Watching Reykjavik’s New Year’s fireworks from a boat changes everything. I love the sea-level view out in Faxaflói Bay, where the city lights feel close and the display feels bigger. I also like that you get a complimentary glass of champagne right before midnight, so you’re celebrating on schedule without hunting for a spot on land. The main drawback to keep in mind: inside seating can feel tight, so if you hate crowds, you’ll want to plan for deck time.

This cruise is built for one job: get you out far enough to see the show clearly and come back with time to keep partying in the center. It leaves Reykjavik’s Old Harbour at 11 pm, cruises along the coastline, and returns to land around half an hour after midnight. You can choose the cozy indoor saloon or the open-air deck, with warm overalls provided to help you handle the winter chill.

You’ll also be guided in English by a live tour leader, and you finish the tour with a drop-off right in the heart of Reykjavík. One more thing I’d watch for: late-night departures mean you should be ready to move quickly through cold weather and low light right around the fireworks window.

Quick hits before you go

• Best fireworks angle from Faxaflói Bay instead of a street scramble
• Champagne at midnight with a built-in countdown moment
• Warm overalls included, so you’re not totally dependent on your own winter gear
• Indoor saloon or open-air deck lets you choose comfort vs. view
• English live guide and a guided cruise structure
• Extra bonus possibilities, like one verified booking that reported seeing a whale (not guaranteed)

Why this Reykjavik New Year’s Eve cruise feels special

Reykjavik does New Year’s with serious energy. But the usual problem is simple: you’re competing with street crowds, barriers, and random sightlines. This cruise solves that with one clever move—getting you onto the water early enough that you can watch the fireworks unfold across the city.

From the boat, you don’t just see the fireworks. You see the city lights first, then the bursts over Reykjavík, then the glow reflecting off the water. That “layers of light” effect is hard to recreate from shore. You also get a smoother flow to the evening: you leave the Old Harbour, you settle in, and you focus on the show rather than navigating crowds and detours.

I also appreciate the celebration timing. The champagne is served right before midnight, and you’re positioned for the exact moment the fireworks go off. That turns the cruise from a sightseeing ride into an actual New Year’s plan.

Your 11 pm schedule: Old Harbour to the fireworks, then back by midnight

Here’s the rhythm you’re signing up for:

Departure from Reykjavik’s Old Harbour (11 pm)

You meet at the Special Tours Ticket Office at Reykjavík’s Old Harbour (101 Reykjavík). Then you board a comfortable vessel with experienced sailors and a live English-speaking guide.

Leaving at 11 pm matters. It gives you time to get out into Faxaflói Bay and settle before the sky show starts. It also means you’re not trying to sprint to the best view when people on land are already packed in.

Cruising Faxaflói Bay with coastline views

Once you’re underway, the cruise takes you along the gorgeous coastline area around Faxaflói Bay. This is a nice bonus, because you don’t spend the entire time waiting for fireworks. You get a moving panorama of the harbor area and the lights stretching across Reykjavík.

Champagne right before midnight

Right before midnight, the cruise includes a complimentary glass of champagne. This is one of the most practical parts of the experience. You don’t have to find a bar, queue, or worry about whether you’ll be holding a drink at the exact moment the year flips.

Fireworks from the sea

Then comes the main event: you’ll watch Reykjavik’s famous New Year’s Eve fireworks display from the water. Being on the sea is the point. You’ll be out where you can see fireworks over the city instead of behind buildings or through crowded street angles.

Return to land around 12:30 am

After the fireworks, you return to Reykjavík. The tour brings you back to land around half an hour after midnight. That timing is deliberate: you still have energy to keep going once you’re dropped off in the heart of the city.

Deck vs saloon: how to get the best view without freezing

You’ll have two main options once onboard:

The open-air deck

If your priority is the strongest view, the open-air deck is your friend. Fireworks look fantastic from the outside, especially when you can face the skyline and watch the bursts spread across Reykjavík.

The catch is weather. Iceland at New Year’s is not gentle, and the wind over water can feel sharper than you expect. The good news is that warm overalls are included, so you’re not starting from zero.

The cozy indoor saloon

The indoor saloon is where you go for comfort, especially if you get cold or you just want a calmer environment. One verified booking specifically noted that indoor space can be limited, so if you’re traveling with the mindset of needing a guaranteed seat inside, you may want to balance that expectation.

My practical suggestion: treat it like a relay. Spend time outside to watch the peak moments, then duck inside for short breaks. That keeps you warm without missing the show.

Also consider the bar onboard

There’s a bar onboard, which is useful for people who want to add drinks beyond the included champagne. Just know that the champagne is the guaranteed part—everything else depends on what you choose to buy.

Price and value: what $182 really buys you

At about $182 per person for a 2-hour experience, this cruise isn’t the cheapest way to see New Year’s fireworks. But you are paying for three things you can’t easily DIY:

1. A prime viewing position on the water at the right time
2. A planned midnight celebration moment (champagne included)
3. Comfort support for winter conditions (warm overalls)

If you’re trying to get a good shore spot, you may spend time and energy just getting there, and still end up fighting sightlines. Here, the viewpoint is built in. You board close to the action, you leave on a schedule, and you return without having to guess where the best view will be.

And the value gets better if you care about the full experience, not just the fireworks. You get the guided boat tour structure, coastline views as you cruise out, and a drop-off back in central Reykjavík afterward. That’s a big deal on New Year’s night, when getting around can be chaotic.

Two extra notes that support the value:

• A verified booking reported non-alcoholic Prosecco availability, which is a thoughtful option if you’re not drinking alcohol.
• Another verified booking reported a whale sighting during the cruise. That’s not promised, but it’s exactly the kind of “wow” that makes this kind of water evening feel memorable.

Who this cruise suits best (and who might not love it)

This is a strong fit if you want a stress-reduced New Year’s plan. You’ll still be out late, but you won’t have to fight for a spot with strangers on icy streets.

You’ll likely enjoy it most if:

• You want the fireworks at sea level, with city lights all around
• You like guided experiences with a set schedule (11 pm departure is a real anchor)
• You enjoy the idea of a midnight toast without extra searching
• You’re comfortable splitting time between deck and indoor areas

You might want to consider alternatives if:

• You strongly prefer guaranteed indoor seating (one review suggested indoor space can be limited)
• You dislike cold/wind and don’t want to spend any time on the deck
• You need transfers included, since transfers aren’t included (you’ll be taking care of getting to the Old Harbour yourself)

What to expect on Iceland’s winter water

The biggest “unknown” on any Iceland boat trip is weather. Wind over water is real, and nighttime conditions can make everything feel colder than you thought.

The cruise helps with that in a practical way: warm overalls are included. That’s not just a nice extra—it changes what you’re willing to do during the fireworks. Without overalls, lots of people would stay inside and miss part of the view. With overalls, you can actually step out for the show.

Timing also matters. The tour is designed around the fireworks peak, so you’re not waiting around for hours. You leave at 11 pm, and you’re back shortly after midnight, which keeps the evening from turning into a long, tiring slog.

Finally, keep your expectations honest about wildlife. One verified booking reported seeing a whale, and that’s wonderful. But since wildlife sightings aren’t listed as guaranteed, treat it as a bonus, not a promise.

Should you book this New Year’s Eve fireworks cruise?

If your goal is the best view with the least hassle, I think this is a very solid choice. You’re paying for the fireworks angle from Faxaflói Bay, plus a real midnight celebration moment with champagne, plus winter comfort through warm overalls. The schedule is tight and purposeful, and the return timing helps you keep enjoying Reykjavík right after.

I’d say book it if you’re excited about seeing fireworks over the city from the water and you’re okay with a mix of deck and indoor time. I’d pause if indoor space is a deal-breaker for you, since some seating can feel tight and you might prefer options that guarantee indoor comfort.

If you’re the type who wants New Year’s to feel organized and special, this cruise does that well.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the Reykjavik New Year’s Eve fireworks cruise?

You’ll meet at the Special Tours Ticket Office at Reykjavík’s Old Harbour, 101 Reykjavík.

What time does the cruise leave?

The boat departs the harbour at 11 pm.

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts 2 hours, and it returns to land around half an hour after midnight.

Is champagne included?

Yes. You receive a complimentary glass of champagne right before midnight.

Do they provide warm clothing?

Yes. Warm overalls are included.

Is there food or a bar onboard?

There is a bar on board. The tour includes the champagne, but the bar itself isn’t described as fully included beyond that.

Is the tour guided?

Yes. It includes a guided boat tour with a live tour guide in English.

Are transfers included?

No. Transfers are not included.

What cancellation options do I have?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is there a non-alcoholic option?

A verified booking mentioned non-alcoholic Prosecco is available, but it may depend on the specific setup onboard.

You Might Also Enjoy

South Iceland and Glacier Lagoon: Jökulsárlón with Boat TourGlacier Xtreme: Vatnajökull Ice Climbing + Hike from SkaftafellVatnajökull Guided Beginner Glacier Walk with 4×4 TransferSmall Group Day Tour to Lakagigar volcano by Super Jeep from Klaustur