intermediate
    ()

    Diving the Fred Wreck

    30m Max
    18-35m Vis
    boat

    Site Overview

    Fred Wreck is a wreck, artificial-reef dive site in undefined, Cyprus, set in the open Mediterranean waters off Kyrenia. The Fred Wreck is a 65 m patrol boat scuttled as an artificial reef and now lying in 20-30 m, home to large resident groupers and colourful macro life. The site reaches a maximum depth of 30 m with an average around 24 m, and the typical profile suits intermediate divers holding at least an Advanced Open Water certification. Conditions are typical of the Cypriot coast: visibility generally runs from 18 to 35 metres, the current is mild, and the water temperature ranges between 16 and 28 degrees Celsius with low surge exposure. The marine community is centred on Dusky Grouper, Lionfish (invasive), Batfish (locally reported), European Barracuda, with the full species list detailed below for those planning a dive. It is a North Cyprus favourite for its resident groupers, lionfish and batfish and easy penetration. Because of its intermediate rating and the need for an Advanced Open Water certification, Fred Wreck is best approached with the right thermal protection and, where relevant, appropriate specialist training. It is a representative example of why Cypriot diving, with its wrecks, reefs, caves and gorgonian walls, attracts divers who want Mediterranean life and history in equal measure, and it pairs easily with the other sites of the undefined region for a varied holiday.

    Dive Briefing

    "Entry is made by boat, with a transfer of about 15 minutes from Kyrenia, and divers should check in with a local centre before entering the water. The Fred Wreck is a 65 m patrol boat scuttled as an artificial reef and now lying in 20-30 m, home to large resident groupers and colourful macro life. Plan your profile around a maximum depth of 30 m and an average of 24 m, keeping a close eye on gas and, in the deeper or enclosed sections, on the low surge. Buoyancy control matters here: metal and sand bottoms and submerged structures are easily disturbed, and depth to 30 m with no-decompression limits is a real consideration throughout the dive. The wreck and artificial-reef topography offers shipwreck, slope, and the marine life centres on Dusky Grouper, Lionfish (invasive), Batfish (locally reported), European Barracuda alongside the other species listed for the site. Take a moment to review the site-specific hazards with your guide, because conditions at Fred Wreck can shift with wind and tide and change the feel of the dive. A safe ascent with a surface marker buoy and a clear exit plan completes the dive, with emergency cover routed through undefined."

    Signature Marine Life

    Dusky Grouper

    high

    Epinephelus marginatus

    Best: May, June, July

    Lionfish (invasive)

    high

    Pterois miles

    Best: May, June, July

    Batfish (locally reported)

    medium

    Platax spp.

    Best: May, June, July

    European Barracuda

    medium

    Sphyraena sphyraena

    Best: May, June, July

    Mediterranean Moray

    medium

    Muraena helena

    Best: May, June, July

    Soft Coral

    high

    Alcyonium palmatum

    Best: May, June, July

    Safety & Hazards

    • Depth to 30 m with no-decompression limits
    • Silt and reduced visibility inside the wreck
    • Enclosed spaces for safe penetration
    • Boat traffic above the site
    • Entanglement on the rigging
    Nearest Chamber
    Kyrenia Dr. Akcin Ilgin State Hospital Hyperbaric Unit
    12km away

    Traveler Notes

    Who is this for?

    Fred Wreck suits intermediate divers holding at least an Advanced Open Water certification, and it is a strong choice for those who enjoy the clear, fish-rich water of the Cypriot Mediterranean. Photographers, training groups and divers chasing wreck, artificial-reef, intermediate will all find something here, provided they respect the temperature, the marine park rules and the limits of each site. It is less suitable for absolute novices unless booked through a centre running a supervised course, and the deepest or most enclosed sections should only be attempted with the correct specialist training and a guide. Planning a dive here with a licensed Cypriot operator not only keeps you safe but also helps protect the fragile gorgonian forests, seagrass meadows and wrecks that make the site special for the next visitor.

    wreck
    artificial-reef
    intermediate

    For Non-Divers

    Kyrenia harbour; Bellapais Abbey; St. Hilarion Castle

    Quick Stats

    Difficultyintermediate
    CertificationAdvanced Open Water
    Currentmild
    Water Temp16-28°C
    Best TimeMay - October

    Dive Logistics

    Operators
    • Kyrenia Diving Centre
    • Dive Cyprus North
    • Girne Aquanaut
    • North Cyprus Diving
    Pricing Guide
    $60 - $115
    Per 2-tank boat dive

    Photography Info

    Recommended Gear
    16-35mm
    60mm

    Best for: wide_angle, macro

    Nearby Stay

    The Hideaway Club

    Kyrenia8km away

    Check Availability

    Onar Village

    Kyrenia9km away

    Check Availability