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1 / 10Reykjavík New Year's Eve Celebration at Sea
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Reykjavík, IcelandNightlifeAdventure ToursCultural Tours
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About this activity
Watch Reykjavík's legendary New Year's Eve fireworks from the water—a unique vantage point on Faxaflói Bay where hundreds of thousands of locals simultaneously light up the sky with an estimated 500 tonnes of fireworks. This 2-hour evening cruise from the Old Harbour captures the electric energy of Iceland's most spectacular night, with unobstructed 360° views of the capital skyline and countryside explosions.
If Reykjavík is not on your list of destinations to ring in the New Year, it sure should be!
The Icelandic way to celebrate is unlike any other as it is filled with food, bonfires, parties and spectacular firework displays. Join us for an unforgettable evening as this experience is sure to light up the dark night sky of Faxaflói bay and the view of the fantastic capital skyline is quite extraordinary. This is a truly unique event you should not give a miss!
Available: 31 December
Duration: 2 hrs.
Time: 22:30-00:30
Available on New Year's Eve each year, our 'celebration at sea' is set by the shores of Reykjavík where we have ample views of the capital's magnificent fireworks from sea. The crew for the evening welcomes you onboard our Visitor Centre at the Old Harbour where you will board the cruise vessel. Receive a glass of welcome drink as we start off by sailing at a steady pace into the bay until we get to the best area to watch the show.
Although there is no official fireworks 'show' per se, the residents of Reykjavík and the surrounding areas collectively make for a fantastic performance and there will be glistening and shimmering explosions everywhere you look - a true spectacle for all senses. It is said that each year roughly 200.000 people set off about 500 tonnes of fireworks from 23:00 until 00:00 in the greater Reykjavík area alone - imagine that!
Stay outside on the deck and keep warm in our comfortable overalls or have a seat in our heated indoor saloon and watch the fireworks display from within. Put on your party hats, grab a snack from your table or a complimentary drink at the bar and enjoy the cruise, fellow traveller's company, lively music and extravagant and fiery show ahead - and if conditions are just right we might even get a chance to see the Northern Lights!
When the clock ticks closer to midnight we will do a countdown together and raise our glasses to the New Year!
.... 10 .... 9 .... 8 .... 7 .... 6 .... 5 .... 4 .... 3 .... 2 .... 1 .... HAPPY NEW YEAR
We'll slowly start to make our way back to the harbour once we've gotten a good look at the firework show. As we get back in the harbour you have the rest of the night to enjoy all that the downtown area has to offer.
Please note that the tour is subject to weather and conditions at sea. Minimum drinking age is 20 years and therefore all underage passengers must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Elding is a proud supporter of the Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue, a non-profit and volunteer-based organisation that works to prevent accidents and save human lives. They rely heavily on donations and as such they are the primary distributor and seller of fireworks in Iceland. Support the local ICE-SAR by buying fireworks from one of their many sales booths located in and around the city, or by donating through their website.
Highlights
- ✓Boat departure from Reykjavík's Old Harbour at 22:30 on 31 December
- ✓Unobstructed sea views of 500+ tonnes of fireworks across the greater Reykjavík area
- ✓Welcome drink included as you sail into the prime viewing zone
- ✓Heated indoor seating and warm overalls provided for comfort in Arctic conditions
- ✓Witness roughly 200,000 locals celebrating simultaneously (23:00–00:00)
Insider tips
- ★Arrive at Old Harbour 30+ minutes early to clear check-in before departure; the boat fills quickly on New Year's Eve
- ★Layer heavily under the provided overalls—sea wind in late December is sharp, and you'll be on deck for the best views
- ★Bring a waterproof camera or phone case; spray from the bay and celebratory atmosphere make moisture likely
- ★Position yourself on the port or starboard rails once at sea; fireworks erupt across all directions, but water-side views often catch reflections
Good to know
- •Duration: exactly 2 hours (22:30–00:30); plan onward transport to Old Harbour in advance as taxis are extremely scarce after midnight
- •Heated indoor cabin available, but best fireworks views are from the open deck
- •Comfortable overalls and a welcome drink are included; dress warmly underneath
- •Only available 31 December each year; book well in advance
- •Accessible boarding from Old Harbour; confirm mobility needs when booking if required
Who it's for
New Year's Eve travellers seeking a once-in-a-lifetime alternative to land-based celebrationsPhotography enthusiasts wanting unique angles on mass fireworks displaysCouples and groups wanting an intimate, memorable way to ring in the yearAdventure seekers interested in Icelandic cultural traditions and communal celebrations
Best time to visit
31 December only, 22:30–00:30. Depart at 22:30 to sail into position as fireworks ignite at 23:00; you'll be at the optimal viewing location when the main display peaks around midnight.
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