ALEXANDRIA - Larnaca

The Alexandria, deliberately sunk in 2006, offers a different sort of wreck experience from some of Larnaca’s more famous sites. Sitting upright and intact at a very manageable 21 metres, this fishing vessel is a fantastic place for divers to get comfortable navigating a full wreck. We love how light filters through the large openings in the wheelhouse and down into the hold, making for some really evocative swim-throughs. It’s completely open, so penetration is easy and safe, even for those still building their confidence. Look for big schools of damselfish swirling around the mast and the resident moray eels peeking out from under the deck plates. The forward hold is usually packed with glassfish, and we’ve often spotted scorpionfish camouflaged on the hull. We’d suggest a morning dive here; the light is better for photography, and there’s generally less boat traffic. It’s a great second dive after a deeper exploration, or a primary focus for newer wreck enthusiasts.

Location
Larnaca, Cyprus, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
34.896072, 33.654697
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
21.45m

Wreck History - ALEXANDRIA

Year Sunk
2006
Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
unknown

The Alexandria is a modern casualty, a fishing vessel that sank on New Year's Day, 2006, in the popular diving waters off Larnaca, Cyprus. The exact cause of its sinking remains undocumented, leaving a touch of mystery surrounding this relatively recent addition to the region's underwater landscape. Its designation as a 'dangerous wreck' likely points to hazards such as snagged nets or sharp, twisted metal, reminding divers to approach with caution.

Resting at a maximum depth of around 21 metres, the Alexandria is an excellent dive for certified wreck enthusiasts. Being a recent wreck, its structure is likely more intact than its historic counterparts, potentially offering opportunities for exploration around the wheelhouse and deck areas. While it has not had centuries to develop a mature reef ecosystem, it is well on its way to becoming a thriving artificial reef. Divers will find it colonised by a growing community of marine life, transforming this maritime loss into a new underwater habitat.

Marine Protected Area: MPA Zenobia Shipwreck

Best Time to Dive in Larnaca

The warmest water temperatures in Larnaca occur in January, averaging 18.5°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 18.5°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 18.5°C (air: 13.1°C)
  • February: 18.5°C (air: 12.9°C)
  • March: 18.5°C (air: 14.7°C)
  • April: 18.5°C (air: 19.1°C)
  • May: 18.5°C (air: 23.0°C)
  • June: 18.5°C (air: 26.4°C)
  • July: 18.5°C (air: 29.9°C)
  • August: 18.5°C (air: 29.4°C)
  • September: 18.5°C (air: 27.2°C)
  • October: 18.5°C (air: 23.9°C)
  • November: 18.5°C (air: 18.8°C)
  • December: 18.5°C (air: 15.2°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Larnaca

Nearest Dive Centres to ALEXANDRIA

Marine Life in Larnaca

Home to 54 recorded species including 32 reef fish, 9 sharks & rays, 4 whales & dolphins, 3 hard corals, 2 other, 2 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for ALEXANDRIA

Based on average water temperature of 18.5°C.

  • Wetsuit (3-5mm) - comfortable for 19°C water
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories