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New Year's Eve Firework Cruise in Reykjavík

about 1.5 hoursGroup: Shared boatEasyBoatAll ages31 December only

A New Year's Eve firework cruise out onto Faxaflói Bay, watching the whole city light up at once. You get warm overalls and a glass of champagne, and can watch from the indoor saloon or the open deck.

Reykjavík Old HarbourFaxaflói BayCity skyline at midnight
  • Sail out onto the bay just before midnight on 31 December
  • Watch fireworks go up over the whole city at once, not just one neighbourhood
  • A glass of champagne included for the countdown
  • Warm overalls provided, with an indoor saloon and open deck to choose from
  • Leaves from the Old Harbour, a short walk from downtown Reykjavík

Your day, stop by stop

Click a stop for photos and practical tips.
1Reykjavík's Old HarbourBoarding at the Old HarbourMeet at the harbour and board before the boat sets off.
Reykjavík's Old Harbour

The boat leaves from the Old Harbour at 23:00 on 31 December, a short walk from downtown Reykjavík. Meet at the harbour and board before it sets off. There is no pick-up, and this tour only runs once a year and books up early.

2Fireworks over the harbourOut on Faxaflói BayWatch the fireworks go up over Reykjavík from the water.
Fireworks over the harbourFireworks reflected on the waterFireworks over the Reykjavík waterfront

The boat sails out into the bay for a clear, open view of the whole city skyline as fireworks go off across Reykjavík at midnight, with Esja mountain behind. You are out for about an hour, either side of midnight. The open deck gets cold, so use the saloon to warm up between photos.

Time here · about an hour, either side of midnightFacilities · indoor saloon and open deck, on-board barTip · the open deck gets cold, so use the saloon to warm up between photos
3Return to the harbourThe boat sails back to the Old Harbour after the fireworks.

About the New Year's Eve firework cruise

On New Year's Eve, Icelanders set off their own fireworks from gardens and streets all over Reykjavík, so from the ground you only really see what is going up around you. From a boat out on Faxaflói Bay you get the whole picture: the city skyline lit up with fireworks going off everywhere at once, with Esja mountain behind it.

The boat leaves the Old Harbour late in the evening and is out on the water into the first minutes of the new year, so you get both the countdown and the fireworks that follow. Warm overalls are handed out before departure, and there is an indoor saloon if you want to warm up, plus an open deck for the view and photos.

It is a short trip, about an hour and a half door to door, and a popular one, so book it well before the 31st. Dress warmly underneath the overalls, since it is a clear winter night out on open water and the wind off the bay is cold.

Included

  • Return trip on Faxaflói Bay
  • A glass of champagne
  • Warm outer overalls
  • Access to the on-board bar (drinks not included)

Not included

  • Food
  • Transport to and from the harbour
  • Extra drinks from the bar

What to bring

  • Warm layers to wear under the overalls
  • A hat and gloves
  • Your phone or camera

Good to know

  • Departs at 23:00 on 31 December and returns around 00:30
  • No pick-up is available; meet at the ticket office at Geirsgata 11, at the Old Harbour
  • Suitable for all ages, with a champagne toast included for adults
  • This only runs once a year, on New Year's Eve, and books up early

Questions people ask

Where does the boat leave from?

From the ticket office at Geirsgata 11, in Reykjavík's Old Harbour. Pick-up is not available.

Will we actually see the fireworks well?

Yes. Being out on the bay gives you a wide view of the whole city skyline, rather than just what is going off in one street.

Is it warm enough on deck?

You are given warm overalls, and there is an indoor saloon to retreat to. Dress warmly underneath anyway, since it is a winter night on open water.

Is it suitable for children?

Yes, it is a calm, short cruise suitable for all ages.

How far in advance should we book?

As early as you can. This sails once a year on a fixed date and capacity is limited.

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From24,490 ISKPer person

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