Arrival and First Impressions

The moment I touched down in Larnaca, I was greeted with the warm Cypriot sun and the promise of an unforgettable adventure. As a marine biologist, the allure of the Zenobia wreck had been calling to me for years. Known as one of the top ten wreck dives in the world, the Zenobia is a sunken Swedish ferry that met its watery fate in 1980, now resting at the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea. My excitement was palpable as I was whisked away by Alpha Divers’ complimentary airport pickup service, a thoughtful touch that set the tone for the exceptional service to come.

Upon arrival at the Alpha Divers center, I was immediately struck by the professionalism and passion of the team. Chris, the owner, exuded a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm for the Zenobia wreck, a testament to his 20 years of experience. The center itself was a hub of activity, with divers from all over the world preparing for their underwater explorations. I felt a sense of camaraderie and shared excitement as I joined my fellow adventurers, ready to embark on this unique diving experience.

Diving into the Depths

The first day of diving was dedicated to an external orientation deco dive on the Zenobia, followed by a thrilling penetration of the Elpida wreck site. As I descended into the azure depths, the world above faded away, replaced by the serene beauty of the underwater realm. The Zenobia loomed ahead, a colossal structure teeming with marine life and history. Each dive was meticulously planned, with Chris and his team ensuring our safety and comfort at every turn.

The subsequent days were a blur of exhilarating dives, each more challenging and rewarding than the last. We explored the middle cargo deck, the captain’s quarters, and even the engine rooms, each space telling its own story of the ship’s final voyage. The use of NX28 and 100% O2 for decompression allowed us to maximize our bottom time, giving us ample opportunity to fully appreciate the wreck’s grandeur.

One of the standout features of diving with Alpha Divers was their state-of-the-art boat, equipped with a diver lift. This innovative addition made reboarding after a long dive effortless, a welcome relief for tired muscles. The boat was spacious and well-equipped, catering to both technical and recreational divers with ease. It was clear that Chris and his team had thought of everything, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for all.

Above and Beyond

The exceptional service extended beyond the dives themselves. When my dive buddy encountered an issue with his dry suit, Chris and his partner Paul went above and beyond, providing a replacement suit at no extra cost. This level of customer care was truly remarkable and exemplified the dedication and passion that Alpha Divers brings to their operation.

Our accommodations at the Alpha Divers apartment were equally impressive. The apartment was comfortable and well-appointed, complete with modern amenities like a Nespresso machine and a water purification system that was a godsend after a day in the salty sea. It was the perfect place to unwind and reflect on the day’s adventures.

As I prepared to leave Larnaca, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of gratitude for the incredible experience I had with Alpha Divers. The Zenobia wreck had lived up to its reputation, offering a diving adventure that was both thrilling and humbling. I left with a renewed appreciation for the ocean’s mysteries and a promise to return to this underwater paradise in the near future.