Rum Runner Liveaboard, Australia
- 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 per trip).
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.
Pay by bank transfer or online with
Drawings & Vessel Layouts
Cabin Types
Rum Runner Reviews
- 8.6 Fabulous
- Vessel 7.1
- Crew 8.8
- Food 9.1
- Diving 8.9
- Value 9.2
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- 9.2 Superb
- Nadine G
-
Germany
Recommendation!!!
Top price-performance ratio! At Rum Runners you get great dive sites, breathtaking dives on the Great Barrier Reef, very good fresh food, fun and just a great time! The comfort on the boat is sufficient for 2D1N - I would love to come back!
- Recommended for
- Cheerful friendly crew. Great dive sites + information. Good 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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- 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
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- 8.4 Very good
- Jennifer J
-
United States
Tried & true Rumrunner is a mighty vessel with all the quirks of 40 y.o. knees! Captain knows how to treat his customers right & get us to the right spots 🤙
Far exceeded my personal expectations. (I didnt expect much since it was so cheap!) I found the crew's undercurrent drama as entertaining as the fish drama I came for. 10/10 highly recommend, if you have a sense of humor.
- Recommended for
- 40 y.o. vessel that is rough around the edges but kicks butt!. Its was a no nonsense one night bunk bed camp out on the GBR!. Experienced & knowledgeable crew are a tremendous resource, if you're independent ..
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- 9.6 Exceptional
- Julie L
-
Switzerland
Good dives and good times
Really nice dives with some through "coral tunnel", a night dive and a really good time just chilling on the boat. Great experience!
- Recommended for
- Nice dives, good atmosphere, friendly crew
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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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- 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.
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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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- 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


































