New Year’s Eve Fireworks Cruise in Reykjavik

Fireworks look best from the water. This 90-minute New Year’s Eve cruise takes you from Reykjavik’s harbor into Faxaflói Bay, where you can watch the city’s midnight display from an open deck or warm indoor saloon. I like the panoramic city views and the included glass of Champagne, which gives the night a proper sense of occasion. I also like that you return right in downtown Reykjavik, ready to continue celebrating.

The main catch is that this is not a sightseeing cruise in the usual sense. The boat may travel only a short distance, then remain in position for much of the evening so you get a clear view of the fireworks. The vessel can feel crowded, and the onboard bar and commentary may not meet everyone’s expectations.

Key points to know before midnight

• The best feature is the fireworks view: You watch Reykjavik’s citywide display from Faxaflói Bay, with the illuminated capital spread along the shore.
• Expect a viewing platform, not a long cruise: The boat may remain near one spot for much of the 90-minute trip, moving only briefly before returning.
• Champagne is included: You receive one glass for the midnight toast, while other food and drinks cost extra.
• You can choose warmth or fresh air: The boat has an indoor saloon, open decking, and coveralls for extra protection from the cold.
• The location is useful after midnight: You return to Special Tours at Geirsgata 11, close to central Reykjavik celebrations.
• Space may feel tight: The maximum group size is 198, and one passenger found the boat too small when full.

What this Reykjavik New Year’s Eve cruise actually offers

New Year’s Eve in Reykjavik is unusual. The city’s fireworks do not come from one single official show. Instead, fireworks appear across the capital as people celebrate midnight, creating a broad display over homes, streets, and the waterfront.

From the bay, you get a different view than you would from a downtown street. You can see the city lights below the dark sky, then watch bursts of color rise from several parts of Reykjavik at once. That wide angle is the real reason to book this experience.

The cruise begins at 11 pm and lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes. You board at Special Tours, Geirsgata 11, in Reykjavik’s harbor area. There is no hotel pickup, so you need to make your own way to the meeting point.

The timing is tight but sensible. You board before midnight, settle into the boat, and return soon after the fireworks. You are back near the center of town rather than stranded at a distant marina, which makes it easy to continue your night on foot.

Boarding at Geirsgata 11 at 11 pm

Your evening starts at the Special Tours meeting point on Geirsgata 11. The exact boarding process is not described in detail, so allow enough time to find the location and get aboard without rushing. Since the start time is 11 pm, you should have already eaten and made any plans for the hours before boarding.

The boat provides coveralls for use during the trip. That is helpful in Icelandic winter, but I would still dress warmly underneath. Bring layers, gloves, a hat, and sturdy shoes. The coveralls are a useful extra, not a replacement for proper cold-weather clothing.

Once aboard, you can spend time in the indoor saloon or step outside onto the deck. The indoor area gives you a break from wind and cold. The open deck is the better place for unobstructed photographs and a clear view of the fireworks, but you will feel the weather more sharply there.

The boat has a bar, but food and most drinks are not included. One drink is guaranteed: a glass of Champagne for the midnight toast. If you want anything else, plan to purchase it onboard, and do not count on the bar as a full meal stop.

Sailing into Faxaflói Bay for the city lights

The boat heads out from the harbor toward Faxaflói Bay. You will see Reykjavik from offshore, with the city’s illuminated landmarks and waterfront lights forming the backdrop.

This is where expectations matter. The experience is promoted as a cruise, but the practical aim is to reach a good viewing position and hold it. One account describes the boat remaining in roughly the same place for about 75 minutes, followed by a short movement during the final 15 minutes.

That may disappoint you if you expect a continuous tour around the bay. It makes more sense if you think of the boat as a floating viewing platform. The crew appears to prioritize a stable position with a strong line of sight toward the fireworks rather than covering a large area.

I can understand both sides. A longer route sounds more exciting, but moving constantly could make the viewing less steady and might place the boat farther from the best angle. If your priority is the display itself, staying in position may be a reasonable tradeoff. If your priority is a scenic boat ride, the cruise may feel too limited.

The midnight fireworks from the open deck

The strongest part of the night is the display itself. From the water, you can look back toward Reykjavik and see fireworks over the city rather than watching them through buildings or from a crowded street.

One particularly positive account described being on deck during the display and enjoying the exposure to the elements. That captures the appeal well. You are outside in the cold, with the water beneath you and fireworks spreading over the capital. It is not polished or sheltered in the way a restaurant celebration might be, but it feels like a real Icelandic New Year’s moment.

The open deck also gives you the best chance of taking wide photographs. Keep your expectations practical, though. Midnight photography in winter can be difficult, especially from a moving boat. You may get better memories by watching with your own eyes and taking a few quick pictures rather than trying to record every burst.

If the cold becomes too much, head inside. The indoor saloon lets you warm up without giving up the experience entirely. Depending on where you sit and how crowded the vessel is, your view from inside may be less direct.

Champagne, commentary, and the onboard atmosphere

The included Champagne is a small but important touch. It gives everyone a clear moment to mark midnight, and it adds value to an experience that otherwise consists mainly of transport and viewing time.

The atmosphere depends on the crew and the crowd. One highly positive account praised the friendly staff and a funny commentator, suggesting that the commentary can add warmth and humor to the evening. Audio commentary is listed as part of the experience, so you may hear information about the city or the celebration during the trip.

There is a qualification here. One account found the commentary difficult to hear because the attendant’s Wi-Fi connection kept breaking. That sounds like a technical problem rather than the intended standard, but it shows that the narration may not be the main reason to choose this outing.

Think of the commentary as an extra, not the heart of the trip. The views, the countdown, and the Champagne matter more. If you hear clear, lively commentary, enjoy it. If the sound is weak, the fireworks still provide the evening’s main event.

How crowded is the boat?

Capacity can reach 198 people. That is a substantial group for a small boat, and personal space may be limited when the vessel is full.

One account specifically found the boat too small for the number of people aboard. The same person also found the bar disappointing. You should take this seriously if you dislike crowded conditions or want a quiet, intimate celebration.

A full boat is not automatically a bad thing. New Year’s Eve is social by nature, and a lively crowd can make the countdown more fun. Still, you should not book this expecting a private or luxurious yacht setting. The experience is a shared public cruise with a large possible group.

If you want the open-deck view, try to position yourself sensibly once aboard, while still respecting other people’s space. There is no promise of reserved seating or a guaranteed prime spot. The boat’s layout and the number of people onboard will shape your view.

Is $183.84 a fair price?

At $183.84 per person, this is a costly 90-minute activity. You are paying for a special date, a boat-based viewing position, crew service, coveralls, and a glass of Champagne. You are not paying for a full dinner, a long harbor tour, or hotel transportation.

The price can make sense if you place high value on seeing Reykjavik’s fireworks from the water and want a ready-made midnight plan. New Year’s Eve prices often reflect the date and demand, not simply the number of minutes on the boat. The fact that the experience is commonly booked about 83 days ahead suggests that planning early is sensible.

The value is weaker if you mainly want a boat ride. Since the vessel may remain stationary for much of the event, you could feel that the cruise component is short. The price is also harder to justify if you expect a substantial onboard bar, a meal, or a small group.

My advice is to compare the price with your other New Year’s options in Reykjavik. If a waterfront party or restaurant reservation costs more and gives you less direct access to the fireworks, this outing may be worthwhile. If you already have a good city-center viewing place, the boat becomes a premium add-on rather than a necessity.

Who will enjoy this experience most?

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want a simple, organized way to mark midnight. It suits people who like being outdoors, enjoy city views from the water, and do not mind sharing the occasion with a large group.

It is also a good fit for couples, friends, and families who want a memorable setting without committing to a full evening event. The included Champagne gives the celebration a clear focal point, and the return to central Reykjavik leaves you free to continue afterward.

You may want to skip it if you need a quiet, spacious environment. It is also a weak match if you expect a long, active route around Faxaflói Bay or a well-stocked bar. The experience works best when you book it for the fireworks, not for the sailing distance.

Most travelers can participate, and the tour is near public transportation. The supplied information does not describe special accessibility arrangements, so you should confirm any specific mobility needs before booking.

Practical planning for a cold midnight

You will need to arrange your own transport to Geirsgata 11 because hotel pickup and drop-off are not available. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, placing you near downtown Reykjavik for post-midnight celebrations.

Dress for exposure to winter weather even though coveralls are provided. The open deck is the most rewarding place during the display, but the indoor saloon matters if wind or cold makes it hard to stay outside for the full event.

Eat before you board. Food is not included, and the bar should be treated as a place to buy drinks rather than a dependable dinner service. Your included Champagne is served for the toast at midnight.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the 11 pm start time. Changes or cancellations inside that period are not accepted for a refund. Confirmation arrives within 48 hours, subject to availability, so do not leave this booking until the last minute.

The final call: should you book it?

Book this New Year’s Eve cruise if the thought of watching Reykjavik’s fireworks from the bay excites you more than the idea of a long boat ride. The best parts are the broad city view, the open-air midnight atmosphere, the Champagne toast, and the easy return to central Reykjavik.

Go in with realistic expectations. The vessel may hold position for most of the trip, the group may be large, and the bar and commentary may be modest. At $183.84, it is a special-event splurge, not a bargain excursion.

For me, the decision comes down to your New Year’s priority. If you want the fireworks to be the centerpiece and like the idea of standing on deck in the Icelandic cold, this can make the night memorable. If you want comfort, space, dinner, and a lengthy cruise, choose another celebration.

FAQ

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

It starts at Special Tours, Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland.

What time does the cruise begin?

The scheduled 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.

Where does the boat go?

The boat heads from Reykjavik’s harbor into Faxaflói Bay to provide views of the city and its fireworks.

Is Champagne included?

Yes. One glass of Champagne is included for the midnight toast.

Are food and other drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included unless specifically stated. Drinks can be purchased from the onboard bar.

Is hotel pickup available?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not available, so you must reach the meeting point yourself.

Does the boat have indoor and outdoor areas?

Yes. You can use the indoor saloon or go onto the open decking. Coveralls are also provided.

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 the start are not accepted for a refund.