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

Fish bite quickly here. From Reykjavik’s Old Harbor, you head into Faxaflói Bay for a practical, family-friendly fishing trip that combines easy sea angling with fine views and a meal cooked from your own catch. I like the patient crew, who help first timers get fishing fast, and I like the simple pleasure of eating cod or haddock only minutes after it leaves the water. The chance to spot puffins, whales, or dolphins adds a welcome bonus.

The main drawback is the sea itself. On a choppy day, the ride can be rough, and motion sickness has spoiled the outing for some people. The fishing is usually active, but it is not guaranteed: one trip produced only a few fish, while others had nearly constant bites. At $141 per person, this is a good value if you want an activity, a meal, and an Icelandic coastal view in one outing, but less appealing if you need a calm boat ride or serious technical instruction.

Key points before you cast off

• Fishing begins in Faxaflói Bay: The boat leaves Reykjavik’s Old Harbor and heads to known fishing grounds for cod, haddock, halibut, rockfish, and pollock.
• Beginners get hands-on help: The crew shows you how to use the gear, lower the line, reel in fish, and handle the catch.
• Your lunch can come from the sea: Fish caught during the trip can be grilled onboard and served with potatoes.
• Wildlife is part of the scenery: Puffins may appear near their island, and some outings have included humpback whales, minke whales, dolphins, and jellyfish.
• Expect a mixed group: Families, first time anglers, and experienced fishers can all take part, though a busy boat may limit personal space.
• Prepare for Icelandic weather: Protective clothing is included, but motion sickness tablets or ginger may be wise if you are sensitive to rough water.

Leaving Reykjavik’s Old Harbor

The trip starts at Reykjavik’s Old Harbor, a convenient base for a short sea outing. You do not need to bring fishing equipment or special outerwear, since the tour provides both gear and protective clothing. That matters in Iceland, where a bright morning can quickly turn cold, wet, or windy once you leave the shelter of the harbor.

Hotel pickup is available, but it begins 60 minutes before departure and costs a small extra fee. It is limited to registered hotels and guesthouses in Reykjavik. If you are staying elsewhere, plan to reach the harbor on your own and check your departure time carefully.

The boat ride out gives you a changing view of Reykjavik and the open waters of Faxaflói Bay. This is not just dead time before the fishing begins. You get broad ocean views, fresh air, and the chance to watch for birds and marine life. Still, the ride can be rough. Several outings have taken place in large waves or blustery weather, and one person described needing to stay below deck because of seasickness.

If you are prone to motion sickness, take that seriously. Ginger pills helped one person who often feels ill at sea, while another husband became too sick to enjoy the fishing. You may want to eat lightly, take a motion sickness remedy before departure, and use the covered lower section when needed.

Getting your first fish on the line

Once the boat reaches a fishing area, the crew gets you set up. The method is straightforward: lower the bait, wait for the bite, and reel. You do not need previous experience, and the guides are ready to help with bait, tackle, and removing the fish from the hook.

This is the tour’s strongest feature. The crew works to keep the activity accessible, rather than leaving beginners to guess what to do. Parents have described the guides taking extra care with children, including an especially thoughtful touch for an eight year old by making bait in her favorite color. The crew also helps quickly when a pollock or larger fish comes aboard, so you are not left struggling with the line.

You might catch cod, haddock, pollock, rockfish, halibut, or other cold-water species listed for the outing. Cod appears to be the most common catch, with haddock and pollock also turning up often. Some fish have weighed around 1.5 kilograms, with larger cod reaching about 3 kilograms, though catches vary widely.

Fishing can be wonderfully active. On some trips, people have caught fish within 10 minutes of casting, and one person reported 17 fish in 40 minutes before getting tired of reeling. Another outing had fish coming in on nearly every cast, with everyone aboard catching more than five.

Do not treat those reports as a promise. Fish move, weather changes, and one trip produced only three or four fish for the entire boat. The captain may shift between several fishing spots to improve your chances, but nature still gets the final word.

What the fishing stops are really like

The outing lasts about 2.5 hours, with some descriptions placing the time on the water closer to three hours. The exact balance between travel, fishing, wildlife watching, and the meal depends on conditions and the day’s catch.

A first stop may produce the most action. On one outing, almost everyone caught a fish at the first fishing area, while later spots were quieter. That pattern is worth understanding: the trip is not a long, slow expedition in search of one trophy fish. It is designed to give a broad group a good chance of catching something during a short visit from Reykjavik.

The crew may move the boat if the bite slows. That gives experienced fishers some variety, but the fishing instruction remains fairly basic. You are told when to lower your line and receive help when a fish is hooked. If you want detailed information about water depth, the seabed, sonar readings, fish behavior, weighing, or measuring each catch, this may feel light.

For most families and casual anglers, that simplicity is a strength. You can spend less time worrying about technique and more time watching your line. For serious fishers, the trip is better viewed as a fun public outing than as a specialized fishing lesson.

Puffins, whales, and the views across Faxaflói Bay

The natural setting gives the trip more value than the fishing alone. The boat often passes near a small island known for puffins. These birds are not guaranteed to appear, but the island adds a clear sense that you are fishing in a working, living bay rather than circling a staged attraction.

Whale and dolphin sightings are also possible. Past outings have included humpback whales, minke whales, dolphins, and jellyfish. On some days, the captain has taken time to follow a whale while people waited for the fish to be prepared.

That flexibility is a pleasant feature, though wildlife viewing is not the main product. You should book a dedicated whale watching trip if whales are your top priority. Here, a sighting is an extra reward during a fishing tour, and the captain still needs to balance wildlife watching with the scheduled fishing and meal.

The weather can shape your view as much as the wildlife does. On a calm, clear day, Faxaflói Bay offers wide Icelandic ocean views. On a rainy or windy day, the scenery feels tougher and more dramatic, but you will appreciate the covered area and protective clothing.

Turning the catch into lunch

At the end of the fishing, the crew can prepare your catch on the onboard grill. The fish is served with potatoes, making the meal feel substantial rather than like a small sample.

Freshness is the obvious appeal. The fish goes from water to grill during the same outing, and several people have called the meal one of the best parts of the day. Cod, haddock, and pollock can taste mild and clean when cooked simply, and eating fish you helped catch gives lunch a satisfying connection to the activity.

Seasoning may vary. One person found the fish bland and wished for butter or more seasoning, while another group brought its own spices and enjoyed the result. You should not expect a restaurant-style menu or a choice of sauces. This is a straightforward barbecue meal, with the freshness doing much of the work.

You may also have the option to keep part of your catch rather than eat it onboard. The amount you take home depends on what is caught and how the catch is handled that day. Some people have eaten several plates and still had fish to bring away, while others caught only a few fish. Ask the crew early if taking fish home matters to you, especially if you want a photo with a particular catch before it is cleaned or cut.

A friendly crew makes the difference

The captain and deckhands receive the most consistent praise for good reason. They help with lines, react quickly when fish are caught, and keep an eye on people who need extra assistance. The crew has included Oddgeir, Stefan, and Asgeir, while other outings mention Samuel, Oscar, Julia, and George.

The important point is not memorizing names. It is the crew’s attitude. They seem used to working with children, couples, older participants, and people who have never held a fishing rod. One family said its ten year old son considered the trip the highlight of his Iceland visit, while another first time fisher found the guides kind and encouraging.

A full boat can change the feel of the trip. One outing had more than 15 people, and other accounts describe groups of around 12. Everyone may still catch fish, but you should expect a shared setup rather than a quiet private charter. You may need to wait briefly for help when several lines are active at once.

The equipment has been described as average by one past participant, though it is supplied and suitable for the simple fishing method used. The boat has a covered lower area, and an older account also noted Wi-Fi onboard. Treat that as a possible convenience, not a reason to book.

Is $141 a fair price?

At $141 per person, this tour costs more than a basic harbor cruise, but it bundles several elements: about 2.5 hours on the water, an English-speaking guide, fishing equipment, protective clothing, the fishing itself, and a grilled meal with potatoes.

The value is strongest when you are starting from Reykjavik and want one compact activity. You do not need to arrange gear, find fishing grounds, or buy lunch afterward. If your group catches several fish, the meal feels like a real reward rather than an add-on.

I would be less enthusiastic about the price if you are mainly interested in advanced angling. The instruction focuses on helping you catch fish, not teaching detailed sea fishing skills. A private or specialist charter would likely suit you better, though the price and format would be different.

The high overall rating of 4.5 from 223 ratings fits the pattern here: the crew, catch, and meal are usually the winners, while rough water and occasional slow fishing are the main risks. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the option to reserve now and pay later also make it easier to fit into a changing Iceland itinerary.

Who should book this Reykjavik fishing trip?

I would recommend it for families, couples, first time fishers, and anyone who wants an activity that feels different from the usual Reykjavik sightseeing circuit. Children can take part with help, and experienced anglers can still enjoy the excitement of frequent bites and larger cod.

It also works well for a mixed group. If one person loves fishing and another is simply willing to try something new, the views, wildlife, music mentioned on some trips, and onboard meal give non-anglers something to enjoy.

I would hesitate if you get seasick easily, dislike cold or wet weather, or need a guaranteed catch. I would also choose another type of excursion if your main aim is serious fishing instruction, a private boat, or a dedicated whale watching experience.

For the best chance of enjoying it, wear warm layers beneath the supplied protective clothing, consider motion sickness prevention, and keep your expectations flexible. You might catch fish almost nonstop, or you might spend more time waiting between bites. Either way, the crew makes the activity easy to join.

Final call: book it for the meal and the people

Book this tour if you want an active, good-value outing from Reykjavik with a strong chance of catching dinner. The friendly crew, easy fishing method, and fresh onboard barbecue make it especially appealing for families and beginners.

Skip it if rough seas would ruin your day or if you want technical fishing guidance. For most visitors, though, the combination of open water, puffin country, possible whales and dolphins, and fish grilled shortly after the catch is a memorable use of a few hours in Iceland.

FAQ

Where does the sea fishing tour depart from?

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

How long does the fishing trip last?

The stated duration is 2.5 hours, though the time on the water may be closer to 2.5 to 3 hours depending on the outing.

What fish can I catch?

Possible catches include cod, halibut, haddock, rockfish, and pollock. Past catches have also included whiting, mackerel, and scorpion fish.

Is fishing experience required?

No. The tour is suitable for first time fishers and experienced anglers. The guides explain the basic process and help you handle your catch.

Is fishing equipment provided?

Yes. Fishing equipment and protective clothing are included.

Can the fish be cooked on the boat?

Yes. Fish caught during the trip can be grilled onboard and served with potatoes. You may also be able to keep some of your catch.

What language is the guided tour in?

The live guide speaks English. An app is available in English, German, French, Spanish, and Chinese.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup starts 60 minutes before departure and carries a small extra fee. It is available only from registered hotels and guesthouses in Reykjavik.