Kopar’s dinner and a boat hunt for the aurora make one great Reykjavik evening. I like the two-in-one format, because you’re eating well in the Old Harbour and then switching straight into a Northern Lights cruise without burning time on logistics. I also like the built-in comfort: warm coveralls plus onboard commentary and video mean you’re not just staring into the dark hoping for the best. The main drawback to keep in mind is simple: the Northern Lights are weather-dependent, so you can have a beautiful cruise even if the aurora stays shy.

Here’s how the plan works: you start at Kopar for a multi-course set menu (Kopar calls it the Adventure Menu) and then you walk to Special Tours’ ticket office to check in for the 2.5-hour boat portion. Because dinner and cruise are scheduled back-to-back, timing matters. If you’re the type who likes a slow meal and extra wandering, you may feel a bit rushed—especially in rare situations where courses don’t match the schedule.

Kopar and Northern Lights by Boat: a smart Reykjavik two-for-one night

This is the kind of evening combo that makes sense in Iceland. The country gives you cold air, dramatic skies, and seriously hungry stomachs. So this tour tackles both: first, a gourmet dinner at Kopar in the Old Harbour, then a Northern Lights cruise where you can actually be out on the water instead of just standing in place on land.

The value comes from the pairing. The dinner is a real event—multi-course, served in a proper setting—then the cruise adds the aurora hunt with comfort tools and guidance. If you’re trying to maximize your sightseeing time in Reykjavik, this format reduces the “what next?” moments that can eat up an evening.

Price and Logistics: why $204.24 can feel fair (and when it might not)

At about $204.24 per person for roughly 5 hours, you’re paying for two things that are often priced separately in Reykjavik: fine dining and a Northern Lights boat experience. What makes the number more palatable is that several “small extras” are bundled in: the 6-course (set-menu) dinner at Kopar, the 2.5-hour cruise, warm coveralls, and onboard commentary plus video.

The main “gotcha” isn’t the price. It’s the fact that the aurora can be hit-or-miss. If the skies don’t cooperate, you might still enjoy the cruise atmosphere and narration, but the headline goal may not happen that night. In that case, having a reattempt option is the difference between a good evening and a frustrating one.

Also note: the dinner includes food, but drinks are not included at Kopar. Alcohol and soft drinks can add up fast in a place that’s already expensive, so if you’re budget-minded, consider eating and leaving the bar tab for another night.

Kopar Fine Dining in the Old Harbour: the Adventure Menu experience

Kopar is in the Old Harbour area, and that matters. You’re dining in a setting with a marina feel, which makes the whole night more atmospheric once you’ve finished eating and are ready to head out. The restaurant is also the place where the evening’s pace starts: you’ll have about 3 hours total at dinner, so expect a structured course flow rather than a casual, meandering hangout.

The tour is described as a 6-course dinner, but the restaurant’s set menu is often referred to as the Adventure Menu and can feel like a longer tasting sequence in practice. Either way, it’s not “one starter and a main.” It’s built as a tasting meal with multiple courses and dessert.

From what’s listed and described in menu feedback, you can expect a mix that tends to include:

• seafood-led courses (like cod)
• Icelandic game or specialty poultry in some menus (like goose or duck)
• rich comfort components (sauces, purées, crafted desserts)
• desserts that often lean into skyr and classic pastry styles

One thing I’d flag: portions can be generous. Multiple diners note that the set menu can run heavy enough that taking something away—or simply planning for you to be stuffed—is a smart mindset.

If you care about the view while you eat, ask for a window seat when you’re seated. Kopar’s harbor sightlines can really upgrade the experience, especially early in the evening when there’s still some light and you can watch the marina.

Dietary needs: plan ahead, don’t guess

The set menu approach can work well if you’re in a group with mixed dietary needs. I’d still treat it like this: confirm what can be accommodated when you secure your dinner reservation, because the exact course list is fixed and restaurant kitchens need clear instructions.

From dinner to check-in: the short walk that keeps you on time

After Kopar, the schedule shifts quickly. You leave dinner and head to Special Tours’ ticket office at Geirsgata 11 for Northern Lights cruise check-in. The distance is small—about a 1-minute walk—so you’re not trekking across town in winter weather.

Still, don’t assume your timing is automatic. The dinner reservation may need confirmation with Special Tours’ team after booking. That’s a big deal for this combo, because if dinner timing slips, the cruise check-in is the next bottleneck.

Here’s my practical advice:

• Keep your confirmation details in front of you.
• Use the confirmation email for timing, not just an app that might omit the fine-grain restaurant and check-in details.
• Give yourself a little buffer. Cold feet and late buses are not a great mix with a strict dinner-to-cruise handoff.

The 2.5-hour Northern Lights cruise: what’s included on board

The cruise portion is about 2.5 hours. The goal is to increase your odds by putting you out on the water and away from the densest light sources near shore. The boat experience includes:

• warm coveralls
• onboard commentary and video
• staff guidance about the aurora and what you’re seeing

One nice detail: the onboard setup is designed for comfort. Diners describe the boat as spacious and clean, with a relaxed feel once you’re bundled up. That matters because Iceland winter can make “standing outside for the aurora” feel like punishment. Here, you’re prepared to wait without freezing instantly.

You’ll likely sail as part of a larger crowd. Even though the tour activity lists a maximum group size of 6 travelers, the cruise itself can include many more passengers on the boat. So think of this as a small-group dining start paired with a larger-boat atmosphere during the lights portion.

Warm coveralls: use them, but check sizing early

Coveralls are provided, and people say they’re genuinely helpful. One practical note from experience: bring a mind for sizing. If you wait too long at distribution, your size may be hard to find.

Northern Lights reality check: odds, cloud cover, and backup options

Let’s be honest: Northern Lights are not a guaranteed product. This tour requires good weather, and that’s because the experience depends on visibility. Even with the best captain and the best narration, clouds and rain can shut down the aurora completely.

So what can you do with that reality?

1) Pick the right expectation.

You’re not only buying a “show.” You’re buying time on the water with guidance. If the lights appear, it’s magical. If they don’t, the cruise still gives you something active to do and a structured way to hunt.

2) Know that reattempts can happen.

A key comfort for this specific combo: if you don’t see the lights on one cruise, you may get a chance to go back for free. That’s a major difference-maker. Instead of ending the tour disappointed, you get a second attempt when skies might cooperate.

3) Understand the cruise route limitation.

The boat typically stays relatively close to Reykjavik waters rather than going far offshore. That can be fine, but it’s also why cloud cover can be such a problem. If the sky is thick with clouds, being near shore won’t save you.

4) Watch timing and pacing.

If you’re going to be strict about getting the lights, you need to respect the clock. This combo runs on schedule: dinner has to end so check-in and boarding can happen. In general, the operation keeps things moving, but the aurora window doesn’t wait for anyone.

Who should book this combo (and who should skip it)

This tour fits best if you want:

• a high-quality dinner as part of your Reykjavik night
• an aurora-focused activity that isn’t just standing outdoors
• a plan with clear structure: dinner, walk, check-in, cruise

It may not be ideal if:

• you’re hoping for a guaranteed aurora viewing (no one can promise that)
• you dislike fixed tasting menus and timed transitions
• you want a long, leisurely meal with no sense of schedule

This is also a good fit for couples and food lovers who see dinner as a core part of travel—not an afterthought. The ambiance at Kopar plus the organized cruise format creates a full evening arc.

Tips to make the whole evening run smoothly

A good tour is partly what it includes and partly how you prepare.

• Dress warm even though coveralls are provided. Iceland gets cold quickly in the Northern Lights season.
• Ask for a window seat at Kopar if it’s available. Harbor views can make dinner feel like part of the aurora hunt.
• Confirm your dinner reservation after booking. Don’t assume your reservation is automatically handled.
• Use your confirmation email for timing. One common mistake is trusting an app view that may miss the exact dinner and check-in windows.
• Keep drinks in mind. Dinner includes the set menu, but alcohol and other drinks are extra.
• Bring patience. Even with good planning, the sky controls the final outcome.

If you want the calmest possible experience, treat this as one continuous evening rather than two separate plans. Then everything feels smoother.

Should you book Kopar Fine Dining and a Northern Lights cruise?

Book it if you want a Reykjavik night that combines real dining with an aurora hunt that’s built for cold-weather comfort. The value is strongest when you care about food, want a structured schedule, and are okay with the Northern Lights being a lottery.

Skip it (or consider adjusting expectations) if you’re only interested in the lights and not the dinner. In that case, you’d be happier with a more flexible aurora outing. But if you’re hoping to make your first Reykjavik evening feel special, this combo is one of the most logical ways to do it—eat in the Old Harbour, then chase the sky from a warm boat.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Kopar dinner plus Northern Lights cruise?

The full experience runs about 5 hours in total, with roughly 3 hours at Kopar and about 2 hours for the Northern Lights cruise portion.

Where do I meet, and where does the tour end?

You start at Kopar at Geirsgata 3, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

What dinner is included at Kopar?

You get Kopar’s set-menu dinner from their Adventure Menu, listed as a 6-course dinner in the tour description.

Do drinks come with the dinner or the cruise?

Drinks at Kopar are not included and must be purchased. The cruise includes onboard commentary and video, and refreshments/drinks may be available to purchase during the cruise.

Are warm clothes provided for the boat?

Yes. Warm coveralls are provided on the boat. You should still dress warm because Iceland can get very cold during Northern Lights season.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the experience is offered in English.

What happens if the Northern Lights aren’t visible?

The aurora depends on weather. If the Northern Lights aren’t seen on a cruise, some passengers have been offered a chance to return for another try without paying extra, depending on the situation.

Is onboard commentary included during the cruise?

Yes. You’ll have onboard commentary along with video during the cruise.

Do I need to confirm my Kopar reservation after booking?

The information indicates you should contact the supplier and confirm your dinner reservation with the reception team after booking. You can reach Special Tours at [email protected] for confirmation.

How many people are in the group?

The activity lists a maximum of 6 travelers. The cruise itself may involve a larger number of passengers, but the tour’s overall group size is capped at 6.