Rum Runner Liveaboard, Australia
8.5 Fabulous - Family Cabins
- Aircon Cabins
- Non-Diver (Snorkeler) Friendly
“Everything was well organised, the crew knew what they were doing and were super friendly to boot. ”
Highlights
The Rum Runner Australia is a fantastic, budget-friendly way to dive into the Great Barrier Reef. 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.
The Rume Runner accommodates 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, as well as separate male and female shared bathrooms with hot water showers. All meals are included; however, the boat operates a Bring Your Own Alcohol policy, with no glass allowed.
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 the Great Barrier Reef, and due to its isolation, is home to abundant shark populations, large pelagic fish life, and incredible visibility - up to 50m.
Note: Guided dives are not included or available. A Full Dive Briefing and refresher are given during the journey out, and we are ready to dive by the time we arrive at our first Site. Divers are paired in buddy pairs and can follow the Dive Leader to allow more time to relax and focus on the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef. Alternatively, those with more experience can buddy dive off without a guide. All subsequent dives are buddy diving only. These tours cater very well for those straight off their "open water" course, those who have not dived for a while, and also to divers with more experience.
Book your liveaboard adventure aboard the Rum Runner today!.
Choose your departure date
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 / trip).
Optional Extras: Gratuities, Soft drinks (2 AUD / item), Rental Gear (140 AUD / 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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Drawings & Vessel Layouts
Cabin Types
Rum Runner Reviews
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- 8.5 Fabulous
- Vessel 7.0
- Crew 8.7
- Food 8.9
- Diving 8.7
- Value 9.1
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- 8.0 Very good
- Michael M
-
Switzerland
Beautiful walk
The sailboat is not of the first youth but the quality price is good
- Recommended for
- The captain and crew organize the cruise perfectly. The sailboat, which runs only on the engine, takes only ten passengers. The atmosphere with others is very appreciable. The dive sites are far from other boats.
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- 9.2 Superb
- Gemma B
-
Australia
Adventurous, exciting and invigorating dive trip away from the crowds with true ocean folk. Great food, company and diving, the rough edges making it all the more wonderful - can’t wait to do another.
From the minute I stepped aboard both my fears of and desire for adventure were realised… yet also cushioned by the solidness of the boat and the experience of the crew. This is a well oiled operation that isn’t afraid of a little grease - get in and do the do, no one holding your hand yet having your back the whole way. Exciting, adventurous, and the dives got better and better - got my Shurtle on the last dive but honestly was already stoked with what we had seen of the corals and little fishies to be content. Highly recommend - 2 days felt like 5… now I want to do the 3 day on the Coral Sea for more! Masa was a reassuring dive instructor and ecologist, Ritchie the no-nonsense yet super kind Captain and JP the funniest and most talented pilot / cook / entertainer / dive briefer around. Thanks guys for making this trip more than I’d hoped for X
- Recommended for
- The crew. Legends. And the other guests.. The food! Surprisingly good, varied and healthy ‘buffet’ style. Impressive for the facilities.. The dives. Thoughtfully staged they got better and better. Viva Las Vegas!.
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- 8.8 Fabulous
- Travon C
-
United States
First time fun
Great trip. Friendly staff. Small but comfortable boat. All the dives were very well organized. Overall organization of the trip was excellent.
- Recommended for
- Crew. Guides. Location.
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- 10 Exceptional
- Will R
-
United Kingdom
Amazingly friendly trip, absolute highlight of my trip to Australia
Sucba diving through "The Laybrinth" or "Five ways" coral reefs, seeing the amazing fish and turtles and corals, hilarious and interesting stories from the crew members
- Recommended for
- Friendly staff, well planned, stunning reefs
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- 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.
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- 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!
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- 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.
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- 9.6 Exceptional
- Jade G
-
France
Wonderful trip
We spent a wonderful trip : 6 dives including one night dive, the crew is very friendly, the food is amazing. It was perfect !
- Recommended for
- Dive. Food. Crew.
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- 8.4 Very good
- eleanor F
- United States
Great diving at a low cost
Rum Runner is exactly what it says it is: A very affordable live aboard. No frills here. Good solid food and great diving. Great for someone on a budget who loves to dive.
- Recommended for
- small number of divers. great dive sites. affordable.
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- 9.2 Superb
- Jess G
- Australia
Excellent Experience
We had excellent weather the whole trip and as a result epic visibility. I didn’t dive, I snorkelled, and my experience was the dive crew preferred the company of divers that at times felt like the snorkelers weren’t given direction or guidance. Otherwise the whole experience was fabulous. The menu was very complimentary to lots of time in the water. The skipper was really friendly and knowledgeable. The dive sites were incredibly beautiful and vibrant - exactly how I had hope to experience The Great Barrier Reef. Highly recommend.
- Recommended for
- Excellent weather - friendly skipper - authentic experience
