News
Why is the Zenobia known as the Titanic of the Mediterranean?
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
Blogs
BTM Travel: Your Gateway to Unforgettable Dive Adventures
Who We Are
BTM Travel is a boutique dive travel agency based in Munich, Germany, led by a passionate team of seasoned diving professionals.
- Marcel Wilpernig, our founder, has explored nearly every corner of the underwater world and brings over a decade of experience in the diving industry.
- Tim De Deygere, our product manager, made the bold leap from a successful law career to follow his true passion—diving.
- Simona Hlavova is the backbone of BTM Travel, ensuring smooth operations with her expertise in administration and sales.
While a significant portion of our clientele comes from Germany, our reach extends globally—from Bangladesh to California. BTM Travel is closely connected to Behind the Mask, an underwater videography network that inspires us to bring divers to the world’s most breathtaking ocean destinations.
What We Do
BTM Travel specializes in group diving adventures and tailored big animal experiences:
- Group Travel: We organize intimate trips to premier dive spots, led by expert photographers or wildlife guides for an unforgettable adventure. The vibe? Laid-back and adrenaline-filled.
- Tailor-Made Trips: For seasoned divers, we craft bespoke itineraries, offering insider tips on where to go, when to go, and what to expect. Our expertise ensures realistic expectations and unforgettable experiences.
Our focus lies on big animal diving, delivering the thrill of encounters with marine giants. While we love macro and reef diving, we know our true strength lies in providing high-octane experiences for adventurers.
What Makes Us Different
We take a fresh look at traditional diving industry practices, challenging outdated habits to better serve modern-day customers.
- Authenticity First: We only recommend destinations we trust, avoiding overselling places that don’t offer great value or quality.
- Heartfelt Advice: Our honest approach resonates with clients, building lasting relationships and unforgettable journeys.
Our Mission
Helping divers explore the places we love is not just our job—it’s our passion. Our goal is to remain small, authentic, and dedicated to delivering exceptional dive travel experiences.
Find Out More
For more information about itineraries, destinations, and bespoke dive adventures, contact BTM Travel:
Email: info@behind-the-mask.com
Call: +49 (0) 176 55771225
Website: www.behind-the-mask.com
News
Dive into Adventure: Limited Space Available for January Socorro Liveaboard Trip with Oyster Diving
Socorro Giant Mantas, Sharks and Dolphins – 8-16th January 2025
Oyster Diving is offering an unforgettable opportunity to experience one of the world’s most extraordinary dive destinations – Socorro Island. With only one male space left for this January’s liveaboard adventure, divers are invited to join an exclusive trip to explore the waters of Socorro, renowned for its remarkable marine life and incredible dive experiences.
Unmatched Diving in Socorro
Socorro is home to a unique population of giant oceanic mantas that actively seek interaction with divers and snorkelers, making it one of the best places in the world to encounter these majestic creatures. But the adventure doesn’t stop there – the waters surrounding Socorro are also teeming with marine life, including schooling hammerheads and silky sharks, over 10 other species of sharks, playful bottlenose dolphins that love to interact with divers, large schools of pelagic fish, and, during the season, humpback whales.
Luxury Aboard the Nautilus Belle Amie
Diving in such an extraordinary location is made even more special by the Nautilus Belle Amie. Launched in 2015, this modern, spacious liveaboard yacht is designed with divers in mind, ensuring comfort and luxury throughout the trip. The boat offers various suite options, including twin rooms and superior double suites, all with the ambiance of a boutique hotel. Divers will spend 8 days aboard the Belle Amie, with all meals, guided dives, and soft drinks included.
Pricing and Availability
This exclusive Socorro liveaboard trip is available for the following prices:
- Twin Room (2 people sharing a Stateroom): £3360 per person
- Superior Double Suite (2 people sharing): £3860 per person
Both prices include Socorro Island fees. A port fee of $35 is payable upon arrival.
Additional Costs:
- Return economy flights: Approx. £1,000 – £1,300 per person (prices confirmed prior to booking)
- One night hotel B&B accommodation before the liveaboard: Approx. £100 per person
Book Now
With only one spot left, this opportunity to explore Socorro’s spectacular underwater world is sure to fill up fast. Interested divers are encouraged to get in touch with Oyster Diving Holidays to secure their place today.
For more information and bookings, please contact:
Oyster Diving Holidays
Phone: 0800 699 0243
Email: info@oysterdiving.com
Don’t miss your chance to dive with mantas, sharks, dolphins, and humpbacks in one of the world’s most pristine marine environments!
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