Most recreational diving concentrated on upper decks. Tech and deep penetration routes reach keel depth.
Best Season
April through October is the prime season with warmest water and peak visibility. The site is diveable year-round; winter requires appropriate thermal protection. Spring (April–May) is often noted for particularly clear water.
Typical Conditions
Consistently low current year-round; visibility typically in the excellent range. Water temperature ranges from around 15°C in winter to 28°C in summer. Sheltered bay location means calm surface conditions most of the year.
Safety & Access At Zenobia Wreck, Cyprus
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Key Hazards
Overhead environment
Safety Notes
Advanced Open Water or equivalent certification minimum. Wreck penetration requires wreck diving certification and appropriate experience — do not enter the hull without proper training and redundant lighting. Dive insurance covering decompression illness is recommended. Plan for overhead environment and deep profile.
Access Restrictions
Accessible to all certified recreational divers; no permit required as of current information. Advanced Open Water certification is the stated minimum for the main dive. Wreck penetration beyond recreational limits requires tech certification.
Legal Notes
No permit required to dive the Zenobia under current Cyprus diving regulations. Dive within certification limits. Removal of artefacts from the wreck is illegal under Cypriot law protecting shipwrecks.
Local Intel For Zenobia Wreck, Cyprus
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
Standard visit covers two dives to explore the full wreck. First dive typically focuses on the upper decks, cargo area with preserved trucks, and external hull. Second dive explores the bridge, captain's quarters, restaurant area with the intact drinks machine, and engine room. Penetration of interior spaces requires wreck diving certification and appropriate lighting. The wreck rests on its port side, so navigation orientation differs from an upright wreck.
Freediving
The upper deck structure and mast area can be approached by experienced freedivers due to the relatively shallow shallowest point. Not a typical freedive destination given the depth profile — the most interesting features lie well below recreational freediving range. Surface snorkelling above the wreck is practised in calm conditions.
Wildlife at Zenobia Wreck, Cyprus
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Recent Logged Visits At Zenobia Wreck, Cyprus
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
Dive Spot Log Averages At Zenobia Wreck, Cyprus
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Conditions
Avg. Visibility25m
Activity
No dive activity logged yet.
