The Zenobia is the reason most divers first hear about Cyprus. She’s a 172-metre Swedish ferry that sank after only her 3rd crossing in 1980, just off the Larnaca Coast approx’ 1.5 kms from shore, and today she’s consistently ranked among the best wreck dives on the planet. If you’re planning a trip and wondering what the fuss is about, here’s what you actually need to know.

What’s actually down there

The Zenobia was carrying 104 articulated lorries when she went down, all of of them are still on board. She lays on her port side in 16 metres at here shallowest point to 42 metres at the sea bed, so there’s a route for almost every certification level, although she is for advanced open water diver level & above.

Recreational divers spend most of their time around the bridge, canteen, accommodation, Captains quarters, Staff quarters, upper car deck, and the shallower cargo areas in general. Certified wreck and technical divers can go further – deep into the restaurant, lower accommodation, chain locker, lower captain’s & staff quarters, through the middle & lower cargo holds and to anyone of the 2 engine rooms.

The only diver lift in Cyprus

One detail that genuinely sets diving the Zenobia with us apart: One of our boats, the Kalypso II, is fitted with the only diver lift in Cyprus. After a deep, often current-affected dive, it means a safe, comfortable exit – no ladder climbing in full kit at the end of a long dive, pure luxury, service but above all safety.

A wreck with a Hollywood moment

In 2019, Alpha Divers were chosen as the Scuba Specialist Service Providers on the Zenobia for the Discovery Channel series Legends of the Deep, working alongside Céline and Fabien Cousteau. It’s the kind of recognition that only comes from years of genuinely knowing this wreck, inside and out.

Planning your dive

A Nitrox certification is well worth having before you come but can also be added to your day very easily- it extends your bottom time on a wreck this size, and gives you an extra safety cusion… we can get you certified in as little as two dives.

If you want to go deeper than recreational limits allow, our Technical diving programme – Tec 40 through to Tec 50, with Trimix options – is built specifically around wrecks like this one.

Whichever route you take, the Zenobia rewards repeat visits. Most divers who do one dive on her end up booking several more before they leave.

See our current Zenobia diving packages and prices, or get in touch to start planning your trip.