Rum Runner
Liveaboard · Australia
Budget-friendly Great Barrier Reef adventures with thrilling shark dives.
About This Vessel
Rum Runner is a boutique liveaboard cruising the Australia region. It hosts up to 16 divers on board.
Embark on an unforgettable journey to Australia's Great Barrier Reef aboard the Rum Runner, where budget-friendly adventure meets incredible underwater exploration. Discover vibrant coral gardens and thrilling shark encounters on this unique liveaboard experience. Australia's Great Barrier Reef is a natural wonder, a sprawling underwater metropolis teeming with life, from kaleidoscopic corals to …
Upcoming Departures
Upcoming Departures…
Onboard Amenities
Dining & Beverages
Dining aboard the Rum Runner is a delightful and communal affair, featuring a full-board meal plan that includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with snacks available throughout the day. Meals are served buffet-style, offering a delicious blend of Western and local cuisine to satisfy diverse palates. The crew is committed to accommodating dietary preferences and restrictions, with vegan and vegetarian options readily available upon request. Guests can enjoy their meals in the open salon or on the outdoor dining areas, fostering a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. While alcoholic beverages are not provided, guests are welcome to bring their own, with a strict no-glass policy to ensure safety on board. The emphasis is on fresh, wholesome food to fuel your diving adventures, complemented by the warm hospitality of the crew.
Dive Equipment & Setup
Dive Area & Sites
The Great Barrier Reef offers an unparalleled diving experience, with vibrant coral formations and abundant marine life. The Rum Runner provides access to both the popular Outer Great Barrier Reef and the more remote Holmes Reef, known for its exceptional visibility and shark populations. Divers can expect to encounter a diverse range of species, from colorful reef fish and turtles to various shark species on the Holmes Reef expeditions. The water conditions are generally excellent, with visibility often reaching up to 50 meters in the Coral Sea. Each trip includes up to six dives, featuring both day and night dives, allowing guests to witness the reef's different ecosystems. While guided dives are not a standard inclusion, a thorough dive briefing and refresher are provided. Divers are encouraged to explore in buddy pairs, with the option to follow a dive leader or venture independently for those with more experience. This flexible approach caters to all skill levels, from recent Open Water graduates to seasoned divers, ensuring a rewarding and personalized underwater adventure.
Important Information
What's Included
VAT · National Park Fees
Not Included & Local Fees
Environment Tax (40 AUD per trip) · Gratuities
Insurance Recommendation
We strongly recommend all guests to purchase comprehensive dive accident insurance and trip cancellation insurance before departure. Dive accident insurance covers medical treatment, hyperbaric chamber costs, and emergency evacuation in the event of a diving incident. Trip cancellation insurance protects your financial investment — not only if you need to cancel or cut short your trip due to personal illness, injury, or other unforeseen circumstances, but also if the trip is postponed or cancelled by the operator due to severe weather, technical issues, or other operational reasons. In the unlikely event of operator insolvency, cancellation insurance can also help recover your payments. Please ensure your policies are valid for the entire duration of your trip and cover the planned activities.
Rental Gear
Full Equipment (with: BCD, Dive Computer, Dive Light, Fins, Mask, Regulator, Snorkel Gear, Wetsuit): 140 AUD per trip · Scuba Diving Courses: 220 AUD
Accommodation
Bunks
Bunk
This vessel is designed to host a maximum of 16 individuals, offering various sleeping arrangements. Guests can choose from multi-share twin single bunk areas, semi-private twin single bunk cabins, or a 4-share single bunk cabin. The accommodation style is akin to a floating hostel experience.
Booking & Travel FAQ
How does the booking process work?
Select a cabin and departure on Rum Runner, and we send a real-time inquiry to the operator. After availability is confirmed, you receive a booking confirmation by email and secure your spot with a deposit.
When do I need to pay?
A deposit (usually 25-35%) is due upon confirmation. The remaining balance is typically due 4-8 weeks before departure, depending on the operator.
What documents will I receive?
After your final payment, you'll receive a travel voucher with meeting point, embarkation time, airport transfer details, packing tips, and your full itinerary.
How do I get to the boat?
Most liveaboards depart from a designated marina. Many operators offer airport pickup and transfers — details are in your voucher. We recommend arriving one day before departure.
What certifications do I need?
A valid dive certification (e.g. PADI Open Water), dive insurance, and a valid passport. Some destinations require additional permits or visas — we inform you during booking.
Can I cancel or change my booking?
Cancellation terms vary by operator and are in your confirmation. Generally, the earlier you cancel the higher the refund. Changes depend on availability — contact us as soon as possible.
Vessel Technical Overview
Vessel Specifications
Navigation & Safety Systems
What guests say online
How is this overall rating calculated?
The headline score is the simple average of the category scores shown below (Boat, Crew, Value, Diving, Dive sites, etc.), each weighted equally. The review count reflects how many source reviews back the underlying analysis. When no category breakdown is available for a vessel, the headline falls back to the guest-weighted average across source platforms.
This vessel is widely praised for providing an affordable and positive liveaboard diving experience on the Great Barrier Reef. Guests consistently highlight the friendly and professional crew, great diving opportunities, and good value for money.
- +Affordable dive liveaboard
- +Great dives and diving opportunities
- +Friendly and professional crew
- +Good value for money
Based on approximately 5 reviews. Aggregated rating based on reviews from multiple independent dive travel and operator platforms as well as on ratings from our customers. Public statements from diving forums and community platforms may also be incorporated as text into the highlighted praises and critiques. Ratings are independently calculated and are not affiliated with or endorsed by the source platforms.
Ready to Experience Luxury?
Book your unforgettable diving adventure aboard the Rum Runner