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Why is the Zenobia known as the Titanic of the Mediterranean?

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The wreck of MS Zenobia is considered to be the Jewel of the Mediterranean. It has also be referred to as the Titanic of the Mediterranean due to her size and the amount of divers that dive her every year from all around the world.

 A Brief history of the MS Zenobia

The Zenobia was a Swedish built roll on-roll off ferry that was on her maiden voyage from Sweden to Syria in June 1980. During this voyage she repeatedly suffered problems with her onboard computers that controlled the ballast system. Multiple attempts were made to fix the fault, however all the attempts proved fruitless. On the 7th of June 1980 at approximately 2.30AM the MS Zenobia listed to the point of no return and sunk with an estimated 200 million pounds of cargo on her. She now lies on her port side, on the seabed at 42 metres, just 1500 metres outside of Larnaca harbour.

 Why the Zenobia is my favourite wreck

My answer is simple: the sheer size and accessibility of this wreck makes her my favourite wreck dive. The Zenobia is over 174 metres in length, and 28 metres wide. As she is lying underwater on her side, the top of the wreck is just 16 metres beneath the surface, making her accessible to all levels of divers. The Zenobia is also fully intact. Her main cargo consisted of 104 articulated trucks, many of which can be easily seen by recreational divers exploring the external part of the wreck. During their second dive recreational dives will also get to swim through the bridge and cafeteria part of this immense wreck.

The Zenobia is a truly outstanding wreck for technical divers. There are countless routes that can take technical divers into the Zenobia: exploring the three cargo decks where divers can see intact trucks, spilt cargo including packed sleeping bags, and thousands of dehydrated alcohol bottles. One of the most interesting areas to explore is the middle lorry deck where divers can visit the blue Lada that belonged to the Captain, as well as the forklift truck and the auxiliary engine room. Other popular routes include the engine room, chain locker, and accommodation areas.

Dive Stop are specialists in offering tailor made dive and accommodation packages to the Zenobia as well as many other stunning local dive sites.

To book your next dive adventure in Cyprus contact us today!

Website: www.survivalbuddies.com

Email: divestop@survivalbuddies.com

Call: 00357 23102359

Facebook: www.facebook.com/survival.protaras

Will Stratford has dived for over 25 years and became a dive professional in 2000. He has spent many years diving and working in Cyprus and returned to the island in 2017 after owning Vivian Dive centre. Will now manages Survival Dive Stop. He is a PADI IDC Staff Instructor, BSAC Open Water Instructor, and teaches both open circuit and closed circuit Technical Diving. Find out more at www.survivalbuddies.com.

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Discover Curaçao with the Ultimate Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition

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Dive Travel Curaçao is thrilled to announce the launch of the Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition, an expertly curated resource that unveils the unparalleled dive experiences and vacation possibilities awaiting you in Curaçao. Produced exclusively for the Diving Equipment & Marketing Association (DEMA) Show 2024, this special edition guide is packed with exclusive insights, travel tips, and limited-time DEMA offers that make it easier than ever to explore Curaçao’s stunning underwater landscapes and vibrant culture.

Explore Curaçao’s Unmatched Diving Opportunities

With over 70 diverse dive sites along its southern coastline, Curaçao is a bucket-list destination for divers of all experience levels. From thriving coral reefs and intricate marine ecosystems to historic shipwrecks, the island offers a variety of underwater experiences that are hard to match. The Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition provides detailed recommendations for both shore and boat diving, making it a valuable tool for divers seeking the best entry points, pristine reefs, and hidden treasures along the coastline. Whether you are an avid wreck diver, or a beginner interested in shallow reefs, Curaçao has it all.

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Uncover Eco-Friendly Dive Resorts and Top Dive Operators

This DEMA 2024-exclusive Curaçao guide goes beyond diving to feature insider information on Curaçao’s eco-friendly accommodations, dive resorts, and top-rated dive operators committed to sustainable dive tourism. From all-inclusive resorts that support coral reef restoration initiatives to charming boutique hotels near prime dive locations, the guide helps travelers find the ideal stay to match their vacation goals. It also spotlights trusted dive operators on the island who prioritize environmental preservation, offering travelers a way to enjoy the underwater world responsibly.

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Immerse Yourself in Curaçao’s Culture, Culinary Delights, and Adventure

Curaçao offers a vibrant Caribbean culture rich in history, music, and culinary fusion. The guide reveals Curaçao’s hidden gems, including culinary hotspots, historical sites, and eco-tourism opportunities that will appeal to both divers and non-divers. Visitors can explore the island’s iconic architecture, savor a diverse range of dishes influenced by Caribbean, European, and South American flavors, and embark on land-based eco-adventures, such as hiking, cave exploration, and visiting national parks.

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Exclusive DEMA 2024 Specials and Limited-Time Dive Packages

This special edition guide features limited-time DEMA 2024 offers on dive packages, accommodations, and excursions. Travelers who book through Dive Travel Curaçao, or our Curaçao dive travel partners attending DEMA, will have access to exclusive discounts on custom dive vacation packages, making it easier to plan an affordable, high-quality dive trip that fits your preferences. The Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition is designed to simplify your travel planning and help you dive deeper into the incredible experiences that Curaçao has to offer.

It’s Time to Dive Curaçao!

Now is the time to discover why Curaçao is a top dive destination in the Caribbean! Dive Travel Curaçao invites you to experience an unforgettable dive vacation with exclusive DEMA 2024 specials tailored just for you. To secure your spot, download a copy of the Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition and contact the Dive Travel Curaçao team to start customizing your Caribbean dive adventure today.

For more information and bookings, please visit Dive Curaçao’s website or contact our reservations team directly.

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Santa Divers take the Plunge for Charity

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santa divers

Ho Ho Ho! Vobster Quay’s recording-breaking charity Santa diving event returns on Sunday 15th December 2024 for another round of festive fundraising frivolities. Run in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes, this ever-popular annual fundraising event aims to raise sack-loads of cash for these two very deserving charities.

Divers of all levels are invited to grab their Santa outfits – and as much festive cheer as they can muster – and head down to Vobster Quay near Mells, Somerset for a mass sponsored Santa dive in aid of charity. In previous years, the event has attracted divers from the far corners of the UK to join in the festive merriment for a final festive dive before the Christmas and New Year break. Back in 2015, the event smashed the world record for the most Santa divers with 188 divers taking to the waters donning their festive finery – a record that remains unbeaten to this day!

santa divers

Vobster Santas isn’t just about setting records – it’s also about raising some serious cash for charity. Vobster Quay encourages all divers to get into the spirit of the season to raise much-needed funds for two very deserving charities – the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes.

Through individual sponsorship and online donations, divers can invite their friends, family and work colleagues to sponsor them to plunge into the balmy waters of Vobster Quay dressed in full festive finery. Since the very first Santa dive in 2007, the event has raised over £52,000 for charity. “It’s been over 17 years since the very first charity Santa dive took place at Vobster Quay and every year the event just keeps getting bigger and better” enthused Vobster Quay owner, Amy Stanton.

“Vobster Santas is a great way for divers to say a massive thank you to the both the RNLI and Help For Heroes – two very deserving charities close to our hearts. We’re immensely proud of all that Vobster Santas has achieved and hope that even more divers will join this year’s event on Sunday 15th December. I’m confident that we can make Vobster Santas 2024 the biggest yet!”.

Divers wishing to participate can get involved by simply registering their attendance at
www.vobster.com/event-vobstersantas.php.

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