Zenobia Wreck – A Dive into Maritime History off Larnaca

Just off the coast of Larnaca lies the Zenobia Wreck in Cyprus, a captivating underwater site that has intrigued divers and maritime historians alike.

The MS Zenobia was a Swedish-built Challenger-class roll-on/roll-off (RO-RO) ferry, launched in 1979, measuring 172 meters in length and 28 meters in beam.

Explore the Zenobia Wreck, a world-renowned dive site offering a unique blend of maritime history and vibrant marine life.

 

Zenobia Wreck – A Dive into Maritime History

On her maiden voyage in June 1980, while en route from Malmö, Sweden, to Tartous, Syria, the vessel encountered critical issues with its computerized ballast system. A software malfunction caused the system to pump excess water into the port side ballast tanks, leading to a severe list. Despite efforts to correct the problem, the situation worsened, and on June 7, 1980, the Zenobia capsized and sank approximately 1.5 kilometers off the Larnaca coast, settling on her port side at a depth of around 42 meters.

The Sinking and Its Aftermath as Zenobia Wreck

At the time of her sinking, the Zenobia was carrying over 100 articulated lorries, many of which remain chained to the decks, offering a haunting glimpse into the past. Fortunately, all 140 passengers and crew were safely evacuated, and no lives were lost. The Zenobia Wreck has since become an artificial reef, fostering a rich marine ecosystem and earning its place among the top ten wreck dives globally.

Zenobia Wreck Dive Site – How to Dive It (Outside & Inside Options)

The Zenobia is not just a wreck — it is a complete underwater world. The Zenobia Wreck Dive Site offers several dive options, from relaxed outside exploration to deeper wreck penetration routes for experienced divers. What makes the Zenobia so special is the variety: massive structures, open deck areas, spectacular cargo scenes, long corridors, and an atmosphere that feels different on every dive.

Below you’ll find the main Zenobia Wreck dive options, clearly separated by level and type of exploration.

Option 1: Zenobia Wreck Outside Exploration (Recommended for OWD+)

For certified divers who want to experience the wreck without entering interior spaces, the Zenobia outside dive is already breathtaking. The wreck lies on its side, which means even the “top” areas are accessible in recreational depth ranges. You can follow the huge hull structure, explore railings and openings from the outside, and enjoy wide-angle views across the wreck.

Typical highlights on the outside route include:

the impressive scale of the ferry (walls, railings, and massive surfaces)

structural details like ramps, doors and outer openings

marine life hunting around the wreck (fish schools often circle the structure)

beautiful light scenes along the wreck’s edges

This option is perfect for divers who want a safe and relaxed wreck experience with strong visuals and plenty of photo opportunities — without the complexity of penetration.

Option 2: Zenobia Wreck Accommodation Area (OWD+ if confident / guided)

The Accommodation Area is one of the most interesting parts for divers who want to go a step further than pure outside exploration but still stay in larger, more open internal sections.

Here you can experience a different atmosphere: corridors, doorways, room structures and interior spaces where the sense of “being inside a ship” becomes real. The dive becomes more cinematic, with shadow zones, torches, and the feeling of moving through a sunken environment.

For divers who feel safe, stable in buoyancy and confident with wreck awareness, parts of the accommodation area can be possible from OWD level under careful guidance and depending on conditions. The focus remains on open, spacious routes, not complex penetration.

Option 3: Zenobia Wreck Upper Cargo Deck (OWD+ if confident / guided)

The Zenobia Wreck Upper Cargo Deck is one of the most iconic scenes of the entire Zenobia. This is where divers can view the famous cargo: trucks, lorries and wreckage piled within the deck structure, often visible by torchlight.

In this area you’ll typically experience:

• long cargo deck passages with spectacular wreck scenery
• trucks stacked and tilted in dramatic positions
• strong “movie-like” lighting and atmosphere
• unforgettable underwater photo and video moments

With the right guide and if you feel confident underwater, the upper cargo deck can be accessible from OWD level, as long as the diver remains calm, has stable buoyancy and follows a clear route plan.

Option 4: Zenobia Wreck Interior Penetration Routes (AOWD+ & strong wreck experience)

For experienced divers, the Zenobia Wreck becomes a completely different dive. True interior wreck dives take you deeper into the ship’s inner structure, where navigation, safety awareness and equipment configuration matter. These dives are not only deeper but also more technical in terms of planning and execution.

For all deeper Zenobia Wreck penetration routes, we require:

• certification above AOWD level
• strong dive experience (not just the card)
• very good buoyancy and trim skills
• confidence in enclosed spaces and torch navigation
• technical wreck awareness

For these Zenobia Wreck routes, experience with the following is required:

• Wing Jacket
• Twinset / Double tanks
• Stage setup (depending on route / plan)

Inside the Zenobia Wreck you may explore:

• deeper cargo areas with even more intense wreck scenes
• longer corridors and technical swim-through routes
• interior structures that feel labyrinth-like and require precise navigation
• darker zones where team control and equipment handling are essential

These Zenobia Wreck dives are always guided with careful planning, small group control, and a strong focus on safety.

Which Zenobia Wreck Option Is Right for You?

The best part about the Zenobia Wreck Dive Site is that it offers unforgettable dives at different experience levels. Even without penetration, the Zenobia Wreck is spectacular. With each added option — accommodation, cargo deck, deeper routes — the experience becomes more intense and more technical.

That’s why we always choose the route based on:

• your certification and experience
• comfort level and buoyancy
• equipment configuration
• current sea conditions

Dive the Zenobia Wreck Dive Site with SancyTours

The Zenobia Wreck Dive Site can be explored privately with SancyTours, from outside discovery dives to advanced interior wreck routes. We plan each dive individually, guide you safely, and can also add underwater photo or personal video packages on request.

We will gladly try to realise your desired date. For Zenobia 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.

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