SV Rum Runner Liveaboard Overview

diver in scuba gear smiling on a small boat at seaDIVEIN contributor Rebecca Strauss taking a selfie near a city canal
By
Melina Biedermann
diver in scuba gear smiling on a small boat at sea
Contributor at DIVEIN.com
Melina is a dedicated traveler and seasoned divemaster based in the heart of South East Asia. With a flair for discovering hidden treasures, her love for...
Rebecca Strauss
DIVEIN contributor Rebecca Strauss taking a selfie near a city canal
Editor at DIVEIN.com
Rebecca has been an avid traveler and scuba diver for many years. She began her editorial career by updating travel guides, which took her all over...
The SV Rum Runner sailing liveaboard anchored with snorkelers in the water nearby
Ideal for budget-minded divers, backpackers, and families seeking an overnight reef experience, SV Rum Runner is Cairns' most affordable dive and snorkel tour operator.
The SV Rum Runner sailing catamaran anchored offshore near Cairns with guests aboard
SV Rum Runner is Cairns' most affordable dive and snorkel tour operator, built for budget travelers and families on an overnight reef trip.
Grey reef shark swimming through a school of black and white striped sergeant major fish
The best months to visit are from mid-March to the end of July—perfect for spotting whale sharks and other large pelagics.
Clownfish peeking out from the tentacles of a green anemone
Macro treasures like colorful clownfish await on nearly every dive.
Colorful sea fans and soft corals spreading across a reef wall
Explore Holmes Reef, located 90 miles outside the Great Barrier Reef.
Diver with a camera exploring a coral reef bustling with reef fish and clams
Coral gardens host a variety of colorful fish.
Crew member preparing sandwiches and snacks in the galley of the SV Rum Runner
Guests can enjoy delectable meals served before and after dives, along with complimentary tea and coffee.
Guests relaxing on the sun-drenched deck of the SV Rum Runner sailing catamaran
The vessel features inviting common areas, including an open salon and a spacious outdoor deck.

Diving in the remote areas of the Great Barrier Reef is a captivating experience. Coral gardens host a variety of colorful fish, and secluded sites offer a memorable dive experience. Those who time their trip right may even have a chance to snorkel with migrating dwarf minke whales—more on that later.

Ideal for budget-minded divers, backpackers, and families seeking an overnight reef experience, the SV Rum Runner is Cairns’ most affordable dive and snorkel tour operator. This compact boat offers no fancy luxuries but does capably combine dives with relaxation. The SV Rum Runner can host up to 16 guests in dorm-style cabins.

Keep reading as we dive into our review of the SV Rum Runner.

About this overview

To help you decide whether this liveaboard fits your dive style, budget, and comfort needs, we’ve researched the boat, itinerary, onboard experience, diving setup, and overall value.
We review liveaboards based on the details that matter most during a multi-day dive trip, including cabins, food, crew support, dive operations, safety, route quality, and how the boat compares with similar options in the destination.

Things we like:

  • Well-planned itinerary
  • Professional shark-feeding encounter
  • Friendly and professional staff
  • Breathtaking reefs

Things we don't like:

  • Small boat size
  • Limited comfort on a sailboat; little dive deck space and gear storage
  • Non-air-conditioned bunks
  • Boat and equipment require updating

Diving on the SV Rum Runner liveaboard

Two grey reef sharks cruising over sandy seabed near the SV Rum Runner dive sites
Diver hovering beside a coral wall thick with sea fans on an SV Rum Runner dive
Large Napoleon wrasse cruising a shallow coral bommie while a snorkeler swims overhead

Equipped for divers of all levels, as well as snorkelers, this smaller vessel offers a sociable atmosphere for adventurous dives. Opt for a 2-day/1-night trip or a 5-day charter to the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea.

Although you can dive year-round, the best months to visit are from mid-March to the end of July—perfect for spotting whale sharks and other large pelagics. Six dives are possible, including a night dive.

Explore Holmes Reef, located 90 miles outside the Great Barrier Reef, boasting abundant sharks, large pelagic fish, and incredible visibility up to (165 feet) 50 m. Additional charges like an environment tax ($40 AUD per trip) and fuel surcharge ($20 AUD per day) apply.

Highlights:

  • Suitable for all levels of divers and snorkelers
  • Sociable atmosphere on a smaller vessel
  • Exceptional visibility for Coral Sea exploration
  • Options for 2-day/1-night or 5-day charters to the Great Barrier Reef

Onboard the SV Rum Runner

Guests relaxing on the sun-drenched deck of the SV Rum Runner sailing catamaran
The vessel features inviting common areas, including an open salon and a spacious outdoor deck.

The compact 65-foot (20 m) yacht, constructed in 1984 and recently refurbished with modern technology, boasts a fiberglass hull. Accommodating a maximum of 16 guests in dorm-style cabins, the boat offers basic facilities with partial privacy, making it suitable for sharing. An AC cabin is available for added comfort and portholes provide opportunities to enjoy the view.

Dedicated local and international crew provide a personalized and enjoyable experience. The vessel is available for private arrangements for those interested in chartering..

Onboard amenities on the SV Rum Runner include separate male and female toilets and hot-water showers. Additionally, the vessel is equipped with USB, 12V DC, and 240V outlets, allowing guests to charge their cameras and phones. Board games are available for some fun after the day’s diving ends.

The vessel features inviting common areas, including an open salon and a spacious outdoor deck. A sundeck with comfortable loungers makes a good spot for soaking up the sun.

The fully equipped dive deck offers gear rentals, a camera station, tanks, a wetsuit hanging area and showers.

Highlights:

  • Modernized interior
  • Charters available for private groups
  • Comfortable amenities and sociable atmosphere

Dining on the SV Rum Runner

Crew member preparing sandwiches and snacks in the galley of the SV Rum Runner
Guests can enjoy delectable meals served before and after dives, along with complimentary tea and coffee.

Guests can enjoy delectable meals served before and after dives, along with complimentary tea and coffee. You may also bring your own drinks (no glass containers) or purchase refreshments at the bar.

Special dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice, and branded, reusable water bottles are provided.

Highlights:

  • Freshly prepared meals before and after each dive
  • Caters to dietary preferences
  • Branded water bottles are provided

Things we like:

  • Well-planned itinerary
  • Professional shark-feeding encounter
  • Friendly and professional staff
  • Breathtaking reefs

Things we don't like:

  • Small boat size
  • Limited comfort on a sailboat; little dive deck space and gear storage
  • Non-air-conditioned bunks
  • Boat and equipment require updating
Key facts
Year built: 1984
Max divers: 16
Rental equip: Yes ($)
Camera station: Yes
Internet: No
Min logged dives: No minimum
Nitrox: No
Aircon: Yes
Trip length: < 5 Nights
Price range: Budget
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