The Zenobia shipwreck is a large ferry wreck in Larnaka Bay, off Larnaca, and a site for recreational and technical diving. You reach it by boat; plan around the depth, your certification and the requirements of the operator you choose. Larnaca’s beaches are another way to enjoy the coast between dives.
- Location: Larnaka Bay, about 1.5 km from shore.
- Depth: 16–42 metres.
- Access: by boat; qualification and trip requirements vary by operator.
Where the Zenobia wreck lies
The Zenobia lies in Larnaka Bay, around 1.5 km from shore. A dive can fit into a broader day in Larnaca, with time to explore the city before or after your boat trip.
What divers may encounter at the site
The Zenobia’s size and features make the wreck itself the main point of interest, while marine life adds to the dive. The wreck rests on its side, and divers may encounter its lorries and trailers, propellers, bridge, funnels, cafeteria and accommodation.
Marine life at the site includes barracuda, bream, grouper, jacks, kingfish, lionfish, octopuses, sea slugs, sponges, starfish, stingrays, triggerfish and tube worms. Visit Cyprus describes visibility as 25 metres or more, but visibility can be time-sensitive; ask your operator about conditions for your planned dive.
The Zenobia is suitable for recreational and technical diving, as well as scooter diving. Match the kind of dive you have in mind to your training and the operator’s requirements.
How do you choose a Zenobia dive operator?
Choose an operator whose trip and qualification requirements match your certification, recent dive experience and planned depth. Requirements differ: Advanced Open Water or Boat Diver is the qualification for the site, while individual operators set their own conditions.
Cydive advertises a day trip with two dives, departing at 06:30 and returning to the dive centre around 16:00. The trip has a minimum age of 15, requires at least PADI Advanced Open Water certification or an equivalent qualification allowing a diver to 30 metres, and requires divers to have dived within the previous six months.
Junior Advanced Open Water divers are limited to 21 metres maximum depth. Cydive also requires a refresher before scheduled dives if your last dive was more than one year ago.
Alpha Divers advertises twice-daily boat trips from its centre near the wreck. It requires Nitrox certification for wreck dives in Cyprus and a re-activation course if you have not dived in the last two years.
Technical divers should check the specific configuration and gas requirements before booking. Dive-In Larnaca requires TDI Decompression Procedures / TEC 45 or above as its minimum certification for technical Zenobia dives, and requires a twinset or sidemount configuration with a decompression stage.
Its technical planning uses 28% back gas and 50% decompression gas; oxygen stages are available on request at extra cost.
Dive-In Larnaca also offers Zenobia night dives on request for recreational non-decompression profiles. The stated limits are a maximum dive time of 60 minutes and a maximum depth of 30 metres; at least four divers and advance booking are required. Ask the operator directly about current availability and requirements, and check the official site before you go.
For independent travel planning, read how to get from Larnaca Airport to the city.
How should you plan for sea conditions and safety?
Confirm the day’s conditions and dive plan with your operator, since visibility and other sea conditions can vary. The depth range reaches 42 metres, so discuss the planned profile and your experience before you commit to a trip.
PADI’s suggested equipment for the Zenobia includes booties, a dive computer, drysuit, gloves, hood and wetsuit. Treat this as a starting list rather than a universal prescription: ask the operator what is appropriate for the conditions and what equipment is supplied.
There is also a protected area around the wreck: fishing by any means is prohibited within 500 metres of the Zenobia, between 34°53’.6 N and 33°39’.5 E. Follow local rules and your boat crew’s instructions while at the site.
Tuck Inn is about 21 minutes on foot or 7 minutes by car from the Zenobia.
FAQs
How deep is the Zenobia wreck?
The wreck lies at depths of 16–42 metres. The planned depth depends on the dive and your qualification.
Can you reach the Zenobia from shore?
No. Access to the wreck is by boat, so arrange a trip with a dive operator.
Is the Zenobia suitable for recreational diving?
It is suitable for recreational and technical diving, as well as scooter diving. Operators may set additional requirements for their trips.
What is the Zenobia?
It is a Swedish-built roll-on/roll-off ferry that sank off Larnaca in 1980 during its maiden voyage, carrying 108 articulated lorries.