MV Zenobia

Larnaca · Larnaca District · Cyprus

The MV Zenobia is regularly ranked among the top ten wreck dives in the world, and for good reason. This 172-metre Swedish-built RO-RO ferry lies on her port side just 1.5 kilometres off the coast of Larnaca, Cyprus, in warm, clear Mediterranean water. She sank on June 7, 1980, during her maiden voyage, after a computerized ballast system failed beyond repair. All passengers and crew were evacuated safely, but the ship and her cargo of over 100 trucks went down, creating what has become the eastern Mediterranean's most celebrated dive. The Zenobia offers an extraordinary range of dive experiences. The starboard side, now facing upward, sits at just 18 metres, making it accessible to relatively new divers who can swim along the hull, peer through portholes, and observe the marine life that has colonized every surface. The seabed beneath the ship lies at 42 metres, and the deeper sections reward experienced divers with views of the enormous trucks still sitting in the cargo holds, their loads of eggs, machinery, and other goods long since dissolved into the sea. Marine life around the Zenobia is outstanding. The wreck has been designated a Marine Protected Area with no fishing permitted within three nautical miles, and the results are impressive. Large dusky groupers, some exceeding 30 kilograms, are resident around the hull. Schools of greater barracuda patrol the upper reaches in glinting silver formations. Moray eels occupy countless crevices, lionfish drift in the shadows of the superstructure, and loggerhead turtles make regular appearances. The hull itself is encrusted with sponges, corals, bivalves, and bryozoans, creating a riot of colour and texture. Visibility around the Zenobia typically ranges from 20 to 30 metres, offering clear views of the wreck's enormous scale. Water temperatures are warm from spring through autumn, peaking at 28 degrees in August. Most dive centres in Larnaca offer multiple Zenobia packages, from introductory exterior tours to advanced penetration dives through the vehicle decks, engine room, and bridge. The short boat ride from Larnaca marina takes just ten minutes, meaning you can comfortably complete two dives on the wreck in a single morning. For wreck diving enthusiasts, the Zenobia is an essential pilgrimage.