New Year’s Eve Fireworks Cruise in Reykjavik

Reykjavik’s New Year’s Eve fireworks are famously city-wide, and this cruise gives you a clear view from the dark water of Faxaflói Bay. As midnight nears, you can watch fireworks burst over the capital from the open deck, Champagne in hand, with the city lights behind them.

I like the midnight timing, which lets you join the cruise without giving up the rest of your evening, and I like the choice between a warm indoor saloon and the open deck. The included coveralls are a sensible touch in Icelandic winter.

The main catch is that this may feel more like a floating viewing platform than a sightseeing cruise. The boat can remain in one spot for much of the 90 minutes, and some departures have felt crowded, with a small onboard bar and commentary that was hard to hear.

Key points to know before booking

• Fireworks are the main event: You cruise to a viewing position in Faxaflói Bay and watch Reykjavik’s midnight display from the water.
• Champagne is included: You receive one glass for the midnight toast, while other food and drinks cost extra.
• The boat may stay mostly stationary: The best position for fireworks can mean limited movement during the cruise.
• You have indoor and outdoor options: Use the saloon for shelter or step onto the deck for a more direct view of the fireworks and winter air.
• You return downtown after midnight: The boat ends at the same Reykjavik meeting point, putting you near the city’s post-midnight celebrations.
• Book with realistic expectations: At $183.84 per person, the price pays for the timing, viewpoint, Champagne, and convenience more than for a long scenic boat ride.

Watching Reykjavik’s fireworks from Faxaflói Bay

New Year’s Eve in Reykjavik is not built around one single official fireworks show. Fireworks appear across the city, creating a broad display over rooftops, streets, and the harbor. From the water, you get a different angle than someone standing downtown.

That is the real reason to consider this outing. Instead of looking up from a crowded street, you can look back toward Reykjavik with the city lights spread across the shoreline. The bay gives you distance, so the fireworks can be seen against the dark sky rather than directly over your head.

The view is also less predictable than a formal stadium-style show. Fireworks may appear in several parts of the city, and the boat’s position is chosen to give you a broad view. You are not simply watching one launch point. You are watching Reykjavik celebrate from many directions.

The cruise begins at 11 pm, giving you time to board, settle in, and get ready for midnight. The total outing lasts about 90 minutes, so the fireworks themselves occupy the central part of the experience rather than the whole evening.

That timing works well if you want one planned activity in an otherwise loose New Year’s Eve schedule. You can spend the earlier part of the evening at dinner or around town, then walk to the harbor for the cruise. After returning, you are already downtown and can continue the night on land.

Boarding at Special Tours on Geirsgata

You meet at Special Tours, Geirsgata 11, in Reykjavik. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not available, so you need to make your own way to the harbor. The meeting point is near public transportation, which helps if you are staying outside the immediate center.

Arrive with enough time to find the boat and get settled. The supplied information gives an 11 pm start, but it does not provide a separate recommended check-in time. Since New Year’s Eve brings extra activity downtown, I would not cut the timing too close.

Once aboard, you receive a set of coveralls. This matters more than it might sound. Reykjavik in late December can be cold, windy, and uncomfortable on an exposed deck, especially when you are standing still while waiting for midnight. Wear warm layers underneath, since the coveralls are useful protection but not a replacement for winter clothing.

The vessel has an indoor saloon and open decking. The saloon gives you shelter and a place to warm up. The deck gives you the clearest direct view and the most memorable sense of being outside on the water as fireworks fill the sky.

I would treat the indoor and outdoor areas as equally important. You may begin inside, go out when the display starts, and return inside afterward. If you want to photograph the fireworks, the open deck will probably be your preferred spot, but you should also plan for cold hands, wind, and limited space.

The 90-minute route, and why it may not feel like a cruise

The boat heads out from Reykjavik harbor into Faxaflói Bay. The stated aim is to find a strong viewing position for the city’s fireworks rather than to cover a large stretch of coastline.

That distinction is important. You should not book this expecting a long harbor tour with a series of moving viewpoints. On some departures, the boat has traveled only a short distance and then remained in roughly the same area for most of the outing. One account described about 75 minutes in place, followed by a short 15-minute turn before returning.

That arrangement can be perfectly sensible for the fireworks. A stable boat gives you time to keep your eyes on the city and avoids constant movement while you are trying to watch or photograph the display. It also helps the operator hold a useful position in the bay.

Still, the word cruise may give you the wrong picture. If you want a scenic sailing experience with plenty of motion, this outing may disappoint. If you mainly want a waterfront platform with a wide view of Reykjavik at midnight, the limited movement is less of a problem.

The operator provides audio commentary during the trip. Commentary can add context and keep the waiting period from feeling empty, but sound quality has not always been reliable. A poor Wi-Fi connection made one departure’s commentary difficult to hear. You should see the commentary as a small extra, not the reason to pay for the cruise.

The strongest part of the route begins when the fireworks start. At that point, the boat’s lack of movement becomes less important. Your attention will be on the sky, the city, and the people around you.

Champagne at midnight, with a small bar onboard

A glass of Champagne is included, giving the cruise a clear New Year’s Eve ritual. You can raise a toast at midnight without paying extra for that drink.

Food is not included, and drinks are only included when specifically stated. The onboard bar is available for purchases, but you should keep expectations modest. One account described the bar as very limited, so I would not count on it for a full range of refreshments.

Have dinner before boarding, or make sure you have what you need before reaching the meeting point if the evening allows. The supplied information does not promise snacks or a substantial food service. That matters because the cruise runs through midnight, when many restaurants may be closed or operating on special holiday schedules.

The included Champagne adds some value, but it does not transform the trip into a luxury cruise. You are paying for the special departure time, the water-based view, the crew, coveralls, and access to the boat. The drink is a pleasant part of the package, not its main financial justification.

The atmosphere can be social. The boat may carry as many as 198 people, and a full departure can feel busy. A crowded deck could make it harder to claim a prime viewing position, especially if everyone moves outside at once.

If you are traveling with friends, that energy may suit you. If you want a quiet, private midnight toast, this is not the right format. The cruise is a shared event with a large group, not a private charter.

What the fireworks view is really worth

At $183.84 per person, this is an expensive 90-minute activity. You should compare it with what you would do on land, not with the price of an ordinary harbor ride.

The cruise gives you a set time, a protected viewing position, a Champagne toast, and a place to return after midnight. It also removes the need to choose a street corner and wait outdoors for the display. For someone who values a planned event and a water view, those conveniences may justify the price.

The value is weaker if you mainly want movement, onboard food, or a polished luxury setting. The boat may stay in place, the bar may be limited, and the group can be large. You are paying a premium for the occasion and the viewpoint.

I see this as a special-event purchase rather than a sightseeing bargain. New Year’s Eve activities often cost more than standard tours, and this one is designed around a single night. If the fireworks are the highlight of your Reykjavik visit, the cost may feel fair. If you are trying to keep your Iceland budget under control, watching from downtown costs less and gives you more freedom afterward.

One useful point is the return location. The boat ends back at the meeting point, in the center of Reykjavik. You will not need to arrange a separate transfer from a distant marina, and you can continue your celebrations on foot from there.

Staying comfortable on the open deck

The deck is where this experience can feel most special, but it is also where Icelandic weather matters most. The coveralls help, yet you should still wear proper cold-weather clothing and shoes that keep you steady on a boat.

Start inside if the wind is unpleasant. You can warm up in the saloon and step outside when the display begins. The ability to move between indoor and outdoor areas is one of the more practical features of the trip.

Do not assume that the best view requires you to remain outside for the full 90 minutes. The boat’s position may be fixed for a long stretch before midnight, and standing on deck while waiting can become tiring. Save your energy for the fireworks.

The open deck also brings the most direct contact with the elements. One highly positive account described being on deck during the display as a fantastic part of the night. That makes sense: you are not behind glass or watching a screen. You feel the cold air, hear the fireworks, and see the bursts across the city.

At the same time, weather can change the mood quickly. The supplied details do not promise calm seas or clear skies. The indoor saloon is a useful fallback, but the best outdoor view may be less comfortable if wind or cold is strong.

Who will enjoy this New Year’s Eve cruise

I would recommend this outing to you if the fireworks matter more than the sailing. It works especially well for couples, friends, and visitors who want a planned midnight moment with a city view and an included toast.

It also suits you if you like having a base during the celebration. You can step inside, warm up, go outside for the display, and return to downtown afterward. That is easier than finding a good street position and remaining outdoors for the whole night.

You may want to skip it if you dislike crowds or need a quiet setting. A maximum capacity of 198 people is substantial for a small boat, and one departure felt packed. You should also think twice if the phrase cruise makes you expect a moving tour.

Families may appreciate the short duration and indoor shelter, but the late 11 pm start is a practical concern. The supplied information says most people can participate, but it does not provide a child-specific schedule or special family arrangements.

The activity is also a reasonable match for visitors who want to meet people during New Year’s Eve. The onboard mood can be friendly, and the commentator on one departure was described as funny. Staff have also been described as friendly. Those details suggest a relaxed shared celebration, though the tone can vary by crew and crowd.

Booking, cancellation, and simple planning tips

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the local start time. Changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted, and cancellations inside that window are not refunded.

Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. The tour is booked well ahead on average, around 83 days before departure, so I would not leave this until the last part of your Iceland trip if you know you want it.

The mobile ticket makes arrival simple, but you still need to reach Geirsgata 11 yourself. Since there is no hotel pickup, check your route to the harbor before New Year’s Eve. Public transportation is nearby, though the supplied details do not give a specific route or holiday timetable.

Bring a charged phone for your mobile ticket and photos. Pack warm layers, eat beforehand, and plan to use both the saloon and deck. Most importantly, book it for the fireworks view, not for a long boat ride.

Should you book this Reykjavik fireworks cruise?

Book it if you want a memorable midnight setting, a broad view of Reykjavik from the bay, an included glass of Champagne, and an easy return to downtown afterward. The fireworks are the clear strength, and watching them from the water can give your New Year’s Eve a special shape.

Skip it if you want a spacious luxury boat, a full bar, constant movement, or a quiet private celebration. The price is high for 90 minutes, the boat can feel crowded, and much of the time may be spent holding position.

My advice is simple: pay for the viewpoint, not the cruise. If that trade makes sense to you, this can be a lively and memorable way to welcome the New Year in Reykjavik.

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 stated start time is 11 pm.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Is Champagne included?

Yes. Each participant receives a glass of Champagne onboard 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. You must make your own way to the meeting point.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s local start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start are not refunded.