Reykjavik Sea Angling Gourmet

Fresh fish tastes better when you catch it. This three-hour outing on Faxaflói Bay combines simple sea fishing with a hot BBQ made from the day’s catch, so you get both an outdoor adventure and a meal without giving up your whole afternoon. I especially like the patient instruction for first-timers and the chance to see Reykjavík from the water.

I also like the small-boat feel, with a maximum of 20 people and reports of groups closer to 12. The main caution is weather: this is wild North Atlantic water, and rough seas can bring motion sickness or cancel the trip altogether.

The overall rating is 4.7 out of 5, with 93 percent of participants recommending it. That matches the strongest pattern in the feedback: helpful crew, plenty of fish on many departures, and exceptionally fresh lunch. You should still remember that fishing is never guaranteed, and your catch depends on the sea, the weather, and plain luck.

Key points about this Reykjavík fishing trip

• You fish without a license or prior experience: The crew supplies the rod, tackle, and basic instruction, making this a practical choice for complete beginners.
• The meal comes from your own catch: Cod, haddock, mackerel, pollack, catfish, coalfish, whiting, and sometimes other species may end up on the BBQ.
• The boat visits several fishing areas: The crew follows the best conditions in Faxaflói Bay instead of keeping you tied to one spot.
• The crew does the hard work after you fish: Fish can be cleaned, prepared, and cooked before you return to Reykjavík.
• It fits neatly into a city day: The roughly three-hour afternoon format leaves room for sightseeing before and after.
• Weather matters: Poor conditions can lead to a different date or a full refund, while rough seas may make the ride uncomfortable.

What makes the Faxaflói outing special

Faxaflói is the broad bay stretching out from Reykjavík, and it gives you a fine change of view from the usual city streets and geothermal pools. From the boat, you can take in the shoreline, open water, seabirds, and the shape of Reykjavík from offshore.

The fishing itself is straightforward. You work from a drift, using supplied rods and commercial lures designed to resist tangles. One detailed account described the equipment as sturdy and easy for beginners to handle, with a short, stiff rod and heavy line. That may not satisfy a serious angler looking for delicate tackle, but it makes sense for a mixed group where some people have never held a fishing rod.

The crew first demonstrates how to hold the rod, release the line, and work the lure. Then you lower it toward the seabed and wait for the pull. Depending on the location, you may catch cod or haddock near the bottom, or bring in coalfish and other species higher in the water.

The best moments come when the fish are feeding hard. One outing produced bites almost every time the lines went down, with some people catching two fish at once. Conditions vary, though. Another account described catching only two fish and dealing with a stormier sea. The operator reports a high success rate, but no responsible fishing company can promise a catch on one particular departure.

Learning to fish when you have never fished before

This is not a technical fishing lesson. You will not need to learn knots, prepare complicated bait, or bring a fishing license. The crew handles the setup and gives you the basic skills needed to start catching fish quickly.

That simplicity is one of the tour’s greatest strengths. You can arrive with no experience and still have a fair chance at landing cod, haddock, mackerel, pollack, or whiting. Several accounts describe first-time anglers catching large fish, including one beginner who landed a big cod and a substantial haddock.

The supplied gear is built for group use. It is strong, simple, and less likely to tangle than delicate equipment. Experienced anglers may find it heavy or basic, but that is a fair trade for a trip designed to work for children, first-timers, and people who fish often.

The crew members are named in accounts as Jacob, also spelled Jakob, and Vigfus with his brother. Their style seems to be friendly and hands-on. They explain the technique, help remove fish from the hooks, answer questions, and keep an eye on people who need help. That personal attention matters when a large cod suddenly starts pulling hard.

The catch you might bring to the BBQ

The most common fish are catfish, cod, haddock, mackerel, and pollack. You may also encounter coalfish, whiting, or, less often, halibut and wolf fish. The exact mix changes with the fishing area and conditions.

You do not simply fish and then leave your catch behind. The crew cleans a suitable selection and cooks it onboard, usually while the boat heads back toward the harbor. Accounts describe cod and haddock prepared with potatoes and sauce, creating a plain but satisfying lunch after time in the cold air.

The appeal is freshness, not elaborate restaurant cooking. Your fish has gone from the sea to the knife to the grill within a short period. In a country where restaurant meals can be expensive, that meal adds real value to the $160 price.

The crew may return smaller fish or species that are less suitable for eating. One account described a modest amount being kept for lunch while smaller coalfish and other fish were released. On some departures, fish may be available to take home if you have a suitable kitchen, though this is not a central part of the advertised experience and may not work for people leaving Iceland immediately.

A three-hour schedule that works well in Reykjavík

The trip begins and ends at Hlésgata 1, 101 Reykjavík. That location is near public transportation, which helps if you are staying in the city and do not have a rental car.

You spend about three hours at sea. The boat may drift over several fishing areas, with one detailed account describing four locations and another describing three. The crew uses its knowledge of the bay and current conditions to give you the best possible chance of catching fish.

The schedule is short enough to fit around other plans. You could spend the morning walking around central Reykjavík, take the fishing trip in the afternoon, and still have your evening free. That makes this easier to add to a compact Iceland visit than a full-day fishing charter.

You should allow a little mental space around the stated timing, especially if weather conditions change. The advertised duration is approximately three hours, not a promise that every minute will follow a rigid timetable.

Boat comfort, clothing, and practical details

The boat has the basic amenities needed for an outing at sea, including a bathroom. Some departures have included coffee and cookies when people board. Rain jackets are available, and boots may be borrowed if needed, although sturdy footwear is not included as part of the tour’s stated provisions.

Dress for Icelandic weather, not for the sunshine you see from your hotel window. Wear warm layers, waterproof outer clothing, and solid shoes with good grip. Bring clothing that can get dirty, since fishing involves bait, water, fish, and the occasional energetic splash.

A rain jacket is supplied, but I would still dress as if you might be outside in wet and windy weather for the full trip. The bay can look calm from shore and feel much more active once you are onboard.

Motion sickness deserves an honest mention. Most accounts describe reasonable or calm seas, but rough conditions have made some people uncomfortable. The crew has helped sick passengers and, according to a response from the operator, offers complimentary antiemetics. If you know you are prone to seasickness, ask about this before departure and consider your usual precautions.

How the group size affects the experience

The stated maximum is 20 people. Several accounts describe around 12 anglers on board, which gives you a useful idea of how the boat can feel on a typical departure, though numbers may vary.

A smaller group helps the crew give practical assistance. Fishing rods need room, fish need unhooking, and a busy deck can become awkward when several people catch fish at once. The reports of patient help for children and beginners suggest that the crew is used to mixed ability levels.

This is still a shared outing, not a private charter. You will fish beside other people and may need to take turns or work around the group. That social side can be part of the fun, especially when people compare catches or talk with Icelandic passengers about fishing and local life.

Families can find this a good fit. Accounts describe the trip working well for an 11-year-old, a 13-year-old, and a 17-year-old, as well as an older participant aged 78. The key issue is comfort on a boat and the ability to follow simple instructions, not previous fishing skill.

The views and wildlife beyond the fishing line

Fishing takes most of your attention, but do not spend all three hours staring at the rod tip. Faxaflói offers broad water views and a different perspective on Reykjavík.

Seabirds are a regular part of the setting. Fulmars and puffins have been seen on outings, and whales are possible, though sightings are not promised. This is not sold as a whale-watching trip, so you should treat wildlife as an extra rather than the main reason to book.

The boat ride itself adds variety to a city break. You get open water, working fishing grounds, and the chance to watch the crew handle the catch. For me, that feels more connected to Iceland’s coastal life than simply ordering seafood in a restaurant.

Is $160 a fair price?

At $160 per person, this is not a bargain-basement activity. Iceland is expensive, and the price reflects the boat, crew, equipment, instruction, and meal. You do not need to rent fishing gear, buy a license, or arrange a separate seafood lunch afterward.

The value improves if you plan to eat the catch and enjoy being on the water. A fresh cod or haddock BBQ, cooked onboard and served before you return to the dock, is a memorable part of the experience. The trip also gives you several hours of entertainment, rather than a short photo stop.

The value is weaker if you care only about catching a large fish. Fishing success is not guaranteed, and poor conditions can reduce both comfort and results. You are paying for the full outing, including the crew’s effort, the boat ride, instruction, and meal, not for a guaranteed quantity of fish.

Compared with a private charter, the shared format keeps the price more reasonable. Compared with a standard sightseeing cruise, it offers a much more active afternoon and a meal tied directly to the place you are visiting.

Weather, cancellation, and the best person for this trip

The operator requires suitable weather. If the trip is canceled because of poor conditions, you can receive a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time, but changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted.

This matters if you have only one day in Reykjavík. Keep a little flexibility in your schedule, especially during a short stop or cruise visit. One reported cancellation caused frustration because notice arrived very close to departure, so it is wise to check your messages and contact details before the activity.

I would recommend this trip most strongly to:

• First-time anglers who want an easy introduction
• Families with children who can follow instructions
• Couples looking for an active afternoon
• Seafood lovers who value freshness
• Experienced anglers who enjoy a social outing rather than specialized tackle
• Visitors with a free half-day in Reykjavík

I would think twice if you dislike cold, wet conditions, have serious motion sickness, or need guaranteed wildlife sightings. I would also avoid packing the day too tightly, since weather on the bay may affect the plan.

Should you book Reykjavik Sea Angling Gourmet?

Book it if you like the idea of catching your lunch and eating it before the boat reaches Reykjavík. The strongest reasons are the friendly instruction, easy-to-use equipment, fresh BBQ, and compact three-hour schedule.

Do not book it solely because you expect a record catch. Some departures produce a remarkable haul, including large cod and multiple fish per person. Others are slower, and the North Atlantic does not take requests.

For most people, I see this as one of the better active food experiences in Reykjavík. It gives you a real connection to the bay, works for beginners, and offers good value when you count the equipment, crew, boat time, and meal. Wear proper shoes, dress for bad weather, and keep your expectations flexible. If you do, this can be a memorable and very tasty part of an Iceland visit.

FAQ

Do I need previous fishing experience?

No. The crew provides instruction and teaches you how to use the fishing equipment. No previous fishing experience or fishing license is required.

What fish might I catch?

Common catches include catfish, cod, haddock, mackerel, and pollack. You might also catch coalfish, whiting, halibut, or wolf fish, depending on conditions.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The crew BBQs a selection of the fish caught during the outing and serves it onboard.

What equipment is provided?

Fishing equipment and instruction are included. Rain jackets are also provided, and boots may be available to borrow if needed.

What should I wear?

Wear sturdy footwear and clothing that can get dirty. Warm, weather-appropriate clothing is recommended because conditions at sea can change.

Where does the tour begin and end?

The tour begins at Hlésgata 1, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland, and returns to the same meeting point.

How long does the fishing trip last?

The outing lasts approximately three hours at sea.

Can the tour be canceled because of weather?

Yes. The experience requires good weather. If poor weather causes a cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund.