Sea Fishing Experience from Reykjavik

Cast a line into Icelandic waters. This three-hour outing from Reykjavik takes you into Faxaflói Bay with a friendly crew, supplied fishing gear, warm coveralls, and the chance to grill your catch on board. I especially like the fresh cod dinner and the fact that beginners receive hands-on help. The main drawback is that the boat can feel crowded, and fishing conditions can make the catch unpredictable.

At $147.54 per person, this is not a cheap way to spend an afternoon, but it includes the boat trip, rods, bait, protective clothing, fish cleaning, and cooking. I also like that you do not need to bring specialist equipment. In summer, the route adds views of Akurey and Lundey, where puffins may be nesting, and lucky trips have included dolphins and whales.

The Best Parts of This Reykjavik Fishing Trip

• Fresh fish cooked on board: Your cod, haddock, or other catch can be filleted and grilled, often with potatoes.
• Warm coveralls supplied: You can borrow protective clothing, a major help in Iceland’s cold, wet weather.
• Beginner-friendly instruction: The crew explains the basics and helps with tangled lines, hooks, and fish removal.
• Wildlife on the way out: From May through August, the boat passes Akurey and Lundey, with possible puffin sightings.
• Real sea conditions: Rough water, wind, and rain are possible, so this feels like a working fishing trip rather than a calm harbor cruise.
• A large boat with practical facilities: Seating inside, toilets, and drinks are available on board, though fishing space can be tight.

Leaving Geirsgata for Faxaflói Bay

The trip begins at 5:00 pm from Geirsgata 11, close to central Reykjavik and public transportation. You return to the same meeting point after roughly three hours, making this easy to fit around a morning visit to the Blue Lagoon, a city walk, or dinner plans later in the evening.

Once aboard, you meet the captain and deck crew and put on warm coveralls. This small step matters. Reykjavik’s weather can change quickly, and standing over open water while holding a fishing rod is not the time to discover that your jacket is less waterproof than advertised.

The boat heads out into Faxaflói Bay, giving you a broad view of Reykjavik and the surrounding coast as the harbor falls behind. The trip is about more than getting from the dock to the fishing grounds. The ride gives you open water, cold air, moving waves, and a clear sense of Iceland’s maritime character.

I like this start because it gets you into the setting quickly. You are not watching a demonstration in a visitor center. You are standing on a boat, handling real gear, and waiting for the captain to find a productive spot.

Fishing Gear for First-Timers and Regular Anglers

All fishing equipment is supplied, including rods and bait. You do not need to pack a reel, tackle box, or your own bait, which makes this a simple choice for someone adding fishing to an Iceland itinerary without planning a full fishing holiday.

The crew explains how to use the equipment, so first-timers can take part without feeling lost. You drop your line and fish near the sea floor, where cod and other species may be found. The crew also helps bring fish aboard, removes catches from hooks, and sorts out crossed or tangled lines.

That support is one of the strongest parts of the experience. Fishing from a moving boat is different from casting beside a quiet lake. Lines can cross, weights can catch on the bottom, and a fish can feel surprisingly heavy when you are hauling it up. You will get more from the trip if you accept that the crew is there to keep the action moving, not simply to watch from the deck.

The possible catch includes cod, haddock, pollock, halibut, and rockfish. Cod appears to be the most common prize, and some outings produce a remarkable amount. One family caught more than 70 cod in about two hours, while another angler brought in nine good-sized cod. Those results are not guaranteed, but they show how lively the fishing can be under good conditions.

Fishing always has an element of luck. One trip may produce fish for nearly every person on board, while another may be slower. A particularly unlucky outing included a fish that was already dead, a funny story but not exactly a trophy catch.

What Three Hours on the Water Feels Like

The scheduled duration is about three hours, with much of the main fishing time spent drifting over selected spots. The captain moves the boat to places where the crew expects fish, then lets you work the area.

When the fish are biting, the pace can be quick. You may be lifting cod aboard, passing your rod to a deckhand for help, and trying to keep your line clear of the person beside you. The crew works hard to help children and new anglers, which makes the trip suitable for families with older children and teenagers.

Several families have found the time length just right. Three hours is long enough to feel like a proper outing, but short enough that children are less likely to lose patience. It also leaves you with part of the evening free after returning to Reykjavik.

The less pleasant side is space. One outing felt shoulder to shoulder, and a boat with up to 65 people can become busy when several anglers hook fish at once. The boat is large and has indoor seating, toilets, and drinks, but the fishing area may not give every person much elbow room.

If you want a quiet, solitary fishing session, this is not the right format. If you enjoy the shared excitement of people cheering when a cod comes aboard, the crowd can add energy.

Cod, Haddock, and a Barbecue at Sea

The biggest reward is what happens after the fishing. The crew can clean your catch and grill it on board, or prepare it for you to take back to your hotel or apartment. Many people choose the on-board meal, often served with potatoes.

This turns the trip into both an activity and a meal. You are not simply taking a photograph with a fish and sending it back into the water. You catch it, watch it being filleted, and then eat it while the boat heads back toward Reykjavik.

The cooking receives especially strong praise. Cod and haddock have been prepared on board, and the meal has included fried potatoes. Reports also describe seasoned fish, generous portions, and leftovers after the meal. I like this feature because it gives the outing a clear Icelandic connection without dressing it up. Fresh fish, cold sea air, and a simple hot side dish are exactly the sort of combination that makes sense here.

Food and drinks are not generally included as a separate tour feature, but the catch can be cooked for you. The boat also has drinks available. If you have dietary needs or want something beyond the fish and potatoes, ask the operator before departure rather than counting on a full menu.

You can also take your catch back to your accommodation. That option works well if you have access to a kitchen and prefer to cook it later, although the on-board barbecue is the more memorable choice.

Summer Puffins and Possible Whale Sightings

From May to August, the boat passes Akurey and Lundey, two small islands associated with seabirds and summer puffin colonies. Keep your eyes open as the boat moves past the shores. Puffins are not the main purpose of this tour, so the viewing time and distance can vary, but the islands add a welcome wildlife element.

The route has also produced sightings of dolphins and whales. These encounters are chance events, not a promise, and you should not book this as a dedicated whale-watching trip. Still, seeing marine life beside the boat can turn a good fishing trip into a memorable one.

The best approach is to keep one eye on your line and one on the horizon. Fishing rods demand attention, but the bay offers reasons to look up. Bring patience, and do not assume that every wildlife sighting will happen on your particular departure.

Captains, Deckhands, and the Human Side

The crew is central to the experience. Captains and deckhands help beginners, untangle lines, replace or adjust equipment when possible, remove fish from hooks, and prepare the catch for the meal.

Several crew members have received warm praise by name. Captain Stefan was credited with finding productive fishing spots, while Vera and Kiljan were praised for their help and good humor. Otsgir and Samuel, with the spelling noted as uncertain, were also described as especially helpful with families and children. Oscar has been praised for a pleasant outing and good food preparation.

You should expect an active crew rather than a formal lecture. They are there to keep you fishing and to help when the practical problems begin. That makes a big difference for a first sea fishing experience.

There is one important caution. Equipment quality may not be consistent on every departure. One unhappy account described broken rod tips, missing eyelets, lost weights, and too few replacement weights after lines snagged on a rocky bottom. That appears to be an exception among otherwise highly positive experiences, but it is worth knowing that tackle can take a beating at sea.

Weather, Waves, and What to Wear

This is an outdoor trip in Iceland, and conditions matter. Rain, wind, cold, and rough seas have all been part of the experience. Some people loved the rough ride and kept fishing happily, while others may find the motion uncomfortable.

Protective clothing is supplied, including rainwear and warm coveralls. You should still wear comfortable layers and sturdy shoes. The supplied clothing helps with the weather, but it cannot guarantee calm seas or dry hands during a full afternoon outside.

If you are prone to motion sickness, think carefully before booking. The information provided does not specify whether motion-sickness medicine is available, so bring any personal remedy you normally use. A rough crossing can be part of the adventure, but it can also distract you from the fishing.

Poor weather can lead to cancellation. If the operator cancels, you are offered another date or a full refund. A minimum number of participants is also required, and a cancellation for that reason brings the same choice of a different date or a full refund.

Is $147.54 Good Value?

At $147.54, the price is higher than a simple sightseeing cruise, but the comparison is not quite fair. You are paying for a three-hour boat trip, a crew, warm clothing, fishing rods, bait, fish handling, and the option of a freshly cooked meal.

The value improves if you catch several fish and eat on board. A successful day can feel like dinner and an excursion combined. The price also makes more sense for families or couples who want an activity rather than another museum or bus tour.

The value is weaker if your only goal is to eat Icelandic cod. Reykjavik has restaurants, and a meal on land costs less than a fishing trip. You are paying for the work, uncertainty, weather, and fun of catching the food yourself.

The maximum group size is 65, so check your expectations. This is a commercial boat trip, not a private charter. You may fish close to other people, and busy periods can feel crowded. The large boat does provide indoor seating and toilets, which helps if the weather turns unpleasant.

The Special Tours app is available in English, German, French, Spanish, and Chinese. The fishing experience itself is offered in English.

Who Will Enjoy This Most?

I would recommend this trip to first-time sea anglers, families with older children, couples who want an unusual Reykjavik activity, and experienced fishers who enjoy catching dinner rather than simply admiring scenery.

It is particularly well suited to you if you like hands-on activities. The pleasure comes from feeling the line pull, working with the rod, and seeing the crew turn your catch into a meal.

You should think twice if you dislike cold weather, rough water, shared fishing space, or uncertain results. Fishing is never a guaranteed production line, even when the boat reaches a productive area. Also consider the timing: the 5:00 pm departure may be ideal for your schedule, but it will not suit everyone who wants a quiet evening in the city.

Cancel at least 24 hours before the 5:00 pm start for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund. Hotel pickup can be arranged directly with the operator for an extra fee, but the standard meeting point is Geirsgata 11.

My Verdict: Book It for the Catch and the Meal

I would book this sea fishing trip if I wanted a lively, practical Iceland experience with a real payoff at the end. The strongest reasons are the helpful crew, supplied clothing and gear, beginner-friendly format, and the chance to eat fish you helped catch.

I would not book it expecting private space, perfect tackle, calm seas, or guaranteed whales and puffins. For the best chance of a satisfying outing, choose it when you can handle changing weather, arrive ready for a shared boat, and treat the wildlife as a bonus.

If your family wants an activity that keeps children involved and ends with a hot meal, this is a strong choice. If you are a serious angler demanding top-grade personal equipment, ask detailed questions before paying. For most visitors, the blend of fishing, scenery, crew help, and fresh cod makes the $147.54 worthwhile.

FAQ

Where does the sea fishing tour begin?

The tour begins at Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland.

What time does the tour start?

The scheduled start time is 5:00 pm.

How long does the fishing experience last?

The trip lasts approximately three hours.

Is fishing equipment provided?

Yes. Fishing rods, bait, and all other necessary fishing equipment are provided.

Is warm clothing available?

Yes. Protective clothing, including warm coveralls, is provided for the trip.

What fish might I catch?

Possible catches include cod, haddock, pollock, halibut, and rockfish.

Can I eat the fish I catch?

Yes. The crew can grill your catch on board, or prepare it for you to take back to your hotel or apartment.