Divers exploring the Zenobia wreck off Larnaca Cyprus — one of the world's top wreck dives
World-Class Wreck Dive

Zenobia Wreck Diving
in Cyprus

One of the world's top wreck dives — a 172m ferry resting on her side off Larnaca, packed with trucks, marine life, and dive routes for all levels.

Depth:16–42m
Access:Boat dive
🎓Level:Advanced (OW options)
👁Visibility:20–40m
Type:Wreck / Artificial Reef

About the Zenobia

The Zenobia wreck is Cyprus's most famous dive site and one of the top wreck dives in the world. This Swedish-built ferry sank in 1980 and now lies on her side off the coast of Larnaca.

With depths suitable for both recreational and advanced divers, the site offers everything from external exploration to penetration dives through cargo decks filled with trucks. Over time, it has developed into a thriving artificial reef with rich marine life.

Why Dive Zenobia?

Five reasons this wreck earns its legendary status

🏆

World-class wreck dive

Consistently ranked in the global top 10 wreck dives

📏

Massive 172m structure

One of the largest diveable wrecks in the Mediterranean

🎯

All skill levels welcome

Shallow external routes for OW, deep penetration for tech divers

🔭

Exceptional visibility

Typically 20–40m — ideal for photography and exploration

🐠

Rich marine life

Thriving artificial reef ecosystem with diverse species

Dive Profile

Depth Range16m – 42mShallow hull to propeller
Typical Dive RouteDescent line → Cargo decks → Optional deeper sections → Ascent
Bottom Time35–50 minutesDepending on depth profile
ConditionsCalm, occasional mild current, high visibility

Difficulty & Certification

The Zenobia caters to every level — from first-time wreck divers to technical specialists

🌊

Open Water

Shallow external exploration (guided)

Explore the upper hull, swim-throughs and external structure down to 18m with a qualified guide.

Advanced

Full recreational access

Access the full wreck including cargo decks, the propeller area and deeper sections to 30m.

🔧

Technical

Penetration and decompression dives

Deep penetration into the interior, engine room and decompression dives beyond 40m.

⚠️

Penetration diving requires proper training and should only be done with qualified, locally certified guides. Always discuss your certification level with your dive centre before the dive.

Marine Life

Over four decades, the Zenobia has transformed into one of the Mediterranean's most productive artificial reefs. Expect encounters with:

🐟Groupers
🐡Barracuda
🐍Moray eels
🐠Sea bream
🦁Lionfish
🐢Occasional turtles

Dive Highlights

Five unmissable features of the Zenobia dive experience

Divers exploring the truck cargo deck inside the Zenobia wreck in Larnaca Cyprus

Truck Cargo Deck

Iconic rows of trucks frozen in time

1
The massive propeller of the Zenobia wreck resting at 42m depth off Larnaca Cyprus

The Propeller

Massive structure at the seabed (~42m)

2
Divers exploring the bridge area of the Zenobia wreck with panoramic views

Bridge Area

Exploration of upper structure and viewpoints

3
Diver swimming through an external swim-through on the Zenobia wreck with light beams

Swim-throughs

Safe external routes with dramatic lighting

4
Sunlight beams cutting through the Zenobia wreck structure creating dramatic underwater lighting

Light & Structure

Sunlight beams cutting through the wreck

5

Practical Information

📍

Location

~1.5 km off Larnaca coast

Access

Boat dive (5–10 minutes)

📅

Best Season

April – November (year-round possible)

🌡

Water Temperature

16–28°C depending on season

👁

Visibility

Typically 20–40m

🛡️

Safety & Tips

  • Always dive with a local dive centre
  • Use descent lines for controlled entry
  • Monitor depth carefully — max depth 42m
  • Carry a torch for penetration sections
  • Respect penetration limits and your training level
Aerial view of the Zenobia wreck site off Larnaca Cyprus with divers in the water

Ready to Dive the Zenobia?

Explore more Larnaca dive sites or find a dive centre to book your trip