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Zenobia Wreck

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Zenobia Wreck (Cyprus)

Weather…

The Zenobia wreck, a Swedish-built roll-on/roll-off ferry that sank in June 1980 during her maiden voyage off the coast of Larnaca, is now ranked among the top ten wreck diving sites in the world. The vessel lies on her port side at a maximum depth of 42 meters on a flat sandy seabed, with her upper sections reachable at a depth of just 16 meters. Since the sinking resulted from a ballast system malfunction and occurred slowly without any loss of life, the entire cargo of over 100 trucks and articulated lorries remained on board. This eerie underwater graveyard, where vehicles are still chained to the decks, attracts thousands of divers annually. Over the decades, the wreck has evolved into a massive artificial reef, supporting a rich biodiversity of marine life including groupers, barracudas, and moray eels. For advanced divers, the Zenobia has extensive penetration opportunities into the cargo decks, engine room, and bridge. It stands as both a major contributor to the local economy and a significant ecological sanctuary.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Nov.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C141416192327303028242016
Rain mm7242231392116153071

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The wreck lies about 30 meters deep on the seabed and is only accessible to divers with appropriate training. It is one of the world's most famous dive sites, approached by dive boats.
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Typical hours
Dives to the wreck are usually organized by dive centers, which offer daily trips depending on the weather. The best time for dives is from May to October.
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Photography
Underwater photography is possible but requires special camera equipment and good light conditions. For the best shots, use a wide-angle lens and a powerful flash.
⏱️
Time needed
A single dive to the wreck typically lasts about 30 to 40 minutes, depending on air supply and depth. Plan for half a day total, including boat travel and preparation.
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Combine with
Combine the dive with a visit to the Larnaca Salt Lakes or the Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque. Both are a short drive from the harbor.
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Getting there
The wreck is reached by dive boats departing from various dive centers along the Larnaca coast. The journey to the wreck takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
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Insider tip
Book a dive early in the morning when the water is calmer and visibility is better. Make sure to check your dive gear beforehand, as the current around the wreck can be strong.

Geography

Coordinates
34.89860, 33.65580

Facts

  • The Zenobia sank on June 7, 1980, only 1.5 km off the Larnaca coastline.
  • The vessel is 172 metres long and lies completely on its port side.
  • Water temperatures range from 16°C in winter to 27°C in late summer.
  • There are 108 trucks on board, with their cargoes still partially identifiable.
  • The wreck is frequently referred to as the 'Titanic of the Mediterranean'.
  • Due to its position, the wreck is visible from the surface using glass-bottom boats.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Petrolina Larnaca DepotPetrolina Larnaca Depot2 km · SExplore →
Larnaca PortLarnaca Port3 km · SEExplore →
Larnaca International Airport (LCA)Larnaca International Airport (LCA)5 km · SWExplore →
Larnaca Salt Lake Bird WatchingLarnaca Salt Lake Bird Watching5 km · SExplore →
Kamares AqueductKamares Aqueduct6 km · SExplore →
Oroklini LakeOroklini Lake6 km · NEExplore →
Kellia Bird Watching AreaKellia Bird Watching Area7 km · EExplore →
The Land of DreamsThe Land of Dreams7 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Zenobia Wreck (10)

Zenobia Shipwreck

Challenger-class RO-RO ferry that sank in June 1980 off Larnaca, popular dive site.

Mackenzie Beach

Sandy beach in Larnaca, popular for swimming and sunbathing.

Larnaca Castle🏛 museum

Castle in Larnaca, Cyprus, now a museum on the city's history.

🕒 Apr 16-Sep 15 Mo-Fr 08:00-19:30; Apr 16-Sep 15 Sa-Su 09:30-1💶

Larnaka Medieval Museum🏛 museum

Museum on the second floor of Larnaca's medieval fort, displaying medieval artifacts.

🕒 Sep 16-Apr 15 Mo-Fr 08:00-17:00, Sa-Su 09:30-17:00; Apr 16-S💶

Kebir (Büyük) Mosque

Mosque in Cyprus, a historic Islamic place of worship in Larnaca.

Phinikoudes

Beach in Larnaca, known for its palm-lined promenade and shallow water.

Kimon

Monument in Larnaca, dedicated to the Athenian general Kimon.

Agios Lazaros Church

Orthodox church in Larnaca, Cyprus, known for its Byzantine architecture.

Kimon seafront promenade

Seafront promenade in Larnaca, lined with palm trees and offering sea views.

Larnaca Marina

Viewpoint at Larnaca marina, with views of boats and the coastline.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Zenobia wreck?
A Swedish ferry that sank in 1980 off Larnaca on its maiden voyage.
Is the wreck suitable for divers?
Yes, it is considered one of the top ten wreck diving sites in the world.
How deep is the ship lying?
It lies on its side at a depth ranging from 16 to 42 meters.
What can be seen at the wreck?
Besides the ship, you can still see many of the trucks that were on board at the time.
Can snorkelers also see the wreck?
Since the top side is only 16 meters deep, it is visible from above in clear water.
Zenobia Wreck: where is it located?
Zenobia Wreck is located in Cyprus.
Zenobia Wreck: what is there to see?
Highlights include Zenobia Shipwreck, Mackenzie Beach, Larnaca Castle.
Zenobia Wreck: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Nov.
Zenobia Wreck: why is it worth visiting?
The Zenobia wreck, a Swedish-built roll-on/roll-off ferry that sank in June 1980 during her maiden voyage off the coast of Larnaca, is now ranked among the top ten wreck diving sites in the world.
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Nearby cities

Larnaca — Zenobia Wreck (Cyprus)
Larnaca
A coastal city with a palm-lined promenade and the international airport.

History & landmarks

Choirokoitia — Zenobia Wreck (Cyprus)
Choirokoitia
A UNESCO-listed Neolithic settlement featuring reconstructed circular dwellings that showcase life 9,000 years ago.
Larnaca Castle — Zenobia Wreck (Cyprus)
Larnaca Castle
A medieval castle located at the southern end of the Finikoudes promenade.
Kataklysmos — Zenobia Wreck (Cyprus)
Kataklysmos
The Festival of the Flood, celebrated grandly in Larnaca with waterfront activities.
Larnaca Salt Lake — Zenobia Wreck (Cyprus)
Larnaca Salt Lake
A complex network of salt lakes, known as a wintering ground for flamingos.

More places

Church of Saint Lazarus — Zenobia Wreck (Cyprus)
Church of Saint Lazarus
A historical Byzantine church in the center of Larnaca.
Hala Sultan Tekke — Zenobia Wreck (Cyprus)
Hala Sultan Tekke
A prominent Islamic pilgrimage site located on the Larnaca Salt Lake.
Choirokoitia — Zenobia Wreck (Cyprus)
Choirokoitia
One of the most important prehistoric sites in the eastern Mediterranean (UNESCO).
Petrolina Larnaca Depot — Zenobia Wreck (Cyprus)
Petrolina Larnaca Depot
One of the main petroleum storage facilities in Cyprus, located near the Larnaca port area.
Larnaca Port — Zenobia Wreck (Cyprus)
Larnaca Port
The second largest port in Cyprus, serving both commercial and passenger traffic.
Larnaca International Airport (LCA) — Zenobia Wreck (Cyprus)
Larnaca International Airport (LCA)
Cyprus's main international gateway, located on the outskirts of Larnaca.
Larnaca Salt Lake Bird Watching — Zenobia Wreck (Cyprus)
Larnaca Salt Lake Bird Watching
A network of four salt lakes, famous for its population of flamingos that overwinter here.
Kamares Aqueduct — Zenobia Wreck (Cyprus)
Kamares Aqueduct
A historic aqueduct from the 18th century in Larnaca.