Reykjavik turns into a midnight postcard. This short cruise lets you watch panoramic fireworks over the city from Faxaflói Bay, with Reykjavík lit up behind you. I also love the included champagne toast at midnight. The main watch-out is crowding, since the boat can feel packed and the ride may be more stationary than a full sightseeing cruise.

You meet at Special Tours on Geirsgata 11 at 11:00 pm and head out for about 90 minutes. There is an indoor saloon to warm up, plus open deck time when you want the full night-air view, and you come back right into downtown for post-midnight celebrations.

Key things to know before you go

• Champagne at midnight: one glass included for your toast
• Coveralls provided: a big help on windy winter nights
• Faxaflói Bay viewing: city lights and fireworks from the water
• Indoor and outdoor options: saloon warmth, deck views
• Audio commentary onboard: fun, but sound can be hit or miss
• Quick return to downtown: ideal if you plan to keep celebrating on land

Why this Reykjavik fireworks cruise works for New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Eve in Reykjavik is cold, crowded, and loud in the best way. What makes this cruise appealing is the perspective change. Instead of standing on a street, you get the fireworks and the glow of the city from out on the water, with Faxaflói Bay doing the heavy lifting for great viewing.

I like that it is designed around one clear goal: see the fireworks at midnight and be back soon after. The timing fits the way most people actually celebrate on January 1 in Reykjavik, with plans still open for bars, parties, and that first fresh walk in the morning light.

One more plus, this is not a half-day ordeal. It is about 1 hour 30 minutes, so you can spend New Year’s Eve money and energy on the moment, not on a long slog of waiting.

Price and what you’re really paying for ($183.84)

At $183.84 per person, this is not a budget activity. You are paying for the premium of the night itself, plus the comfort and services that matter in Iceland winter.

Here is what is included, and why it matters:

• A professional guide
• Use of coveralls, which can be the difference between enjoying the deck and wanting to hide indoors
• A glass of champagne for the midnight toast

What is not included is just as important. Food and most drinks are not included, unless specified otherwise, and the onboard bar is an option only if you want to buy something. If you want a full meal, plan to eat before you go. If you want multiple drinks, budget extra for them.

Also note the group size potential. The maximum is 198 travelers, which usually means you can expect a lively crowd and limited space if the boat is smaller than you imagined. One reviewer described the vessel as tight and packed to capacity, which is a useful warning when you are choosing between a cruise and a very comfortable private option.

Getting on board at 11:00 pm, and how logistics affect the experience

This cruise starts at 11:00 pm, with a meeting point at Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík (Special Tours). You do not get hotel pickup, so you are going to use public transport or walk, which is usually fine in central Reykjavik.

I recommend you arrive early, not because the process sounds complicated, but because winter and New Year’s Eve both reward buffer time. Between lining up, getting your gear, and finding a decent spot, 10 to 20 minutes can disappear quickly.

Your ticket is mobile, so you will want your phone charged and ready. If you have ever been in Iceland in December with a low battery, you know why this matters.

The payoff for the logistics is that you get a clean start and a clean finish. After the cruise, the activity ends back at the same meeting point in the heart of downtown, so you can keep celebrating without a long transfer.

The outbound part: gear up, settle in, and find your view

Once you board, you will be in that Reykjavik-harbor atmosphere: salt air, cold wind, and that pre-midnight buzz. The cruise includes coveralls, which you should treat as essential gear, not an afterthought. Even when you are not exposed constantly, the wind on open water is real.

You will have two ways to enjoy the night:

• Stay inside the indoor saloon when you want warmth
• Step out to the open decking for the best sightlines when the moment gets close

This mix is smart. You do not have to commit to freezing cold for the entire 90 minutes. If you get chilly, you can warm up and then return for the fireworks window.

Some people go straight to the deck. I prefer a hybrid strategy. I would take a first look outward early, then watch the crowd and movement. If the boat is busy, you may want to secure a comfortable spot indoors at the start, then step out again right as the fireworks approach.

Watching fireworks from Faxaflói Bay: what the timing feels like

The highlight is the view over Reykjavík from Faxaflói Bay. You are cruising out far enough to get a better angle than you would get from the immediate harbor area, and you get those panoramic nighttime scenes with the city lights below and behind you.

What you should expect in terms of motion is not full-time wandering. Several guest impressions point to long stretches where the boat is essentially stationary, with only some movement later on. That is not automatically bad. Stationary viewing can be great for photos and for keeping everyone pointed the right direction.

But it does explain why some people feel misled by the word cruise. If you are craving nonstop nautical sightseeing, you might find this more like a floating viewing platform than a big voyage. I would still call it a real cruise experience, but I would set your expectations for viewing rather than travel miles.

Audio commentary is part of the onboard experience. In at least a couple of accounts, the commentary was described as entertaining, but sound was also reported as difficult to hear at times due to connectivity issues. Translation: do not rely on audio to understand what is happening. The fireworks are the main event, and your eyes will not need help.

Midnight champagne toast: the moment everyone remembers

Midnight arrives fast. The cruise includes a glass of champagne to toast at midnight. This is one of those small inclusions that feels big on New Year’s Eve, because it turns waiting into a shared ritual.

I like that the toast is built into the plan. You are not hustling to find a place to celebrate or trying to coordinate around a crowded bar. You just gather, raise your glass, and watch.

One review noted that the champagne felt genuinely like real champagne, not some watered-down stand-in. That aligns with the overall approach of this tour, which aims to make the central moment feel properly special.

Dress strategy matters here. Champagne in your hand is not useful if you are trying to keep your fingers from going numb. Use the coveralls, and when the deck gets colder, step indoors and then return when you are ready to watch. You can still be part of the midnight moment without suffering through it.

Onboard comfort: coveralls, indoor warmth, and the bar reality

Winter comfort is the difference between liking the cruise and just enduring it. The tour provides coveralls, which is a major practical win. They are there because you are spending time outside and you will feel the wind on the water.

You also have an indoor saloon. This matters because the night is still a night in Reykjavik, meaning freezing air and shifting wind. If you are traveling with someone who gets cold quickly, the saloon gives you a built-in way to reset.

The bar is also available. But do not assume it is a full bar experience. One guest described the bar as limited. In a small, crowded setting, that can mean slower service or fewer choices. If you care about what you drink, decide ahead of time whether you are fine buying only the basics.

This is also where crowding becomes your personal comfort factor. A few comments point to a smaller boat packed tightly. If you are sensitive to tight spaces or you hate being shoulder to shoulder, this is the part you should weigh carefully.

The return to downtown and why it’s built for real plans

After the fireworks, the boat returns so you are back in central Reykjavik in time to continue your celebrations. This is one of the best pieces of practical value in the whole experience.

Many New Year’s Eve activities lock you into the night. This one gives you flexibility. You can go for another drink, catch a late snack if that is your style, or just head out for a walk while the city is still awake.

Because the cruise ends back at the meeting point, you do not have to figure out complicated last-mile transport. You can simply step off and start navigating on foot.

Is this the right choice? How I would decide

If you want a classic Reykjavik New Year’s Eve moment with good views and a built-in toast, this cruise makes sense. The included champagne and coveralls are not just nice-to-haves, they are exactly what keeps the night enjoyable. Plus, the return to downtown means you are not giving up your entire evening to a single activity.

Choose it if:

• You want to see fireworks from the water, not a street corner
• You value included warmth gear and a midnight toast
• You plan to celebrate after midnight on land and need an early return

Consider another option if:

• You want lots of boat movement and a true sailing experience rather than mostly stationary viewing
• You are expecting lots of onboard space or a large, comfortable vessel
• You rely on audio commentary and get frustrated when sound is hard to hear

FAQ

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

It starts at 11:00 pm.

How long does the cruise last?

The duration is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.

Where do I meet the tour?

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

Is a mobile ticket used for this experience?

Yes, it features a mobile ticket.

What is included in the price?

Included are a professional guide, use of coveralls, and a glass of champagne.

Are food and drinks included?

Food and drinks are not included unless specified. A bar is available onboard, but purchases are not listed as included.

Is hotel pickup or drop-off offered?

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

When will I get confirmation after booking?

Confirmation is received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes, there is free cancellation. You must cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the experience start time for a full refund.

Should you book this Reykjavik fireworks cruise?

My take: book it if your priority is the midnight fireworks view from the bay plus a proper champagne toast, and you are comfortable with the idea that the boat may be crowded and not constantly moving. The inclusion of coveralls and champagne makes it feel more like a real New Year celebration than a basic ticket to a viewing area.

Skip it if you want a roomy ship, lots of motion, and a guaranteed easy-to-hear commentary. In that case, you might be happier with a different format that better matches your comfort needs on a very busy night.