Dive Review of Alpha Divers in
Mediterranean/Cyprus

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Alpha Divers, Aug, 2011, by David Schwab, AE, US ( Contributor 14 reports with 3 Helpful votes). Report 6173.
No photos available at this time
Ratings and Overall Comments 1 (worst) - 5 (best):
Accommodations		Food	N/A
Service and Attitude		Environmental Sensitivity
Dive Operation		Shore Diving	N/A
Snorkeling	N/A
Overall Rating
Value for $$
Beginners
Advanced
Comments	I returned to Cyprus just to dive on the "Zenobia" (a roll on/roll off ferry that sank in 1980 with all the vehicles on board) . . . I told Alpha Divers owner Chris Martin that I was only interested in diving the wreck . . . no shore dives, please. Chris was very accommodating. Only on the first day was there a possibility he would not be able to take the boat out . . . and he was prepared to make arrangements for me with another dive centre; fortunately he was able to take the boat out. Diving was superb . . . great conditions and each dive was well planned and led by capable divemasters. Except for one dive that I made with my just-certified friend, I was usually consulted about what I wanted to see on the wreck. If I wanted a deep dive . . . we planned a deep dive. Divemasters took us on easy penetration routes through the wreck. Owner Chris Martin took me on a more difficult penetration through the upper vehicle deck . . . through lots of wrecked trucks (awesome!!). Before he takes divers on difficult penetrations, Chris ensures each diver is capable after observing them during several dives. I too, observed him and determined that I had confidence in his ability to guide me safely through the more dangerous parts of the wreck. Chris is very knowledgeable about the "Zenobia" (history and dive routes through and around her) . . . developed over several years and many dives. While there are shore dives available, the wreck "Zenobia" is so huge that divers can spend several days on her and still not see it all. She lies in about 42 metres of water, on her port side; starboard side is about 16 metres below the surface. Good amount of the usual fishies in the warmer water including the usual large Grouper or two. Didn't see any eels or octopi, although I suspect there are some there. Nine dives on "Zenobia"; one dive on the wreck "Alexandria" . . . an Egyptian fishing vessel in 30 metres of water (good dive). Well planned trips to the wreck included opportunities for those in the OW and AOW courses to gain experience and demonstrate skills at shallower depths; this gave the more experienced divers time to set up equipment and relax during surface interval time. Dive boat "Kalypso II" is not a huge boat, but easily accommodates a dozen divers or so. There are no frills . . . the boat is not a cattle boat. All Alpha Divers personnel demonstrate exceptional enthusiasm and are very helpful to novice and advanced divers alike. This is clearly the best dive centre in Cyprus to dive with (PADI and BSAC instruction available). The ten dive package included accommodation in a furnished apartment, pick up/drop off at the airport and daily pick up/drop off for the day's diving . . . all this for an excellent price. Post dive, after the equipment was clean and hung up, Chris and his divemasters often invited divers to hang around for a beer and to talk about the dive. Consider renting a car for all or part of the time in Cyprus; cheap rentals are available. Rental cars are preferred for day trips to various sites on the island. A local wetsuit manufacturer can make a new wetsuit (3.5 or 5 mm stretchy neoprene) to your measurements in only 2-3 days. Chris can set that up. Chris also readily provides recommendations on day trips, restaurants and other activities on the island. August in Cyprus is HOT . . . temps frequently 35-40 degrees C; on the boat it was very comfortable. Water temps in August are great . . . about 30 degrees C at the top of the wreck, but there is a thermocline and temps drop to close to 20 degrees towards the bottom. Still, all sorts of wetsuits worn . . . even saw a woman in just a swimsuit (I suspect she stayed at the top of the wreck). Alpha Divers uses good quality MARES dive equipment . . . much of it new, all of it well-maintained. Chris accepts credit cards but prefers not to because of high fees. He'll request your payment through PayPal . . . I experienced some difficulty with that on one occasion . . . don't know why. Overall, challenging diving . . . safe diving . . . excellent experience . . . will do it again.
Websites	Alpha Divers
Reporter and Travel
Dive Experience	251-500 dives
Where else diving	Malta, Red Sea, Burma, Thailand, Norway, England, Scotland, Ireland, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Florida, Missouri, Bahamas, Turks & Caicos, Cayman Is, BVI, Belize
Closest Airport		Getting There
Dive Conditions
Weather	sunny, dry	Seas	calm
Water Temp	20-30°C / 68-86°F	Wetsuit Thickness	5
Water Visibility	10-20 M / 33-66 Ft
Dive Policy
Dive own profile	yes
Enforced diving restrictions	Dived on a major wreck . . . divemasters kept divers to depths specified by the dive plan.
Liveaboard?	no	Nitrox Available?	yes
What I Saw
Sharks	None	Mantas	None
Dolphins	None	Whale Sharks	None
Turtles	1 or 2	Whales	None
Ratings 1(worst) - 5 (best):
Corals	N/A	Tropical Fish
Small Critters		Large Fish	N/A
Large Pelagics	N/A
Underwater Photography 1 (worst) - 5 (best):
Subject Matter	N/A	Boat Facilities
Overall rating for UWP's		Shore Facilities	N/A
UW Photo Comments	The wreck is a great subject, but the dive boat is not set up for UWP support. Alpha Divers did give me a bucket of fresh water on the boat when I asked. All personnel handle cameras with care.

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Dive Review of Alpha Divers in Mediterranean/Cyprus

Alpha Divers, Aug, 2011,

Ratings and Overall Comments 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Overall Rating

Reporter and Travel

Dive Conditions

Dive Policy

What I Saw

Ratings 1(worst) - 5 (best):

Underwater Photography 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Dive Review of Alpha Divers in
Mediterranean/Cyprus