Zenobia Wreck - Larnaca

The Zenobia. You've heard the hype, and for once, it's warranted. We’ve dived a lot of wrecks, but few have the sheer presence of this Swedish roll-on/roll-off ferry. She capsized and sank on her maiden voyage in 1980, just a stone's throw from Larnaca, and now rests on her port side between 16 and 42 metres. What hits you first is the scale. This isn't just a hull; it's a massive, intact vessel. We love dropping down onto the huge propeller, then slowly working our way along the stern, peering into cargo decks still laden with trucks. The water in Cyprus can often feel a little flat for marine life, but the Zenobia acts like an artificial reef magnet. You'll find schools of fusiliers so thick they block the light, and those curious silver-cheeked toadfish are everywhere, darting in and out of the superstructure. The upper decks are accessible even for advanced open water divers, but to really appreciate the bow and bridge, you’ll want to be comfortable at 30 metres plus. Our favourite part is navigating the interior corridors, seeing the overturned trucks with their cargo still strapped down. The visibility is usually excellent, so you can often see the entire length of the wreck from above, a truly impressive sight. Just remember it's a popular spot; early morning dives often mean fewer other divers.

Location
Larnaca, Cyprus, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
34.895000, 33.665000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
16-42m
Difficulty
Intermediate

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 Zenobia Wreck

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 Zenobia Wreck

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