Rum Runner Liveaboard, Australia

Name: 2D/1N Great Barrier Reef Diving Trip (Cairns - Cairns)
Start: 2024-08-29
End: 2024-08-30
Location: Australia

9.0 Superb
from $ 149 / day
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“I booked this trip looking for a more authentic and communal experience on the Great Barrier Reef and the Rum Runner exceeded my e…”

Taylor Q, United States

Highlights

Budget-friendly diving in the Great Barrier Reef
Dive with sharks at remote locations
6 dives available including a night dive

The S.V. Rum Runner Australia is a fantastic, budget-friendly way to dive into the Great Barrier Reef. There are 2 tours available: an itinerary away from the crowds at the Outer Great Barrier Reef or an expedition to dive with sharks at the even more remote Holmes Reef. The classic 1-night tour is perfect for divers, snorkelers, or people who want to try diving in this amazing area. 6 dives are available, including a night dive, meaning you will get the most out of your 2 days on the Great Barrier Reef. The Coral Sea shark-diving trip is a must for the more adventurous diver. Holmes Reef lies 90 miles outside of the Great Barrier Reef, so due to its isolation is home to abundant sharks, large pelagic fish life, and incredible visibility - up to 50m.

The S/V Rum Runner can accommodate up to 16 guests in twin and 4-share single bunk-style berths. Cabins are not spacious or private - more like a multi-share hostel on water, but ideal for resting after diving or snorkeling. Common areas include an open salon, galley, and covered and open deck areas. There are also charging areas for cameras and phones and separate male and female shared bathrooms with hot water showers. All meals are included, but the boat operates a Bring Your Own Alcohol policy - no glass allowed.

Operating dive tours in the Great Barrier Reef since 2005, the Rum Runner liveaboard is perfect for the adventurous diver wanting to explore Australia's Barrier Reef and beyond. Book online today to reserve your space.

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2024

2025

2026

Included: VAT, National Park Fees, Port Fees, Visas and Fees, Drinking Water, Tea & Coffee, Full-Board Meal Plan (All meals), Snacks, Diving Package.

Required Extras: Environment Tax (40 AUD per trip), Fuel Surcharge (20 AUD per day).

Optional Extras: Gratuities, Soft drinks (2 AUD per item), Rental Gear (140 AUD per trip), Scuba Diving Courses (220 AUD), Beach Towels, Cabin Towels, Deck Towels.

Book now, pay later: You can easily place your booking online. We will then hold the spaces for you and you can confirm with a payment later.

* Extra fees are shown per person.

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Boat features

Camera Station
Aircon Cabins
Sun Deck
Non-Diver (Snorkeler) Friendly
Warm Water Showers
Outdoor Dining
Charging stations
Family Cabins
Snorkeling Equipment
Separate Rinse for u/w Camera
Dedicated Local & International Crew
Available for Charter

Food & Drinks

Western Food
Local Food
Vegetarian Options
Buffet style
Snacks All Day
Vegan Options
Full-board Option

If you have any specific dietary requirements whilst on-board your cruise, you can add this to your special requests on step 2 of the booking form. We advise limiting these requests to religious beliefs or food allergies.

Diving

DIN Adaptors
Dive deck

Gear Rental

There is diving gear available on this boat. Please provide your rental needs on the booking form. See below for further details on inclusions and pricing. Show prices

Drawings & Vessel Layouts

Accommodation

Boat Specifications

Year built: 1984

Length: 66ft

Max guests: 16

Boat navigation and safety

Radar
Depth Sounder
GPS
Radio VHF/DSC/SSB
E.P.I.R.B. Distress System
Emergency Rafts
Life Vests
Fire Alarm & Fire Extinguishers
Oxygen
First Aid Kits
Fishfinder
Satellite & mobile phones
Bilge pump alarm
Search light

Rum Runner Reviews

9.0 Superb

Vessel

7.5
Crew

9.1
Food

9.7
Diving

9.4
Value

9.4

8.8 Fabulous
Taylor Q
United States

The most authentic way to see the Great Barrier Reef

I booked this trip looking for a more authentic and communal experience on the Great Barrier Reef and the Rum Runner exceeded my expectations, would 100% recommend to anyone. Because of the size, the passengers and crew quickly became like family. You get to go to a few different dive spots without seeing crowds of other boats or tourists, and seeing the stars at night is so worth the overnight experience. The crew is absolutely fantastic - they make you feel right at home with added benefits of full cooked meals, education and entertainment. They even made each dive feel catered to your skillset. Keep in mind you probably won't sleep very much since the bunks aren't air conditioned (they are comfortable though) and the rules are 3 second showers so be prepared to be a little salty and sweaty, all part of the experience though! Perfect mix of snorkeling and diving which is great for any skill level, and solo or group travelers. This will be one of my favorite experiences in Australia.

Recommended for

Amazing crew, opportunity to bond with other passengers, secluded days on the reef!

9.2 Superb
Amber H
United States

Wonderful intimate experience with the GBR

Absolutely the best bang for your buck. This is my second trip to the GBR and I would prefer this experience over the more fancy boats anytime. You loose the Disneyland factor and gain an authentic experience with real people, great instructors and a great adventure. At the end of the day it’s about the diving, and I can’t tell you it was absolutely incredible. I can’t wait to come back and dive with the sharks. I’ll be back!

Recommended for

The dive sites, the instructors and the small groups

6.0 Review score
Mark S
United States

Good hosts and food. Very professional. Boat and some equipment need updating

Ask for “The Labyrinth” dice.

Recommended for

Good Day 2 selection of dives. Crew worked well together, made us feel at home and kept us on time.

8.4 Very good
Ananda S
United States

A fun adventure!

Music onboard, hot shower after the dive, the rocky boat sleeping experience, the gorgeous fish, coral, and caverns on the reef.

Recommended for

1) Captain PJ with his reef talk and guitar playing, 2) Kate and her excellent breifings, friendliness, and professionalism, and 3) the amazing underwater beauty.

8.8 Fabulous
Eric D
United States

Felt as though we had a real diving experience without unnecessary comforts and distractions.

Improved diving skills, beautiful reefs, interesting conversations with people from around the world.

Recommended for

Professional dives, good company, escape from the internet.

9.2 Superb
robert G
United States

Small group experience w family run business

Getting to know Captain Jase, authentic,skilled,and generous. From one green man to annother

Recommended for

Hanna,Paige,George

8.0 Very good
Anna S
New Zealand

Great for diving experience

This is a no frills experience. Great if you are adaptable and want to do lots of diving in different areas of the coral barrier. The 3 members of the crew were very helpful

Recommended for

Great crew. Plenty of food.

9.6 Exceptional
Ben S
Australia

An experience I won't soon forget

We saw multiple sharks, rays and turtles. Despite not seeing much sealife during the night dive it was a great experience. The evening talk on the fish we will find on the reef was both entertaining and interesting

Recommended for

The locations of the dives were perfect and offered a wide variety of sealife. The crew was friendly, funny and helpful in answering any questions I had. The boat was well equipped for it's size and I think the small number of people helped the trip feel more unique.