New Year’s Eve Fireworks Cruise in Reykjavik

Reykjavik’s New Year’s fireworks are the main event here. From a boat in Faxaflói Bay, you can watch the city light up at midnight, then head back to downtown while the celebrations are still going. The trip lasts about 90 minutes and begins at 11 pm.

I like two things in particular: you get a glass of Champagne at midnight, and you can choose between the indoor saloon and open deck while the fireworks are underway. The return point is also right in the heart of downtown, so you can carry on celebrating without first arranging a ride across town.

One point to weigh: this may be more of a boat-based fireworks viewing than a long cruise. Some accounts describe a short trip out followed by a long wait in one spot. If you’re buying a ticket mainly to sail around the bay, that distinction matters.

What to know before you book

• The fireworks are the focus: The boat heads out from Reykjavik’s harbor for a view of the display over the city.
• Plan for a viewing stop: The boat may remain in one place for much of the 90-minute trip, rather than covering a lot of water.
• Champagne and coveralls are included: You’ll receive a glass to toast the New Year, and coveralls are available for the winter weather.
• You can watch indoors or outside: The indoor saloon offers shelter, while the open deck puts you closer to the night air and the fireworks.
• The start time is late: Meet at Special Tours, Geirsgata 11, at 11 pm. The boat returns to the same meeting point.
• You return downtown: Once ashore, you’re well placed to continue the night’s celebrations on foot.

Fireworks first, sailing second

The main reason to book this trip is the chance to watch Reykjavik’s New Year’s fireworks from the water. The capital’s lights frame the view, and from the bay you can take in the display over the city rather than trying to find a spot among the crowds on land. The attraction is simple and tied to the moment: midnight, a glass of Champagne, and fireworks over Reykjavik.

The name cruise can set a different expectation. The boat does head out into Faxaflói Bay, but the accounts of the trip describe a short run to a viewing position, followed by a long stationary stretch. One person reported that the boat stayed in place for about 75 minutes of the 90-minute outing, with a brief spin near the end. The operator’s stated aim is to reach a suitable spot for seeing the display, which is not far from the harbor.

That doesn’t make the outing pointless. For a fireworks trip, sitting at a good viewing point can be more useful than spending the whole time underway. But if you picture a long scenic voyage with changing views, adjust your expectations. This is best understood as a boat-based fireworks viewing, with some sailing to get into position.

An 11 pm start at Reykjavik’s harbor

The meeting point is Special Tours at Geirsgata 11, a central address in Reykjavik. The activity starts at 11 pm and lasts about an hour and a half, so this is a concentrated late-night outing rather than an evening-long cruise. You’ll meet the boat, board, and head out before midnight.

The timing is a practical advantage. You’re not committing to a long trip that takes you away from the city for hours, and the boat returns to the same meeting point. From there, you’re in downtown Reykjavik, close to the city’s post-midnight celebrations. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so make your own way to the harbor and plan to get back from there on foot or by another arrangement.

The trip has a maximum group size of 198. That is a sizable crowd for a boat, and one account describes the vessel as small and packed to capacity. The maximum gives you a sense of how many people could be aboard, but it doesn’t tell you exactly which boat will be used or how spacious it will feel. If personal space is a priority, keep that uncertainty in mind.

On deck, in the saloon, or bundled up

The boat has an indoor saloon and open decking, giving you a choice of shelter or fresh air. For the fireworks, the deck is the natural place to watch if conditions suit you. One person particularly enjoyed being outside in the elements during the display. But it’s a winter night in Iceland, so being able to retreat indoors is a useful feature, not a small one.

Coveralls are included. They offer an extra layer for the outing, but they don’t mean you should arrive unprepared for cold weather. Dress for a winter night, and think about how long you may be standing outside while the boat waits at its viewing spot. The better your own layers, the easier it is to enjoy the sky instead of focusing on the cold.

There is an onboard bar, but don’t count on it as the centerpiece of the evening. Drinks beyond the included Champagne are not covered by the ticket, and the bar has been described as very limited. The Champagne is the clear included drink, intended for the midnight toast. Food is not included, and the tour details do not specify what food or extra drinks might be available for purchase.

Midnight with Champagne and city lights

A glass of Champagne is included, which gives the countdown a small but fitting ritual. As midnight approaches, you can raise your glass with the other people aboard and welcome the New Year with the city in view. The toast is a specific part of the experience, not an optional extra you need to arrange yourself.

The fireworks are the strongest reason to be on the boat. A view from the bay gives you a wider perspective on the illuminated city, and the display itself can make the trip memorable even if the vessel spends little time moving. The most enthusiastic accounts emphasize the fireworks, the deck experience, and the friendly crew. One also praised a funny commentator, adding a bit of personality to the night.

Audio commentary is listed as part of the outing, but don’t make it the main reason to book. One account described the commentary as difficult to hear because the attendant’s Wi-Fi connection kept breaking. That may not happen every time, but it is a reminder that the commentary can be less dependable than the central attraction: the fireworks in the sky.

What the $183.84 ticket buys

At $183.84 per person, this is a special-occasion purchase, not a low-cost way to get around Reykjavik. You’re paying for a New Year’s Eve boat outing at a particular time, the chance to watch the fireworks from the water, a glass of Champagne, coveralls, and a professional guide. The price also buys a convenient return to central Reykjavik while the city’s celebrations are underway.

The value depends on what you want from the evening. If the idea of watching the fireworks from a boat feels worth paying extra for, the ticket bundles the viewing location and the midnight toast into one plan. You don’t have to choose a place on shore or organize the Champagne yourself. For a once-a-year celebration, that can be a reasonable trade.

If you’re expecting a spacious vessel, a full bar, or an extended sightseeing cruise, the value is harder to defend. The boat may feel crowded, the bar may be sparse, and much of the trip may be spent at a stationary viewing point. At this price, it’s wise to book for the setting and the fireworks rather than for the amount of sailing or onboard amenities.

The activity is booked an average of 83 days in advance, which is useful context if you’re planning a New Year’s trip. That figure does not guarantee availability at any particular time, but it suggests you shouldn’t assume you can leave the decision until the last minute. Confirmation is provided within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

Who will enjoy this New Year’s Eve trip

This outing suits you if you want a defined plan for midnight and value the novelty of watching Reykjavik’s fireworks from a boat. It also works well if you like being outdoors for a big event, appreciate a Champagne toast, and want to return to the city center afterward. The 90-minute format keeps the activity short enough to leave time for the rest of the night.

It’s less suited to you if the word cruise means a long journey with a changing panorama. The boat’s purpose is to reach a viewing position, and accounts describe it remaining there for much of the trip. You may still enjoy the fireworks, but it helps to know what the boat is doing and why.

Consider your comfort with crowds, too. The stated capacity is up to 198 people, and the vessel has been described as small and full. The tour says most people can participate, but it does not provide further details about specific mobility needs or access arrangements. If you need those details, contact the operator before booking.

Practical details for a smooth night

Bring warm clothing, even with coveralls provided. You’ll have the choice of indoor shelter or open decking, but the outdoor viewing option means you may be exposed to winter weather while the boat is at its viewing spot. If you’re traveling with friends, agree on where to meet after returning to shore, especially if you plan to continue celebrating.

The tour ends where it starts, at Geirsgata 11. No hotel transport is included, and food and extra drinks are not part of the ticket unless specified. Keep those costs and arrangements separate from the cruise price.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the experience are not accepted for a refund or adjustment. Because the trip is tied to New Year’s Eve, check the local cut-off time carefully if your plans change.

Should you book the Reykjavik fireworks cruise?

Book it if you want a short, organized New Year’s Eve outing with a boat-side view of Reykjavik’s fireworks, Champagne at midnight, and a return to downtown. The fireworks, outdoor deck, and easy access to the city’s later celebrations are the strongest reasons to go.

Skip it if you expect a long cruise, a roomy boat, or a lively bar. The sailing may be brief, the group can be large, and the onboard amenities are modest. At $183.84, decide whether the view from the water and the convenience of a planned midnight toast are worth the price to you. If they are, this can be a memorable way to mark the New Year. If not, you may be happier keeping your celebration on land.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start and end?

It starts and ends at Special Tours, Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavik. The activity returns to its meeting point.

What time does the cruise start?

The start time is 11 pm on New Year’s Eve.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

What is included in the ticket?

The ticket includes a professional guide, use of coveralls, and one glass of Champagne.

Is food included, and can I buy drinks onboard?

Food and drinks are not included unless specified. The boat has an onboard bar where drinks may be purchased.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the experience are not refundable.