By: Torben Lonne
The Great Barrier Reef is known as the largest reef, which is bigger than the United Kingdom, Holland, and Switzerland (combine). It is considered as the dream site for enthusiastic divers, who wish to have a budget-friendly trip to the Great Barrier Reef. The SV Rum Runner liveaboard offers exclusive dives to all divers including novice divers to the most experienced ones. Certified divers can avail the opportunity to explore the tropical marine life at the most iconic dive sites, which can be accessed by the exclusive SV Rum Runner. Reef sharks, turtles, Nemo’s cousins – clownfish and naughty dolphins are the major attraction during the dives.
Our Overall Review
Things we like:
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Several divers commended the diving instructor on a well planned itinerary -
Divers said they got to witness professional shark feeding
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Many people were happy with the friendliness of the staff
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Some divers said that the caverns on the reef were breathtaking
Things we don't like:
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A couple of people thought the boat was a bit small -
This is a sail boat, and does not have the same comefort like dive deck, and space for dive gear
Diving on the SV Rum Runner in Australia
SV Rum Runner – cruising at the phenomenal site, the Great Barrier Reef
The 20 meters (approx. 66 feet) compact yacht SV Rum Runner was built in 1984. It has been refurbished recently with ultra-modern technology to offer maximum comfort and facilities. It swags to have an indestructible fiberglass hull, which makes it superior amongst the liveaboard of its kind. Novice and experienced divers can explore the region of Coral Sea, which offers exceptional visibility of whale sharks, large pelagic, thousands of fish species, turtles, dolphins and much more. You can choose a 2 day/1-night short trip or 5-day charter to the Great Barrier Reef and the remote Coral Sea. Explore the exotic dive spot like Cod Hole and Ribbon Reef. Rum Runner is operated and owned by Richard, who is also the skipper of the yacht.
Boat Interior
The stunning liveaboard is an ideal choice for budget planners. You can avail of all the vital amenities that are required to have a comfortable dive safari adventure. Capacity to host 16 guests in 4 staterooms. It offers shared bunk bed cabins with shared bathrooms. The cabins are not so spacious but possess cozy mattresses with pillows, cabinet to keep the belongings and power sockets to charge the electronic gadgets. there are portholes, from where you can enjoy the outer view of the stunning scenery. The large sundeck is perfectly designed to spend the time in-between dives.
Deck Area
The social areas are located on the spacious main deck. The outdoor lounge is an ideal spot for relaxing with a gallery inside. Rum Runner is furnished with sun loungers in the open-area to sunbathe on the warm sunny day or you can gaze at the starling sky at night time. It is typically a dive-built boat, so you can enjoy all types of diving from the dive deck, which is fully equipped with gear rentals, camera station, tanks all lined-up for divers, hanging area to hang the wetsuit and separate male and female shower. All the dives are performed with the full assistance of the dive guide, who is vigilant and helpful for every diver – from novice to expert.
Food and Entertainment
You can enjoy full board meals as a part of your cruise, which includes light to heavy breakfast depending on choice, lunch, and dinner. Branded water bottles are available to minimize health issues for divers from different regions. However, other beverages like alcohol or beer are suggested to bring on your according to your choice. As being a compact boat with no fancy luxuries, Rum Runner liveaboard engaged its guests on maximum dives with relaxation and comfort on boat. But you can always play the board games with your fellow divers.
When to go
Australian Sea, being a dive friendly destination welcomes tourists 365 days from all around the world. It is open for tourism and dives safari adventure throughout the year but few months are considered best for diving according to the climatic and water conditions. Start from the mid of March till the end of July, it is best to witness the presence of whale sharks and other large pelagic.
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