LEF1 Wreck
The LEF1 vessel was sunk in December 2019 along with the MV Elpida off the coast of Voroklini to create Larnaka’s new artificial reefs. The 15 metre-long wreck - donated by Lefkaritis Bros Ltd - lies at shallow depths (~13m), making it ideal for non-experienced divers as well as for snorkelers. Its close proximity to the shore makes it easily reachable by boat from multiple nearby locations and ports. It enjoys good environmental conditions with high visibility, low currents and comfortable temperatures throughout the year.
Despite the fact that the wreck was only sunk in 2019, it has already started harbouring marine life, and divers visiting the wreck can also witness an array of different species in the adjacent rocky reef. Small species that can be found within and around LEF1 include colourful wrasses, the marbled spinefoot rabbitfish, combers, Mediterranean parrotfish, sparids, gobbids, damselfish in abundance, as well as the invasive yellow-spotted puffer fish being very common. Medium-sized species often found in this location include grey triggerfish as well as the invasive lionfish which can be easily spotted in the nearby rocks and crevices. Larger species found include the dusky grouper - and with some luck - schools of greater amberjack around the adjacent rocky reef.
Area: Voroklini
Access: Boat
Distance from shore: 1 km
Coordinates: 34°57’8.23″N 33°40’8.50″E
Dive type: Wreck (artificial reef) and adjacent natural reef
Diving level: Open water | Snorkelling
Visibility: 20-30m
Water temperature: Up to 28°C in the Summer | Down to 16°C in the Winter
Difficulty level: Low
Species list of most common marine life encountered at LEF1 wreck:
Mediterranean rainbow wrasse / Coris julis
Ornate wrasse / Thalassoma pavo
Damselfish / Chromis chromis
Blue-spotted cornetfish / Fistularia commersonii
Grey triggerfish / Balistes capriscus
Yellowspotted pufferfish / Torquigener flavimaculosus
Mediterranean parrot-fish / Sparisoma cretense
Red Sea goatfish / Parupeneus forsskali
Dusky spinefoot / Siganus luridus
Marbled spinefoot / Siganus rivulatus
Dusky grouper / Epinephelus marginatus
Saddled seabream / Oblada melanura
Two – banded Sea bream / Diplodus vulgaris
Annular Sea bream / Diplodus annularis
Comber / Serranus cabrilla
Painted comberfish / Serranus scriba
Cardinalfish / Apogon imberbis
Greater weaver / Trachinus draco
Lionfish / Pterois miles
Blue runner / Caranx crysos
Greater amberjack / Seriola dumerili
Common octopus / Octopus vulgaris
Purple sea urchin / Paracentrotus lividus
Pearl oyster / Pinctada imbricata radiata
Oyster sponge / Crambe crambe
Long-spined urchin / Diadema setosum
Bittersweet clam / Glycymeris violacescens
Ceriths / Cerithiidae sp.
Thorny oyster / Spondylus gaederopus
Rayed trough shell / Mactra stultorum
Striped venus clam / Chamelea gallina
Banded dye-murex / Hexaplex trunculus
Average Sea Surface Temperature (°C) per month
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
17 | 16 | 18 | 19 | 21 | 24 | 26 | 28 | 28 | 25 | 22 | 19 |