New Year’s Eve Fireworks Cruise in Reykjavik

At midnight, Reykjavik’s sky turns into a shared neighborhood celebration. From the water, you can watch fireworks burst over the city while the harbor gives you a wide view of the illuminated capital. The boat leaves at 11 pm, serves a glass of Champagne, and returns around 12:30 am.

I like the unbroken view across Faxaflói Bay and the easy finish in central Reykjavik. I also like having an indoor saloon and coveralls available, since Icelandic winter weather can be rough. The main catch is that this is not a long sightseeing cruise. The boat may travel only a short distance, then remain in position for much of the evening.

• Fireworks from the bay: Watch Reykjavik’s midnight display from offshore, with the city lights spread in front of you.
• Champagne at midnight: A glass is included for the toast, while additional drinks can be bought onboard.
• Indoor and outdoor viewing: Use the saloon for shelter or step outside for a colder but more open view.
• Short sailing time: The boat is positioned for the fireworks, so expect more waiting than cruising.
• Central finish: You return to Special Tours’ harbor meeting point, close to downtown celebrations.
• Small-group limits are not guaranteed: The listed maximum is 198 people, and one account found the boat crowded.

Fireworks Across Reykjavik’s Darkened Sky

Reykjavik’s New Year celebration is not limited to one official fireworks show. Fireworks appear across the city as midnight approaches, with bright bursts over rooftops, church spires, hills, and the harbor. From Faxaflói Bay, you get distance from the streets and a broad view toward the capital.

That is the real reason to book this outing. You are not simply taking a short boat ride. You are buying a viewing position that lets you watch the city fire up from the water, glass in hand.

The cruise begins at 11 pm and lasts about 90 minutes. The boat heads out from Reykjavik harbor, travels a short distance into the bay, and waits for the main display. Around midnight, you receive Champagne for the toast. Afterward, the boat returns to the harbor, placing you back in central Reykjavik in time for the rest of the night.

I would set your expectations carefully. The word cruise suggests a steady trip around the bay, with changing views and plenty of movement. Here, the boat’s main job is to reach a good viewing spot. Much of the 90 minutes may be spent stationary, followed by a short ride back. That makes the fireworks the main event, not the sailing itself.

Boarding at Special Tours’ Reykjavik Harbor Base

Your meeting point is Special Tours at Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavik. The tour begins at 11 pm, so plan your evening around getting there on time. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not offered, but the meeting point is near public transportation and sits in the central harbor area.

The location is useful after midnight. Once you leave the boat, you are already close to downtown Reykjavik, where New Year celebrations continue in the streets and bars. You will not need a long transfer back to your hotel or another part of town.

The supplied information does not name the guide, so you should not expect a particular host. A professional guide is included, and commentary is offered during the outing. One reported problem was that the commentary became difficult to hear when the onboard Wi-Fi connection kept cutting out. That may have been a temporary technical issue, but it is worth treating the commentary as a bonus rather than the reason to book.

The listed maximum is 198 people. That is a sizeable group for a small boat, and the practical feel depends on the vessel used that night. One account found the boat too small and packed to capacity. If personal space matters to you, arrive with realistic expectations and choose your viewing position early.

Inside for Shelter, Outside for the Best Atmosphere

I like the flexibility of having both an indoor saloon and open decking. You can step outside for the clearest sightline, then return indoors when the cold starts to bite. Coveralls are included, which is helpful in Iceland’s winter wind.

The deck is where the evening feels most special. You are surrounded by dark water, with Reykjavik’s lights ahead and fireworks breaking across the sky. One strongly positive account singled out being on deck in the elements during the display. That description captures the tradeoff: the cold is part of the experience, but so is the sense of watching the city from a quiet offshore platform.

Do not dress as if you are only walking around downtown. Wear warm layers, a hat, gloves, and sturdy shoes. The coveralls help, but they do not replace a proper winter outfit. If you plan to spend the entire midnight display outside, warmth will affect how much you enjoy it.

The indoor saloon is a useful fallback, not a guarantee of a spacious lounge. If the boat is crowded, seating and window positions may be limited. I would treat the inside area as protection from the weather rather than a private viewing room.

The 90-Minute Route and Its Main Limitation

The advertised route sounds like a harbor cruise into Faxaflói Bay, but the practical pattern is simple. You board, move a short distance offshore, and settle into a position with a view toward Reykjavik. The boat then waits through much of the evening before making a short return trip.

This setup has a clear advantage. The crew can keep the boat in a good spot for viewing instead of spending the precious midnight minutes moving around. You get a stable platform and an open angle toward the city’s fireworks.

It also creates the tour’s biggest weakness. If you expect changing scenery, a lengthy route, or a real tour of the bay, you may feel shortchanged. Two accounts specifically found that the boat stayed in place for roughly the first 75 minutes, then took a short spin during the final 15 minutes. That is a fair criticism of the word cruise, even if the viewing position works well.

Think of this as a fireworks boat with a short sailing component. That wording gives you a more accurate picture. The value rests on the offshore view, the Champagne toast, and the ease of returning downtown, not on nautical sightseeing.

Midnight Champagne and the Fireworks Show

A glass of Champagne is included, and it arrives at the right moment: just before midnight, when the city’s celebration reaches its peak. You can raise a toast with the water below and fireworks ahead. That small touch gives the outing a festive purpose beyond simply finding a place to stand.

Additional drinks can be purchased from the onboard bar, but food and extra drinks are not included. The bar should be treated as a convenience, not a full evening restaurant. One account described it as very limited, so eat beforehand and do not rely on the boat for dinner.

The fireworks themselves are the strongest part of the experience. The bay creates a wide viewing area, and the city remains close enough to give the display a clear sense of place. You can look toward illuminated Reykjavik landmarks before the fireworks begin, then watch flashes appear over the capital from several directions.

This is also a social setting. The boat brings people together for a shared countdown, and one positive account praised the friendly staff and funny commentary. The atmosphere can be warm and festive even when the temperature is not. If you enjoy public celebrations but dislike standing in a crowded city street, the boat offers a different way to mark midnight.

What the $183.84 Price Really Buys

At $183.84 per person, this is a premium New Year’s Eve add-on. You are paying far more than a normal harbor outing, but the date matters. New Year’s Eve activities in Reykjavik command higher prices, and the package includes the boat, professional guide, coveralls, and one glass of Champagne.

The price makes the most sense if you place a high value on the viewing position. You get out over the water, avoid committing to one street-level spot, and return to the center after the fireworks. For a special occasion, that convenience may be worth it.

The value is weaker if you mainly want a long cruise or a comfortable bar. The boat may be crowded, the onboard drinks selection may be limited, and much of the experience is stationary. You could see fireworks from Reykjavik without paying this amount, but you would give up the offshore angle and the organized Champagne toast.

I would compare this price with your other New Year plans. If you already have a dinner reservation, party ticket, or hotel celebration, the timing may be awkward. If you want a short, structured event before continuing the night downtown, it fits neatly.

Who Will Enjoy This Boat Most

This outing suits you if you want a memorable midnight setting without spending the whole evening in a city crowd. Couples, friends, and families with older children can all appreciate the simple plan: board at 11 pm, watch the fireworks, toast the New Year, and walk back into central Reykjavik.

It is also a good match for photographers who want a broad city view, though the supplied information does not promise photography facilities or special access. The outdoor deck should give you the clearest angle, but cold hands, movement, and crowds can make camera work difficult.

You may want to skip it if you need a roomy boat, a strong bar service, or constant sightseeing. It is not the best choice for someone who sees the word cruise and expects a full tour around the bay. You should also think twice if you dislike cold weather or crowded spaces.

The most satisfied customer profile is someone who cares first about the fireworks and atmosphere. The least satisfied is likely someone who expects the boat ride itself to be the main attraction.

Timing, Cancellation, and Practical Details

Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. Since the experience averages being booked 83 days ahead, I would not leave this until the last week if it is central to your New Year plans.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the 11 pm start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund. Cutoff times use local Iceland time, so keep that in mind if you are booking from another country.

The activity ends at the same place where it begins. There is no hotel transport, but the harbor meeting point is near public transportation. Most people can participate, and the listed maximum is 198 people.

Use the mobile ticket option and keep your phone ready for boarding. Arrive prepared for winter conditions, and plan food before you board. Those two choices, warm clothing and a proper meal, will do more for your comfort than anything sold on the boat.

Should You Book the New Year’s Eve Fireworks Cruise?

Book this experience if your priority is watching Reykjavik’s fireworks from the bay, raising a glass at midnight, and returning straight into downtown celebrations. The city view, open-air atmosphere, included Champagne, and simple timing give the evening a strong festive shape.

Do not book it expecting a long cruise, a spacious vessel, or a substantial onboard bar. The boat may remain in one position for most of the tour, and crowding can affect comfort. At $183.84, the experience is worth it for the special viewing location and easy central finish, but not for the sailing alone.

My practical call: choose it when the fireworks are your main New Year goal and you are happy to pay for an organized offshore viewpoint. If you want movement, food, and room to spread out, keep your celebration on land.

FAQ

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

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

What time does the cruise start?

The activity starts at 11 pm.

How long does the experience last?

It lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Where does the activity end?

It ends back at the Special Tours meeting point.

Is Champagne included?

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

Are food and additional drinks included?

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

Is hotel pickup available?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not available for this activity.

Can I stay indoors during the cruise?

Yes. The boat has an indoor saloon, and coveralls are available for use. You can also go onto the open deck.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 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.