Reykjavik does midnight with style. This New Year’s Eve fireworks cruise takes you out from the harbor so you can see the display with panoramic bay views instead of just rooftops and street corners. As you slide into Faxaflói Bay, the city lights spread out behind you, and you get a proper sense of scale right when the fireworks start.

I like that you get coveralls for the cold, plus a real champagne glass for the midnight toast. The boat also has an indoor saloon if you need a break, but you can still step onto the open decking for that crisp, wintry feeling.

One thing to consider: this trip is short and the boat may spend a long stretch in essentially the same spot before any movement near the end. Add in the fact that the vessel can feel tight and crowded, and you’ll want to plan for close quarters.

Key Things To Know Before You Go

• Coveralls included so you’re not scrambling for the right winter layer at the last second
• Champagne at midnight gives the moment structure, not just a random countdown
• Faxaflói Bay positioning helps you catch fireworks with Reykjavik’s lights in the background
• Indoor saloon + outdoor deck means you can swap warm and cold as you like
• Audio commentary depends on connection and may be spotty at times
• A small-feeling boat can make the experience feel more crowded than you’d expect

Reykjavik’s Fireworks, Seen From Out at Sea

This is one of those Reykjavik nights where the whole city turns into a single celebration. The fireworks are the headline, but what makes this cruise work is the view direction: you’re out on the water, facing Reykjavik from Faxaflói Bay, so the show pops against the dark with illuminated landmarks behind it.

You start late, around 11:00 pm, when the air is sharp and the harbor scene is already buzzing. Once you’re aboard, the contrast gets real. From land you might see bright bursts and then guess how the city looks around them. From the bay, you can actually read the scene—lights below, darkness around, and fireworks that feel big because they’re surrounded by open space.

If you’re thinking of pairing this with other New Year’s plans, that’s where the cruise format helps. You’re not stuck offshore all night. You get the fireworks moment, then you’re back in downtown Reykjavík in time to keep going.

Coveralls and Champagne: What You Actually Get

For the price, I like that the essentials are covered up front. You get:

• a professional guide
• use of coveralls
• a glass of champagne to toast at midnight

That coveralls part matters more than it sounds. Iceland winter can be brutal in a way that’s hard to prepare for if you’re underdressed from the day’s walking. Having the right outer layer ready means you can focus on the viewing instead of playing bundle-up bingo.

The champagne toast is also a nice touch because it locks the experience to the moment you came for. When midnight hits, it’s not just a time on your watch—you’re aboard, with a group, doing the toast together.

What isn’t included: food and drinks, unless specified for your booking. You can buy drinks onboard, but you should assume you’ll pay extra if you want more than that first champagne glass.

Timing and Meeting Point in Downtown Reykjavík (Don’t Show Up Late)

The meeting point is Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík, at Special Tours. The start time is 11:00 pm, and the whole trip is about 1 hour 30 minutes.

On New Year’s Eve, timing is everything. Late arrivals can push you toward the least comfortable viewing spot, and on a boat, “least comfortable” can mean cramped or harder to reach the deck. I’d treat 11:00 pm as a hard line. If you arrive early, you’ll find it easier to get oriented, get your coveralls sorted, and figure out where you want to stand.

There’s no hotel pickup, so plan to get yourself to downtown on your own. The good news: the meeting area is near public transportation, so you’re not stuck lining up for a private transfer at peak chaos.

What the Boat Experience Feels Like: Indoor Comfort and Deck Views

This cruise is built around a simple choice: warmth inside, fresh air outside.

You’ll find an indoor saloon where you can warm up as needed. When the fireworks are really going, though, you’ll want the open decking. That’s where the cold air and the sound of the bay make it feel real, not like a video you’re watching through glass.

A couple of practical notes based on real-world experience from similar outings like this:

• If you care about being close to the action, plan for limited space. Some people found the boat small and packed. That can make it feel less like a leisurely cruise and more like a group viewing platform with flotation.
• The onboard audio commentary can be hit or miss. On at least one sailing, the commentary was hard to hear when connectivity failed. If commentary matters to you, don’t rely on it as your only source of the story—watching the fireworks is the main event.

The upside is that the crew and guides are part of the fun. Several people described the staff as friendly, and the commentary style can add humor to the countdown rather than turning it into a stiff lecture.

The Fireworks Viewing: Out Into Faxaflói Bay, Then Back Downtown

Here’s the key dynamic: you’re not just traveling for the sake of travel. The whole purpose is positioning for the show.

You head out from the harbor and out into Faxaflói Bay for the best perspective. The goal is clear—get you in a spot where Reykjavik’s city lights frame the fireworks, and where you can actually see the display rather than just glimpses between buildings.

One consideration: the boat may spend most of the time stationary near your viewing position. In one experience, the group stayed put for about 75 minutes, then the boat moved a bit near the end. So if you’re picturing a constant, scenic cruising route, you might feel like you’re in a fixed “best spot” rather than on a long moving loop.

That’s not necessarily bad. In fact, being stationary can be what makes the viewing easier, because everyone knows where to look and the deck crowd stays focused. But it does change the feel of the word cruise. Think: fireworks viewing on the bay, not a long sightseeing sail.

Near the end, you return to land. The payoff is that you’re dropped back downtown in time to catch the post-midnight atmosphere right where Reykjavik’s celebrations continue.

Buying Drinks Onboard: Budget for Extras

The champagne toast is included, which helps with value at the exact moment you’ll appreciate it most. After that, you’re on your own for additional beverages unless your specific booking includes more.

The onboard bar is available, but people have also described it as limited. Translation: don’t plan your whole night around nonstop drinks you don’t need to pay for. If you want a second toast, or a hot drink to fight the cold, set aside some extra cash.

Also remember Icelandic winter isn’t forgiving. Even if the cabin is warm, time on deck will chill you. If you’ll be outside for long stretches, a quick drink break inside can keep the evening enjoyable.

Price and Value: Is $183.84 Worth It?

At $183.84 per person, this isn’t a budget add-on. The question is what you’re buying besides fireworks.

You’re paying for:

• a guided experience (professional guide onboard)
• coveralls, which reduce your gear burden
• a midnight champagne toast, which anchors the experience
• bay positioning for a wider view than you’d likely get from the harbor edge
• a return to downtown quickly enough to keep celebrating

If you were just standing on land, fireworks might be free—but you’d be cold without the provided coveralls, and your view could be more blocked by buildings and crowds. This cruise turns that into a more comfortable, structured event, and it gives you a different angle that makes the fireworks feel bigger.

That said, this price only makes sense if the viewing matters to you and you can tolerate a packed boat. If you hate tight spaces, or if you expected lots of movement, you may feel the cost more sharply.

Who This Cruise Fits Best (And Who Might Want a Different Plan)

This works best if you want a classic New Year’s Eve moment with a clear schedule: board, get warm, go outside for the fireworks, toast at midnight, then head back into the city.

You’ll likely enjoy it more if:

• you want a guided countdown with champagne at midnight
• you’re excited by the idea of seeing Reykjavik’s lights from Faxaflói Bay
• you like switching between indoor warmth and deck air

You may want to think twice if:

• you’re sensitive to crowds and dislike being packed onto a smaller vessel
• you were expecting a long, sightseeing-style cruise that keeps moving most of the time
• you plan to rely heavily on the audio commentary for key information

If you’re traveling with friends and you’re mostly there for the fireworks and the countdown, the tight boat can even feel like part of the group energy. If you’re traveling solo and you want space, you’ll want to arrive early so you’re not stuck with the least ideal spot.

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

I’d book it if you want a dependable New Year’s plan that takes the fireworks from random to memorable. The coveralls and the champagne toast make it feel like a real event, not just a ticket to stand in the cold. The Faxaflói Bay view is the reason to choose the cruise, and it’s what turns midnight into something you’ll talk about later.

I wouldn’t book it if your top priority is comfort and space, or if you need constant movement and a true sightseeing route. This is short, and the boat can feel crowded. Audio commentary may also be unreliable if connectivity acts up.

For most people, it’s a strong pick—especially if you’re ready for winter, ready for a group setting, and focused on getting the fireworks view from the water.

FAQ

What time does the New Year’s Eve fireworks cruise start in Reykjavik?

The tour starts at 11:00 pm.

How long is the cruise?

It lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes.

Where do I meet the tour?

You meet at Special Tours, Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

What’s included in the ticket price?

The ticket includes a professional guide, coveralls, and a glass of champagne for the midnight toast.

Is food included?

Food is not included unless specified. Drinks are available to purchase onboard.

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