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Rum Runner Cairns - 2 Day 1 Night Liveaboard Outer Great Barrier Reef Trip

4.7
71
Deals from $330.00 Save $110.00 Check dates nowsystem_update_alt
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!

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!

Highlights

  • Small numbers with a maximum of 16 guests
  • Spend the night on the Great Barrier Reef
  • Hot Showers
  • All snorkelling equipment including wetsuits
  • Experienced friendly crew

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:

  • Small numbers with a maximum of 16 guests
  • All meals, tea and coffee provided. Other refreshments can be purchased at the bar or you can bring on board yourself.
  • Bunk Beds
  • Fresh Linin
  • 240 V ac and 12 V dc power points
  • Hot Showers
  • Male & Female toilets
  • All snorkelling equipment including wetsuits.


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.

Per Person $440.00

What's included

  • All meals, tea and coffee provided. Other refreshments can be purchased at the bar or you can bring on board yourself
  • Bunk Beds
  • Fresh Linin
  • 240 V ac and 12 V dc power points
  • Male & Female toilets
  • All snorkelling equipment including wetsuits

Duration

  • The duration of this experience is 2 days

Location

  • E Finger
  • #3
  • Marlin Marina Cairns

Child Friendly

  • This experience welcomes families with children.

Bad Weather Refunds

  • If your experience is cancelled by the operator (because of the bad weather, safety concerns, unscheduled maintenance etc) you will be entitled to a full refund.

Notes

  • Please Note: Admin and Fuel Levy of $20 per person per day ( $40 per 2D1N tour ) payable onboard.

Available Bookings from 21 May to 3 Jun 2026

Change Dates

All prices are shown in AUD ($)

Thu 21 May
Fri 22 May
Sat 23 May
Sun 24 May
Mon 25 May
Tue 26 May
Wed 27 May
Thu 28 May
Fri 29 May
Sat 30 May
Sun 31 May
Mon 1 Jun
Tue 2 Jun
Wed 3 Jun

  • Per Person$330.00

  • Per Person$330.00

Authenticated Reviews & PhotosAll of our reviews are from people who have booked and paid for this activity thru Bookme

Authenticated Reviews & PhotosAll of our reviews are from people who have booked and paid for this activity thru Bookme

4.7

71 reviews

Showing all 71 authenticated Bookme reviews

joachimm from Germany wrote on 30 October 2024

Rum Runners

Wie versprochen wenig Comfort dafür super Crew und Toptauchen in kleinen Gruppen am Aussenriff. Sehr nette Gäste an Bord.

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From Rum Runner Cairns - 2 Day 1 Night Liveaboard Outer Great Barrier Reef Trip

Hi Joachim Thanks for the Review. Glad you enjoyed the diving tour. Thanks for being an excellent diver.

Georg Drache from Germany wrote on 11 January 2017

Exzellent

Sehr schöne Tour auf Rum Runter. Nette Crew, 5 schöne Spots, kaltes Bier gegen kleines Geld erhältlich. Anlagen sauber und angemessen. Hatte eine gute Zeit.

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From Rum Runner Cairns - 2 Day 1 Night Liveaboard Outer Great Barrier Reef Trip

Thanks for the 5 stars. Glad you had a great time out with us on the Great Barrier Reef. Cheers Captain Jase

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

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From Rum Runner Cairns - 2 Day 1 Night Liveaboard Outer Great Barrier Reef Trip

Thanks Ash!!

Roos Demmers from Netherlands wrote on 25 April 2026

Interesting trip, but also fun!

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!

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shawns4 from Australia wrote on 27 January 2025

One of a kind

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

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From Rum Runner Cairns - 2 Day 1 Night Liveaboard Outer Great Barrier Reef Trip

thanks for the review

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Qualmark Certification

This award identifies a business with a high level of professionalism, a keen awareness of the impact it has on the environment and a commitment to a customer centric approach.

This award is evidence of a sophisticated tourism business that consistently exceeds visitor expectations. Their proactive leadership and management ensure the business's focus on continuously improving their economic, social and environmental performance to create genuine, constantly evolving and sustainable tourism experiences.

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When you see the Qualmark logo, your activity of choice is endorsed by New Zealand Tourism's official quality assurance organisation and backed by leaders in the industry. It's your trusted guide to iconic activities and experiences that are awarded for their exceptionally high level of quality, safety and sustainability.

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