Top Dive Sites

Zenobia Wreck

Description: The Zenobia Wreck is perhaps the most famous dive site in Larnaca, if not the entire Mediterranean. This Swedish ferry sank in 1980 on her maiden voyage, and now rests on her port side at a depth of 42 meters (138 feet). The wreck is remarkably well-preserved, making it an underwater playground for divers.

Marine Species: The Zenobia Wreck teems with marine life. You’ll often find large schools of barracuda, jacks, and tuna patrolling the wreck. Inside the ship, look for moray eels, groupers, and occasionally, the elusive lionfish.

Unique Encounters: The sheer size of the Zenobia means there are countless unique encounters. Divers can explore multiple decks, the cargo holds (complete with trucks still chained in place), and the bridge. Penetration dives offer the opportunity to encounter hidden corners and stored goods.

Photography: With its eerie, preserved state, the Zenobia offers endless opportunities for underwater photography. Wide-angle shots capture the vastness of the ship, while macro photography picks out the marine life and intricate details inside the wreck.

Suitability: This dive site is best suited for advanced divers due to its depth and the complexities of wreck penetration. However, the top of the wreck sits at around 16 meters (52 feet), making it accessible to intermediate divers as well.

MS Zenobia £1 Truck Dive

Description: Also part of the larger Zenobia Wreck site, the £1 Truck Dive is a specific part of the wreck where the ship’s heavily loaded trucks can be found scattered. These trucks, once laden with goods, now create fascinating underwater scenes.

Marine Species: Much like the main Zenobia Wreck, this specific area attracts large schools of fish including barracuda and jacks. You can frequently spot octopuses hiding among the truck remains, as well as nudibranchs and other small critters.

Unique Encounters: Exploring the trucks themselves is a unique experience. You’ll find tires, machinery, and various goods that have become encrusted with corals and sponges over the decades. Penetration into the trucks is often possible for experienced divers.

Photography: The unique structures of the trucks and the marine life that inhabits them make for compelling photographic subjects. The lighting here is often dramatic, with sunlight filtering through the wreckage to highlight colors and shapes.

Suitability: This site is suitable for advanced divers due to the depth and complexity of the wreckage. Wreck diving certification is recommended if you plan to penetrate the trucks.

Alexandria Wreck

Description: Another popular wreck dive in Larnaca, the Alexandria was a barge that sank in 2006. It lies at a depth of around 32 meters (105 feet). While not as large as the Zenobia, it offers a rich dive experience with its intact structure and abundant marine life.

Marine Species: The Alexandria Wreck has quickly become a haven for marine life. Divers can expect to see grouper, scorpionfish, and various types of sea bream. The structure also provides shelter for small crustaceans and mollusks.

Unique Encounters: One of the highlights of diving the Alexandria is the array of objects still visible on the wreck. Tools, cables, and remnants of the barge’s machinery create interesting points of interest. The intact nature of the wreck means it’s easy to imagine the vessel as it once was.

Photography: The Alexandria provides excellent opportunities for various types of underwater photography, from detailed macro shots of marine life to expansive wide-angle shots capturing the structure of the wreck. The location and light penetration often result in beautiful, surreal photographs.

Suitability: Due to its depth, this site is recommended for advanced divers. The clear waters and relatively straightforward layout of the wreck make it an engaging yet not overly challenging dive.

Considerations for Each Dive Site

Water Temperature: The water temperature in Larnaca typically ranges from 16°C (61°F) in winter to 27°C (81°F) in summer, providing a relatively warm diving experience. However, it’s wise to check seasonal variations as temperatures fluctuate with the time of year. Consider wearing a wetsuit that matches the current season to retain warmth and comfort during your dives.

Visibility: Visibility in the waters of Larnaca ranges from 20 to 40 meters (65 to 130 feet), making it an excellent spot for underwater photography and macro life observation. Visibility can vary depending on weather conditions and tides, but generally, it’s quite consistent and clear, especially during the summer months.

Currents and Tides: Generally, the currents in Larnaca are mild and manageable, which suits both beginners and advanced divers. However, certain sites, like the Zenobia wreck, can have stronger currents at times, especially at greater depths or during tidal changes. It’s essential to check current and tide charts before diving and to plan entry and exit points carefully.

Safety Tips:

• Always dive with a buddy and maintain close proximity, especially in deeper areas or wreck sites.
• Understand your limits and those of your equipment. Ensure your oxygen supply is sufficient for deeper dives like Zenobia.
• Maintain buoyancy control to avoid accidental contact with delicate marine life or structures.
• Be aware of boat traffic in certain dive areas and use a surface marker buoy (SMB) when ascending.
• For wreck diving enthusiasts, carrying a dive light can enhance visibility in dark or enclosed spaces and help signal to your buddy.

Regulations: Diving in Larnaca is regulated to ensure environmental protection and diver safety. Divers must:

• Obtain relevant permissions for wreck diving, especially at popular sites like the Zenobia.
• Follow local diving center guidelines, including pre-dive briefings and check-ins.
• Adhere to strict no-touch policies to preserve marine life and underwater ecosystems.
• Respect all no-fishing zones and protected areas to minimize disturbance to local wildlife.
• Carry a valid diving certification and logbook; specific dive centers may also require you to complete a medical questionnaire and insurance check.