Descending Into The Zenobia: Cyprus’ Iconic Wreck Dive

By Author: Stephen Theakston
Total Articles: 28
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The Zenobia is often spoken about with a sense of awe among divers, and for good reason. Resting just off the coast of Larnaca, this impressive wreck is one of the most remarkable dive sites in Europe. Its combination of size, history, marine life, and mystery creates an underwater experience unlike any other in Cyprus. For many, the moment they descend towards its massive hull is one they never forget.

The wreck began its journey as a Swedish-built roll-on/roll-off ferry and met its fate on its maiden voyage in 1980. After experiencing a technical malfunction, it sank slowly and dramatically, finally coming to rest on its port side at a depth of around 42 metres. Today, it remains perfectly preserved, offering a snapshot of a moment frozen in time beneath the waves.

Divers approaching the Zenobia for the first time are struck by its sheer scale. At 178 metres long, the wreck feels more like a submerged building than a sunken vessel. Even the shallowest part of the wreck begins at around 16 metres, making it accessible to divers of different experience levels while still leaving plenty of depth for more adventurous ...
... exploration.

The exterior alone offers hours of discovery. The enormous propellers, the bridge, the lifeboats still attached to their davits, and the long rows of windows create an eerie yet mesmerising atmosphere. Light filters down through the blue Mediterranean water, casting shifting patterns across the structure and giving the scene a cinematic feel.

Inside the wreck, advanced divers can explore the cargo decks, where over a hundred lorries remain scattered exactly where they were secured before the sinking. Some still contain their loads, while others hang precariously as if frozen in mid-motion. Swimming through these vast, silent spaces offers a powerful sense of history and makes the dive both thrilling and humbling.

Marine life has made the Zenobia its home, adding another layer of beauty to the experience. Schools of amberjack swirl around the hull, while groupers, barracuda, and moray eels lurk in the shadows. The wreck has slowly transformed into an artificial reef, creating a vibrant habitat for species large and small. For underwater photographers, the site provides endless opportunities.

Visibility around the wreck is typically excellent, thanks to Cyprus’ warm and clear waters. This clarity enhances the feeling of drifting through another world, where the boundaries between history and nature blur. Even on busy days, the site feels spacious, with plenty of room for divers to explore without feeling crowded.

Although the Zenobia offers excitement, it is also a place where safety and respect are essential. Its size, depth, and overhead environments demand proper training and guidance. Many divers choose to return again and again, discovering new areas of the wreck each time. It is a site that rewards curiosity but also reminds visitors of the power of the sea.
The sense of adventure is undeniable. Whether gliding along the starboard side, peering into cabins, or examining coral-covered machinery, there is always something new to uncover. Every part of the wreck tells a story, from the engineering of the ship itself to the marine life now thriving around it.

The conditions around the wreck vary throughout the year but are generally warm and calm, making Cyprus a reliable diving destination. Summer brings balmy water temperatures, while winter offers quieter dive days and atmospheric lighting beneath the waves. Each season transforms the Zenobia in subtle ways.

The journey to the dive site typically begins with a short boat ride from Larnaca. As the shoreline retreats, anticipation builds. Once the buoy line appears and the descent begins, divers leave the surface world behind, entering a realm where history sits quietly on the seabed, waiting to be explored.

Descending along the mooring line, the wreck slowly emerges from the blue, its dark shape growing larger with every metre. It is a moment that sends a ripple of excitement through even the most experienced diver. The first sight of the Zenobia is always unforgettable.

Many who dive the Zenobia describe a feeling of calm awe. The wreck does not feel threatening or claustrophobic; instead, it feels peaceful. Time seems to move differently at depth, allowing divers to take in each detail without rush. The silence adds to the atmosphere, broken only by the sound of bubbles drifting upwards.

Exploring the surrounding seabed can also be rewarding. Over the years, small artefacts have settled into the sand, and curious marine creatures wander near the hull. Rays, octopus, and colourful wrasse can often be found in the area, providing gentle moments between the more dramatic views of the wreck.

The Zenobia has become an essential part of diving culture in Cyprus. It attracts divers from all over the world, each eager to witness the legendary wreck firsthand. Its reputation is well deserved, offering a combination of adventure, challenge, and beauty that few other sites can match.

For those who love diving, this wreck delivers an experience that lingers in the memory long after surfacing. It is a dive filled with history, life, and atmosphere, and one that deepens a diver’s appreciation for the underwater world. The Zenobia stands as a reminder of how nature and history intertwine beneath the surface, creating something extraordinary.

Descending into the Zenobia is more than a dive; it is a journey into one of the Mediterranean’s most iconic underwater landmarks. Its vast structure, rich marine life, and captivating story continue to inspire and excite divers year after year. Anyone exploring Cyprus’ underwater world will find the Zenobia an unmissable and unforgettable experience.

About Us

Pissouri Bay Divers is a premier 5-Star PADI dive centre located in the Pissouri Bay area of Cyprus. Established in 2009 and now family-run, the centre offers a full range of PADI courses and guided dives across Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos and local reefs. With a strong focus on safety, personalised service and marine conservation, Pissouri Bay Divers is committed to delivering memorable underwater adventures for divers of all levels. From beginners experiencing their first dive to advanced explorers tackling world-class wrecks, the team ensures each experience is professional, enjoyable, and tailored to individual needs. . If you are interested in diving experiences with the Pissouri Bay Divers team, give them a call today or visit their website https://pissouribaydivers.com/.