What time does the cruise depart and return?

The vessel departs at 11:00 pm from Reykjavík Old Harbour and returns approximately 30 minutes after midnight (around 12:30 am).

Is Champagne included?

Yes, complimentary Champagne is provided as midnight approaches so you can toast the New Year. Other beverages may be available for purchase.

Can I choose between indoor and outdoor seating?

Yes, you can sit in the cosy heated indoor saloon with wraparound windows or on the open-air deck, depending on your preference and weather tolerance.

Will I definitely see the fireworks from the boat?

Yes—being on the water in Faxaflói Bay gives you an unobstructed, 360° view of the fireworks over Reykjavík, unlike land-based vantage points where crowds and buildings can block sightlines.

How cold will it be on the deck?

Icelandic coastal weather in late December is very cold, typically between −3 and 2°C (25–35°F), with wind chill making it feel colder. Layers and windproof clothing are essential if you choose the open-air deck.

Is there a multilingual guide or app?

Yes, the Special Tours app is available in English, German, French, Spanish, and Simplified Chinese and can be downloaded during the tour, offering text and audio narration.

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New Years Firework Cruise

(5)

Reykjavík, Iceland

Boat Tours

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About this activity

Ring in the New Year from the water on this 90-minute luxury cruise departing Reykjavík's Old Harbour at 11 pm, positioned perfectly to see the city's spectacular midnight fireworks display from the sea. Toast midnight with complimentary Champagne while watching Iceland's capital light up from Faxaflói Bay.

Get the best view of the famous fireworks and enjoy a glass of Champagne to toast as the clock strikes midnight. You will sail away with Special Tours from Reykjavik´s Old Harbour in the City Centre for an amazing spectacle cruise of Reykjavik and Reykjavik´s World Legendary Fireworks Display!

Our luxury comfort vessel leaves the harbor at 11 pm and will be back in the harbor about half an hour after midnight. Looking at the city from the sea will give you the chance to see ALL the fireworks over Reykjavik. You will receive a complimentary glass of Champagne as midnight approaches and, as the clock hits 12, raise a toast to the New Year.

You can chose from a spot in our cozy indoor saloon or stay on our open-air deck. Then, enjoy the views over the glittering lights of Iceland's capital as your boat cruises out into Faxaflói Bay. After the tour you are dropped off in the heart of city so you can continue enjoying the night in Reykjavík.

NEW

Special Tours Iceland app with 5 languages (English, German, French, Spanish and simplified Chinese) available for Android and Apple. It is available for all clients to download during their tour, with both text and audio information. The app will is as close to an audio guided wildlife adventure as possible

The most common whales spotted include minke whales, humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises.

Highlights

✓Unobstructed 360° views of Reykjavík's New Year fireworks from the water
✓Complimentary Champagne toast at midnight
✓Choice of heated indoor saloon or open-air deck seating
✓Departs from iconic Old Harbour in the city centre
✓Returns by 12:30 am so you can continue celebrating ashore
✓Multilingual Special Tours app (5 languages) with live narration available

Insider tips

★Arrive 20–30 minutes early to secure the best vantage point on deck before departure at 11 pm
★Layer your clothing heavily if choosing the open-air deck—Arctic winds make it significantly colder than on land, even for brief exposure
★The indoor saloon offers wraparound windows; position yourself near them if you prefer warmth without sacrificing views
★Download the Special Tours app before boarding for optional English, German, French, Spanish, or Simplified Chinese audio narration throughout the cruise

Good to know

•Departure time: 11:00 pm from Reykjavík Old Harbour (city centre); return by approximately 12:30 am
•Dress warmly in waterproof outerwear and layers—Icelandic coastal weather is unpredictable and cold, especially on deck
•The vessel is a luxury comfort boat with both heated indoor and open-air areas; no special mobility aids mentioned, but confirm accessibility needs at booking
•Champagne is included; other drinks/snacks available for purchase onboard

Who it's for

Couples seeking a romantic New Year's Eve experienceSolo travellers wanting a unique, social celebrationGroups of friends or families looking for an alternative to land-based partiesVisitors wanting unobstructed views of Reykjavík's fireworks without street-level crowds

Best time to visit

This cruise operates exclusively on New Year's Eve (31 December) to coincide with Reykjavík's famous midnight fireworks spectacle. Darkness falls by early afternoon in Iceland's winter, making the 11 pm departure ideal for maximum visibility of both the city lights and pyrotechnics.

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

(5)

Paul K.

Jun 2026

our captain Jonas couldnt do enough for us and jumping off the back into clear water was the highlight, and blew our Rome one out of the water.

Mariam G.

Feb 2026

Very enjoy, dolphins riding the bow for ages the best part. Kenji take care us very well, got loads of photos. Thank you so much!

Tara R.

Jan 2026

our captain Carla really knew their stuff and jumping off the back into clear water was the highlight, and miles ahead of a similar boat trip we tried in Cape Town.

Adam N.

Mar 2025

So nice this one, jumping off the back into clear water was amazing and Omar the captain explain everything good. Better than Marrakech for sure, we go again!

Olivia C.

Jan 2025

dmitri our captain was class, miles ahead of a similar boat trip we tried in Kyoto, def recommend

from€171.35/ person

4.8 · 66 reviews on Trustpilot

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