Larnaca Snorkelling Zenobia Wreck Review: Is It Worth It?

Looking for some thrill as well as see marine life? The Zenobia wreck in Larnaca, Cyprus is supposed to be one of the world’s premier wreck locations, mostly for divers, but what about snorkellers? I had to find out so I went. In this write-up, I give you the whole experience – what to anticipate, what to maybe bring, and whether it lived up to the hype.

What Makes the Zenobia Wreck So Special?

The Zenobia, very much a Swedish ferry that sank on its first voyage back in 1980, rests just a little off the shore of Larnaca. It went down with a estimated £200 million cargo, is that something? Now, what’s interesting is that, because of its fairly intact state and that the top part is surprisingly shallow, it’s like a magnet for all sorts of sea creatures. Actually, It’s more than marine life but also it is for underwater photographers as well as folks very much seeking a unique snorkelling or diving experience. Very much unique indeed!

Choosing the Right Snorkelling Tour

First thing to consider, are many tour operators available in Larnaca who have different ‘packages’ that, of course, include a ‘mini-cruise’ option which also goes to the wreck. Tour operators usually cater their schedules to both snorkellers and divers, so too it’s very important to choose one where the snorkelling is a focus, more or less, rather than maybe a ‘side activity’ for divers. Check for things like equipment, the trip to and from the place, and the sizes of each group (I didn’t fancy to be one of many in a giant snorkelling herd). And of course, Safety always comes first. Check that they give the relevant safety instructions too, but also the crew knows what it’s doing.

My Snorkelling Experience: A Step-by-Step Account

Setting Off
On arrival, I boarded a boat that, very much included other excited folks who just can’t wait to see what awaited underwater. You should keep in mind that this isn’t only snorkelling, It’s also kind of a cruise along the coast and offers great views. It was something I quite liked to see and it was nice too. When we got to the wreck location, I can still remember the feeling of anticipation as we geared up.

Into the Water
After a short briefing that, basically explained what to look out for, I slid into the crystal water of the water, which in July was great. You could just see that it was a different experience entirely. The first look underwater, I had a bit of a ‘wow’ moment.

Up Close with the Wreck
The top of the Zenobia wreck got as near as, give or take, 16 meters to the top so too it’s quite doable with decent conditions, the outlines that I could see from that close are just massive and a bit eerie. Various fishes have been making this steel beast their habitat as well. Very cool!

Marine Encounters
There was loads of small fishes and other various small marine creatures. If one is there at the right time, they might also see turtles too; I never got too lucky to spot one.

The Mini-Cruise Aspect: What to Expect

A “mini-cruise” bit made things much more worth it. The boat typically goes along the Larnaca coast, maybe giving one the chance to take in the view. Many boats will provide drinks or light refreshments which makes for a nicer day out too. Music may be there as well as you gently dance your way back to the dock.

Snorkelling Conditions at the Zenobia

The quality for one’s snorkelling day tends to vary a great deal. For one thing, the clearest waters appear to occur during summertime. In contrast to summer, winds are something else to keep an eye on because, quite honestly, those can chop things up and blur one’s view.

What to Bring for Your Snorkelling Trip

Actually, most tour guides include all equipment but that being said, you may prefer to take your gear with you if that happens to fit alright or more appropriately, or a ‘GoPro’ for your recording of all that is to come; Here are the most important:

• Sunscreen – it’s really vital for sunny days out at sea.
• A rash guard – assists against potential jelly stings or chafing
• Waterproof camera – a ‘must’ to capture every awesome thing seen underwater.
• Towel and change of garments – to switch into dry clothing later.
• Motion sickness medication – very important if you usually suffer from motion.

Tips for a Great Snorkelling Experience

• Get familiar with the gears. Prior to getting in the sea, always try on those fins or perhaps breathing apparatuses; you want everything snug but never too tight such it distracts ones experience.
• Keep calm while swimming around. Should there ever be a current flowing against swimmers or visibility worsening drastically: head towards something, i.e. boat whenever anything starts giving trouble at all, it’s almost never something you want at that time, even a little.
• Take care of what’s there underwater. Keep your fins and bodies off the wrecks/undersea lives while exploring its beauties; always protect nature just as that protects us.
• Be properly hydrated when one spends whole afternoons swimming out upon seas, being exposed in this element, drink fluids regularly because keeping properly hydrated matters!

Zenobia for Divers vs. Snorkellers

OK, you got to keep this in perspective. For serious divers, the Zenobia is the holy grail since one gets down right within its interior chambers full throttle exploring what many can only begin to wonder while seeing what’s available down within there; those with snorkeling-only types instead get more general outline looks when close, albeit limited, although these types don’t travel so extensively across the whole length that those trained specialists end taking over so effectively either.

Is the Zenobia Snorkelling Trip Worth It?

Going out for one snorkelling trip up Zenobia would indeed appeal so well within those into seeking more something above common “swimming within an area only” kind experiences as everything feels genuinely historical with aquatic viewing combining well with those factors but not expecting much, particularly seeing what specialists that deep below tend toward though because frankly otherwise folks will feel very disappointed after being told otherwise therefore understanding properly makes good expectation.

Basically, snorkeling on Zenobia is interesting though the overall feeling is going there as someone looking something that isn’t really one location targeted much just like any specialist so expect nothing fancy though enjoyable nevertheless should folks enjoy those aquatic days nevertheless after all anyway.

The snorkelling trip provides unique, interesting but something which shouldn’t raise standards though one appreciates snorkeling overall.

Other Snorkelling Spots in Larnaca

Very, very nearby but other, more shallow sites exist if folks cannot stomach currents or just that little feeling when nearing wrecks, even partial-like. One that, usually always does well or gets told regarding includes ‘Green Bay,’ what mostly entails calm currents close with soft waters ideally created almost just regarding starter snorkeling practice runs altogether.

• Green Bay – that very popular shallower place is typically optimal beginners so the young kids can start safely there too mostly.
• Cape Greco – one, always beautiful setting but gets kind strong at currents though provides rich scenery viewing overall including cavern access (under-sea naturally formed ones too); keep aware should visitors have small swimmers accompanying just please since again current conditions affect the experience considerably whenever near seas constantly!
• Konnos Bay – smaller coves means protected seas where everything almost looks calm even with the winds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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