About your trip with Rum Runner

Experience the ultimate Great Barrier Reef adventure with this 2-day liveaboard dive and snorkel tour. Departing from Cairns, you’ll explore the stunning Thetford Reef, with opportunities for up to six dives, including a thrilling night dive. Snorkellers and divers alike can enjoy pristine coral gardens, swim-throughs, and abundant marine life. All levels of dive experience are catered for though dive guides are not provided on this trip. If travelling on your own then you will be allocated a dive buddy. After your dives you can relax on deck as you sail back to Cairns, taking in the breathtaking views and making new friends along the way. This is the perfect way to tick the Great Barrier Reef off your bucket list if you are looking for just an overnight experience.

+

+

+

+

Trip Overview

Departures: (7.00am) Monday and Thursday

Returns: (3.00pm) Wednesday and Friday

Check-Ins: 7.00am Rum Runner Vessel – Marlin Marina, E finger, Berth 3

Highlights

•  Maximum of 16 guests
• Certified Divers – 6 Dives (includes 1 night dive)
• Overnight trip so great if short on time

+

+

+

+

What to Bring

• Comfortable clothing and toiletries, towel, Swimwear, sunscreen, hat, seasickness tablets and camera
• BYO (Bring Your Own drinks) – No Glass
• Evidence of a recognised dive certification for certified diving
• Money for drinks and food

The Vessel

Rum Runner is a 66-foot motor sailing schooner built in 1984

The boat will accommodate up to 16 guests in twin and 4-share bunk sections with the berths in each cabin set up single bunk style. All cabins have shared bathroom facilities. As typical for anyone familiar with sailboats, the cabins are not spacious or very private; they are for resting and sleeping only. The common areas include a dining area and both covered and open decks.

Overall, Rum Runner is a comfortable sailboat, well suited for adventurous divers and snorkelers. It is by no means a luxury liveaboard boat and is priced accordingly.

This trip is scheduled on most Mondays and Thursdays, selected Saturdays, and other selected weekdays where extra tours can be fit in.

Day 1: Cairns to Outer Reef
Meet at the Rum Runner office (Marlin Marina, E finger, Berth 3) by 7:00 am for a 7:30 am departure. After a briefing on the itinerary, safety, and dive equipment, you can help hoist the sails.

11:00 am: Arrive at Thetford Reef
Enjoy 4 dives (3 day dives and 1 night dive) and snorkelling sessions. Dive sites include The Labyrinth, the Lagoon, Hurricane Bay, and Coral Gardens. The Dive Instructor will brief you on safety and dive details. Guided dives are available if needed.

Dinner and Evening
Dinner is served as the sun sets over Cairns. Relax, have a few drinks, and get ready for the night dive. Evenings are calm, with drinks on deck while anchored at protected moorings. On clear nights, the stars over the Great Barrier Reef are breathtaking.

Day 2 Morning: 2 Dives and Snorkelling
Start with a morning dive and snorkel, followed by breakfast. The last dive features swim-throughs and caverns, then a quick lunch before departing the Reef.

Day 2 Afternoon: Return to Cairns
Sail back to Cairns, watching for dolphins, whales, and Queensland’s tallest mountains. Arrive at 3:00 pm.

For the Snorkeller: Reef depths range from less than a metre to 2-3m at high tide, ideal for snorkelling. The tour caters to swimmers, non-swimmers, and those new to diving. A Snorkel and Introductory Dive Briefing is given on the way out, so you’re ready to explore as soon as you arrive.

For the Certified Diver: This tour is perfect for recent “open water” graduates, those who haven’t dived in a while, and experienced divers. Six certified dives, including a night dive, are scheduled. A Full Dive Briefing and refresher are given on the journey out. Divers can buddy up and follow the Dive Leader or explore independently.