New Year’s Eve Fireworks Cruise in Reykjavik

Midnight looks better from the water. This New Year’s Eve fireworks cruise turns the cold wait into a cozy plan, with coveralls and a warm indoor saloon. Two things I really like: you get a Champagne glass for the toast at midnight, and you’re out on Faxaflói Bay far enough to see fireworks over Reykjavik’s glittering city lights. One drawback to keep in mind: it may feel more like a short boat viewing session than a long, moving cruise, since the vessel can spend time in the same area.

You’ll also get panoramic views in a way that’s hard to recreate from shore, especially with the bay framing the skyline. I like that you’re not stuck out there until sunrise either—you’re scheduled to return to downtown so you can keep the party going after midnight. The other consideration is crowding: the maximum group size is up to 198 people, so expect a snug boat.

Finally, it’s built for a winter night. You meet at Special Tours at Geirsgata 11 right before departure, you’ll use a mobile ticket, and the tour runs about 1 hour 30 minutes total—so you’ll want to dress like the weather means business.

Key Points to Know Before You Go

• Faxaflói Bay views: the fireworks and Reykjavik’s lighted landmarks are framed from the water.
• Midnight Champagne toast: you’re served a glass onboard to ring in the new year.
• Coveralls included: you’re issued winter gear for warmth against sea wind.
• Audio commentary on board: there’s an onboard commentary, but audio can be hit or miss in cold conditions.
• Back to downtown fast: you return to the meeting point area so you can continue celebrating.

Midnight Fireworks From Reykjavik’s Water, Without the Shore Chaos

There’s a special kind of New Year’s Eve magic in Reykjavik—dark sky, bright lights, and that countdown energy rolling through the harbor. This cruise leans into the best part: you trade the packed shoreline feeling for views out over Faxaflói Bay.

The value here is the placement. Fireworks are dramatic from the city, sure, but from the water you get more depth: skyline lights on one side, open sea space in front, and fireworks popping against the night. The tour also gives you a structured moment at midnight, not just a wandering plan.

Just don’t expect this to be a long adventure at sea. The experience is short by design—about 1 hour 30 minutes—and it’s aimed at catching the display and getting you back downtown after the big moment.

Meeting Point at Geirsgata 11 and the 11:00 pm Start

Plan to arrive a bit early at Special Tours at Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík. The tour start time is 11:00 pm, so you’ll want time to find the spot, check your mobile ticket, and get ready for boarding.

No hotel pickup is offered, so this is very much a self-managed meet-up. The good news is that it’s near public transportation, which makes it easier to fit into a New Year’s Eve night where your hotel might be anywhere in the city.

The meeting-point location matters on NYE. Downtown is where you’ll likely want to be afterward, and this activity ends back at the same meeting point. That means less scrambling in the last minutes before midnight.

The “Cruise” Part: What 1.5 Hours Actually Looks Like

This is a short outing, not an all-night sail. You’re on the water around 1 hour 30 minutes total, and the goal is simple: get you into position for the fireworks display.

Here’s the key thing to understand: some people go in expecting a constantly moving ride, and the reality can be different. The vessel may stay in the same spot for a big chunk of the experience, with little motion unless needed. That’s not automatically bad—stationary positioning can be great for viewing—but it can feel less like a cruise if you’re imagining an active tour route.

Think of it as a floating viewing platform with a Champagne toast at midnight and a quick return. You’re there for the show and the skyline framing, not for long-distance cruising.

Stop 1: Boarding, Getting in Position, and the Toast at Midnight

Your experience begins with a straightforward head-to-the-boat moment. You’ll meet at Special Tours, then head to the vessel for the fireworks viewing in Faxaflói Bay.

Before midnight, you’ll be in place to watch the fireworks. The schedule is built around that moment: you’ll receive a glass of champagne onboard to toast at midnight. That part is a real highlight because it turns the countdown into a shared ritual instead of an individual moment you have to time yourself.

One practical note: New Year’s Eve fireworks are best when you can see clearly for the full burst sequence. If you’re hoping for photos or a perfect view, arrive ready to move to a spot that works for you quickly once you’re aboard.

Warmth Game Plan: Coveralls, Indoor Saloon, and the Deck Choice

I love that the tour takes the cold seriously. Coveralls are included, which is a big deal for Iceland in winter and especially for an evening with wind off the water. You also have an indoor saloon option, so you’re not locked out of warmth if you start feeling chilled.

There’s also open decking if you want the full element experience—fresh air, sea breeze, and a more direct view line for the fireworks. This is the moment where you decide your style:

• If you run cold easily, keep an eye on the indoor option and step out for the fireworks peak.
• If you like to feel the weather, spend the key minutes on deck when the show starts.

Either way, this tour is designed around short exposure. You’re not out there for hours before or after the fireworks.

Views That Matter: Reykjavik Lights + Fireworks Over the Bay

The payoff is the panorama. From Faxaflói Bay, you get Reykjavik’s illuminated landmarks and the city’s lighted skyline spread across the dark. Fireworks add the vertical drama, while the bay adds open space—so the show has room to feel big.

I also like that you’re not stuck facing one narrow angle like you can be onshore. From the water, you’re often better positioned for wide shots and for seeing the full sequence of bursts.

For photos, remember the obvious but easy-to-forget detail: it’s cold and dark. If your phone or camera battery is sensitive, keep it as warm as you can between bursts, and be ready for hands to feel clumsy when you take pictures on deck.

Onboard Bar, Drinks, and Audio Commentary Reality Check

Drinks are available from the onboard bar, but food and drinks aren’t included unless specified. The only guaranteed drink is the included champagne glass at midnight.

The bar setup can matter more than you’d think on NYE. If you plan to buy drinks during the show, expect it to be busy and possibly slower than a normal night. If you’re aiming for a calm experience, take advantage of the champagne toast and then decide when to mingle.

Audio commentary is part of the experience too. The tour includes audio commentary onboard, but cold conditions and onboard connectivity can affect how clear it is. If the commentary becomes hard to hear, don’t stress—the fireworks are the main event.

The pro tip here is simple: don’t rely on narration for your timing. Watch the display setup and keep your attention on what you came for.

The Trade-Off: When the Boat Feels Small and Packed

A few things can influence how you feel on the night.

First is boat size and crowding. The tour can have a maximum of 198 travelers, and a packed boat can make the experience feel tighter than you want, especially when you’re moving between deck and indoors. If you’re the type who hates shoulder-to-shoulder spaces, be aware that this is a high-demand night and the vessel may feel crowded.

Second is the “bar is there, but…” factor. One disappointment described a bar that felt less substantial than expected. That doesn’t mean you won’t be able to buy drinks. It does mean you should avoid assuming a full-service setup for the duration of the show.

Finally, there’s the earlier point: if you wanted a lot of movement, you might feel the ride is more about position than travel. If you can adjust your expectations to a stationary viewing experience with a warm onboard setup, you’re more likely to enjoy it.

Getting Back to Downtown After Midnight

This is where the tour makes a smart choice. After the boat returns, you’re back in the heart of downtown Reykjavik—exactly where you’ll want to be for post-midnight celebrations.

That timing is a big part of the value. A lot of NYE plans die because they strand you too far from the city or take too long to get back. This one tries to keep you close to the action after the fireworks.

So think of the cruise as your “midnight anchor.” You’ll get the big show and the toast, then you can roll directly into Reykjavik’s after-midnight atmosphere.

Price and Value: Is $183.84 Worth It?

At $183.84 per person, this isn’t a budget night. But New Year’s Eve in a place like Reykjavik is expensive because demand is brutal and viewing locations are limited.

What you are paying for is the combination:

• Prime positioning out at Faxaflói Bay for a better fireworks view than most shore options.
• Coveralls included, which is a real cost-saver and helps you enjoy the deck.
• Champagne included for the midnight toast.
• A professional guide and onboard commentary to give structure to the experience.
• A short, timed window so you can still celebrate downtown afterward.

Where the price can feel less justified is if you expected lots of cruising time, a big open deck, or a spacious boat. If you’re sensitive to crowds or you want a more active ride, this is the risk.

My take: if you want the fireworks experience with comfort support and you’re okay with a brief outing, the price is easier to justify. If you’re mainly looking for a long voyage adventure, you might feel underwhelmed.

Who This Cruise Fits Best

This cruise suits you if:

• You want a warm winter setup with coveralls and an indoor option.
• You care about seeing fireworks from the water, not just from shore.
• You want a scheduled plan that gets you back to downtown after midnight.
• You’ll appreciate the included Champagne toast as part of the ritual.

It might not suit you if:

• You’re expecting a constantly moving cruise rather than a mostly stationary viewing session.
• You hate crowded boats and want a lot of personal space.
• You plan to rely heavily on onboard commentary and bar service as part of the event.

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

Book it if your priority is the fireworks from Faxaflói Bay, and you want a simple, timed evening with included winter gear and Champagne at midnight. The biggest reason to choose it is that it puts you in the right visual spot for Reykjavik’s New Year’s show while still letting you get back downtown when the night really takes off.

Skip it if your idea of a cruise means lots of movement and wide-open space. With a packed, short, viewing-focused format, it’s better as a fireworks plan than as a sailing adventure.

If you do book, show up ready for winter, pick your deck spot wisely, and treat the onboard time like a live viewing event—because that’s what makes it work.

FAQ

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

The start time is 11:00 pm.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 1 hour 30 minutes.

Where is the meeting point in Reykjavik?

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

Is Champagne included?

Yes. You’ll receive a glass of champagne onboard to toast at midnight.

Are coveralls included?

Yes. Use of coveralls is included.

Are food and drinks included?

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

Do I need hotel pickup?

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

Is there a mobile ticket?

Yes. The tour uses a mobile ticket.