Snorkel The Great Barrier Reef with the M.V. Rum Runner, providing affordable dive trips and a fantastic experience. Option available to upgrade to diving!
This is a 2 day liveaboard outer barrier reef snorkel trip, diving upgrade available!
Designed as an affordable overnight reef experience for the traveller on a budget, backpackers and families looking for the ultimate overnight reef experience. The M.V Rum Runner is a 20m Motor Sailer with bunk style beds, twin and share accommodation. This trip offers the opportunity to meet other divers and travellers from around the world and have a great time with an experienced crew on the reef!
We have at least 3 crew on board each trip, so with a maximum of 14 guests you will receive personalised guidance and support. You are welcome to bring your own alcohol on board to relax after a day diving, just no glass please.
Some medical such as asthma my prevent ability to dive, no problem, the snorkelling is fantastic and safe at all sites! Please advise crew of any medical conditions prior to departure.
We provide:
Boarding E Finger, Berth 3, Marlin Marina, Cairns, at 7am on selected weekdays.
Looking to dive?
Bookme Specials: Dives can be purchased on board. First Introductory Dive $120.00 per person, second intro dive is free. Additional introductory dives for $45 per dive. Certified dives $45.00 each or Cert. Dive Package of 6 dives including night dive for only $120.00 (plus additional $120.00 certified diver gear hire if required). Nominate on your way to checkout if you would like to secure this package or talk to our crew on the day about dive package specials.
Thanks Ash!!
First of all, it’s budget - don’t expect the luxury of a diving school or large corporation. You get what you pay for. This means the gear is ok, but our wetsuits had some damage and holes, and the masks are old and some dirty. Bunkbeds are simple but fine. The food was really great, thanks to chef JP. The sailing with 2m high waves was not pleasant, but part of the sailing experience, so bring seasickness pills just to be sure. I’m not complaining - just honest. Having said that, I would recommend it for people that are comfortable with only the basics and have some experience with boatlife and are comfortable with diving (maybe even with own equipment). If you are very new at diving, it might not be the most comforting experience. You and your buddy are on your own - only first dive is partly guided and night dive is guided - but don’t expect them to help you out of the water or tutor you. Safety checks were good tho. About the dives: First day includes 4 dives, so the planning is very important, and feels rushed some times. Snorkelling wise, our reef visits weren’t the best I think for snorkelling only. For diving they were great, saw turtles sharks and morays! Note that the boat fits 16 guests - but has very limited space indoor and outdoor, with two toilet/showers (let’s just say I was happy we were with only 7 guests). With bad weather it might feel claustrophobic or cramped. Let’s be clear, price/quality wise, it is a great budget option and I still very much enjoyed the trip, it’s just different from the diving trips I am used to. Thanks Masa Richard and JP!
Highlight of our Christmas holidays. Took my 12 year old son and wife on a 2 day 1 night live aboard. Completed five dives. One of the rare companies that are not just trying to make a dollar off tourists. Owner and crew love the reef and seemed genuinely excited to share it with us. Core memory experience for my 12 year old, would recommend to anyone seeking a genuinely unique adventure
thanks for the review
Awesome trip, great crew and a perfect amount of people. Also at a great cost!
Thanks heaps. always good to have great people onboard Cheers Richard, JP and Masa
Staff were friendly and informative; many extended opportunities to snorkel on great reefs provided. Food was top tier. Boat was clean and comfortable. Had a great time!
Thanks heaps. always good to have great people onboard Cheers Richard, JP and Masa
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Ash from Australia wrote on 25 October 2023
Terrific value, great little trip away
Whilst we were particularly lucky with the most perfect weather conditions you might imagine, I can't say enough about how good the trip was, especially for the price. 6 legit dives for a small added premium on top of the base trip - i don't know if you could find better value in Australia. Thanks Richard for managing the trip, JP for the great captaining work, incredible food and entertainment, Tom for such patience and care with the divers, and to Rena and Miso for their excellent work too. Many thanks to all for the great trip, and to others looking for a trip - they have my recommendation for sure. Go for it