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

The best part of this Reykjavik boat trip is the quick reward: you drop a line in Faxaflói Bay, often feel a bite soon after, then eat your catch before returning to harbor. Fresh fish cooked onboard gives the outing a real Icelandic flavor, far beyond a simple sightseeing cruise.

I like two things most here. First, the crew works hard to help every person catch something, including young children and first-time anglers. Second, you get fine ocean views and a chance to spot puffins, whales, or dolphins while the boat moves between fishing areas. The main drawback is the sea itself: rough water can make the ride uncomfortable, and the catch is not guaranteed on every departure.

Key points to know before you cast

• Fish close to Reykjavik: The boat leaves the Old Harbor and heads into Faxaflói Bay, so this fits neatly into a city stay.
• Beginner-friendly fishing: The crew supplies rods, bait, protective clothing, and hands-on help.
• Cod is the usual prize: Haddock, pollock, rockfish, halibut, whiting, mackerel, and even scorpion fish have also been caught.
• Your catch becomes lunch: The crew can grill the fish with potatoes onboard, or you may keep some of it.
• Wildlife adds variety: Puffins, humpback whales, minke whales, dolphins, and jellyfish have all been spotted.
• Plan for motion: Some departures are calm, while others bring large waves and seasickness.

From Reykjavik’s Old Harbor to Faxaflói Bay

Your trip begins at Reykjavik’s Old Harbor, one of the easiest departure points in the city. From there, the boat heads into Faxaflói Bay, the broad stretch of water that gives the outing its open views and productive fishing grounds.

The ride out is part of the experience, but it is also when you are most likely to notice the sea conditions. Some people describe blustery weather and large waves. Others find the ride smooth and easy. Iceland’s weather can change fast, so you should bring warm layers even if Reykjavik feels mild at the dock.

The boat has a covered lower area, useful when the wind picks up or you need a break. That shelter also matters during the meal, since the crew serves the hot food onboard rather than asking you to eat outside in cold rain.

The setting is simple and scenic. You look back toward Reykjavik, then out across the bay, with open water and Icelandic coastal views all around. This is not a silent nature cruise. Fishing is the main event, and the scenery fills the gaps between fishing spots.

Getting started when you have never fished

Once the boat reaches a fishing area, the crew explains how to use the equipment. You do not need previous sea-fishing experience. The guides show you how to lower the line and reel in the fish, then step in when you need help removing a catch.

That practical help is one of the trip’s strongest points. The crew is used to working with mixed groups, from serious anglers to people who have never held a fishing rod. Children can take part, too. An eight-year-old girl received a specially chosen bait color combination on one departure, a small touch that made the activity feel personal rather than routine.

You will generally fish with the supplied rods and tackle while the crew watches for bites. Reports from strong fishing days describe near-constant action, with people catching fish within ten minutes of casting or pulling up two cod at a time. One person landed 17 fish in about 40 minutes before getting tired of reeling.

Those results are possible, but you should not treat them as a promise. Fishing depends on weather, sea conditions, and the location chosen that day. One departure produced only three or four fish for the entire boat. The crew can put you in a good area, but no captain can control the fish.

What you might catch in Faxaflói Bay

Cod is the fish most often associated with this trip, and it appears frequently in the catch. Fish around 1.5 kilograms are possible, with some cod reaching roughly 3 kilograms. Haddock and pollock are also common, and some outings have included whiting, rockfish, mackerel, halibut, and scorpion fish.

The variety keeps the fishing interesting. You may not know what is on the line until it reaches the surface. The crew can identify and handle the fish, so you do not need to worry about unhooking it yourself.

The actual fishing method is fairly straightforward. You lower the line, wait for a bite, and reel upward when the rod pulls. That makes this a good choice if you want the satisfaction of catching fish without a long lesson in specialized tackle.

If you are an experienced angler looking for a technical trip, set your expectations carefully. One person found the activity more like guided tourist fishing, with instructions about when to lower the bait and assistance from the crew, rather than a detailed lesson in depth, sonar readings, sea floor conditions, fish behavior, or weighing each catch.

That is not a flaw for most families and casual fishers. It simply tells you what you are buying: a friendly, active fishing outing rather than an advanced fishing workshop.

The crew makes the difference

The crew’s hands-on style gets the strongest praise. Names associated with especially well-liked departures include Oddgeir, Stefan, and Asgeir, along with Samuel and Oscar on another trip. The operation can have several deckhands working at once, which helps when multiple people hook fish together.

That matters because a full boat can become busy fast. One departure carried more than 15 people, yet everyone still caught fish. When several lines need attention, quick help from the deckhands keeps beginners from losing their catch.

You can expect the crew to help with bait, lines, and removing fish. They also make the trip social and relaxed, with music reported on some outings. The tone is less formal instruction and more cheerful coaching, which suits a family activity.

A small group may get more individual fishing advice, but the larger boat has a practical advantage: several crew members can move around and assist different anglers. The fishing area can feel active and crowded when the bite is strong, so be ready to share space at the rail.

Puffin Island and wildlife on the water

The route often passes a place known for puffins, giving you a chance to watch seabirds during the ride. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, but they can add a fine surprise to the day.

Whales and dolphins have also appeared on some outings. Sightings have included humpback whales, minke whales, and dolphins, with one captain taking time to track a whale while the group waited for the meal. Jellyfish have been seen as well.

Keep this in the right perspective. You are booking a fishing trip, not a dedicated whale-watching cruise. The captain may point out wildlife or adjust the route when conditions allow, but the main schedule is built around fishing. If you want the best chance of seeing whales, a purpose-built whale tour will be the more focused choice.

Still, the possibility gives you something else to watch during the ride between fishing spots. You may spend one moment reeling in cod and the next looking across the bay for a blow from a whale.

Moving between fishing spots

The boat may stop at several areas rather than fish in one place for the whole trip. One outing covered three spots, with strong action at the first and fewer bites at later locations. Another had excellent fishing at the opening site before the catch slowed.

This pattern is normal for a short fishing trip. The captain tries to place the boat where the fish are, then moves when the action drops. When the fishing is good, the short duration feels efficient. When the bite is slow, you may wish for more time.

The listed duration is 2.5 hours, while the full description allows roughly 2.5 to 3 hours on the water. Several people wished the trip lasted longer, especially after finding a productive fishing area. At $141 per person, the time is not bargain-priced in ordinary fishing terms, but the price includes equipment, protective clothing, a guide, and the cooked meal.

The value improves if you are comparing this with separate fishing equipment rental, a boat ride, and a seafood meal in Reykjavik. It also saves planning time. You can fit it into a morning or afternoon without committing to a full-day excursion outside the city.

Turning the catch into a hot meal

Near the end of the fishing session, the crew prepares the catch for the onboard barbecue. The fish is grilled and served with potatoes, giving you a hot meal while the boat heads back or waits in the harbor area.

This is the most memorable part for many people. The fish goes from the sea to the grill within the same outing, and the freshness is obvious. Cod and haddock are mild, firm, and well suited to simple grilling.

Seasoning can vary. Most people find the meal delicious, but one person found the fish bland and suggested adding butter or more seasoning. Another passenger brought personal spices onboard and preferred the result. If you like bold flavor, check whether the crew has seasonings available or bring only what the operator permits.

You may also choose to keep part of your catch rather than eat it immediately. The supplied information confirms both options, though the exact handling and amount you can take home may depend on the day’s catch and the crew’s arrangements. If keeping fish matters to you, ask before departure.

The meal is served with potatoes, not a full restaurant-style spread. Think of it as a hearty reward after active time on deck. The covered section of the boat becomes especially useful here, since warm food tastes better when you are out of the wind.

Weather, seasickness, and what to wear

The biggest practical concern is motion sickness. Several departures had rough or choppy seas, and one person had to stay below deck because of severe seasickness. Another person who is prone to motion sickness felt fine after taking ginger pills beforehand.

If you know you get seasick, plan ahead with a remedy you normally use. The crew can help, but they cannot make a moving boat feel still. Eat lightly before departure, dress warmly, and use the covered area if the open deck becomes too much.

Protective clothing is included, which is useful in Iceland’s cool, wet conditions. I would still wear warm layers and shoes that can handle a damp deck. The trip runs in changing weather, and rain does not necessarily stop the fishing.

The views can be excellent in poor weather, too. Rain, wind, and spray may make the boat ride feel more rugged, but they also mean you should focus on comfort rather than hoping your regular city clothes will be enough.

Who gets the best value from this trip

This activity suits families, couples, first-time fishers, and anyone who wants an active outing without leaving Reykjavik for a full day. Children have taken part successfully, and the crew’s patient approach helps people who are unsure around fishing gear.

It is also a good choice if you like the idea of eating something you caught yourself. The cooking gives the trip a clear finish and makes the $141 price easier to justify, especially if you would otherwise pay separately for a harbor cruise and a seafood meal.

You should think twice if you dislike boats, get motion sick easily, or need a guaranteed wildlife sighting. You should also lower your expectations if you want quiet time. A boat with more than 15 people, active fishing, music, and several lines moving at once can feel lively rather than peaceful.

Serious anglers may want a longer or more technical charter. The trip provides rods and guidance, but it is designed to help almost anyone catch fish, not to teach advanced Icelandic sea-angling methods.

Pickup, timing, and booking details

You can meet at the Old Harbor, and hotel or guesthouse pickup begins up to 60 minutes before departure. Pickup is limited to registered hotels and guesthouses in Reykjavik and costs a small extra fee, so check the pickup details when you book.

The live guide speaks English. An app is available in English, German, French, Spanish, and Chinese, but the stated live guiding language is English. If you rely on the app, remember that the most useful help on deck comes directly from the crew.

The activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Iceland schedule may shift.

Should you book the Reykjavik sea fishing tour?

Book it if you want a friendly, family-ready outing with a real meal at the end. The combination of frequent catches on many departures, kind deckhands, harbor access, and freshly grilled fish makes this one of the more distinctive things you can do in Reykjavik.

I would be especially keen to book it for a child who wants a memorable activity, a first-time fisher, or someone who values local food more than polished sightseeing. Just prepare for cold weather and possible rough seas, and do not assume a huge catch every time.

At $141, it is best viewed as a three-part experience: boat ride, guided fishing, and seafood lunch. If the weather is kind and the fish are biting, it can be excellent value. If the sea turns rough or the catch is light, the crew and meal still matter, but the price will feel less forgiving.

FAQ

How long is the sea fishing boat tour?

The tour lasts 2.5 hours. The activity description allows roughly 2.5 to 3 hours on the water.

Where does the boat leave from?

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

Do I need previous fishing experience?

No. The crew teaches beginners how to use the equipment and helps with the fishing process. The activity is suitable for both first-time and experienced fishers.

What fish can I catch?

Possible catches include cod, halibut, haddock, rockfish, and pollock. Other catches reported on departures include whiting, mackerel, and scorpion fish.

Can I eat the fish I catch?

Yes. Your catch can be grilled onboard and served with potatoes. You may also keep some of your catch.

Is hotel pickup available?

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