Reykjavik: Traditional Sea Fishing with BBQ Feast

The best part of this Reykjavik outing is wonderfully simple: you catch fish in the bay, return to the harbor, and eat it fresh. Cod, haddock, rockfish, and pollock are the usual targets, and the crew cooks the catch with potatoes and sauce on board. Your lunch begins on the end of a fishing line.

I like the small group of up to 12 because it gives everyone room to fish and makes it easier to get help from the crew. I also like the family-run feel, with Captain Snorri and crew members such as Ana receiving warm praise for their friendly instruction and careful preparation of the fish. The main consideration is the weather: the boat is on open water, and even a good fishing day can begin cold and windy.

Key points to know before booking

• Fresh fish for lunch: Keep your catch, then have it cleaned, filleted, and cooked after returning to the harbor.
• A genuinely small boat group: No more than 12 passengers means more personal guidance and space to relax.
• Fishing is suitable for beginners: The crew supplies equipment, protective clothing, and hands-on instruction.
• A short walk from central Reykjavik: The boat leaves from the old harbor beside the Víkin Maritime Museum.
• Wildlife and island views: Look out across the bay and islands, with puffins sometimes seen during the trip.
• Weather matters: Warm clothing is strongly recommended, and children 12 and under must wear provided lifejackets.

Fishing from Reykjavik’s old harbor

You meet the boat in Reykjavik’s old harbor, close to the Víkin Maritime Museum. From the city center, allow about five to ten minutes on foot, though the meeting point is not at the first dock you see.

The directions are practical but worth reading carefully. Walk past the first dock and the Hamborgarabúlla Tómasar hamburger stand, then continue beyond the Reykjavík Marina Hotel. Look for a sign marked Hlésgata. The boat is on the other side of the shipyard, near the large vessels hauled out for repair.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you need to make your own way to the harbor. That is not much of a burden if you are staying in central Reykjavik, and it keeps the outing straightforward. You arrive, board, and get ready to fish rather than spending time collecting people from hotels around the city.

The trip lasts about three hours and returns to the same meeting point. Starting times vary, so check availability for the date you want. If you plan other activities that day, leave yourself breathing room. Fishing conditions and the meal are the heart of this trip, not a rushed transfer between attractions.

A beginner-friendly lesson at sea

Once aboard, the crew provides fishing equipment, waterproof clothing, and basic instruction. You do not need previous experience, and the fishing method is presented as something you can learn quickly with help from the crew.

That matters because first-time fishing can otherwise feel awkward. You may not know how to hold the rod, lower the line, or react when you feel a fish. Here, the guides are close by and can explain the technique in English or Icelandic. Several crew members are praised for being patient and encouraging, which is especially useful when children or complete beginners are in the group.

The boat targets cod, haddock, rockfish, and pollock. The catch can vary, and fishing is never fully predictable, but the trip has produced plenty of fish on many outings. Some parties have caught more than a dozen fish together, while one enthusiastic angler returned twice and reported catching more than 20 fish each day.

Do not treat those numbers as a promise. The sea and weather decide much of the result. Still, the activity is set up so that catching fish is a real part of the outing rather than a minor extra attached to a sightseeing cruise.

The small group makes a difference here. With a maximum of 12 passengers, you are not packed shoulder to shoulder with a large crowd. You have space to handle your equipment, enjoy the views, and ask questions without trying to attract a guide’s attention from the other end of the boat.

Reykjavik Bay, islands, and a little wildlife

The fishing takes place out in the bay beyond Reykjavik. The views give you a different angle on the capital, the harbor, and the nearby islands. Instead of looking at Iceland from a road or city pavement, you see the coast from working water.

The trip also gives you a chance to watch for wildlife. Puffins have been seen during some outings, though wildlife sightings depend on the season and conditions. The boat is not sold as a dedicated wildlife trip, so keep your expectations sensible. The main activity is fishing, with the sea views and birds adding to the day.

The scenery can be excellent, but this is also where the weather makes itself known. Wind and cold are possible, even when Reykjavik feels comfortable on shore. Wear warm clothes beneath the waterproof outer layer supplied by the crew. I would dress for the forecast, then add one extra layer rather than assuming the provided clothing will do all the work.

The first part of a trip can feel brisk while the boat is moving. That is not a flaw in the experience, but it is an important planning point. If you dislike cold, wind, or the motion of a boat, this may not be your ideal Reykjavik activity.

The catch becomes a fresh harbor lunch

After fishing, you return to the harbor with the day’s catch. The crew cleans and fillets the fish, then prepares lunch on board. The meal is made from what has been caught, with pan-fried fish, potatoes, and sauce.

This is the detail that gives the tour its character. You are not simply handed a snack after a boat ride. You take part in the full chain, from catching the fish to watching it being prepared and eating it while it is still exceptionally fresh.

The crew may also explain the cleaning process. Ana, who has worked as first mate on some trips, has been praised for showing how the fish is cleaned and filleted. That small lesson adds useful context to the meal and helps you understand the work behind a fish dinner.

The cooking is handled by the captain or boat crew. Captain Snorri is frequently singled out for preparing the catch well, especially cod. The food is simple rather than elaborate, which suits the setting. Fresh fish, potatoes, and sauce are exactly the right sort of lunch after time outside on the water.

Lunch may be served earlier than you expect, depending on the trip schedule. If you are accustomed to eating at midday, plan around the activity rather than assuming you will finish at a normal restaurant hour. You can always arrange your other meals around it.

What the $170 price includes

At $170 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend three hours in Reykjavik. The price makes more sense when you count what is included: a local guide, fishing gear, waterproof clothing, instruction, the boat trip, and lunch made from the catch.

You are also paying for a small group rather than a crowded boat. A maximum of 12 passengers gives the outing a more personal quality and makes the equipment easier to use. For a first-time angler, direct help is part of the value.

The meal is another reason the price can be worthwhile. You are not buying a standard restaurant lunch added to a sightseeing tour. You are eating fish caught during your own outing and prepared by the crew. That makes the experience more memorable than a simple harbor cruise.

Still, value depends on what you want. If you only want to see Reykjavik from the water, a fishing trip may be more activity than you need. If you want a polished boat excursion with guaranteed sunshine and a fixed sightseeing route, this is not the right choice. The reward comes from taking part, getting your hands involved, and accepting some uncertainty.

How families and first-time anglers fit in

Families can do well on this trip, especially if children are excited by the idea of catching their own lunch. Reports from family groups describe children catching substantial fish, not merely watching adults do the work.

The activity is not recommended for children under four. Children 12 and under must wear lifejackets, and the crew provides them. You should still consider your child’s comfort around boats, cold weather, and waiting between catches.

The fishing itself is accessible. You do not need to arrive with specialist gear or knowledge. The crew handles the equipment and offers instruction, so this is a sensible first fishing experience for someone who wants to try the sport without buying supplies.

Couples and solo visitors can also fit comfortably into the small group. One couple caught 14 fish together, while another participant enjoyed the trip enough to book it again the following day. Those results depend on conditions, but they show how the outing can work for both a quiet pair and a larger family group.

What may not suit you

The weather is the biggest variable. A cold, windy start is possible, and waterproof clothing does not replace warm layers. Check the forecast, dress properly, and understand that the experience takes place outdoors on the sea.

The catch is also not guaranteed. You might catch several fish, or you might have a slower period. The crew can provide instruction and good equipment, but nobody can control where fish are feeding.

The three-hour length is enough to make the trip feel substantial without taking an entire day. Even so, fishing is not constant action. You will have periods of waiting, handling equipment, watching the water, and enjoying the views. That rhythm suits people who like time outside. It may frustrate anyone expecting nonstop activity.

Finally, there is no hotel transportation. The walk from central Reykjavik is short, but you must find the correct side of the shipyard and the Hlésgata meeting point. Read the directions before leaving your accommodation.

Practical details for a smoother day

Wear warm clothing in layers, even if the day looks mild from Reykjavik’s streets. The crew provides waterproof clothing, but your own warm base layers and comfortable shoes will make a real difference.

Arrive with enough time to locate the boat. The meeting point is near the Víkin Maritime Museum, but not simply at the most obvious dock. Look for the Hlésgata sign beyond the marina area and shipyard.

The crew speaks English and Icelandic. Fishing equipment, instruction, and protective clothing are included. The trip ends back at the same harbor meeting point, so you can continue into central Reykjavik afterward.

The activity has free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Iceland schedule depends on weather or changing plans.

Should you book this Reykjavik fishing trip?

I would book it if you want an active, local-feeling outing and like the idea of eating what you catch. The combination of a small boat, simple instruction, open-water views, and a freshly cooked fish lunch gives you something more personal than a standard sightseeing cruise.

I would be especially inclined to choose it for a family with older children, a couple looking for an unusual morning or afternoon, or a first-time angler who wants equipment and guidance included. The friendly crew, including Captain Snorri and Ana on some departures, adds to the appeal.

I would skip it if you strongly dislike cold, wind, boat travel, or uncertain results. But if you can dress warmly and accept that nature sets the timetable, the $170 price buys a full experience rather than just a boat seat.

FAQ

Where does the fishing tour start?

It starts in the old harbor of Reykjavik, next to the Víkin Maritime Museum. From central Reykjavik, the meeting point is about a five to ten-minute walk.

How do I find the correct meeting point?

From the city center, pass the first dock and the Hamborgarabúlla Tómasar hamburger stand. Continue past the Reykjavík Marina Hotel, look for the Hlésgata sign, and go to the other side of the shipyard where large ships are lifted for repairs.

How long does the activity last?

The tour lasts approximately three hours. Starting times vary, so check availability for your chosen date.

What fish might I catch?

The boat fishes for cod, haddock, rockfish, and pollock. The exact catch depends on the conditions of the day.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The crew cleans and fillets the catch, then prepares a lunch of freshly cooked fish with potatoes and sauce.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Children under four are not recommended for the activity. Children 12 and under must wear lifejackets, which are provided by the crew.