Kopar Fine Dining Dinner and Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik

Travelers visiting Reykjavik often look for memorable ways to combine Icelandic cuisine with the chance to witness the magical Northern Lights. The Kopar Dinner and Lights Cruise offers a unique two-in-one experience—starting with a gourmet six-course meal showcasing local ingredients, followed by a boat cruise in search of the Aurora Borealis. With a solid 4.0-star rating based on 49 reviews, this tour promises a blend of culinary delight and natural wonder, making it a compelling choice for those who want more than just sightseeing.

What we love about this experience is the thoughtful combination of top-tier food and a chance to see the Northern Lights from the water, which offers a fresh perspective away from city light pollution. The fact that warm coveralls are provided on the cruise helps keep passengers cozy during what can be a chilly outing. However, one thing to consider is that the success of viewing the Northern Lights depends heavily on weather conditions and solar activity, so there’s always an element of luck involved. This tour best suits travelers who appreciate good food, scenic views, and the thrill of an Aurora hunt, even if the weather isn’t cooperating every night.

Key Points

• Gourmet Meal: A six-course tasting menu at Kopar, featuring Icelandic ingredients, offers a true culinary highlight.
• Two-in-One Experience: Combines fine dining with a Northern Lights boat cruise, maximizing your evening in Reykjavik.
• Aurora Viewing: Chance to see the Northern Lights from the water, with onboard commentary and video enhancing the experience.
• Comfort & Convenience: Warm coveralls provided on the cruise help you stay comfortable in Iceland’s chilly nights.
• Mixed Reviews on Aurora Sightings: While some see the lights, others find the weather or location limit the chances; it’s part of the adventure.
• Limited Group Sizes: The tour operates with a maximum of six travelers, offering a more intimate experience.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Starting with a Gourmet Dinner at Kopar

The tour kicks off at Kopar, located in Reykjavik’s Old Harbour. This restaurant is praised for its exceptional food and attentive service. Reviewers highlight the adventure menu, which includes dishes like rock lobster soup, smoked Arctic char, goose breast with pumpkin seeds, lightly salted cod, rack of lamb, and a decadent chocolate brownie. Many mention the generous portions, with one reviewer noting they had so much food that they needed a takeaway box.

What makes Kopar stand out is the quality of ingredients and the creative presentation. Several guests comment on the deliciousness and freshness, with one saying it was “the best meal ever” and another describing it as “really delicious, unique food.” The restaurant’s location offers beautiful harbor views, adding to the overall ambiance.

However, some reviews mention minor hiccups, such as a table where lamb cutlets were undercooked or fatty, indicating that while the restaurant generally impresses, occasional inconsistencies may occur. The experience is particularly suited for food lovers who enjoy tasting Icelandic seafood and game in a relaxed setting.

Making the Transition to the Northern Lights Cruise

After dinner, guests check in at the Special Tours Ticket Office nearby to board the boat. The cruise lasts approximately 2.5 hours and takes you beyond the harbor, aiming to escape light pollution for better Aurora viewing. Warm coveralls are provided, which many travelers find essential considering Iceland’s unpredictable weather in winter.

Onboard, you’ll find video and commentary that explain the Northern Lights phenomenon, which adds an educational touch to the viewing. Some guests, like one review mentions, had a “friendly and informative guide,” making the experience both relaxing and enriching.

The Real Deal: Aurora Borealis or Not?

Here’s where the unpredictability comes into play. Multiple reviewers mention that weather conditions and cloud cover can impact visibility. One guest noted that despite the efforts of the crew, the cloudy night meant no Aurora was visible, which can be disappointing but is a reminder that the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, not guaranteed.

Yet, several reviews share stories of seeing the Lights shortly after leaving port—sometimes within ten minutes. One reviewer called it a “wonderful experience” and suggested that even if the lights don’t appear, the overall trip is worth it because of the scenic boat ride and the cozy atmosphere.

The Value of This Tour

At a price point of around $199, this combined experience offers good value—particularly because it covers both a gourmet meal and a boat cruise. Guests rave about the quality of the food, sometimes claiming it alone justifies the cost, with one reviewer saying, “Food alone is worth it.” The personalized group size, capping at six travelers, ensures a more intimate and flexible experience, which is a plus in Iceland’s busy tourist scene.

It’s also worth noting that if the Aurora isn’t visible, most guests appreciated the chance to try again for free, which adds a layer of confidence in the booking. However, some critics mention that the boat only ventures about half a mile into the harbor, limiting potential Aurora views in poor weather, and pointing out that some would prefer going further out into open water for better chances.

What to Expect Throughout

The Itinerary Breakdown

Start at Kopar: Expect a beautifully presented 6-course meal with Icelandic flavors, served in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. The restaurant’s location offers stunning harbor views that set a great scene for your evening. Be sure to confirm your reservation ahead of time, as some reviews highlight the importance of proper communication.

Transition to the boat cruise: After dinner, a short walk takes you to the boat check-in. Expect to bundle up in provided coveralls, which are crucial for keeping warm on the water during winter nights. The cruise is about 2.5 hours, with onboard commentary explaining the Northern Lights’ science and stories, enriching the viewing experience.

Northern Lights hunting: The boat’s location just outside the harbor makes for a more intimate setting, but also means that weather conditions greatly influence your chances. Some reviews mention that the boat only moves a short distance, which may limit visibility during cloudy nights.

Pros and Cons Based on Reviews

Pros:
– Outstanding food quality and creative tasting menus
– Intimate group size for a personalized experience
– Warm coveralls make the cold manageable
– Option to try seeing the Aurora twice if the first attempt fails
– Educational onboard commentary enhances understanding of the lights

Cons:
– Aurora sightings are never guaranteed and depend on weather and solar activity
– The boat stays mostly within the harbor, which may limit visibility during cloudy conditions
– Some guests experienced service hiccups in the restaurant or minor issues with meal timing
– The tour costs a bit more, but many feel the quality justifies the price

Who Would Love This Experience?

This tour is perfect for foodies who want to indulge in Icelandic cuisine in a relaxed setting, combined with the excitement of hunting for the Northern Lights from the water. It’s also ideal for travelers who value small group experiences and are okay with the element of chance involved in Aurora viewing.

If you’re someone who appreciates great scenery, delicious food, and a cozy boat ride, this tour offers a balanced blend of all three. Conversely, if your main goal is guaranteed Aurora sightings, you might want to consider other options or be prepared for the possibility of cloudy skies.

Final Thoughts

The Kopar Fine Dining Dinner and Northern Lights Cruise offers a well-rounded Icelandic adventure. While the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon with no guarantees, the combination of a high-quality dinner at Kopar and an intimate cruise creates a memorable evening regardless of Aurora sightings. Many reviewers highlight the fantastic food and the friendly guides, making this a tour that’s worth considering if you want a blend of culinary delight and natural beauty.

For travelers who enjoy good food, scenic boat trips, and the thrill of chasing the Aurora, this experience is a solid choice. Just remember, as with all Northern Lights excursions, patience and a bit of luck are key to witnessing the sky’s spectacular display.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians?
The reviews mention options for vegan and non-vegans at Kopar, indicating they can accommodate different dietary preferences. It’s best to confirm your specific needs directly with the tour provider.

What should I wear on the cruise?
Warm clothing is essential. The tour provides warm coveralls to help keep you comfortable during the boat cruise, but layering with thermal wear and warm footwear is advisable, especially in winter.

Can I reschedule if I don’t see the Northern Lights?
Yes, many guests have been offered the chance to try again for free if the Aurora isn’t visible during their scheduled cruise.

How long does the entire experience last?
The dinner at Kopar lasts about 3 hours, followed by a 2.5-hour cruise, making it roughly a 5-hour experience in total.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour operates with a maximum of 6 travelers, ensuring a more personal and less crowded experience.

Are drinks included in the tour?
No, drinks at Kopar are available for purchase. The cruise offers a range of drinks at reasonable prices, but they are not included in the tour price.

Is booking the dinner reservation complicated?
Some reviews highlight the importance of confirming your dinner reservation after booking, as there have been instances of miscommunication. Contact the provided email to secure your spot at Kopar.

What’s the best time of year for this tour?
While specific dates aren’t mentioned, the tour is designed for Northern Lights viewing season, primarily winter months when the nights are longest and darkest.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. However, given the cold and the nature of the boat ride, it’s best for older children or those comfortable with cold conditions.

To sum it up, the combination of exquisite Icelandic cuisine and the possibility of witnessing one of nature’s most stunning displays makes this tour a compelling choice for many. It’s especially suited for adventurous food lovers who enjoy scenic water excursions and are prepared for the unpredictability of Aurora viewing. With attentive guides, cozy comforts, and delightful dishes, this experience promises a memorable Icelandic evening—whether or not the lights make an appearance.