Jordan or Cyprus ??

[Mr T.]

OK Guys,

Last year, Fiona and I managed dive trips to Tobago and Maldives. The year before we managed Bahamas, Oman, South Africa/Mozambique and The Red Sea.

Now as far as I'm concerned, that's still not enough diving: alas, Fiona would now like somewhere where there is something other than diving to do in addition to getting wet.

Both being moderate history buffs, I hit up on the idea of either Jordan or Cyprus - they both have diving and shed-loads of Greco/Romano ruins, sites of historical interest and other land-based (don't you just hate that term?) activities.

OK, so what do I need from you guys?

* Jordan: has, on paper at least, a ruck of decent diving (reef and wreck - well, the 'Cedar Pride' at least) whilst having the Treasurey Building at Petra, 4x4-ing in the desert etc.

* Cyprus: has the Zenobia wreck, and well, the Zenobia wreck and, at a push, the Zenobia wreck. Oh, and some damned fine examples of the temples and stuff that might make for a cosy afternoon's wandering around.

Any help, advice (nearest dive centres to Zenobia etc.) or info, do's and don'ts would be massively appreciated.

I have received a superb article on the Zenobia from Ned Middleton (for any readers of 990 Mag and others), some of you will be au fais with his reportage in any number of diving mags and the books he has written on diving the world's wrecks. I'm just awaiting his permission to publish it here for your delectation - and well worth waiting for, I can assure you!

Cheers in advance guys.

[Davey Willo]

Cyprus is worth visiting JUST for the Zenobia.. try and find a company with whom you can book a sh*tload of dives and who will then take you further than the usual tourist routes in's/out's etc...

It's a 'must do' wreck dive mate..

[andrallan]

Bren,
Being based in the Middle East I dive regullarly in Cyprus and am sure that you would have a great time diving /  touring/ eating and drinking. Everyone knows about the Zenobia and virtually all the dive centres on the island will do trips to it. The main Zenobia specialists are Octopus and Dive In in Larnaca. However despite some reports to the contrary there is a lot of good diving in Western Cyprus (Pafos / Coral Bay) which is also I think a better base for tourism (I am biased - I have a house there).
I would suggest that you might consider arranging diving with one of the smaller operators, who will provide a personalised service rather than the more sterile dives offered by the bigger centres. Dive Point in Pafos is run by a couple of British guys (PADI/BSAC) and I can recommend them (Ray taught me to dive when we were both living in Riyadh!) Have a look at there web site www.divepointcyprus.co.uk.
I'll be there in April, August and am running a club trip in September so if I can give you any help please get in touch.

Andrew

[Mr T.]

Thanks Andrew & Davey.

Davey I know you've dived the Zenobia and I'm looking forward to diving her myself as much as you rave about her. You lucky sod. Where did you stay whilst there? Can you remember? I don't want to be hauling my sorry arse great distances in the AM to get to her as I'm probably gonna be doing most my diving on her. Reef nice: wreck better.

If we go for a 12 day gig, we can spend 3 or 4 days 'giving it temples and cultural' and the rest going large on the Zenobia.

Andrew, thanks very much for your info and welcome to YD mate! I've checked out the URL you kindly gave me and there does look to be some good scenic diving there abouts, but I notice it's about a two hour drive over to the jetty-point for the run-out to the Zenobia. Any other suggestions nearer the jetty-point?

Also, Jordan is rapidly becoming a favourite with Fiona. I've heard a lot of good things about AquaTours. Any one used them and might comment? See here:

http://www.aquatours.com/jordan/

Any info you guys can give me on my specific points would be well appreicated.

The War's gonna begin next week, and should be over (barring a 'policing action') by June.

[andy2tanx]

No competition.  Jordan.  Cyprus hasn't got any tits!!

[rooster]

Hi Bren

Consider this possibly the most unhelpful reply you will ever receive as I haven't dived either Cyprus or Jordan.

However, I did find myself in a similar situation a couple of years back, having to provide some 'land-based' activity for a non-diving girlfriend.

We went to Mexico and had a superb time. Flew into Cancun and spent a week touring the mayan ruins, which was amazing. Second week was spent at Playa Del Carmen/ Cozumel with excellent Caribbean diving.

Just a suggestion!



Rooster

[daz]

<font color='#000080'>Can also vouch for the Mayan ruins, &nbsp;absolutley stunning but I can't see you doing more than 3 or 4 land based tours...

Other than that, &nbsp;Cozumel has some great reefs and walls. &nbsp;Also there is the opportunity to dive in the freshwater caverns.

Daz

Also Cancun is mucho touristy.... &nbsp;I would opt for somewhere further up near Cozumel.

[rooster]

Couldn't agree More Daz.

Re: The Tours - we hired a car and just travelled. About 4 days of ruins which are something else altogether, day in Merida which is a fantastic Mexican city plus a couple of days at freshwater caves.

Re: Diving - you are so right about Cancun. Better places are further south in the 'corredor' such as Playa del Carmen and the island of Cozumel, or Akumal. Cave diving at Akumal is fantastic and you don't need Cave quals to do intro dives there.

Anyway, veering wildly off-topic now!

Regards




Rooster

[Mr T.]

Thanks Rooster and Daz,

Gotta say that Cozumel IS on our 'to do' list - but not this year.

Any of you guys recommend any dive outfits in Cyprus or Jordan?

[Jay]

Jordan for me everytime - am a sucker for big tits