Blue Ocean Diving is excited to once again offer you the chance to dive the wreck of the Zenobia in Larnaca, Cyprus, in 2023!
Heralded time and time again as one of the world’s top 10 recreational dive sites, the Zenobia offers a wreck diving experience that all divers will be in absolute awe of.
To join this trip you must hold a minimum qualification of PADI Advanced Diver with Deep, Wreck and Nitrox specialties. We highly recommend the Night Specialty also.
This wreck diving trip to the Zenobia is also open to all Twinset, Sidemount, CCR and Tec divers (with longer dive run-times for Tec profiles).
Non-diving partners, friends and family members are also welcome along on this trip, with plenty for them to do both in the hotel and local area whilst the divers head out on their underwater adventures!
Dates:
2nd – 9th October 2023
About the Wreck of the Zenobia:
Built in 1979, the MS Zenobia ferry left Sweden for her maiden voyage, destined to end in Syria, in May 1980.
Having passed the Strait of Gibraltar, the Zenobia was en route to Athens when the captain realised he was experiencing problems steering the ship. Determining the cause as being excess water having been pumped into the ballast tanks, the water was pumped out and the problem was seemingly solved.
The Zenobia continued on her journey, her penultimate stop having been scheduled for Larnaca, Cyprus.
She arrived in Larnaca June 2nd, again displaying signs that water was being pumped into the side ballast tanks. The cause was put down to software error.
Two days later, the Zenobia was towed out of the harbour in order to prevent her from becoming an obstruction, should the worst happen. She was left at anchor approximately 2km from shore.
Requests to return her to the harbour were denied and Zenobia subsequently capsized and sank at around 2.30am on 7th June, 1980. With her went an estimated £200 million worth of cargo comprised of 108 articulated lorries.
Thankfully, no lives were lost at the time.
The Zenobia wreck has since become a Mediterranean favourite and one of the most dived wrecks in the world.
Measuring 172 metres long, her port side rests at a maximum depth of 42 metres. Her highest point at the starboard side lies at 16 metres, making the Zenobia a fantastic wreck for all.
Those that dive the Zenobia wreck can explore the three lorry decks that still remain full of a variety of cargo from Arabia, Europe and Africa.
Divers can also visit the Captain’s quarters, the engine room – even the launderette!
The wreck of the Zenobia and the surrounding area has since become an official marine reserve. As a result it is a haven to a vast range of marine life including moray eels, turtles, tuna, barracuda, large grouper, trumpetfish and more.
Accommodation:
Accommodation is on a Bed and Breakfast basis at the Best Western Plus Larco.
The recently renovated hotel is only a 10 minute drive from Larnaca airport. It is easily accessible and close to restaurants, shops, the town centre and most importantly, the dive centre itself!
Only 200m away from the beach, the hotel has been modernly updated. Its new look includes a revamped café and bar area adjacent to the outdoor swimming pool with loungers, and free WiFi access throughout. There is also a fully equipped gym for customers to use freely.
The rooms are fully equipped with the latest comfort and technology features, including tea and coffee making facilities, a safe, large TV equipped with IPTV, free Wi-Fi, desk space and hair dryer. Every room has a balcony and room service is also offered.
The hotel’s brand new and modern restaurants serve buffet breakfast (included), plus lunch and dinner. A la carte menus are included as extras.
However, with the range of restaurants nearby, you will certainly be spoilt for choice when it comes to dining options!
Price and Booking Information:
Prices:
£1150 per person based on double occupancy. (Reduced price available for non-divers who wish to join this trip).
A deposit of £350 per person must be paid at time of booking.
Second payment of £400 due by 2nd April 2023.
Outstanding payment of £400 must be paid by 2nd July, 2023.
Price Includes:
- Outbound and Return Flights
- Transfers
- Accommodation on B&B Basis (Double Occupancy)
- 5 Days of Diving (2 Dives Daily)
- Nitrox
Book Your Diving Holiday in Cyprus Now:
Complete the form and register your interest:
You can email Blue Ocean Diving directly for more information at scuba@blueoceandiving.co.uk or contact us by phone on 01622 212 022.
Alternatively, why not pop into our shop for a coffee and a chat? You can find us next to Maidstone Leisure Centre, Mote Park, West Park Road, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 7AF
All online bookings are provisional and subject to availability.
We will contact you by telephone within 48 hours to confirm your booking and process your payment.
Blue Ocean Diving will send you an HSBC Paylink payment link via text. You can then make payment through this by credit or debit card.
Additional Information:
We strongly recommend deposit payments are made via credit card. This is in order to benefit from the full consumer protection this method offers.
All payments are non-refundable & non-transferable.
On booking, please provide a copy of your passport to scuba@blueoceandiving.co.uk.
We recommend holiday insurance is valid from time of booking in case of cancellation.
Please refer to our Terms and Conditions for all Dive Club Holidays.
