Diving in Cyprus: The Zenobia Wreck & Best Dive Sites

Cyprus is one of the Mediterranean’s great diving destinations — warm, clear water, a long season, and a wreck that regularly makes the world’s top‑five lists. Whether you are a first‑timer or a logged‑hours diver, here is where to get in the water.

The Zenobia — one of the world’s best wreck dives

The star of Cypriot diving is the Zenobia, a Swedish roll‑on/roll‑off ferry that sank off Larnaca on her maiden voyage in June 1980. She lies on her port side in 16 to 42 metres of clear water, still loaded with the articulated lorries she was carrying — an eerie, cathedral‑sized playground that divers travel from all over the world to explore. Most rank her among the top five wreck dives on the planet, and she is the single biggest reason to bring a mask and fins to Cyprus.

Who can dive the Zenobia?

The wreck suits a wide range of experience. The upper side sits around 16–18 metres, well within reach of newly qualified Open Water divers, so you don’t need to be an expert to see her. More experienced and technical divers go deeper and, with the right training and guides, penetrate the cargo decks and interior. Larnaca’s dive centres run daily boats to the site and can match the dive to your level.

Other top dive sites

Cyprus is much more than one wreck:

• Cape Greco (between Ayia Napa and Protaras) — caves, arches, tunnels and reef in gin‑clear water.
• Green Bay / the Amphitheatre near Protaras — a shallow, calm site dotted with sunken statues and amphorae, perfect for beginners and snorkellers.
• The Akamas & Latchi in the west — sea caves, reefs and the Manijin Island site.
• Cyclops Cave and the reefs off Paphos and Limassol — swim‑throughs and rich marine life.

When to dive — and the conditions

The dive season runs roughly April to November, when the sea is warm (climbing to 28–29°C in late summer) and visibility often reaches 20–40 metres. Summer is warmest and busiest; late spring and autumn offer great water with fewer boats. Many centres dive year‑round with wetsuits, as even winter seas hover around 17°C.

Learning to dive in Cyprus

Calm, clear, shallow bays make Cyprus an excellent place to learn. Dive schools in Larnaca, Ayia Napa, Protaras, Limassol, Paphos and Latchi offer everything from a half‑day “try dive” for complete beginners to full certification courses. If you have never breathed underwater before, a supervised try dive in a sheltered bay is a wonderful first taste.

Dive centres & schools in Cyprus

From Larnaca’s Zenobia specialists to the reefs of the west and east, these are well-established Cyprus dive centres for try-dives, PADI courses and guided dives. Tap Map & reviews for the location and latest feedback.

Booking a dive or boat trip

Dives, try‑dives and snorkelling boat trips can be booked online in advance, which is worth doing in peak summer. Browse and compare Cyprus diving and boat trips on our things‑to‑do page, and base yourself near the action with our guide to where to stay in Larnaca, the gateway to the Zenobia.