Cyprus Immigration and exploring life in Cyprus: Diving is becoming increasingly popular, and there are countless diving spots to choose from. However, have you ever experienced diving at a shipwreck site? The British newspaper "Daily Mail" recently reported on the diving experiences of several tourists near a shipwreck in Cyprus.
Cyprus is a place prone to shipwrecks, and a Swedish ferry in 1980 could not escape this fate. 32 years after the accident, trucks remain parked on the main cargo deck, while other parts have sunk to the seabed at a depth of 138 feet, surrounded by industrial machinery, air conditioners, timber, smoked toys, and eggs.
In addition to intriguing modern artifacts, you will also find many Mediterranean creatures here, such as large groupers, barracudas, tropical fish, wrasses, and fierce-looking moray eels. The Zenobia is a shipwreck, and only by approaching it slowly can you truly appreciate its massive 570-foot length.
Undoubtedly, the shipwreck site is the best diving spot away from the beaches of Cyprus; however, divers are most likely to get lost here, so an experienced guide is essential. Cyprus has always been a favorite summer holiday destination for British tourists, and it remains so today. Only by approaching the Zenobia ship slowly can you see its massive 570-foot length. Of course, diving in Cyprus is not limited to the Zenobia; there are many diving spots near the country's major seaside resorts.
The most impressive is Latchi—a traditional fishing village ten kilometers north of Paphos on the west coast. People here make a living by running small family-style restaurants, and the pace of life is very slow. It offers a variety of entertainment activities for tourists and remains as charming as ever. You can go diving here in the morning and return to the restaurant afterward to enjoy traditional snacks.
The little-known Mazaki Reef is rarely explored. The reef has very fascinating underwater vistas, containing various fish and marine life. The east coast of Cyprus also has similar diving spots suitable for divers of all levels; the most famous one is called the Caves. Of course, navigating between narrow caves requires extra caution.
The diving spots in Protaras are very similar to those in Latchi. Vacationers can dive twice in the morning, while relatives and friends can rest on the nearby beach—after all, not everyone wants to spend their entire holiday diving. After diving, having lunch and lying on a beach chair in the sun is a truly unique experience; of course, a local beer is essential. Dinner mainly consists of large seafood and meat platters, the waiters are particularly enthusiastic, and sometimes there are many fish on the table.
In recent years, fish resources in the waters around Cyprus have become a controversial topic. Some diving instructors say that overfishing has led to a sharp decline in marine biomass at diving sites. The Cypriot authorities are planning to build five new marine parks, where fishing will be prohibited in these parks and surrounding areas to protect marine life.
In theory, these measures should increase the number of fish at diving sites and make Cyprus an even more fascinating destination for water sports.