The Zenobia Wreck

The Zenobia is one of the top-five wreck dives in the world — a 172-meter Swedish-built ro-ro ferry that capsized and sank 1.5 kilometers off Larnaca, Cyprus, on her maiden voyage in June 1980 after a list caused by a computer malfunction. She settled on her port side at 42 meters, fully loaded with 104 trucks, their cargo still intact in the holds, making her one of the largest and most fascinating wreck dives on the Mediterranean coast. The Zenobia's upper side lies at 18 meters, her lower rail at 42 meters, giving divers of multiple certifications useful access. The upper-deck dive (Open Water territory) explores the starboard hull, lifeboats still hanging from their davits, and the superstructure's upper levels. Advanced-level dives take in the cargo deck, where trucks are visible through open hull doors, still chained in place where the ferry rolled 40 years ago. Technical-certified divers can penetrate the engine room, upper and lower car decks, and the crew accommodation spaces. Marine life has fully claimed the wreck. Massive schools of barracuda, tuna, and amberjack patrol the hull, while resident groupers, moray eels, and scorpionfish inhabit the wreck's countless crevices. The wreck is a major site for nudibranch photographers, and octopus are commonly sighted on night dives. Sea fans and encrusting sponges have transformed the steel into a living reef. The Zenobia is a versatile wreck — Open Water divers can enjoy the upper superstructure, Advanced Open Water opens the cargo deck, and wreck-specialty or technical certifications unlock the full interior. Reached by a 10-minute boat ride from Larnaca marina. Visibility typically 15-30 meters, water temperatures 18-27°C (best conditions May to October). The site is essential for anyone diving in the Eastern Mediterranean and one of the finest accessible wreck dives in Europe.