Reykjavik Sea Angling Gourmet

Fishing in Iceland gets wonderfully direct on this three-hour Faxaflói outing: you step aboard in Reykjavík, learn a simple technique, catch cod or haddock, and eat part of it before returning to shore. The crew, including brothers known as Jakob and Vigfus on some departures, supplies the gear and handles beginners with patience.

I like the fresh onboard BBQ, and I like the easy afternoon timing. You can walk Reykjavík in the morning, fish for a few hours, and still have your evening free. The main drawback is the sea itself: rough weather can cancel the trip, and even good fishing cannot guarantee a catch on every departure.

Key points to know before you book

• Fresh fish becomes lunch: Your catch is cleaned and cooked aboard while the boat heads back to harbor.
• No license or experience needed: The crew gives a short lesson and uses simple, forgiving tackle.
• Faxaflói offers more than fishing: Look for seabirds, puffins, and occasionally whales as you work the fishing grounds.
• The boat carries up to 20 people: Departures may feel friendly and social, though the exact group size can vary.
• Bring sturdy shoes and clothes that can get dirty: Rain jackets are supplied, but footwear is not.
• Weather controls the day: Poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund.

Fishing Faxaflói without needing prior experience

The best feature of this excursion is how quickly it gets you involved. You do not need a fishing license, and you do not need to arrive knowing how to tie knots, read water, or handle a complicated reel. The crew provides the rod, line, and terminal tackle, then shows you the basic motion.

The supplied gear is intended for a mixed group. One experienced angler described a short, sturdy rod and a simple commercial lure setup that was hard to tangle. That may not satisfy someone hoping to use a personal light rig, but it is sensible for a boat carrying beginners, children, and people who have never held a saltwater rod.

You generally fish by lowering the lure and working it as the boat drifts. The crew chooses the fishing grounds and helps remove fish from the line. You do the enjoyable part yourself, with help close by when the fish is heavy, the line snags, or you are not sure what to do next.

That makes this a good choice for a couple or family with mixed interests. One person can be an enthusiastic angler, while the other learns from scratch. A review from a nonfishing spouse described catching a large cod and haddock after patient instruction. An 11-year-old and a 78-year-old also enjoyed the outing, which says something useful about the level of physical demand.

Leaving Hlésgata 1 for three hours on the bay

The meeting point is Hlésgata 1, 101 Reykjavík, and the activity returns to that same spot. It is near public transportation, so you can reach it without arranging a separate transfer. Check your booking confirmation for the exact departure time, since the tour is sold as an approximately three-hour experience rather than a full-day charter.

Once aboard, you can expect the basic amenities needed for a short trip, including a bathroom. Coffee and cookies have also been offered while boarding on some departures. Rain jackets are available, and boots may be borrowed if needed, but sturdy footwear remains your responsibility.

Dress for Iceland, not for the weather you see from a Reykjavík café window. The bay can feel much colder and wetter than the city streets. Wear layers, solid shoes, and clothing that you do not mind getting dirty. Fish slime, bait, spray, and barbecue work are all part of the setting.

The boat has been described as roomy and clean for a group of about a dozen anglers, with a stated maximum of 20 people. That is not the same as a private charter. You will share the rail, move around other people, and sometimes wait briefly while a fish is unhooked. The crew’s hands-on help is important here, especially when several lines produce fish at once.

Three hours among cod, haddock, mackerel, and pollack

The fishing takes place in Faxaflói, the broad bay outside Reykjavík. The crew sails to areas offering the best chance of a catch, and the boat may drift across several spots. Individual accounts describe three or four fishing areas, though the exact route depends on conditions and where the fish are holding.

The usual catch includes catfish, cod, haddock, mackerel, and pollack. Whiting and coalfish may also appear, and some outings have produced halibut or wolf fish. That variety keeps the trip interesting. You are not simply repeating one cast in one location while waiting for a single target species.

Cod and haddock are the stars because they make an excellent meal. Mackerel and pollack can provide fast action, while coalfish may strike the lure before it reaches the bottom. On one especially productive outing, fish were taking the lures on the drop, with anglers catching two at a time.

Still, keep your expectations sensible. This is wild fishing, not a guaranteed catch program. The success rate is described as very high, but no operator can promise that every person will land fish on every trip. Sea conditions, fish movement, and the day’s route all matter.

If you are an experienced angler, the standard equipment may feel heavy and basic. That is deliberate. Loan rods need to survive enthusiastic beginners and larger fish. You can ask about bringing your own gear, but the supplied setup is the practical choice for most people.

The onboard meal is the real Icelandic payoff

The catch-and-eat format gives this excursion its strongest sense of place. After fishing, the crew cleans a portion of the catch and puts it on the barbecue while the boat heads toward the harbor. You eat fish that was swimming in Faxaflói only a short time earlier.

The official meal is described as a light BBQ lunch. Accounts also describe grilled cod and haddock served with sauces and, on some outings, potato salad. Do not book this expecting a restaurant spread or a full seafood feast for every person. Book it for the pleasure of a simple meal prepared well and eaten at sea.

The freshness is not just a marketing line. The fish is caught, cleaned, cooked, and served before you reach the dock. That timing gives cod and haddock a clean, tender quality that can be hard to match after long transport and storage.

The crew may keep only enough fish for the meal and return smaller or less desirable fish to the sea. If you have access to a kitchen, some catch may be available to take home, though that depends on the day and your circumstances. Someone staying on a cruise ship, for example, may have no practical way to store or prepare it.

I would treat the BBQ as part of the entertainment as much as part of the price. You watch the crew work, smell the fish cooking, and eat while the boat moves through the bay. It turns a standard fishing trip into a compact food experience.

What you might see beyond the fishing lines

Keep your eyes up between catches. Faxaflói offers broad water views and a chance to watch seabirds while you fish. Fulmars and puffins have been spotted, and whale sightings are possible, though never promised.

The wildlife is a bonus, not the central purpose. If your main goal is whales, choose a dedicated whale-watching trip. Here, seabirds and marine life add texture to the outing while the rod remains in your hands.

The bay can also change quickly. Calm water makes it easier to fish and enjoy the barbecue, while wind and swell can make the boat less comfortable. One account describes motion sickness during stormier conditions, while others had calm seas and easy fishing. If you are prone to seasickness, ask the crew for help early. The crew has provided complimentary antiemetic medication and checked on unwell passengers.

That practical care matters on a short trip. You have limited time, and losing the middle hour to nausea is no fun. Eat lightly before boarding, dress warmly, and choose fresh air on deck if the sea starts to roll.

Crew support from the first cast to the last bite

The people running this trip are central to its appeal. Jakob, Vigfus, and their brothers are described as friendly, patient, and willing to explain what they are doing. The crew speaks English, gives clear instruction, and stays involved when a fish comes aboard.

You should expect a personal, practical style rather than a formal lecture. The lesson covers how to hold the rod, release the line, and work the lure. Then the crew watches for problems and helps you improve as you go.

That approach works better than a long explanation on the dock. You learn by doing, and the first fish gives you an immediate reason to pay attention. Children may need help with the weight of the rod and the final lift, but the crew is used to mixed ages and skill levels.

The social side is another plus. With a shared rail and a common meal, you naturally talk with the people beside you. Local participants may be aboard as well, offering a small chance to hear about Iceland beyond the usual sightseeing route.

The crew also decides what happens to the catch. Smaller fish and species not wanted for eating may be released, while suitable fish are saved for lunch. That gives the outing a more thoughtful feel than simply filling a bucket with anything that bites.

Is $160 a fair price in Reykjavík?

At $160 per person, this is not a throwaway activity. It is also more than a basic harbor cruise, so the value depends on what you want from your time in Iceland.

For the price, you receive about three hours on the water, instruction, fishing equipment, a rain jacket, crew assistance, and a cooked meal made from the catch. You are not paying separately for a fishing license or standard tackle. In a city where eating out can be expensive, the included fresh seafood helps the calculation.

The value improves if you actually want to fish rather than simply watch scenery. The experience is hands-on from start to finish. You operate the rod, feel the fish, help create the meal, and spend time outside the city without committing to a full-day excursion.

It is less attractive if you dislike boats, do not eat fish, or want a private guide. The group can reach 20 people, and the catch is not guaranteed. A poor-weather cancellation can also disrupt carefully planned schedules, though you will be offered another date or a full refund if the operator cancels because of conditions.

The tour is commonly booked about 51 days ahead. That suggests you should not leave it until the last morning of a short Reykjavík stay, especially if you have only one possible afternoon. At the same time, last-minute openings can occur, so it is worth checking if your plans are flexible.

How to fit the trip into a Reykjavík day

The approximately three-hour length is unusually useful. You can spend the morning at museums, cafés, or city sights, fish in the afternoon, then return for dinner and evening plans. The tour ends where it begins, which keeps the schedule simple.

Build in a little breathing room around the departure and return. The stated duration is approximate, and time on the water can be affected by conditions. Do not schedule an important, nonrefundable activity immediately afterward.

This outing works especially well during a short visit because it gives you a taste of Icelandic sea life without taking a whole day. It also offers more participation than a standard sightseeing cruise. You are not simply looking at Faxaflói. You are using it.

Who should book this sea-angling trip?

I would recommend it to:

• First-time fishers who want a simple introduction
• Families with children who can follow basic instructions
• Couples with different levels of fishing interest
• Experienced anglers who care more about action and fresh food than specialized tackle
• Visitors with a free three-hour block in Reykjavík
• Seafood lovers who like knowing exactly where lunch came from

I would hesitate if you are very sensitive to motion, dislike cold and wet conditions, or need a guaranteed result. It is also not ideal for someone seeking a quiet luxury cruise. The boat is built for fishing, not pampering.

The trip suits curious eaters particularly well. You get a small, memorable connection to Iceland’s working waters, and the meal gives the experience a clear finish.

Booking, cancellation, and practical details

Confirmation is provided when you book. The experience is offered in English, and most people can participate. Fishing equipment and guidance are included, while sturdy footwear and clothing that can get dirty are not.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted, and cancellations inside that period are not refunded. If poor weather forces the operator to cancel, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Because weather is important, keep some flexibility in your schedule. A canceled boat trip is frustrating, but going out in unsafe or unpleasant conditions would be worse. If your visit is short, booking earlier in your stay gives you a better chance to reschedule.

Should you book Reykjavik Sea Angling Gourmet?

Book it if you want an active, friendly, food-focused outing rather than another sightseeing ride. The strongest reasons are the patient instruction, the chance of lively fishing, and the remarkably fresh BBQ served before you return to Reykjavík.

Go in prepared for variable weather, shared boat space, and the possibility of catching less than hoped. Bring good shoes, wear clothes you can soil, and keep your plans after the trip loose.

For $160, you receive a genuine three-hour experience with equipment, instruction, sea views, wildlife possibilities, and lunch tied directly to what you catch. That is a solid value for an Iceland visit, especially if you enjoy seafood and want to do more than look at the bay from shore.

FAQ

How long is Reykjavik Sea Angling Gourmet?

The experience lasts approximately three hours, including the time spent fishing in Faxaflói and returning to Reykjavík.

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts at Hlésgata 1, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland, and ends back at the same meeting point.

How much does the experience cost?

The listed price is $160 per person.

Do I need fishing experience or a license?

No. You do not need previous fishing experience or a fishing license. The crew provides instruction and helps you learn the basic fishing techniques.

What fish might I catch?

Common catches include catfish, cod, haddock, mackerel, and pollack. Whiting, coalfish, halibut, and wolf fish may also be caught, though no particular species is guaranteed.

Is fishing equipment provided?

Yes. Fishing equipment, guidance, and a rain jacket are included. You should bring sturdy footwear and clothing that can get dirty.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The crew cooks a light BBQ using fish caught during the outing. Some departures have included sauces and potato salad with the grilled fish.

Can children participate?

Most people can participate, and the experience has been enjoyed by children as well as older adults. The supplied information does not give a specific minimum age, so check the booking details for your departure.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If the experience is canceled because of poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time.