Kopar Fine Dining Dinner and Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik

If you’re planning a trip to Reykjavik and want a memorable way to combine both excellent food and the possibility of catching the Northern Lights, the Kopar Fine Dining Dinner and Northern Lights Cruise might catch your eye. This is a tour that promises an evening of gourmet Icelandic cuisine followed by a cozy boat cruise in search of the elusive auroras.

What we love about this experience is how it blends two iconic Icelandic activities into one relaxed evening — a top-quality meal at a highly-rated restaurant and an intimate, small-group cruise with the chance to see the Northern Lights. Plus, the inclusion of warm coveralls on the boat means you won’t have to feel chilled to the bone while waiting for the sky to put on its display.

However, it’s worth mentioning that, like all Northern Lights experiences, there’s an element of luck involved. The tour’s success heavily depends on weather conditions and aurora activity, which can be unpredictable. If you’re someone who values flexibility and the chance to see the lights without the crowds, this trip could be a good fit. It’s particularly suited for travelers who want a thoughtfully curated evening that combines culinary excellence with a bit of natural magic.

Key Points

• Gourmet Icelandic dinner: You’ll enjoy a 6-course meal featuring local ingredients, crafted for food lovers looking for a memorable dining experience.
• Small group size: With a maximum of 6 travelers, this tour offers a more intimate, relaxed atmosphere.
• Two-in-one experience: Combines a delicious dinner at Kopar with a Northern Lights cruise, maximizing your evening and your chances of aurora sightings.
• Weather and aurora dependency: The cruise’s success in spotting the lights is unpredictable and hinges on clear skies and aurora activity.
• Comfort on the water: Warm coveralls are provided, making it more comfortable to spend time outside on the boat.
• Flexible booking: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance offers some peace of mind in case plans change.

What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour offers a well-rounded package. You get a 6-course dinner from Kopar’s adventure menu, which has been highly praised for its quality and presentation. The dinner is served at a top Reykjavik restaurant overlooking the harbor, providing a stunning setting. Many reviews mention how delicious and hearty the food is, with some even saying it’s the best meal they had in Iceland.

After dinner, you’ll hop onto a 2.5-hour Northern Lights cruise. The boat is equipped with warm coveralls to keep you cozy, and you’ll get onboard commentary and videos that add context to what you’re experiencing. The cruise generally stays within the harbor area, which is a point some travelers have noted — some wish the boat went further out into the ocean for a better shot at the lights, but this is often avoided due to choppy waters and seasickness concerns.

Drinks at the restaurant are not included, so if you want a glass of wine or a cocktail, you’ll need to purchase those separately. The tour is designed for small groups, capped at six travelers, which helps keep the experience intimate and personalized.

The Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1: Kopar Restaurant

Your evening kicks off at Kopar, located in the Old Harbour area. The restaurant boasts a wonderful view and a reputation for fantastic Icelandic cuisine. The 6-course adventure menu features dishes like rock lobster soup, smoked arctic char, goose breast with pumpkin seeds, lightly salted cod, and rack of lamb — all of which showcase Iceland’s fresh, local ingredients.

From reviews, it’s clear that many guests find the food to be a highlight. One reviewer said, “the meal was six courses plus bread at the start and the quality of the food was top drawer,” and another called it “the best meal ever.” The staff at Kopar are generally described as attentive and friendly, adding to the overall positive dining experience.

Some guests noted that the portions are quite generous, with one even needing a take-away box, so pace yourself if you’re not starving. The view overlooking the harbor creates a perfect backdrop for this delicious meal, making the whole experience feel special.

Transition to the Cruise

After finishing up your dinner, you’ll make your way to the Special Tours Ticket Office at Geirsgata 11, just a minute’s walk from Kopar, to check in for your cruise. It’s important to confirm your reservation with the staff — a detail that some reviews highlighted as crucial to avoid confusion.

Timing-wise, you’ll be at Kopar for about three hours, including your meal, then head to the harbor for the cruise, which lasts roughly two and a half hours. The overall duration of around five hours makes for a full, immersive evening but still leaves plenty of room for you to relax and enjoy.

The Northern Lights Cruise

Onboard, you’ll be provided with warm coveralls and enjoy onboard commentary and videos that enhance your understanding of the auroras. The cruise generally stays close to the harbor, which some might see as limiting, but it’s a safer option for those worried about seasickness or chilly conditions.

Guests have expressed mixed experiences about the success of spotting the Northern Lights. Many reviews mention luck playing a big role. For instance, one reviewer said, “We saw the Northern Lights pretty much ten minutes after leaving port,” while another noted that poor weather or cloudy conditions can make the cruise a disappointment.

Weather and Aurora Dependence

This is probably the most important consideration. The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, and no matter how good the tour is, there’s no guarantee you’ll see them. Some guests felt the cruise was a bit of a gamble — and if it’s rainy or cloudy, your chances decrease significantly. A reviewer mentioned, “We were scheduled for a cruise on a rainy night, and I feel there was no chance of seeing the Northern Lights,” which underscores how unpredictable this experience can be.

That said, if the weather cooperates, the sight of the auroras dancing above the dark waters makes it all worth it. Many guests who did catch the lights described it as a magical moment, often saying it was an experience they’d never forget.

The Value Proposition

At $199, this tour is priced on the higher side, but many reviewers feel it’s worth the cost. You get a carefully curated, high-quality dinner and a small-group cruise, which makes the evening feel more personalized. The inclusion of warm coveralls enhances comfort during the cruise, especially in Iceland’s chilly evenings.

The restaurant experience alone is highly praised, with several reviewers calling Kopar’s food “phenomenal” and “the best meal ever.” When you add the chance to see the Northern Lights, many see it as a valuable, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity — especially since the cruise offers a second chance to see the lights for free if your first attempt doesn’t succeed.

Some reviews point out the cruise could be more extensive or go further into the ocean, but most appreciate the safety and comfort of staying near the harbor, especially if seasickness is a concern.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour For?

This experience is ideal for food lovers who want to indulge in Icelandic cuisine and are open to the possibility (but not guaranteed) of seeing the Northern Lights. It’s especially appealing if you prefer a small-group setting, personalized service, and a relaxed, intimate atmosphere.

It’s a good pick for those who value comfort and quality over the thrill of venturing far out to sea in unpredictable weather. If you’re traveling with kids or anyone sensitive to cold and seasickness, the cozy onboard coveralls and the short cruise may make this a manageable outing.

Keep in mind that the success of spotting the auroras depends heavily on weather and solar activity, so temper expectations accordingly. If a guaranteed sighting or a more adventurous cruise is your priority, you might want to explore other options. But if you want a blend of luxury, local cuisine, and hope for that once-in-a-lifetime light show, this tour offers a well-rounded, enjoyable evening.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
The menu is designed to be flexible, with options for different dietary preferences. Many reviews mention accommodating dietary needs, including vegan and non-vegan guests.

Do I need to make a reservation for the dinner?
Yes, you should confirm your dinner reservation with the reception team after booking, as some reviews noted that reservations weren’t automatically made, leading to confusion.

What if I don’t see the Northern Lights?
The cruise offers a second chance to see the lights for free if your first attempt doesn’t succeed. However, sightings are weather-dependent, so there’s no guarantee.

How cold will it be on the boat?
Warm coveralls are provided, but dress in layers to stay comfortable, especially since it can get quite chilly in Iceland during Northern Lights season.

How long does the whole experience last?
The entire tour runs for about five hours, from dinner to the cruise and back, providing a relaxed evening without feeling rushed.

What’s the maximum group size?
This tour caps at 6 travelers, making for a more intimate experience compared to larger tours.

Are drinks included in the price?
No, drinks at Kopar are not included and need to be purchased separately.

Is this experience family-friendly?
While most travelers are adults, nothing in the description explicitly rules out children. However, the tour is better suited for older kids and teenagers who can handle the cold and the quiet boat environment.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, there’s a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance. Cancelations less than 24 hours before will not be refunded.

What’s the best way to prepare for this tour?
Book early, confirm your reservations, dress warmly, and keep expectations flexible — especially regarding Aurora sightings. Being prepared for chilly weather and a small, relaxed environment will make your evening more enjoyable.

To sum it up, if you’re after a memorable night that combines fine Icelandic dining with the thrill of the Northern Lights, this tour is a strong contender. It offers a cozy, small-group atmosphere, excellent food, and a genuine shot at witnessing one of nature’s most stunning displays — with a good level of comfort and service. Just remember, the aurora is always a bit unpredictable, but that’s part of the adventure.