Diving the Zenobia Wreck in Cyprus | Complete Guide
The Zenobia wreck in Larnaca, Cyprus is widely considered one of the best wreck dives in the world. Sitting just 1.5km off the coast, this enormous cargo ferry has become a legendary dive site attracting divers from across Europe and beyond.
For many divers, diving the Zenobia wreck is a bucket-list experience. The scale of the wreck, the trucks still chained inside the cargo decks, and the abundance of marine life make every dive feel like exploring an underwater time capsule.
At Pineapple Dive Club in Larnaca, the Zenobia is one of our favourite sites to dive. Whether it’s your first wreck dive or you’re returning to explore deeper sections of the ship, the Zenobia offers something new every time.
The History of the Zenobia
The MS Zenobia was a Swedish roll-on/roll-off ferry built in 1979 at the Kockums shipyard in Malmö. At 178 metres long and 28 metres wide, she was one of the largest ferries of her type operating in the Mediterranean.
The ship was designed to transport trucks and cargo between Europe and the Middle East. On her maiden voyage in 1980, she was carrying more than 100 articulated lorries and trailers, many of which still remain inside the wreck today.
What makes the Zenobia unique is that she sank only days after launching into service, turning a brand-new cargo vessel into one of the most famous dive sites in the world.
Why the Zenobia Sank
The Zenobia departed Malmö on May 4th 1980. During the voyage, a computer fault in the ship’s ballast system caused the vessel to gradually take on water and develop a dangerous list to port.
Despite attempts by engineers to correct the issue, the list continued to worsen as the ship reached Cyprus.
To prevent the ferry from blocking Larnaca harbour, the authorities towed the Zenobia away from port. On June 7th 1980, she capsized and sank just offshore, coming to rest on her port side at a depth of around 42 metres.
Fortunately, all crew members were rescued before the sinking.
Today, the Zenobia sits remarkably intact on the seabed and is widely ranked among the top wreck dives in the world.
Where Is the Zenobia Wreck?
The Zenobia wreck lies approximately 1.5km off the coast of Larnaca, Cyprus, making it one of the most accessible world-class wreck dives anywhere.
The site is only a short boat journey from the harbour, which is why many divers travel to Cyprus specifically to dive it.
At Pineapple Dive Club, we run dedicated Zenobia dive trips throughout the season, giving divers the chance to explore different parts of the wreck across multiple dives.
You can see our full wreck diving options here:
➡ Dive Experiences
What It’s Like to Dive the Zenobia
Few wreck dives compare to the scale of the Zenobia.
As you descend, the massive hull slowly appears beneath you. The ship is so large that even experienced divers often need multiple dives to explore different sections.
Some of the highlights include:
• The enormous cargo decks filled with trucks still chained to the floor
• The towering propeller and rudder
• The bridge and accommodation areas
• Huge exterior swim-throughs along the hull
The wreck sits between 16m and 42m, making it accessible to both recreational and technical divers.
Many divers return again and again to explore deeper sections of the ship.
Marine Life on the Zenobia Wreck
Over the past four decades, the Zenobia has transformed into a thriving artificial reef.
The wreck attracts large schools of fish and predators, making it one of the most exciting dive sites in Cyprus for marine life.
Divers regularly encounter:
• Barracuda
• Amberjack
• Groupers
• Moray eels
• Tuna
• Sea turtles
Large schools of fish often circle the wreck, creating spectacular scenes around the hull and cargo decks.
Who Can Dive the Zenobia?
Different parts of the wreck are suitable for different certification levels.
Divers with an Advanced Open Water certification (or equivalent) can explore many sections of the Zenobia safely, including the outer structure and shallower cargo areas.
More experienced divers can explore deeper sections of the wreck, including interior areas and technical penetration routes.
If you're looking to gain experience before diving the wreck, many divers start with training such as:
Our team at Pineapple Dive Club focuses on small groups and relaxed diving, giving divers the time and attention needed to safely explore the Zenobia.
Best Time to Dive the Zenobia
The Zenobia can be dived year-round, but conditions vary slightly by season.
Spring and autumn are often considered the best times due to excellent visibility and comfortable water temperatures.
Typical conditions include:
Spring:
Water temperature 19–24°C
Excellent visibility
Summer:
Water temperature 24–28°C
Calm seas but busier dive boats
Autumn:
Warm water and fewer crowds
Winter:
Cooler water (16–19°C) but still diveable on good weather days.
Why Divers Return to the Zenobia Again and Again
One of the reasons the Zenobia is so famous is that it never feels like the same dive twice.
The wreck is enormous, and every dive reveals something new. One dive might focus on the cargo trucks, another on the propeller, another exploring marine life along the hull.
Many divers who visit Cyprus return specifically to dive the Zenobia again.
Diving the Zenobia with Pineapple Dive Club
At Pineapple Dive Club, we specialise in relaxed, small-group diving experiences around Larnaca.
Our Zenobia dives include everything you need for a full wreck diving experience.
Our dive experiences include:
• Full equipment rental
• Nitrox
• Boat transport to the wreck
• Photos and videos of your dive
• Hotel pick-up in the Larnaca area
Unlike many dive centres, the price you see is the price you pay. We don’t add hidden surcharges for equipment, boats, or extras once you arrive.
You can explore our Zenobia dive experiences here:
Why the Zenobia Is One of the Best Wreck Dives in the World
Few dive sites combine history, scale, accessibility, and marine life quite like the Zenobia.
For wreck divers, it’s one of those rare places that lives up to the hype.
Whether you're visiting Cyprus for the first time or returning for another adventure underwater, diving the Zenobia wreck is an experience you won’t forget. Contact us to book your experience.