New Year’s Eve Fireworks Cruise in Reykjavik

Reykjavik’s New Year’s Eve sky can turn into a city-wide fireworks show, and this boat puts you out on Faxaflói Bay with the illuminated capital spread before you. At midnight, you raise a glass of Champagne on deck, with fireworks bursting over the dark water and city rooftops.

I like two things here: you get a broad view without standing in one crowded downtown street, and the boat returns right to central Reykjavik after the toast. The included thermal coveralls are also useful in Iceland’s winter cold. The main catch is simple: this may feel more like a floating viewing platform than a true cruise, since the boat can remain in one area for most of the evening.

Key points to know before booking

• Fireworks from Faxaflói Bay: The boat offers a wide view toward Reykjavik’s midnight display rather than a close-up street celebration.
• A 90-minute late-night outing: Boarding is at 11 pm, with the boat returning around 12:30 am, leaving you downtown for more New Year’s fun.
• Champagne is included: You receive one glass for the midnight toast, while other food and drinks cost extra.
• Indoor and outdoor options: Use the saloon for shelter, or step onto the open deck for the clearest view and a stronger taste of the weather.
• The boat may stay mostly in place: The vessel heads a short way into the bay, then can remain stationary until shortly before returning.
• A large group is possible: Capacity can reach 198 people, so do not expect an intimate private-boat atmosphere.

Midnight fireworks from Reykjavik’s harbor

The appeal is the setting. Instead of watching fireworks from street level, you head out from Special Tours at Geirsgata 11 and look back toward Reykjavik across the water. City lights shimmer along the shoreline, while fireworks appear at different points over the capital.

That wider view is the real reason to book. Reykjavik’s New Year’s Eve celebration is not limited to one official show, so being on the bay gives you a broad angle over the city. You are not boxed in by buildings or stuck behind a tall crowd. On a clear night, the dark water should help the bright bursts stand out.

Still, keep your expectations in check. This is not a fast-moving sightseeing ride around Faxaflói Bay. The boat travels a short distance to a viewing position and may stay there for most of the 90 minutes. One account describes roughly 75 minutes in the same spot, followed by only a short spin before returning.

That arrangement makes practical sense if the goal is a steady view of the fireworks. It also explains why some people find the word cruise misleading. You are paying mainly for the location on the water, not for a long route or a succession of sights.

What happens from 11 pm to 12:30 am

You meet at the Special Tours departure point at 11 pm. Hotel pickup is not available, so you must make your own way to Geirsgata 11 in central Reykjavik. The meeting point is near public transportation, and the activity ends at the same place.

Once aboard, you can settle inside the saloon or head outside. The indoor area gives you a break from wind and cold, while the open deck is the place to be when the fireworks begin. You receive coveralls for warmth, but Icelandic New Year’s Eve is still an outdoor winter event. Dress in warm layers and bring practical footwear.

The boat heads out onto the bay, aiming for a position with a view back toward the city. An audio commentary is provided, and a guide or attendant gives information during the trip. Sound quality may not be perfect. One reported problem involved a Wi-Fi connection that kept breaking, making the commentary difficult to hear. I would treat the narration as a bonus, not the main reason to book.

As midnight approaches, the mood changes. The included glass of Champagne gives the evening a clear focal point. You can make the toast from inside, but the open deck offers the more memorable setting, provided you can handle the cold and find a good place to stand.

After midnight, the boat returns to the harbor. The timing is useful: you are back in downtown Reykjavik in time to continue the night on land. That gives this outing more flexibility than an event that keeps you offshore for several hours.

The best place to watch from the boat

The upper or open deck should give you the most direct view, but it may also be the coldest and busiest area. If seeing the fireworks is your top priority, go outside before midnight rather than waiting until the first bursts appear. With a possible capacity of 198 people, the best railing spots may go quickly.

The saloon is a sensible refuge before and after midnight. You can warm up, hear the onboard announcements more clearly, and avoid standing in the wind for the whole trip. But windows and other passengers may limit your sightline once the display begins.

I would use the indoor space as a base, then head onto the deck as midnight nears. The provided coveralls help, though they do not replace a warm hat, gloves, and layers. The experience includes the use of coveralls, not a full winter outfit.

The boat’s size matters here. A smaller vessel can feel closer to the water and may offer a pleasant sense of being out on the bay. It can also feel cramped when loaded close to capacity. One account found the boat too small and the bar disappointing. If you prefer quiet, roomy surroundings, this may not be your ideal New Year’s Eve plan.

Champagne, bar service, and the onboard atmosphere

The included Champagne is one of the stronger details. You do not need to buy a special bottle or wait until you return to land for a toast. At midnight, you already have a glass in hand.

Other drinks and food are not included. The boat has a bar, but you should keep your expectations modest. The available bar service has been described as limited, so I would not book this as a dinner cruise or a full-service party boat.

The atmosphere depends heavily on the crowd and your position onboard. The included guide and commentary add some structure, and a funny commentator and friendly staff helped make one New Year’s outing especially enjoyable. The mood can be social, but the group size means this is a shared public event, not a private celebration.

For many people, that shared feeling is part of the fun. You are toasting with other people who have chosen a slightly unusual way to welcome January. For others, a crowded boat with limited bar service may feel less polished than the price suggests.

Is $183.84 a fair price?

At $183.84 per person, this is not a cheap way to watch fireworks. The value comes from several parts working together: a reserved place on the water, a city-wide view, a 90-minute schedule, coveralls, a guide, and a glass of Champagne.

The price makes more sense if you already want a special New Year’s Eve event and would otherwise pay for a restaurant, ticketed party, or other organized celebration. You are also buying convenience. You know where to go, when to board, and where you will be at midnight. Afterward, you are dropped back in central Reykjavik rather than sent to a distant marina.

The value is weaker if you expect a full sightseeing cruise. Since the boat may remain in one position for most of the outing, you are not getting an hour and a half of changing coastal views. You are renting a good viewing spot on the bay.

Booking well ahead is sensible. This experience is booked on average 83 days in advance, which suggests that New Year’s Eve availability matters. Confirmation arrives within 48 hours, subject to availability. If your holiday plans depend on this specific activity, do not leave it until the final days.

Getting to Special Tours at Geirsgata 11

The departure point is Special Tours, Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavik. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so allow enough time to reach the harbor on your own. The meeting point is near public transportation, which helps if you are staying outside the immediate center.

The 11 pm start is late, but that is the point. You do not spend the whole evening on a boat. You can have dinner first, walk around town, then make your way to the harbor for the final stretch before midnight.

The return to the same meeting point is particularly useful. Reykjavik’s post-midnight celebrations continue downtown, so you can step off the boat and carry on without arranging another transfer. The tour does not include a ride back to your hotel.

Most people can participate, according to the supplied activity information. The maximum group size is 198, so anyone needing extra space should consider the possible crowding before paying.

Fireworks viewing versus a street celebration

A street celebration gives you noise, movement, and a close look at the public excitement. This boat gives you distance, open water, and a sweeping view back toward Reykjavik. Neither is automatically better. They suit different moods.

I would choose the boat if you want a defined event with a clear start and finish. It is also a good fit if you like being outdoors, want a Champagne toast included, and prefer watching the fireworks from beyond the central streets.

I would skip it if you want to move among local celebrations all evening or if your idea of a cruise involves constant motion. The boat’s stationary viewing position is not a flaw for everyone, but it is the most important detail to understand before booking.

The onboard commentary may add context, but sound problems are possible. If your main goal is historical or cultural explanation, this is probably not the right activity. If your goal is a warm drink, a glass of Champagne, and a broad midnight view, the commentary matters much less.

Who will enjoy this Reykjavik New Year’s Eve cruise?

This outing suits couples, friends, and families who want a memorable midnight setting without planning every detail themselves. You get a central meeting point, a fixed 90-minute schedule, shelter from the weather, and a place to see the fireworks from the water.

It also suits people who value a wide city view over a long boat route. The most praised features are the fireworks themselves, the chance to be outside on deck during the display, the friendly staff, and the included Champagne.

It may not suit you if you dislike crowds, want a spacious vessel, or expect a lively bar. The possible capacity of 198 people can make the boat feel full, and the bar is not a major part of the experience.

The weather is another practical factor. Coveralls help, but open-deck viewing still means exposure to winter conditions. If cold or wind would spoil the midnight moment, plan to use the saloon and accept that your view may be less direct.

Cancellation and planning details

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the 11 pm start time. Canceling less than 24 hours ahead does not qualify for a refund, and changes inside that window are not accepted. The cut-off follows local Reykjavik time.

Bring your mobile ticket and arrive ready to board at the stated meeting point. Since hotel transport is not included, check your route to Geirsgata 11 before New Year’s Eve, when plans and transportation can be less predictable.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if you want a simple, organized midnight event with fireworks over Reykjavik, a glass of Champagne, and a quick return to downtown celebrations. The water gives you a broad view that you cannot always get from street level, and the open deck can make the toast feel special.

Do not book it expecting a long scenic voyage, a large comfortable boat, or a well-stocked bar. The boat may sit in one position for much of the trip, and the group can be sizable.

At $183.84, I see this as a premium fireworks viewing experience rather than a traditional cruise. If that distinction suits you, it can be a memorable way to welcome the New Year in Reykjavik. If you want nonstop motion and a party atmosphere, spend the money elsewhere and celebrate on land.

FAQ

Where does the New Year’s Eve fireworks cruise depart?

It departs from Special Tours at Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland.

What time does the cruise start?

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

How long does the cruise last?

The activity lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Is Champagne included?

Yes. Each participant receives a glass of Champagne onboard for the midnight toast.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not available, and the activity returns to the original meeting point.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded or accepted.