Diving In Cyprus – A Memorable Experience

1. Diving In Cyprus – A Memorable Experience Few diving enthusiasts that visit Cyprus are aware of the thrill to experience during the time spent when you go Zenobia diving. WHAT IS MEANT BY ‘ZENOBIA DIVING’? The Zenobia is a shipwreck found just off the coast, in fact, 1.5km off the island’s Larnaca port. It has become a firm favourite with divers who come from all parts of the world to enjoy diving at this wreck. It often is on the wish list of the keen scuba diver. It is generally accepted that Zenobia is one of the world’s top 10 wrecks for those who enjoy recreational diving. SOME BACKGROUND The ship Zenobia was a ferry boat (roll on, roll off) of just over 170m that sank on her maiden voyage in 1980. She was en route to Syria when she started to experience trouble. She tried to dock at Larnaca port in Cyprus, but the harbour master did not want to take the chance that she could go down in the harbour; instead, she was towed away to sea, where she sank and lies 1.5 km from Larnaca Harbour. She carried cargo such as the 104 trucks meant for destinations in the Middle East. Initially, she passed through the oceans with no problems when she stopped at Crete. At Athens, it became clear that she was headed for trouble. Finally, in Larnaca port attempts were made to pump out the water she had taken in on her voyage – to no avail. So she was towed out to sea where she still lies today with her cargo worth £200 million. Fortunately, no loss of life was recorded as she made her way to the bottom of the ocean at 42 m deep – on her side. MYSTERY? As is so often the case with such disasters, Zenobia is also shrouded in mystery. Some sources report possible sabotage by, for example, Mossad and M16. This, after years, remains nothing more than speculation and no such theories have ever been proven. DIVING AT ZENOBIA Cyprus has been a great tourist destination for years – also for divers. Visibility is often very good, great opportunities exist to see and experience amazing sea life as you immerse yourself in the azure waters of the Mediterranean, while you get closer to the Zenobia, or other shipwrecks.

2. Divers are offered so many great opportunities all around the island to dive for recreation. Sea life, wrecks, and the peace that divers often experience when they allow themselves those wonderful moments of water, all contribute to the total experience. Divers report that from about ten metres deep the wreck becomes visible. You see trucks and trailers, some still on the ship, with most having fallen to the bottom. You even see the wreck’s huge loading door, which is ajar, allowing you to go to the stern. DIVING INSTRUCTORS Because diving at the Zenobia wreck can be a challenging exercise, you must go with an accredited, certified diving instructor to help ensure your safety. Since she sank all those years ago, at least 8 divers have lost their lives at this wreck during diving excursions. Since this is a demanding dive (more so than many others), divers are advised to book the services of good instructors on the island to accompany them. Some of these, such as Pissouri Divers, for instance, are known to offer great diving courses at, for example, the wreck which is Zenobia. So, while they offer you valuable scuba and similar instruction, they let you see some wonderful underwater scenes. Of course, there are other similar services; the one mentioned is merely one that stands out. Even though diving at Zenobia is an experience one cherishes for years after the visit, it is not the only opportunity to enjoy diving in Cyprus. Several other locales offer fantastic opportunities. About Us At Pissouri Bay Divers we offer a wide range of PADI courses aimed at individuals that want to enjoy various aspects of diving and sea life. Courses are presented to cater to different interests and readiness levels, making sure our courses offer something for everybody. We offer both shore and boat dives and ensure that all our clients benefit from their time with us about what they are taught in terms of safety, techniques, and enjoyment. Our courses are structured so that all levels are welcome, whether you are a beginner or more advanced. Professional, personal attention to every client is what we are about. For more about us please visit https://pissouribaydivers.com/.