This isn't just a normal dive trip. Included in the expedition you get;

• Safety/support diver on every dive
• Permanent Decompression trapeze
• Detailed briefing on the wreck including deck plans
• Escorted/guided wreck dives as required
• Cylinder pick up and fill

The Zenobia is generally considered to be one of the worlds top ten wrecks and is certainly one of the most famous. Her appeal is partly due to the fact that she is a large wreck, virtually intact and at a depth that is accessible to the majority of recreational divers.

The Zenobia was a Swedish roll-on-roll-off ferry. She sank on her maiden voyage to Cyprus at just outside Larnaca's fishing harbour at 2:30 am on Saturday the 7th of June 1980. There are many rumours regarding her sinking including conspiracies, international intrigue and insurance scams. The most popular, but unfortunately the least romantic, theory involves her computerized ballasting system. This automatic system reportedly developed a fault while on route to Larnaca. When the ship arrived in Larnaca a maintenance team was sent aboard to correct the problem and appeared to have been successful as they managed to correct the list to 5°. With the problem apparently under control the Captain dismissed the maintenance team at 5pm on the evening of the 6th June 1980. This was later to prove to be a fatal mistake as the following day at 2am she sank, taking her cargo to her final resting place and creating an almost ideal dive for recreational divers.

Zenobia is now lying on her port side in 42 meters with the top rail of the wreck lying at about 17 to 18m and the deck almost vertical. There are permanent lines on the wreck on the bows, amidships and on the stern which make finding, mooring and diving very easy. She has two decks, and two stern doors (1 port, 1 starboard). At the stern the huge 4m diameter starboard propeller is immediately visible with the port side propeller 15m below embedded in the soft bottom. On the deck side there is almost no end of wreckage to explore; deck equipment from the bow to the bridge, the accommodation sections and lifeboats amidships as well as the 108 trailers and trucks strewn over the seabed and then the loading ramps at the stern.

The exterior of the ship is more than enough for many divers and it would take many dives to become completely familiar with the external features. However many are tempted to explore the interior of the wreck. If you are looking for wreck penetration then the Zenobia can certainly provide it but beware divers have died on the Zenobia when entering the wreck without adequate equipment, experience and training. One of the main reasons for this trip was to run an advanced wreck diving course which covers the techniques and equipment necessary to undertake wreck penetration dives. Clearly the Zenobia provides an ideal environment for teaching the variety of wreck exploration techniques and is one of the best locations for this type of course. The superstructure and accommodation decks make a good introduction for those wanting to start entering the wreck. It is very easy to get into the bridge area and see where the captain would have monitored the last few hours of the wreck and it is also possible to get into the navigation or radio room on the port side at depth. However, for many the most interesting part of the superstructure is the restaurant which can be accessed in a number of ways. Once inside there are many signs of the purpose for which this space served; coffee machines and drinks dispensers on the self-service counter, glasses, cutlery, crockery and bottles of beer and coke.

Further back from the superstructure are the lorry decks where many articulated lorries can be found. Some hang precariously, still secured to the deck with chains. Others have fallen to the sea bed and have shed their cargo which lies scattered across the sea floor.

The route for the cars and trucks carried on the Zenobia was through a series of ramps that can be confusing for divers who are not familiar with their configuration. The upper lorry deck provides excellent cavern type diving where you are still in the daylight zone which means that you can still see external light from a direct exit to open water. However penetration of the lower decks and exploration of all the various exits and entries is only for those with extended experience of the site or for those with the necessary training and equipment. Once you are in any of the lower decks there is absolutely no external light. Penetration to this level should be considered on a par with cave diving and full wreck penetration or cave diving procedures should be followed. There are numerous side passages and dead ends which can confuse the unprepared diver. The narrower passages can also contain debris or other entanglement hazards as well as silt or undisturbed rust which can quickly reduce visibility to zero. The port side engine room is accessible through a hatch in the deck of the lower lorry deck and it is possible to explore the relatively intact engine room complete with ladders, gantries and many of the original engine fittings.

We will be using Dive Tek Cyprus the only dedicated technical diving centre on the Island.

The cost includes

• All diving (3 days, 2 dives per day)
• Transport to/from Larnaca airport
• Transport to/from the boat each day
• Cylinder pick up and delivery
• Accomodation
• Lunch on board
• Safety/support divers
• Briefings
• Guiding if required

However it doesn't include flights, additional equipment hire, gas, breakfast/evening meal or drink.