07 4082 7470

Rum Runner | 2 Day 1 Night

FROM: $440
16
2D
1N
5.0 (2 Reviews)

Departure Times

Departs: 7:30 am - Mondays, Thursdays
Returns: 3:00 pm - Tuesdays, Fridays

Departure Point: Cairns Marlin Marina

Pricing Options

$220 AUD / Person - Advanced Open Water Dive Course (Between: 01 Apr 2024 and 31 Mar 2026)
RRP $710 $560 AUD / Person - General - 6 Cert Dives including 1 night dive (includes gear hire) (12+) (Between: 01 Apr 2024 and 31 Mar 2026)
$440 AUD / Person - General - Snorkel (Ages 4+) (Between: 01 Apr 2024 and 31 Mar 2026)
$560 AUD / Person - General - 2 Intro Dives (12+) (Between: 05 Apr 2024 and 31 Mar 2026)
RRP $710 $440 AUD / Person - General - 6 Cert Dives including 1 night dive (excludes gear hire) (12+) (Between: 01 Apr 2024 and 31 Mar 2026)

Leave the crowds behind and see the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea aboard M.V. Rum Runner!

  • Best value overnight snorkel or dive trip
  • Great for all levels of swimmers and experience
  • Sleep in comfy accommodation out at sea
  • Sail, snorkel and scuba dive on the Great Barrier Reef without blowing your budget
  • Lowest price without sacrificing any safety or fun, both in and out of the water

The Rum Runner 2 day, 1 night tour is the most affordable liveaboard in Cairns and gives you over 24 hours on the Great Barrier Reef! Guests have up to 4 different snorkelling sites where they can look forward to seeing beautiful coral gardens and diverse fish life for the underwater experience of a lifetime. This tour caters very well for all levels of swimmers and explorers including snorkellers, introductory scuba divers and certified scuba divers! Even if you've never tried it before, we are here to help you to learn the ins and outs of having fun in the water with no experience required. Exploring the Great Barrier Reef is an experience unlike any other and with Rum Runner, it's easier than ever!

coral reef, australia

Highlights:

  • Low numbers with only 16 passengers
  • Snorkellers and scuba divers welcome
  • Ideal for both introductory and certified divers
  • 6 dives including a night dive (certified divers only)
  • Have been in operation since 2005 and working in the local area for over 20 years
  • PADI scuba diving courses available
  • All meals included
  • Prescription lens masks (if required)
  • Quality scuba equipment hire available
  • Wetsuit and stinger suits
  • Unlimited snorkelling
  • Shared accommodation
  • Opportunity to sail on the Great Barrier Reef

Snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef on Rum Runner

Sample Itinerary

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Snorkelling

About half the guests from each tour opt to enjoy the thrill of snorkelling around the surface of the water! You will get to visit 3 different reef sites at Thetford, Briggs, or Moore Reefs, where you can look forward to checking out shallow reefs that are full of stunning marine life and vast coral gardens! All your gear is provided, so all you need to bring along is a sense of adv...

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Snorkelling

About half the guests from each tour opt to enjoy the thrill of snorkelling around the surface of the water! You will get to visit 3 different reef sites at Thetford, Briggs, or Moore Reefs, where you can look forward to checking out shallow reefs that are full of stunning marine life and vast coral gardens! All your gear is provided, so all you need to bring along is a sense of adventure.

snorkelling, great barrier reef


Introductory diving

Introductory diving requires no experience but promises all the fun! An introductory dive briefing is given during the journey out so you are ready to dive by the time we arrive at our first site, taking advantage of every moment on the water. We will teach you everything you need to know before you hit the water so you will feel safe and confident while exploring the reefs. You will usually be able to do up to 5 introductory dives during the tour while spending the rest of your time snorkelling or relaxing.

A girl scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef


Certified diving 

Rum Runner is a great tour for certified divers who haven't dived in a while or are just looking for leisurely diving conditions! You can do up to 6 dives during your trip, including one night dive where you can see what the reef looks like after dark! You will be briefed on what to expect beforehand so you can enjoy each site and all it has to offer, enjoying all your time under the water. Everyone dives in buddy pairs and can follow the dive leader around, checking out all the best parts of each site. Experienced divers can also buddy dive without a guide and explore at their own leisure!

Scuba diving group on the Great Barrier Reef


Reef sites

Rum Runner visits reefs on Thetford or Moore Reefs and carefully select each reef based on the conditions of the day! Reefs can be as shallow as 1 metre during low tide, making them easy and accessible to both scuba divers and snorkellers.

coral reef, great barrier reef, australia

Reef Sites

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Over the course of this tour, you'll get the chance to snorkel and scuba dive among some of the most beautiful sites in the Great Barrier Reef, known for their amazing coral coverage and marine life. Potential reef sites include:

As well as the lesser-known Briggs Reef - a favourite among novice divers and a home to plenty of turtles and sharks. 

Great Barrier Reef Moore Reef site

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Over the course of this tour, you'll get the chance to snorkel and scuba dive among some of the most beautiful sites in the Great Barrier Reef, known for their amazing coral coverage and marine life. Potential reef sites include:

As well as the lesser-known Briggs Reef - a favourite among novice divers and a home to plenty of turtles and sharks. 

Great Barrier Reef Moore Reef site

Accommodation

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Rum Runner offers shared accommodation onboard, offering a similar vibe to a backpacker hostel but on the water! This is a practical dive boat rather than a luxury boat, so expect an authentic Australian liveaboard experience where you can meet other enthusiastic divers, bond with the personable ...

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Rum Runner offers shared accommodation onboard, offering a similar vibe to a backpacker hostel but on the water! This is a practical dive boat rather than a luxury boat, so expect an authentic Australian liveaboard experience where you can meet other enthusiastic divers, bond with the personable crew members, and focus on quality time in the ocean.

The cabins are not super spacious, but they are meant to be used purely for resting at the end of an action-packed, adventurous day. Enjoy freshly prepared meals, plenty of opportunities to explore the reef, and a laid-back, social experience on Rum Runner!

Rum Runner

Vessel info:

  • Motor sailing schooner
  • 20m in length
  • Sturdy fiberglass hull
  • Built in 1984

Types of cabins:

  • Multi-share twin single bunk areas
  • Semi-private twin single bunk cabins
  • 4-share single bunk cabin

Other amenities onboard:

  • Open saloon common area and galley
  • Covered and open deck areas
  • Separate male and female toilet and shower cabinet with hot water
  • USB, 12V dc, and 240V ac for charging cameras and phones

Addons

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Scuba Dive Pricing:

Snorkeller Optional Extras:

  • First Intro Dive - $120 (Buy One, Get One Free Special!)
  • Extra Consecutive Intro Dive - $45 (Payable On Board)

Certified Diver Option Extras:

  • PADI...

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Scuba Dive Pricing:

Snorkeller Optional Extras:

  • First Intro Dive - $120 (Buy One, Get One Free Special!)
  • Extra Consecutive Intro Dive - $45 (Payable On Board)

Certified Diver Option Extras:

  • PADI Advanced OW Diver Course - $220
  • Single Certified Dive - $45
  • Full Scuba Gear Hire - $120

Please note that there is a mandatory government reef levy to be paid on board when you arrive for your trip. The cost is $40 total ($20 per person per day).

Please note divers may be subject to a medical questionnaire before diving. Please click here for more diving information and to read the medical questionnaire.

More Information

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What To Bring

Overnight bag with:

  • Comfortable clothing
  • Toiletries
  • Towel
  • Swimwear
  • Sunscreen
  • Hat
  • Seasickness tablets
  • Camera
  • BYO (Bring Your Own drinks) - No Glass

What's Included

  • All snorkelling equipment and wetsuits
  • Prescription lens masks (if required)
  • All meals and fresh bed linen

What's Extra

  • First introductory scuba dive - $120 (Buy One, Get One Free Special)
  • Single consecutive intro dive/ single certified dive - $45
  • Digital U/W ...

Read More

What To Bring

Overnight bag with:

  • Comfortable clothing
  • Toiletries
  • Towel
  • Swimwear
  • Sunscreen
  • Hat
  • Seasickness tablets
  • Camera
  • BYO (Bring Your Own drinks) - No Glass

What's Included

  • All snorkelling equipment and wetsuits
  • Prescription lens masks (if required)
  • All meals and fresh bed linen

What's Extra

  • First introductory scuba dive - $120 (Buy One, Get One Free Special)
  • Single consecutive intro dive/ single certified dive - $45
  • Digital U/W Photos, Bar Purchases
  • PADI Advanced Open Water Diver Course - $220
  • $40 mandatory government reef tax 

Please click here for more diving information and to read the medical questionnaire.

Terms and Conditions


All information provided at any time by Cairns Tours and our affiliates is subject to these Terms & Conditions. This includes but is not limited to tour information, pricing, blog posts, travel advice, itinerary information and availability.

Your Responsibilities:

Please advise us before booking if any passengers are under 18 years old to ensure this is the appropriate trip. 

You must reconfirm all booked tours prior to travel as specified on your voucher. If applicable, notes such as dietary requirements, pick-up locations and additional fees should also be confirmed at this time. Reconfirmations cannot be actioned through Cairns Tours/Mr Travel, and must be done so directly through the Service Operator as specified on each ticket.

It is your responsibility to notify us of ticket discrepancies. Please read through the details on your voucher thoroughly to ensure all details such as passenger names, ages and dates of travel on vouchers are correct.

It is the responsibility of all passengers travelling to advise both your travel agent at the time of booking and vessel check-in agent before boarding of any medical conditions including food allergies you may suffer from.

You need to allow adequate time to check-in prior to the specified departure time. 


Prices/Extra Costs:

All prices are stated in Australian dollars and include GST. Surcharges over peak holiday seasons may apply. 

The Service Operator reserves the right to alter prices and extra costs. Extra costs may include EMC fees, Stingersuit/Wetsuit Hire, Luggage Storage, Insurance, Linen Hire, National Park Fees, Fuel Levies, Dietary Fees, etc. Bonds may also apply.

We will also endeavour to communicate these extra costs with you at the time of booking, and on your ticket. However, it is your responsibility to confirm which (if any) additional costs apply with each Service Operator upon reconfirming your trip.


Scuba Diving: 

Your safety in the water is our primary concern. To ensure your comfort and safety introductory divers must be 18 years or over, or 12 years and over with parental permission. Divers with certain medical conditions or over the age of 45 may require a Divers Medical Certificate. Certified divers must be 10 and over.


Travel Risk/Insurance:

It should be noted that adventure travel involves risk. Whilst we make every effort to safeguard clients, we cannot be responsible for personal injury or loss due to the actions of our clients which are beyond our control. We highly recommend that all clients have travel insurance covering illness, injury, loss or damage to personal belongings and not being able to travel on the confirmed date of departure. You should also ensure your travel insurance will cover special circumstances including weather events preventing guests from travelling to their tour departure destination and cancelled flights due to unforeseen circumstances. 


Transfers:

The Service Operator reserves the right to limit courtesy transfers to select local accommodations. Private residences or Airbnb properties may be asked to meet at the closest confirmed location. Failure to meet at the specified pick-up location may be treated as “No Show”, for which the Client Cancellation Policy applies.


Merchant Fees:

Please be aware operators pass on credit card merchant fees so there is a non-refundable 1% surcharge for VISA and MASTERCARD card purchases.


Other: 

Terms and Conditions (including the Cancellation Policy) are subject to change. The most recent versions can be found online on the relevant product pages. 

All ticket/voucher reissues attract a $20 administration fee.


Open Date Vouchers / Gift Certificate:

Shipping Costs are in addition to the ticket price and will be added at check-out. Shipping costs are non-refundable and do not makeup part of the ticket value. 

E-Vouchers incur no shipping fees.

You have 5 years to use the value of the voucher. Seasonal Price Rises will apply if travelling out the current seasons pricing. Vouchers can be exchanged for free up to the full value of the voucher excluding credit card fees and charges.

Cancellations


Client Cancellations:

All cancellations forfeit 25% of the recommended retail price (RRP) - not the discounted/sale price. No shows or client cancellations made within 21 days of departure forfeit 100% of the total ticket price. 

Cairns Tours are required to notify the operator of any cancellations within the specified cancellation period. It is your responsibility to make sure you submit your cancellation request with adequate time, and during standard business hours (9am-5pm), to allow us to contact the tour provider.

Transfers between tours can be made at the suppliers discretion, however, it should be noted that supplier fees may apply. Tour transfers also incur a $20 administration fee. 

It is compulsory that all cancellation requests are in writing and sent via email to admin@mr-travel.com. Cancellations attempted via online chat or phone will not be actioned.


Supplier Cancellations:

The Service Operator reserves the right to alter prices, alter itineraries, apply a fuel surcharge, cancel departures, arrange alternative transport and vary itineraries and services if necessary.

All departures and itineraries are subject to weather. Tours may be changed or cancelled for any reason at the discretion of the Service Operator. If the Service Operator has to cancel the trip or activity (prior to departure) and we cannot offer a suitable alternative, then a refund will be given minus a 20% administration fee and any associated card fees. We strongly recommend that you have travel insurance, especially during the wet season.

All add-on activities (including but not limited to scuba diving, stand-up paddleboarding, helmet diving, guided snorkel tours, banana boat rides and waterslides) are subject to availability and price changing, and may not be available during your tour without notice. Guests are not eligible for refunds on the grounds of non-operating extra activities.

In the unlikely event of your trip being cancelled or stood down, all guest communication is required to go through our Online Store via telephone or email. While there is a Travel Shop retail outlet located in Cairns, please be aware that they operate as a separate entity and are unable to access reservations made by the Cairns Tours/Mr Travel online department.


Refunds:

All refunds are in Australian Dollars and must be made to the card of payment. Cairns Tours/Mr Travel is not liable for exchange rate fluctuations or fees, or any other merchant/bank fees associated with domestic and/or international transactions.

Where a full refund is applicable, there is the option to transfer the whole cost of the tour to another tour or “Credit” to avoid the administration fee. A transfer fee of $20 will apply.

You will be emailed confirmation once the refund has been processed. Once the refund has been processed, it may still take time for the banks to clear the amount. Please allow 7-10 business days for the funds to clear into Australian accounts and up to 21 business days for international accounts.


Accountability/Misconduct:

All Service Operators have the right to provide client feedback and to cancel bookings based off of feedback from other Service Operators. 

Please enjoy your travel experience in a kind and responsible manner.

Cairns Tours/Mr Travel will treat this as any normal client cancellation and therefore the cancellation fees stated in the Client Cancellation Policy will apply.


Information & Advice:

All information, advice or pricing provided by Cairns Tours and our affiliates, or through any of our team, is subject to change. Cairns Tours articles and products are provided online for general information purposes only and are intended as guides. Any advice interpreted from information on the website (including but not limited to financial, immigration, employment and tax information) is not specialist advice and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional instruction. Cairns Tours does not guarantee that any information provided is up-to-date or accurate. Please obtain professional advice before actioning any advice, including but not limited to tax, immigration, employment, travel restrictions and finances.


Thank you for booking with our East-Coast travel experts here at Mr Travel/Cairns Tours. If you would like any further advice, assistance in arranging accommodation, transfers or additional tours please get in touch.


Frequently Asked Questions

What sort of vessel is this?

Rum Runner is a 20m Fiberglass Yacht. IT comes with a shaded deck, a dive platform, showers, and a floating dock.

What if the weather is poor?

If the weather conditions on your tour date are poor, Rum Runner will not go ahead. If your tour cannot go ahead as planned and you are unable to reschedule, please get in touch with an agent for refund information.

What should I bring with me on this trip?

  • Comfortable clothing
  • Any toiletries you may need
  • Towel
  • Swimwear
  • Sunscreen and a hat
  • Seasickness tablets if you think you'll need them
  • A camera.
  • BYO (Bring Your Own drinks) – No Glass
  • Evidence of a recognised dive certification for certified diving.

What's the reef visibility like?

Your trip will take you to Moore, Briggs, or Thetford Reef. Visibility there ranges from 10m to over 20m dependent on the weather and tides, with maximum depths from 1m to 24m.

What are the cabins like on Rum Runner?

Rum Runner will accommodate up to 16 guests in multi share twin single bunk areas, semi-private twin single bunk cabins, and a 4-share single bunk cabin. She is the equivalent of a mutli-share hostel, just on water.

Reviews

Overall Rating

5.0 / 5.0

Based on 2 reviews

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Reviews by our Cairns Tours customers

Joel Gunner, 13 Nov 24
A once in a lift time trip! The crew were amazing!
Keith Wallace, 13 Jan 24
Loved that we could sail, and snorkel not just go by motor boat! Chose not to dive because the snorkel was good enough for me.
India
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