Zenobia Wreck | Larnaca

Information

Landmark: Zenobia Wreck
City: Larnaca
Country: Cyprus
Continent: Europe

Zenobia Wreck, Larnaca, Cyprus, Europe

The Zenobia Wreck is a 172-meter-long Swedish-built Ro-Ro ferry that sank in 1980. It is located approximately 1.5 kilometers off the coast of Larnaca, Cyprus.

Visual Characteristics

The wreck lies on its port side at a maximum depth of 42 meters, with its highest point reaching 16 meters below the surface. The hull is constructed of steel, now heavily encrusted with marine growth, including sponges and corals, which provide a habitat for diverse marine life. The ship's structure, including the bridge, engine room, and car decks with visible trucks, remains largely intact.

Location & Access Logistics

Access to the Zenobia Wreck is exclusively by boat, requiring a certified dive operator. Dive boats depart from the Larnaca Marina, located at the eastern end of Finikoudes Promenade. The wreck site is approximately 1.5 kilometers southeast of the marina, a boat journey of about 10-15 minutes. No public transport directly serves the wreck site; land-based transport to the marina is required. Parking is available at the Larnaca Marina.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The Zenobia was a Ro-Ro ferry built in 1979 by the Kockums Varv AB shipyard in Malmö, Sweden. Its original purpose was to transport vehicles and passengers between Syria and Greece. On its maiden voyage in June 1980, the vessel developed stability problems due to a ballast system malfunction, leading to its capsizing and sinking outside Larnaca harbor. The wreck now serves as an artificial reef, supporting a significant marine ecosystem.

Key Highlights & Activities

Diving is the primary activity at the Zenobia Wreck. Certified divers can explore the exterior hull, penetrate the car decks to observe the cargo of trucks, and navigate through the bridge and engine room. Depths range from 16 meters to 42 meters, accommodating various certification levels. Observing marine life such as groupers, barracudas, and sea turtles is a common highlight.

Infrastructure & Amenities

There are no direct amenities at the wreck site itself. Dive operators departing from Larnaca Marina typically provide facilities on their boats, including fresh water, emergency oxygen, and sometimes light refreshments. Restrooms and food vendors are available at Larnaca Marina. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available at the surface above the wreck site.

Best Time to Visit

The optimal time to dive the Zenobia Wreck is from May to October. During these months, water temperatures range from 22°C to 28°C, and underwater visibility often exceeds 30 meters. The calmest sea conditions, ideal for boat travel and diving, typically occur in July and August.

Facts & Legends

A verified historical oddity is that the Zenobia sank on its maiden voyage, fully loaded with 104 trucks and trailers, none of which were insured. The cargo remains largely in place within the wreck. Another fact is that no human lives were lost during the sinking, as the crew safely evacuated the vessel before it capsized.