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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- 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
- 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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- 8.8 Fabulous
- Jordyn I
-
United States
Great bang for your buck for a no frills liveaboard. Would absolutely book with Rum Runner again!
As stated in a lot of reviews, this is a fantastic no frills liveaboard if that's what you're looking for. We had a great experience and the crew was kind and knowledgeable, and made for a positive environment on the boat. We didn't have a lot of time so this 2D/1N liveaboard was perfect for what we were looking for to get some dives in on this trip.
- Recommended for
- Crew. Dive sites. Food.
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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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- 10 Exceptional
- Nellie P
-
Finland
Amazing diving trip!
The night dive was a totally new experience for me, and it was amazing! And the diving spots were a dream come true
- Recommended for
- The crew, all of the dives, the reefs
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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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- 8.0 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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- 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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- 8.4 Very good
- Marcelo A
- Australia
Definitely coming back
Great group of people, small number of divers meant was not crowded underwater. Crew was friendly, experienced and knowledgeable. Night dive was definitely the highlight.
- Recommended for
- Dive sites. People on board. Crew.
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- 9.6 Exceptional
- Laura F
-
Germany
Great tour group and tour guide
The tour group First time diving (we felt very safe) The Great Barrier Reef
- Recommended for
- Super great tour group, funny tour guides, great first dive.
