Rum Runner Liveaboard, Australia
8.4 Very good - Family Cabins
- Aircon Cabins
- Non-Diver (Snorkeler) Friendly
“Perfectly selected diving spots, very good organization of dives and perfect servis on the boat”
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, Drinking Water, Tea & Coffee, Full-Board Meal Plan (All meals), Snacks, Diving Package.
Required Extras: Environment Tax (AUD40 / trip).
Optional Extras: Gratuities, Soft drinks (AUD2 / item), Rental Gear (AUD140 / trip), Scuba Diving Courses (AUD220), 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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- 8.4 Very good
- Vessel 7.1
- Crew 8.5
- Food 8.8
- Diving 8.6
- Value 9.1
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- 6.4 Review score
- Simone G
-
Netherlands
Good for a low budget
Overall the trip was nice and worth it for the money. Nice diving sites, good equipment provided. It's a small boat so a small group which is great. However, if you're looking for comfort book somewhere else. I'm fine with basic accommodations but, when it had been grey, windy and raining the whole day, I just couldn't get warm in-between dives, and there was no comfortable place to warm up on the boat. Plus, the crew is very no nonsense which can be fun, but they are not particularly friendly: when 3 of us were throwing up on the side of the boat, an offer of a tissue or some water would have been appreciated. The food is good if you eat meat, if you don't you just get the sides of whatever the other people get (there's no point in letting them know your diet restrictions, you get what you get). Dives are not guided! But you're never too far from the boat.
- Recommended for
- Small group. Great diving sites. Out on the reef woth almost no other boats or divers.
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- 8.4 Very good
- Felix S
-
Germany
Nice 2 day trip with cool spots for a good price
About 2-3 hours drive to the first dive, introduction takes place on deck. For almost every dive, a new reef with its own conditions is approached. If there are problems with diving, there is also great snorkeling at these sites. The boat, equipment and food were up to expectations but on the better side.
- Recommended for
- Beautiful, calm reefs without crowds. Lots of dives in a short time. Not too crowded, pleasant group dynamics.
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- 10 Exceptional
- Crystal C
-
Australia
Lovely trip
Great experience, very glad that I decided to book with Rum Runner, Richard was very knowledgable about the reef and the boat is lovely. Food was great on board.
- Recommended for
- Great dive sites. Few divers in the water. Knowledgable skipper.
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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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- 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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- 9.6 Exceptional
- Freya R
-
United Kingdom
Amazing
The best couple of days ever! Such great value for money with 6 dives available. Crew are so friendly and fun putting on shows in the evening and accompanying us on the night dive and even a morning dive to help up find a reef shark! Thank you so much for an incredible trip we will remember forever.
- Recommended for
- Beautiful locations. Friendly and fun crew. Great value for money.
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- 9.6 Exceptional
- Guillaume J
- France
Had a blast
Boat choses the spot so you're the only boat on the reef in the best possible reef (relative to weather etc)
- Recommended for
- Bang for buck, crew friendliness, freedom to explore away from the crowds
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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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- 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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- 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!
