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

The best part of this Reykjavík boat trip is the quick change from sightseeing to supper. You head into Faxaflói Bay, drop a line, and may be pulling up cod within minutes. The crew handles the tricky bits, so beginners and children can join in without needing fishing experience.

I like two things here: the fresh onboard barbecue, which turns your catch into a hot meal with potatoes, and the crew’s hands-on help. Named crew members such as Oddgeir, Stefan, Asgeir, Samuel, and Oscar have been praised for making first-time fishers feel at ease. The catch can also include haddock, pollock, rockfish, and halibut.

The main caution is the sea itself. Choppy water and motion sickness can spoil the outing, even when the fishing is good. Bring motion-sickness medicine if you are prone to it, and expect the 2.5-hour trip to feel shorter than a full fishing charter.

Key points to know before you cast

• Fast fishing action: Many outings reach a fishing spot about 35 minutes after departure, with cod biting soon after.
• Beginner-friendly crew: Guides show you how to use the equipment, help reel in fish, and remove the hook.
• A meal from your own catch: Fish is grilled onboard and served with potatoes, while some of your catch may be taken home.
• Wildlife can add a bonus: Puffins, humpback whales, minke whales, dolphins, and jellyfish have all been spotted on different trips.
• Weather matters: Rain, wind, and large waves are possible, and some people have been too seasick to fish.
• Good family value: Children as young as six have enjoyed the trip, and an eight-year-old received a custom bait color from the crew.

Leaving Reykjavík’s Old Harbor for Faxaflói Bay

The trip starts at Reykjavík’s Old Harbor, one of the city’s most useful departure points for sea excursions. You board a proper fishing boat, collect the supplied equipment, and receive protective clothing before heading out.

The ride from the harbor is part of the experience, but it is not always smooth. The bay can be blustery, and several outings have included large waves or rain. I would treat the weather forecast as a planning tool, not a guarantee. Icelandic conditions can shift quickly, and the boat may feel lively before you reach calmer fishing water.

A covered section gives you somewhere to warm up, and past trips have included a warm lower deck. Still, you should dress for cold air and spray. Wear sturdy shoes, bring layers, and do not assume summer means mild conditions on the water. The protective clothing helps, but it is not a replacement for sensible clothing underneath.

The trip lasts about 2.5 hours, though the activity information allows roughly 2.5 to 3 hours on the water. That is a useful length for a family outing or a break between Reykjavík sightseeing stops. You get enough time to fish and eat, but not enough time for a full offshore expedition with long periods spent searching for remote grounds.

Hotel pickup is available from registered Reykjavík hotels and guesthouses, beginning about 60 minutes before departure. It costs a small extra fee. If you use pickup, be ready early rather than waiting until the advertised boat departure time.

Learning the fishing routine on deck

You do not need to know how to tie knots, read a sonar screen, or choose a lure. The crew supplies the fishing gear and explains what to do. In practice, the routine is simple: lower the line, wait for a bite, and reel steadily when the rod pulls.

The guides are especially helpful when several fish come up at once. They move along the rail, react quickly, untangle lines, and help remove fish from the hooks. That matters on a boat with more than 15 people, where a less experienced fisher could otherwise feel lost.

Children can take part, though the rod and fish may feel heavy for smaller arms. The crew has made the experience special for young fishers, including one custom bait color created in a child’s favorite color. That kind of small attention can turn a standard excursion into the highlight of a family holiday.

I would not book this expecting a private lesson in Icelandic angling. The focus is easy, social fishing rather than detailed instruction about tides, seabeds, fish behavior, or sonar readings. If you have extensive fishing experience, you may want more technical information. The crew keeps the process moving and aims to get everyone catching.

What you may catch in Faxaflói Bay

The usual targets include cod, haddock, pollock, rockfish, and halibut. Cod appears most often in the trip accounts, sometimes in impressive numbers. Some outings have produced fish weighing around 1.5 kilograms on average, with larger cod reaching about 3 kilograms.

The amount of action changes from day to day. On a good outing, almost every cast can bring a bite, and people may catch several fish each. One particularly productive session produced 17 fish for a single person in about 40 minutes. That is an exciting result, but you should not use it as a promise of what your own boat will catch.

Other trips have been slower. One outing produced only three or four fish for the whole boat, though the cooked catch was still enjoyed. The captain may move between fishing areas to find better action. Some outings have used three spots, with the first producing plenty of fish and later areas proving quieter.

This is an important point about sea fishing: the crew can choose good locations, but it cannot control the fish. You are paying for the time on the water, the equipment, the crew, and the chance to catch dinner. The most productive days feel like excellent value. A slow day can feel less satisfying if catching fish is your only goal.

Puffin Island, whales, and the wider view

Fishing is the main activity, but the bay can add wildlife to the schedule. The boat often passes near a puffin island, where you may see puffins gathered on or around the island. Whales and dolphins have also appeared during outings, including humpback whales, minke whales, and dolphins.

Some captains have gone past the usual fishing areas to help the group spot whales. That can be a lovely bonus, especially for families who want more than a fishing lesson. On one outing, the crew tracked a whale while the catch was being prepared. On another, the group saw several humpbacks, minke whales, and dolphins.

These sightings are not guaranteed, and this is not a dedicated whale-watching trip. You should book it for the fishing first, with wildlife as a possible extra. The open-water views alone give you a different look at Reykjavík, with the city receding behind you and the bay opening toward Iceland’s coast.

Grilling the catch with potatoes onboard

The most satisfying part of the outing comes after the fishing. The crew prepares some of the catch on an onboard grill and serves it with potatoes. You get to eat fish that was in the water earlier that same afternoon, which makes the meal feel connected to the activity rather than tacked onto it.

Cod, haddock, pollock, and other catches may end up on the grill. The cooking has received especially strong praise, with fish described as fresh, tender, and well prepared. The potatoes are a welcome addition after standing outside in cool air and concentrating on the rod.

Seasoning can vary. One person found the fish bland and suggested more butter or seasoning, while another group brought its own spices and enjoyed the result. I would keep your expectations sensible: this is a simple boat barbecue, not a restaurant meal. The freshness is the point.

You may also be able to keep part of your catch. Some groups have taken fish home, while excess fish has been released. Ask the crew what is possible on your departure, since the details can depend on the catch and the arrangements that day.

How the boat size and pace affect the experience

The boat can feel busy when the group is large. More than 15 people have been aboard, and fishing positions are shared along the rail. The advantage is energy: when fish start biting, the whole deck becomes active, and the crew has plenty of people to assist.

The drawback is less personal space and less individual attention than you would get on a private charter. You may need to wait briefly for help when several people catch fish at once. The guides work hard to keep things fair and moving, but this is a group excursion.

The pace is usually brisk. You spend time traveling out, fishing at one or more spots, and eating the catch before returning. One person wished the outing were longer, which is understandable if the fish are biting. For most visitors, though, the shorter format fits neatly into a Reykjavík day.

The boat has been described as clean and well kept, with a covered area and Wi-Fi reported on an earlier outing. The key comfort feature is the ability to get out of the wind when needed. If you suffer from motion sickness, sitting below deck may help, but it can also mean missing the fishing. Take precautions before boarding rather than relying on the cabin as a cure.

Is $141 a fair price?

At $141 per person, this is not a cheap add-on by Reykjavík standards. Iceland’s activities are costly, and the price needs to cover the boat, crew, fishing equipment, protective clothing, and cooking service.

I think the value is strongest if you plan to fish and eat the catch. You are not paying only for a boat ride. You receive instruction, equipment, an English-speaking guide, time on the water, and a meal made from fish caught during the outing. The wildlife sightings and harbor views add value when they happen.

The price is less convincing if you are mainly interested in whale watching or sightseeing. Wildlife is incidental, and a slow fishing day is possible. Someone who dislikes fish, boats, or cold weather should spend the money elsewhere.

For families, the outing can work well because one booking gives you an active experience and a meal. Non-fishers may come along, but the trip is still built around fishing. If only one person in your group wants to cast a line, think about how the others will feel during the fishing periods.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Reykjavík plans depend on weather, though they do not remove the risk of rough conditions on the day.

Who will enjoy this Reykjavík fishing trip?

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• First-time fishers who want simple instructions and a good chance to catch something
• Families with children who enjoy hands-on activities
• Couples looking for an unusual meal and a shared outing
• Experienced fishers who are happy with a short, easy group trip
• Anyone who likes the idea of eating a fresh catch immediately after landing it

I would be more cautious if you get seasick, dislike cold wind, or want a serious fishing lesson. The bay can be rough, and some people have spent much of the trip below deck feeling ill. Take motion-sickness remedies before departure if you know you need them.

The activity is also less suited to someone who wants to keep a trophy fish, fish alone, or spend a full day at sea. It is a friendly, accessible introduction to Icelandic sea angling, not a specialized charter.

Small practical choices that make a big difference

Take motion-sickness medicine before boarding if you are susceptible. Ginger tablets helped one person who usually gets sick, while another person’s spouse lost much of the outing to nausea.

Wear layers and use the protective clothing supplied by the boat. You may feel fine in the harbor and cold once the boat reaches open water. Keep your hands free enough to handle the rod, and expect spray even if the forecast looks manageable.

If you catch a large fish, ask about a photo before it is filleted or sent to the grill. The crew may be busy, and the fish can be prepared quickly. If you hope to take fish home, ask early about how that will work.

The tour is offered with a live English-speaking guide. An app is also available in English, German, French, Spanish, and Chinese. That can help with general information, but the hands-on fishing guidance is given in English.

Should you book the sea fishing and barbecue tour?

Book it if you want a friendly, low-pressure fishing trip where the reward is not only the catch but also the meal, the views, and the chance of seeing wildlife. The crew’s patience is a major strength, and beginners have a real chance to catch fish without bringing any equipment.

I would skip it if you are very prone to seasickness or want a technical, private fishing charter. For everyone else, $141 buys a memorable half-day activity with a clear sense of place. You leave Reykjavík by boat, fish the cold waters of Faxaflói Bay, and may return with the freshest meal of your Iceland visit.

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavík sea fishing tour?

The activity lasts about 2.5 hours. The time on the water may run about 2.5 to 3 hours depending on the departure and return schedule.

Where does the boat leave from?

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

What fish can I catch?

Possible catches include cod, halibut, haddock, rockfish, and pollock. The number and type of fish depend on the conditions and fishing location that day.

Is fishing equipment provided?

Yes. Fishing equipment and protective clothing are included, along with an experienced guide on board.

Can I eat the fish I catch?

Yes. The crew can grill your catch onboard and serve it with potatoes. You may also be able to keep some of the fish.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is available from registered hotels and guesthouses in Reykjavík. It begins about 60 minutes before departure and costs a small extra fee.