Having been fortunate enough to dive all over the world – from Australia’s Great Barrier Reef to the sparkling Caribbean – I was intrigued to be invited on a diving trip to Cyprus. An island known more for love and Aphrodite than bright coral and shoals of fish, I wondered what, if anything, I could possibly see beneath its waters that I hadn’t already marked a tick against.
But while further-flung destinations have fascinating aquatic wildlife, the thrill of a wreck is unsurpassable to any experienced diver – and Larnaca has one of the top 10 wreck dives in the world.
Sunk in 1980, the 172-metre cargo ship Zenobia has already been visited by many keen divers from all over the world.
There are 108 lorries still on board, and clients can swim along the hull or go inside the bridge to the cafeteria where coffee machines are still bolted to the walls and tartan carpet remains intact.
At a depth of just 40 metres, it’s hard to imagine a better preserved or more easily accessible wreck. And it was certainly a new tick for me.
But before selling Cyprus to divers, agents should check clients have the right qualifications.
You need the universal PADI certificate to be able to dive this site, and while only advanced divers can go inside, those with the PADI Open Water qualification can still swim along the exterior.
However, this doesn’t mean Cyprus should be avoided by less experienced or beginner divers. The island has many dive sites which can put the rest of the Mediterranean to shame.
Both Latchi and Paphos have abundant marine wildlife – a definite plus for the Med which has suffered from heavy over-fishing, plus warm seas.
There is also an almost complete absence of current which means even the most nervous of beginners can quickly find their fins. And with new hotel product in Paphos, not to mention millions of pounds worth of investment being ploughed into Larnaca, there’s more than the underwater product to appeal to holidaymakers.
The Cyprus Tourism Organisation is now pushing the sport in a bid to focus on niche markets.
Director Orestis Rossides said: “The CTO is now participating in major diving exhibitions. We’ve organised diving educational trips for journalists and next year we’re planning educationals for travel agents as part of our drive to promote the rich range of special interest activities that Cyprus offers.
“Our head office will also be producing a film on diving which will be sent to agents interested in promoting it.”
Operators are also beginning to get on board with a range of packages being put together to suit everyone – from those wanting to try the sport to more experienced divers.
Planet Holidays managing director Mathilde Robert said just a decade ago agents were selling about 100 dive packages a year for them, now the figure is in the thousands.
The type of holiday demanded has also changed with more people prepared to pay out for accommodation at the top end of the market.
Working with dive company Dive-In-Cyprus, customers can choose to stay at Paphos, Limassol or Larnaca, with anyone aged eight or over able to experience life under the sea.
Diving deals include the Bubblemakers for eight to 11 year olds, the chance to gain PADI diving qualifications and guided trips for the qualified. These can cost as little as £30 for the non-qualification courses which last half a day.
Libra Holidays and Goldenjoy Dive dive co-ordinator Robbie Renalson said it can also be fitted in around a family beach holiday or cultural trip.
In fact, diving is becoming so popular on the island, it’s even winning celebrity approval.
This July, pop babe Rachel Stevens did the Beginners Discover Scuba Diving Course with Cy Dive in Coral Bay. And spotting her beneath the waters would definitely be a new one for me.
