Reykjavik: Sea Fishing Boat Tour & BBQ with the Day’s Catch

The best part of this Reykjavík fishing trip is the quick reward: drop your line into Faxaflói Bay and you may be reeling in cod within minutes. The crew handles the tricky parts, so first-time fishers can take part without feeling lost.

I like two things here. First, the crew works hard to get everyone catching, including children. Second, your fish can become a hot meal onboard, with potatoes, instead of ending as a photo and a story. The main caution is the sea itself: rough water can make the ride uncomfortable, and several people found motion sickness a real issue.

Key points to know before booking

• Fish soon after leaving the harbor: Some outings reach the first productive spot in about 10 to 35 minutes.
• Beginner-friendly gear and help: Guides bait hooks, assist with reels, remove fish, and explain the basic technique.
• Catch cod, haddock, pollock, halibut, rockfish, and more: The exact mix depends on the day and fishing spot.
• Eat the catch onboard: Part of the fish is grilled and served with potatoes, while some people choose to take fish away.
• Wildlife adds a second attraction: Puffins, whales, dolphins, and jellyfish have all been seen on different trips.
• Expect a working boat, not a quiet cruise: The vessel may carry more than 15 people, and choppy weather is possible.

Leaving Reykjavík’s Old Harbor for Faxaflói Bay

The tour begins at Reykjavík’s Old Harbor, a handy departure point near the city center. From there, you head into Faxaflói Bay for roughly two and a half hours on the water.

The first part is a ride out to the fishing grounds. One earlier trip reached its first spot in about 10 minutes, while another took around 35 minutes. That difference matters because weather, sea conditions, and the captain’s choice of fishing area can change the pace of the morning or afternoon.

You get wide ocean views as Reykjavík slips behind you. On clear days, the bay gives you a fine setting for a short fishing trip, with Icelandic scenery in every direction. The boat may also pass near the area known as puffin island, where you have a chance to see puffins.

Do not treat the wildlife as guaranteed. Whales, dolphins, and puffins are extra sightings, not the core product. Still, several outings have included humpback whales, minke whales, dolphins, and jellyfish, and one captain changed course to give the group a better look at whales while the catch was being prepared.

How the fishing works for beginners

You do not need previous sea-fishing experience. The crew supplies the rod, fishing equipment, bait, and protective clothing, then shows you what to do.

The basic rhythm is simple: lower the line, wait for a bite, and reel in when the crew tells you to. The guides help with baiting and unhooking, and they react quickly when fish come over the side. That hands-on support is especially useful if you are fishing with a child or have never handled a heavier saltwater rig.

Some outings have produced almost nonstop action. People have caught cod two at a time, and several groups have reported that nearly everyone onboard landed at least one fish. One particularly productive session produced 17 fish for one person in about 40 minutes, though you should not use that as a normal guarantee.

The catch can include cod, haddock, pollock, halibut, rockfish, whiting, mackerel, and scorpion fish. Cod appears to be the most common catch, with fish often described as substantial rather than tiny. Past catches included cod averaging about 1.5 kilograms, with some reaching around 3 kilograms.

This is guided tourist fishing, not a technical fishing lesson. You will get help catching fish, but you may not receive a detailed explanation of sonar readings, sea-floor depth, tackle choice, or fish behavior at every stop. If you already fish often and want a serious instructional outing, that limited technical detail may disappoint you.

For most families and casual visitors, though, the simple format works well. You spend less time worrying about gear and more time watching the rod bend.

Three fishing areas and changing results

The captain may move between several fishing spots. One past trip covered three areas, with strong action at the first location and fewer fish at the second and third. Another group found the first spot excellent, then had a quieter time later.

That pattern is normal for a short fishing trip. The crew has limited time, so the captain needs to find fish rather than stay in one place for the scenery. If a spot slows down, the boat can move on. The decision also depends on the weather and the condition of the water.

You may catch fish at nearly every cast, or you may have a slower outing. One group caught only three or four fish for the whole trip, while other groups caught several fish per person. The crew can work hard and still cannot control the fish.

This is why I would book the experience for the combination of fishing, food, and sea views, not for a guaranteed haul. The fishing is often excellent, but nature gets the final vote.

The crew makes the difference

The crew is the strongest part of this experience. Guides have included Oddgeir, Stefan, Asgeir, Samuel, Oscar, and Julia, though the exact team can vary.

Their job is practical and constant. They help you bait the hook, show you how to lower the line, free tangled gear, lift fish aboard, and remove hooks. They also make an effort to involve children. On one family outing, a guide prepared a bait color combination in an eight-year-old girl’s favorite color, a small touch that turned a basic fishing trip into a special memory.

The crew also keeps an eye on anyone who needs help. That matters on a boat carrying more than 15 people, where a timid child or first-time fisher could otherwise get overlooked.

At the end, the deckhands clean and prepare the fish. If you want a photo with your catch, ask before it is cut up. One past participant wished for that chance after the fish had already been prepared.

Grilling cod and potatoes at sea

The payoff comes after the fishing. The crew grills part of the catch onboard and serves it with potatoes, allowing you to eat fish that was in the bay only a short time earlier.

The meal is served in the covered part of the boat, a welcome change if the deck is cold or wet. You can warm up, sit down, and eat while the boat returns or waits for the cooking to finish.

The fish has received strong praise, and I can see why. Fresh cod, haddock, or pollock needs little work when it is handled well and served hot. Several outings produced enough fish for generous portions, with one group eating three plates each and still having fish left over.

The cooking is not identical every time. Most people found the seasoning and preparation excellent, but a few found the fish bland or wished for butter and more seasoning. If you like strong flavors, bring your own expectations rather than assuming a restaurant-style meal.

Some fish may be kept, while some is grilled for the group or released. The exact arrangement can depend on the catch and the crew. If taking fish home matters to you, ask the staff early in the trip.

Weather, waves, and motion sickness

Iceland’s sea is not always calm. Several trips took place in rain, wind, or heavy waves, and the fishing continued. One group found the ride rough on the way out but comfortable once the boat reached the fishing area.

The boat has a warm lower or covered deck, which gives you a place to get out of the wind. Protective clothing is included, but you should still dress in warm layers and wear sturdy shoes. The bay can feel cold even on a mild Reykjavík day.

Motion sickness is the main practical concern. One person had to miss much of the fishing because of seasickness, and another advised taking motion-sickness remedies before departure. Ginger tablets helped one participant who was prone to feeling sick, though you should choose any medication based on your own needs.

If you are sensitive to motion, sit where the crew advises and take precautions before boarding. Do not wait until the boat is already rolling. A rough ride can turn a fun family activity into a long afternoon.

Is the $141 price good value?

At $141 per person, this is not a cheap add-on. But the price includes the boat trip, fishing equipment, protective clothing, an English-speaking guide, help from the crew, and a grilled meal with potatoes.

The value improves if you plan to eat the catch and make use of the full outing. You get a three-part experience: a short bay cruise, hands-on fishing, and a fresh meal. If you also see puffins or whales, the day gains another layer, though wildlife should not be counted as part of the guaranteed return.

I consider the price fair for families and couples who want an activity with a clear result. It is also a good choice if you are looking for something different from Reykjavík’s usual museums, pools, and bus tours.

The value is weaker for someone who only wants a long, technical fishing session. The duration is about 2.5 hours, or slightly longer in some descriptions, and much of that time includes travel to and from the fishing areas. Experienced anglers may want more time, more detailed instruction, and more control over the fishing method.

Who should book this fishing trip?

I would choose this for families with children, couples, and first-time fishers. The crew has helped young children land fish, and the simple setup means you can enjoy the activity without knowing how to tie knots or read marine equipment.

It also works for mixed groups. People who are not excited about fishing can still enjoy the boat ride, views, wildlife, music, and meal. Some reluctant participants ended up catching fish by the end.

You should think twice if you get seasick easily or strongly dislike cold, wet weather. The boat has shelter, but this is still an outdoor sea activity, not a comfortable indoor attraction.

Experienced fishers should book only if they want a social, easy-going outing. You may catch plenty of fish, but the emphasis is on access and fun rather than advanced angling technique.

Booking details worth knowing

The tour runs from Reykjavík, and hotel or guesthouse pickup can begin as much as 60 minutes before departure. Pickup is limited to registered hotels and guesthouses in Reykjavík and costs a small extra fee, so confirm the arrangement before you book.

The live guide speaks English. An app is available in English, German, French, Spanish, and Chinese, but the listed live tour language is English.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available, which helps if your Iceland schedule is still shifting.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if you want an active Reykjavík outing with food at the end, especially if your group includes beginners or children. The crew’s patient help, the chance of steady action, and the hot grilled catch make it more than a basic harbor cruise.

Skip it if you need calm water, guaranteed wildlife, or serious fishing instruction. Otherwise, $141 buys a practical and memorable half-day experience, with the bonus that your best catch may become the freshest meal of your Iceland visit.

FAQ

Where does the fishing tour leave from?

The boat departs from Reykjavík’s Old Harbor and heads into Faxaflói Bay.

How long does the tour last?

The stated duration is 2.5 hours. The fishing time is also described as roughly 2.5 to 3 hours on the water.

What fish can I catch?

Possible catches include cod, halibut, haddock, rockfish, pollock, whiting, mackerel, and scorpion fish.

Is fishing equipment provided?

Yes. Fishing equipment and protective clothing are included, along with help from the onboard guide and crew.

Can I eat the fish I catch?

Yes. Part of the catch can be grilled onboard and served with potatoes. Some fish may also be kept, depending on the arrangements and the catch.

Is the tour suitable for children and beginners?

Yes. The experience is described as suitable for all ages, and the crew helps first-time fishers and children with the equipment and technique.

Is hotel pickup available in Reykjavík?

Pickup is available for registered hotels and guesthouses in Reykjavík. It begins up to 60 minutes before departure and costs a small extra fee.