Reykjavik: Traditional Sea Fishing with BBQ Feast

Fresh fish, open water, and a hot lunch. This three-hour Reykjavik fishing trip gives you a real taste of Icelandic coastal life, not just a view from shore. I especially like the small group of no more than 12 and the fact that your catch becomes lunch. The main thing to consider is the weather: cold wind can make the boat feel much less comfortable, so warm clothing matters.

You fish in Faxaflói Bay with local crew, using equipment and waterproof clothing supplied on board. I also like that you can keep your catch, with the crew cleaning and filleting it for you. Children under four cannot join, and younger children up to age 12 must wear provided lifejackets.

Key points to know before you go

• Your catch becomes lunch: Cod, haddock, rockfish, or pollock may be cleaned and cooked with potatoes and sauce after you return.
• Small boat, small group: A maximum of 12 passengers allows for more personal help and plenty of room to relax.
• Walkable from central Reykjavik: The old harbor meeting point is about 5 to 10 minutes from the city center, beside the Víkin Maritime Museum area.
• Captain Snorri and the crew earn high marks: Snorri, Ana, and Thor are praised for friendly instruction, fish preparation, and a warm welcome.
• Fishing is beginner-friendly: The crew supplies rods, gear, protective clothing, and guidance, so you do not need prior experience.
• Weather shapes the day: The trip can begin cold and windy, making proper layers, a hat, and gloves sensible choices.

Fishing from Reykjavik’s old harbor

This tour begins at Reykjavik’s old harbor, close to the Víkin Maritime Museum. From central Reykjavik, plan on a walk of roughly 5 to 10 minutes, though finding the exact dock takes a little attention.

If you come from the city center, pass the first dock and the Hamborgarabúlla Tómas hamburger stand. Continue past the Reykjavik Marina Hotel until you find a sign marked Hlésgata. The meeting point is beyond the shipyard, on the side where large ships are hauled out for repairs.

That setting is useful context for the trip. You are not being collected at a distant bus terminal and driven to a staged attraction. You walk through a working harbor, board near vessels under repair, and head out from the same waterfront that has long supported Reykjavik’s fishing life.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you need to make your own way to the harbor. For anyone staying in central Reykjavik, that is a minor inconvenience. If you are staying outside the center, allow extra time for transport and finding the dock.

A three-hour outing with a clear purpose

The total duration is about three hours. That is long enough to get out into the bay, fish for a meaningful stretch, return to the harbor, and eat your catch without using up an entire day in Reykjavik.

The schedule can vary because starting times depend on availability. I would check the time carefully before arranging other activities, especially if you are also planning a whale-watching trip, a museum visit, or a long drive outside the city.

The outing has a pleasingly simple rhythm:

• Meet the crew and board at the old harbor.
• Sail out among the bay and islands beyond Reykjavik.
• Receive fishing instruction and begin fishing.
• Bring the catch back to the harbor.
• Have the fish cleaned, filleted, and cooked for lunch.
• Finish back at the original meeting point.

That straightforward plan is part of the appeal. You are not spending hours moving between several short stops. Most of the time is given to the fishing itself, with the meal serving as a fitting finish.

Learning to fish without bringing your own gear

You do not need fishing experience or equipment. The crew supplies the fishing gear, protective clothing, and basic instruction, then helps you as you fish.

That makes this a good choice for families and first-time anglers. You might catch cod, haddock, rockfish, or pollock, and the catch can vary with conditions and luck. Some outings produce a large haul, while other days may be less generous. Fishing is never a guaranteed show, and that uncertainty is part of the honest character of the activity.

The reports from the boat include impressive catches. One person described catching more than 20 fish on each of two days, while a family group of 10 brought in around 12 keepers between them. Another couple caught 14 fish. Those numbers are encouraging, but you should not book this expecting a fixed amount of fish.

The crew’s help is important here. A first-time fisher may need assistance with technique, bait, or handling the line, and the guides are repeatedly praised for staying involved. Captain Snorri is singled out for preparing the catch, while Ana is praised for cleaning fish and explaining the process. Thor is also mentioned as an excellent fishing guide.

The names attached to the crew vary in the feedback, so the exact staff on your boat may differ. The consistent point is the personal service. This is not a boat where you are left to figure everything out alone.

The bay, islands, and wildlife beyond the city

As the boat leaves Reykjavik, you get a different view of the capital. The city recedes, and the bay opens toward the islands and surrounding waters.

The trip is as much about being on the sea as it is about catching fish. You can watch the changing view, take in the open water, and look for wildlife around the bay and islands. Puffins have been spotted during outings, although sightings are not promised.

The boat gives all passengers space to relax, which matters on a fishing trip. You may spend periods waiting for a bite, and those pauses are more pleasant when you can look around rather than crowding around a rail.

Weather remains the wild card. One family began in cold, windy conditions and finished with a memorable meal, while another outing benefited from calm, pleasant weather. Iceland’s conditions can change quickly, so treat the supplied waterproof clothing as useful protection, not a substitute for your own warm layers.

Wear warm clothes suited to the forecast. A base layer, fleece or wool layer, waterproof outer clothing, and sturdy footwear are sensible. You will be outside on the water, and even a mild day in Reykjavik can feel cold once the boat is moving.

Why the group size matters

The boat carries no more than 12 passengers. That limit is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip instead of a larger fishing excursion.

With fewer people, you have more room to fish and a better chance of getting direct help from the crew. A small group also makes the outing feel more like a family-run boat trip than a standard high-volume harbor activity.

This is especially useful if your party includes children or people who have never fished. You can ask questions without shouting across a crowded deck, and the crew has a better chance of noticing when someone needs help.

The smaller boat can also make the weather more noticeable. A large vessel may feel steadier and offer more indoor space, while a compact boat puts you closer to the water and the elements. I see that as part of the trade-off: more personal service and a closer connection to the sea, but less shelter if the day turns rough.

The best part: cooking your own catch

After fishing, the boat returns to the harbor. The crew then cleans and fillets the fish, and prepares lunch from the day’s catch.

The meal is described as pan-fried fish with potatoes and sauce. The cooking is simple, which suits the ingredient. Fresh cod or haddock does not need a complicated recipe, and eating fish caught only a short time earlier gives the meal its special character.

Captain Snorri is praised for cooking the fish to perfection. Other accounts describe the fish as grilled or freshly cooked on board, with potatoes served alongside. The exact cooking method may vary slightly, but the important point is the same: your catch is prepared for you rather than simply placed in a bag to take away.

You can keep what you catch, and the team will fillet it. That gives you two useful options. Eat the prepared lunch and take the remaining fish with you, or treat the meal as the main reward and enjoy the satisfaction of catching your own food.

There is also something educational in watching the cleaning and filleting. Ana is specifically praised for explaining the process, which adds a practical glimpse into the work behind Iceland’s seafood traditions.

The lunch is served early by ordinary sightseeing standards, so do not plan this as a late-afternoon activity followed by dinner. It is better to think of it as a fishing trip with a fresh midday meal built in.

Is $170 a fair price?

At $170 per person, this is not a cheap way to spend three hours on the water. The value depends on what you want from the outing.

You are paying for a local guide, fishing equipment, waterproof clothing, instruction, a small group, the boat ride, and lunch made from the catch. You also avoid the need to buy or carry fishing gear. If you are a first-time fisher, the instruction and hands-on help add real value.

The price looks better for someone who would otherwise book a boat trip plus a separate meal. It also compares favorably if you value a personal group setting and the chance to eat what you catch. The meal is not a restaurant tasting menu, and the trip does not promise a large haul, so I would not choose it solely for the amount of food.

For families, the calculation is more personal. Children who enjoy practical activities may remember catching a fish more clearly than another city tour. But younger children need lifejackets, and children under four are not suitable for this trip.

The high rating of 4.8 from 74 reviews supports the idea that the experience usually delivers what it promises. The praise centers on the same features that affect the price: friendly crew, strong catches, a small group, and fresh cooking.

Who will enjoy this fishing trip most?

I would recommend it to you if you want an active Reykjavik experience with a clear local connection. It suits people who like being outdoors, trying something unfamiliar, and accepting a little uncertainty in exchange for a genuine activity.

It is particularly well suited to:

• First-time fishers who want patient instruction
• Families with children aged four and older
• Couples looking for something more hands-on than sightseeing
• Seafood lovers who appreciate a meal prepared from the catch
• Small groups that prefer personal service
• Visitors with a free three-hour block in Reykjavik

You may want to choose another activity if you dislike cold weather, boat movement, or waiting for fish to bite. The trip is not a seafood restaurant on the water. You participate in the meal by taking part in the fishing.

I would also think twice if your schedule is tightly packed. The advertised duration is approximately three hours, but you still need time to walk to the harbor, locate the meeting point, and return to your accommodation afterward.

Practical advice for a smoother outing

Book with the weather in mind, but do not assume a cloudy forecast automatically ruins the trip. One of the strongest accounts began cold and windy, yet ended with a satisfying meal and a positive memory.

Dress warmer than you think you need. The supplied waterproof clothing helps with spray and damp conditions, but your own warm layers are still recommended. Bring a camera if you want bay views or possible bird sightings, but keep it protected from water.

Arrive with enough time to find Hlésgata and the correct side of the shipyard. The meeting point is not simply the first boat you see at the harbor. Look for the route past the hamburger stand and the marina hotel, then continue toward the shipyard.

If you are booking for a family, remember that all children 12 and younger must wear lifejackets. Lifejackets are provided, and children under four are not allowed on the tour.

The tour is conducted in English and Icelandic. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Reykjavik plans depend on changing weather.

FAQ

How long does the Reykjavik sea fishing tour last?

The activity lasts approximately three hours, including the boat ride, fishing, return to the harbor, and meal prepared from the catch.

Where does the tour begin?

You board at the old harbor in Reykjavik, next to the Víkin Maritime Museum area. The meeting point is about a 5 to 10-minute walk from the city center, beyond the shipyard near the sign for Hlésgata.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to make your own way to the old harbor meeting point.

What fish might I catch?

The possible catches include cod, haddock, rockfish, and pollock. The exact catch depends on the day and fishing conditions.

Is fishing equipment provided?

Yes. Fishing equipment, waterproof clothing, fishing instruction, and guidance are included.

Do I get to eat the fish I catch?

Yes. The crew prepares lunch from the catch, with pan-fried fish, potatoes, and sauce. You may also keep what you catch, and the team will clean and fillet it for you.

Can young children join the tour?

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

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want to do something practical, local, and pleasantly unpolished in Reykjavik. The strongest reasons are the small group, helpful crew, chance to catch your own fish, and excellent fresh lunch.

I would choose it over a passive harbor cruise if you like participating rather than simply watching. Just pack warm clothes, allow time to find the dock, and accept that the size of your catch depends on nature. For a three-hour outing that combines Icelandic coastal scenery, fishing instruction, and a meal from the sea, the $170 price can be good value, especially for families, couples, and curious first-time anglers.