Lambousa Wreck – A Dive into Cyprus’s Artificial Reef Initiative

The Lambousa Wreck is one of the most exciting new dive attractions in the Larnaca/Oroklini region.

Intentionally sunk to create a dedicated dive site and artificial reef, the Lambousa Wreck offers divers the rare chance to explore a modern wreck from its very beginning — clean structure, clear lines and a strong “ship silhouette” that makes every dive feel cinematic.

What makes the Lambousa Wreck special is not only the wreck itself, but also the feeling that the site is evolving.

 

History of the Lambousa Wreck

Unlike accidental shipwrecks, the Lambousa Wreck was deliberately placed on the seabed to support marine life and expand Cyprus’ wreck diving opportunities. The vessel was prepared before sinking, creating a safer and more suitable environment for recreational diving.

The name “Lambousa” connects the wreck to Cyprus’ maritime identity and heritage. While the wreck itself is modern in the way it was created as a dive site, its story is symbolic: giving a ship a second life beneath the sea — now as a habitat and an underwater landmark for divers to explore.

Diving the Lambousa Wreck

A dive at the Lambousa Wreck is an experience of structure, scale and atmosphere. As you descend, the outline of the ship emerges clearly in the blue, and within moments you are swimming alongside an impressive underwater form that feels both new and mysterious.

Certification Level

The Lambousa Wreck is suitable from:

• OWD (Open Water Diver)

Because the wreck offers a very clear structure and can be explored primarily from the outside, it is an excellent wreck choice for certified divers who want to experience wreck diving without technical penetration. As always, calm buoyancy control and a relaxed dive style improve the experience — but you do not need to be an expert to enjoy the Lambousa Wreck.

Outside Exploration – The Classic Route

Most dives on the Lambousa Wreck focus on external exploration. You follow the hull and deck lines, observe openings and structural details, and experience the impressive scale of the ship.

Highlights include:

• clean wreck lines and strong visibility of the structure
• exciting angles for wide-angle photography
• the “real ship feeling” as you circle around the wreck
• marine life movement around the wreck edges

The Lambousa Wreck is perfect for underwater photography and video because it provides strong framing, clear shapes and beautiful contrast against open blue water.

Look-Through Areas & Atmosphere

Depending on conditions and experience, the Lambousa Wreck also offers areas where you can look into interior spaces and open sections. These are not advanced penetration routes, but rather visual “windows” that create atmosphere and depth without compromising safety.

This makes the Lambousa Wreck especially attractive for divers who want that immersive wreck vibe while staying within recreational comfort.

Marine Life & Artificial Reef Effect

As a purpose-sunk wreck, the Lambousa Wreck was placed to encourage reef formation. Over time, marine life begins to use the ship as shelter and feeding ground. Small fish gather around openings, schools cruise through the area, and predators may be seen hunting along the structure.

The wreck already feels alive — and its reef effect will only grow, making the Lambousa Wreck a site that becomes richer with each season.

Why the Lambousa Wreck Is Special

The Lambousa Wreck is ideal for divers who want something modern, clean and visually impressive — a true wreck experience without the complexity of deep technical diving. As the newest intentionally sunk wreck in the region, it offers a rare opportunity to dive a site that is still fresh, still evolving, and destined to become a future classic.

Explore the Lambousa Wreck with SancyTours

The Lambousa II Wreck can be explored privately with SancyTours as a guided dive for certified divers. Just send us a short email with your preferred date to service@sancytours.com
, and we will get back to you shortly. You can also add underwater photos or a personal underwater video to capture your dive forever.

We will gladly try to realise your desired date. For wreck diving it is necessary to take a boat to the wreck, but we are also a little dependent on the weather. Write us an email to service@sancytours.com when you would like to do your course, we will block the date and contact you a few days in advance and confirm if the god of the sea Poseidon does not prevent us.

Tags:
artificial reef Cyprus, beginner dive sites cyprus, diving lambousa larnaca, lambousa ii wreck cyprus, marine protected area larnaca, scuba diving cyprus, wreck diving cyprus