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

4.7
71

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!

What people are saying

Real highlights, tips, and the helpful advice straight from Bookme customers who’ve actually done this experience, summarised with AI support.

  • emergencyCustomers loved the friendly and knowledgeable crew, who were genuinely excited to share their passion for the reef (4 people said this).
  • emergencyMany praised the small group sizes, making for a more personal and enjoyable experience (3 people said this).
  • emergencyThe trip provided ample opportunities for snorkelling, with many guests appreciating the extended snorkelling time (3 people said this).
  • emergencyReviewers highlighted the quality of the food, describing it as top tier (2 people said this).
  • emergencyGuests felt that the trip was great value for money, especially considering the experience offered (3 people said this).
  • emergencyFamilies appreciated the trip as a memorable experience for kids, creating core memories (2 people said this).
  • star_shineConsider bringing your own snorkelling gear if you have it.<br/>Make sure to take plenty of photos to capture the amazing memories.

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 from8 Jun to 21 Jun 2026

All prices are shown inAUD ($)

Change Dates
Mon 8 Jun
Tue 9 Jun
Wed 10 Jun
Thu 11 Jun
Fri 12 Jun
Sat 13 Jun
Sun 14 Jun
Mon 15 Jun
Tue 16 Jun
Wed 17 Jun
Thu 18 Jun
Fri 19 Jun
Sat 20 Jun
Sun 21 Jun

  • Per Person$330.00 Less than 6 at this price!

  • Per Person$270.00 Less than 6 at this price!
Interesting trip, but also fun! Not Suitable for Seasickness or Chinese Guests Fantastique weekend Best experience ever Great experience!
1 / 14
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Authenticated Reviews

Real highlights, tips, and the helpful advice straight from Bookme customers who’ve actually done this experience.

Authenticated Reviews

Real highlights, tips, and the helpful advice straight from Bookme customers who’ve actually done this experience, summarised with AI support

  • emergencyCustomers loved the friendly and knowledgeable crew, who were genuinely excited to share their passion for the reef (4 people said this).
  • emergencyMany praised the small group sizes, making for a more personal and enjoyable experience (3 people said this).
  • emergencyThe trip provided ample opportunities for snorkelling, with many guests appreciating the extended snorkelling time (3 people said this).
  • emergencyReviewers highlighted the quality of the food, describing it as top tier (2 people said this).
  • emergencyGuests felt that the trip was great value for money, especially considering the experience offered (3 people said this).
  • emergencyFamilies appreciated the trip as a memorable experience for kids, creating core memories (2 people said this).
  • star_shineConsider bringing your own snorkelling gear if you have it.
    Make sure to take plenty of photos to capture the amazing memories.

4.7

71 reviews

Showing all 71 authenticated Bookme reviews

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

Ivory from Australia wrote on 12 September 2024

Rum Runner Overnighter

Awesome trip, great crew and a perfect amount of people. Also at a great cost!

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

Thanks heaps. always good to have great people onboard Cheers Richard, JP and Masa

katel35 from Australia wrote on 20 June 2024

Great trip with lots of snorkelling time

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!

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

Thanks heaps. always good to have great people onboard Cheers Richard, JP and Masa

carobbs from Australia wrote on 24 May 2024

Best tour

Best crew possible, amazing spots to dive and friendly vibe. I really enjoyed my first diving experience and could even swim close to a turtle ! Food was great, and playlist was perfect. Huge thanks to everyone !

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

Thanks for booking Rum Runner

Our partners

  • BNZ
  • Air NZ
  • One NZ
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Booking

10:00 a.m.Thursday 13 July

12

Per Person

*This option must be made together with another price type.
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The Qualmark Bronze award recognizes a business that operates with a high level of professionalism, is mindful of its environmental impact, and is dedicated to putting customers first.

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