Kopar Fine Dining Dinner and Northern Lights Cruise from Reykjavik

Quick Overview of the Experience
This experience offers a smart combo: a 5-hour evening in Reykjavik featuring a renowned 6-course dinner at Kopar, followed by a Northern Lights cruise. It’s priced at around $199, making it a fairly good value for travelers wanting both fine dining and a chance to view the auroras without the hassle of planning two separate outings. Kopar—located in the Old Harbour—is praised for its fresh Icelandic ingredients and attentive service, while the Northern Lights cruise takes you onto the water for a better shot at spotting those elusive green ribbons dancing overhead.

What makes this outing appealing? First, the quality of the meal often receives rave reviews—many say it’s the best meal they had in Iceland. Second, the group size is small, with a maximum of six travelers, which means more personalized attention and a cozy vibe both on land and on the boat. One aspect to keep in mind is the unpredictability of the Northern Lights; as some reviewers noted, the weather or cloud cover can interfere, but the tour provider is accommodating, offering free re-tours if sighting doesn’t happen initially.

Two Things We Love
I really appreciate how this tour maximizes your evening—combining gastronomy and sightseeing into one smooth experience, especially since it’s hard to find a better way to spend an Icelandic winter night. The adventure tasting menu at Kopar is highlighted as extraordinary, with dishes like rock lobster soup and rack of lamb that leave many visitors raving. It’s a treat for food lovers who want a taste of Iceland’s culinary delights in a relaxed setting.

Another big plus is the boat cruise portion. Being out on the water away from city lights, bundled up in warm coveralls provided by the tour, dramatically increases your chances of seeing the Aurora Borealis. Multiple reviews mention the guides’ friendly, informative commentary plus onboard videos that help keep you engaged even if the sky remains cloudy.

One Possible Drawback
Of course, the film that comes with every Northern Lights tour is that auroras are completely unpredictable. A few reviewers lamented cloudy weather or suggested that the boat’s limited distance into the harbor reduced their chances of seeing the northern lights. If seeing the auroras is your main goal, be prepared for a chance of disappointment—though the food alone makes this trip worthwhile even if the skies stay silent.

Key Points

• Exceptional Icelandic cuisine at Kopar makes this dinner a highlight for foodies.
• Small group sizes (up to six) create a personal and relaxed atmosphere.
• Potential for aurora sightings is good but not guaranteed; weather plays a big role.
• Warm coveralls ensure comfort during the northern lights cruise, even on a cold night.
• Flexibility: tour providers often offer free re-tours if the lights aren’t seen initially.
• Ideal for those seeking a mix of gourmet dining and Aurora Borealis viewing, rather than only chasing lights.

In-Depth Review

The Dinner at Kopar

Starting at Kopar, located right in the Old Harbour, this restaurant offers a six-course adventure menu that many travelers swear is Iceland’s finest. The dishes are crafted with Icelandic ingredients, and the presentation is both hearty and sophisticated. From the rock lobster soup to rack of lamb, the courses are thoughtfully prepared, with some reviews mentioning the generous portions—so much so that many had to box leftovers.

The service is consistently praised as attentive and friendly. One reviewer said, “Our waitress, Marusha, was wonderful,” highlighting how personal and welcoming the staff can be. The views of the harbor, especially when seated near the window, add to the experience, making dinner feel like a special occasion from start to finish. Keep in mind, drinks at Kopar are available for purchase separately, so budget accordingly if you’re planning to indulge.

Some guests noted a few hiccups, like sending back undercooked lamb or fatty cuts, but overall reviews are glowing. The quality of the ingredients and attention to detail make this a memorable meal, especially for those who appreciate Icelandic flavors presented with finesse.

The Northern Lights Cruise

After dining, you’ll step just a one-minute walk to the Special Tours ticket office to check in for your Northern Lights by Boat tour. The cruise lasts about 2.5 hours and departs from Geirsgata 11. The boat is described as spacious, clean, and comfortable, with warm coveralls provided—a real blessing when the wind picks up.

What sets this boat trip apart is the personalized experience. Since the tour is limited to a maximum of six travelers, it feels more intimate than larger boats. The onboard commentary and videos help pass the time, especially if the weather isn’t cooperative. Multiple reviews speak enthusiastically about the friendly, knowledgeable guides, who often provide updates on the likelihood of seeing the lights and share interesting facts about the auroras’ science.

A few travelers, however, noted that the boat’s limited distance into the harbor might slightly reduce chances of catching the lights, especially if clouds blanket the sky. One reviewer remarked, “They only go about half a mile into the harbor,” which limits visibility of the wider sky and the potential for spectacular displays. But even if the auroras stay hidden, many appreciated the relaxed atmosphere and the fabulous views of Reykjavik’s harbor.

Overall Value

This experience, at $199, combines delicious Icelandic fare and a chance to see the northern lights in a single evening. It especially appeals to travelers who value authentic food experiences paired with natural wonders. Many reviews mention the excellent value, considering the quality of food and the rare opportunity to see auroras from a comfortable boat.

However, it’s worth noting that Aurora sightings depend heavily on weather and solar activity. While the guides do their best to locate clear skies and bright displays, no one can guarantee a sighting. That said, the free re-tours provide some reassurance—if the lights aren’t seen on your first try, a second attempt is often offered.

Practical Tips

• Dress warmly: even with provided coveralls, layers are essential in Iceland’s winter.
• Confirm your dinner reservation in advance—some reviews mention booking mishaps, so a quick call can save you stress.
• Request a window seat at Kopar if possible—it makes the dinner more memorable, with beautiful harbor views.
• Be prepared for the uncertainty of Aurora sightings. If viewing the lights is your priority, consider the variability in weather and sky conditions.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This outing is ideal for culinary travelers who want to indulge in Iceland’s renowned gastronomy without sacrificing the chance of seeing the aurora. It’s also perfect for those who prefer small, intimate group experiences and appreciate dining in style.

If you’re traveling with a partner or small family, and enjoy relaxing evenings with good food and natural beauty, this tour ticks many boxes. Conversely, if your main goal is aurora hunting and you’re flexible about dining, you might want to consider other options focused solely on northern lights viewing.

Overall, it’s a well-rounded, memorable experience that balances local cuisine with spectacular Icelandic nature, making it a solid choice for first-time visitors looking to combine two bucket list experiences into one evening.

FAQ Section

Is the dinner reservation included in the tour?
No, you need to confirm your dinner reservation separately with the provider after booking. It’s recommended to contact the tour operator to avoid any mishaps like missed reservations.

How long is the dinner at Kopar?
The dinner lasts approximately 3 hours, giving you enough time to savor each course without feeling rushed.

What is included in the Northern Lights cruise?
The cruise is about 2.5 hours long, includes warm coveralls, onboard commentary, and videos that help keep you engaged even if the sky remains cloudy.

Can I see the Aurora Borealis on this tour?
Yes, but since aurora activity depends on weather and solar conditions, sightings are not guaranteed. Many travelers do see the lights, especially if conditions are right, but some reviews mention cloudy nights with no Aurora visible.

What if I don’t see the lights during my cruise?
Most tours, including this one, offer a free re-tour if you don’t see the Aurora on your initial cruise, so you get a second chance at no extra cost.

Are there any age restrictions?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. The small group size and gentle pace make it suitable for most adults and older children.

How do I prepare for the cold?
Dress warm layers—think thermal underwear, a good coat, hat, gloves, and sturdy winter footwear. The tour provides coveralls, but extra layers help ensure comfort.

Is the experience suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
The dinner menu at Kopar is praised for accommodating various diets, with options for vegans and non-vegans. It’s best to specify dietary needs when confirming your reservation.

This combined dinner and Northern Lights cruise offers a taste of Iceland’s fantastic cuisine and its stunning natural spectacle. While the Aurora’s appearance can never be guaranteed, the experience’s overall quality—delicious food, cozy boat ride, and small-group ambiance—makes it a worthwhile addition to your Reykjavik itinerary. If you’re eager for a night that marries good eating with the magic of Icelandic skies, this tour is a strong contender.