Zenobia Wreck

Dive into the Ultimate Wreck Experience with Alpha Divers Ayia Napa, safety, challenging but incredible all at once.

The MS Zenobia is not just the best wreck in the Mediterranean – it’s arguably the most penetrable wreck in the world, providing an unforgettable diving adventure that will exceed all your expectations!

A Brief History:

Built in Sweden in 1979, the Zenobia embarked on her 2nd journey from Malmo with 104 articulated vehicles on board, carrying an estimated £200+ million worth of cargo. Her propellers, made of a special mercury alloy, specifically designed for this model of vessel at a cost of 250 thousands dollars each.

On her way to Syria, she made stops in Crete and Athens. While in Athens, a ballast system malfunction was detected, causing excess water to be pumped in. Though the issue seemed resolved, it resurfaced prior to docking at Larnaca. The ballast tanks overfilled, due to a software malfunction leading to a now all level diver playground for all disciplines, Recreational, Technical, Side Mount & CCR divers. On June 7th 1980 after 3 days of listing, the Zenobia sank only 1.5 kms from shore at a maximum depth of 42 mtrs, taking her valuable cargo with her. Nothing has or can be touched, she is the jewel in the Med’ for all divers from around the world to come and enjoy.

There are, for the relatively certified, 40 non repeat dives to complete the wreck but over 500 dive combinations, she is truly epic.

The Wreck Diving ‘Valhalla’.

The Zenobia now rests on a seabed at 42 meters, with her structure extending up to 15 meters below the surface. This perfect depth, combined with the exceptional visibility of the water, makes for an incredible diving experience. You could dive her 40 times, both technically and recreationally, and still not explore all her features—canteen, accommodations, bridge, chain lockers, staff quarters, captain’s quarters, two engine rooms, and multiple cargo decks but the volume of cargo still there is what makes her challenging but so enjoyable.

A Marine Wonderland:

All this makes the Zenobia very likely the best wreck in the world. Plus, the sea area around her was made a marine reserve, attracting a diverse range of aquatic life. Expect to encounter jackfish, barracudas, nudibranchs, and groupers whose size doubles every five meters down. Loggerhead and green turtles are also frequent visitors, sometimes even found inside the wreck, but also the occasional dolphin pod and we have even seen the Mobular or Eagle ray, which are stunning.

Alpha divers: ‘THE’ Zenobia Specialists

At Alpha Divers, we dive the Zenobia every day. As the awarded Zenobia experts, we ensure your diving experience is safe, comfortable and unforgettable, using any one our two fantastic boats to provide all the comfort and beyond. To achieve certain dives, you’ll need the appropriate certification level – and taking an advanced course (mandatory level required for the Zenobia) with Nitrox with us is be the best option to fully enjoy your dives and get the most out of your experience with enhanced dive time due to reduced nitrogen loading.

15 ltr tanks are the usual tank with us… ‘it’s better to be looking at it than looking for it’ when it comes to tank content… safety first, always.

Visit us at our shop in Ayia Napa or contact us directly for more details on this dive extravaganza… Don’t miss out – email us now: info@ayianapa-alphadivers.com!