Sea Fishing Experience from Reykjavik

The best part of this Reykjavik outing is wonderfully simple: you catch a fish, hand it to the crew, and may eat it for dinner before the boat reaches shore. The crew works hard to put you over fish and helps with tangled lines, hooks, and filleting. Fresh cod cooked on board is hard to beat.

I also like that beginners fit right in. You get warm coveralls, a rod, bait, and basic instruction, so you need no fishing kit of your own. In summer, the route can pass puffin islands, and dolphins or whales may appear beside the boat. The main drawback is space: with up to 65 people aboard, fishing can feel shoulder to shoulder, and rough weather can make the trip cold or uncomfortable.

Key points at a glance

• Fresh catch for dinner: The crew can fillet and grill your cod or haddock on board, often with potatoes, or prepare it for you to take away.
• Easy for first-timers: Rods, bait, protective clothing, and hands-on help are included.
• Three hours from central Reykjavik: Meet at Geirsgata 11, with the trip beginning at 5:00 pm and ending back at the same point.
• Summer seabird views: From May through August, the boat passes Akurey and Lundey, known for puffins and other seabirds.
• A real chance of catching fish: Cod is the most common catch, with haddock, pollock, halibut, and rockfish also possible.
• Bring patience for changing conditions: Fishing success varies, and wind, rain, rough seas, snags, or canceled departures can affect the day.

Leaving Geirsgata for Faxaflói Bay

The tour begins at Geirsgata 11, a central Reykjavik meeting point. You should plan to arrive ready for a prompt 5:00 pm departure. Hotel pickup is available for an extra fee, but you must arrange it directly with Special Tours Iceland.

Once aboard, the captain and crew provide warm coveralls. This is not a small detail in Iceland. Even if the city feels mild, the open bay can be cold, wet, and windy. The protective clothing lets you focus on fishing instead of spending the whole trip wishing you had packed another layer.

The boat heads into Faxaflói Bay, where you get a different view of Reykjavik than you do from the streets. The ride out is part of the experience, with open water, Icelandic coastlines, and the chance to watch for marine life. Several outings have included dolphins or whales close to the boat, though these sightings are never guaranteed.

The vessel has indoor seating and toilets, and drinks are available on board. Food and drinks are not included in the tour price unless specifically stated, so you should not assume that refreshments are covered. The fishing itself is the main event.

Dropping a line with all the gear provided

You do not need to bring a fishing rod, tackle, bait, or specialist clothing. The crew supplies the equipment and explains the basics, making this a practical choice if you have never fished from a boat.

The fishing is generally done with lines lowered toward the seabed. That is where the cod may be holding, but it also means your weight can catch on rocks. A few people have lost weights to the bottom, and one departure had complaints about limited replacement gear and worn rod tips. This appears to be an equipment issue rather than the normal focus of the trip, but it is worth keeping in mind if you are an experienced angler with high expectations.

The crew is central to the quality of the outing. They help bring in fish, remove hooks, sort out crossed lines, and deal with tangles. Several crew members have been praised by name, including Captain Stefan, Vera, Kiljan, Oscar, Otsgir, and Samuel on different departures. You should not assume a particular person will be working your boat, but the repeated pattern is clear: hands-on help is part of the service.

That support matters most when the boat is busy. Fishing from a moving vessel is not like casting alone beside a quiet lake. Lines can cross, people may hook the bottom, and several fish can come up at once. A helpful deck crew keeps the action moving and makes the experience less frustrating for beginners and families.

What you might catch in Faxaflói Bay

Cod is the star of the trip. The catch can be surprisingly strong, with reports of people landing several large cod and even families catching dozens of fish in a particularly productive outing. Some people catch only a little, too. Fishing is fishing, and no captain can promise that every line will stay busy for the entire three hours.

Possible catches include:

• Cod
• Haddock
• Pollock
• Halibut
• Rockfish

The size and number of fish will vary with weather, sea conditions, location, and luck. One person may catch nine good-sized cod while another has a slower session. If your main goal is a high fish count, accept that conditions can change quickly. If your goal is a memorable taste of Icelandic sea fishing, even one solid catch can make the trip worthwhile.

The crew may move between fishing spots to find better action. This gives the outing a sense of purpose rather than leaving you in one place, but it also means some time is spent traveling or repositioning. The boat ride, scenery, and chance of seeing wildlife help fill those quieter moments.

The best part: cooking your catch on board

After fishing, the crew can prepare your catch for you to take back to your hotel or apartment. The more appealing option for many people is having it cooked on the boat.

The crew has grilled cod and haddock on board, with potatoes served alongside on some trips. This turns the excursion into more than a basic fishing charter. You are not simply taking a photograph with a fish and handing it over. You can taste the result while the day is still fresh.

The meal is simple, but that suits the setting. Freshly prepared cod, fried or cooked potatoes, and the cold sea around you make a satisfying finish. The crew handles the filleting and cooking, so you do not need to know how to clean a fish or find a kitchen once you return to town.

If you are staying in an apartment, taking the prepared catch home may be useful. If you are in a hotel, eating aboard is likely easier. Confirm with the crew what preparation options are available on your particular departure, since the information allows for both choices.

Summer puffins and possible whale sightings

From May through August, the boat passes Akurey and Lundey. These islands are known for seabirds and summertime puffin colonies. Keep your camera ready, but remember that the route and wildlife viewing are secondary to the fishing.

Puffins may be nesting on the shores, and the boat offers a chance to see them from the water. The trip is not presented as a dedicated bird-watching cruise, so you should book it for fishing first and treat the birds as a welcome extra.

Marine mammals can appear at other points in the journey. Dolphins and whales have been seen beside boats on the return trip. Again, these are possible sightings rather than a promise. The open-water setting gives you a chance, but nature chooses the schedule.

Family appeal and the question of crowding

This outing works well for families with older children and teenagers. Children around 10 and 13 have taken part, and the crew has made a point of helping younger anglers land fish. The basic routine is easy to understand: lower the line, wait, reel in, and let the crew assist.

The three-hour duration is also manageable. It gives you enough time to settle into the rhythm without taking up a full day of your Iceland itinerary. Starting at 5:00 pm can work well after a day in Reykjavik, though you should leave enough time to reach the meeting point without rushing.

The tradeoff is group size. The maximum is 65 people, and one person described the fishing as shoulder to shoulder. The boat has seating inside, but the fishing rail may feel busy when many people are casting or reeling at once.

This matters most if you want quiet, private fishing or room to use your own technique. It matters less if you are looking for a social outing where the crew keeps everyone involved. The atmosphere can become lively when several people land fish at the same time.

Weather, cancellations, and what to wear

The tour requires good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you can receive a different date or a full refund. The same options apply if the minimum number of participants is not reached.

Weather can still change the feel of a trip that goes ahead. Some outings have had rough seas, rain, cold, and strong wind, while others have enjoyed calm water and clear views. The warm coveralls are provided, but you should still wear suitable layers and sturdy footwear. The coveralls are protection, not a substitute for sensible Icelandic clothing.

If you are prone to seasickness, consider how comfortable you are on open water before booking. The tour information does not promise calm seas, and the boat can move noticeably when conditions are rough. A bad-weather outing may still be enjoyable for a keen angler, but it is not the same experience as fishing on a quiet summer evening.

You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the 5:00 pm start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund. Cutoff times use local Icelandic time.

Is $147.54 a fair price?

At $147.54 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend three hours in Reykjavik. But the price includes the fishing boat, an experienced crew, warm protective clothing, rods, bait, and other necessary equipment. You are also paying for the chance to have your catch prepared and grilled aboard.

That makes the value strongest for visitors who want an active outing rather than a sightseeing cruise. You would otherwise need to source equipment, arrange a boat, and learn the local fishing setup yourself. Here, the practical work is handled for you.

The value is less certain if you want guaranteed wildlife sightings, a quiet private charter, or a specialized fishing trip aimed at serious anglers. The group can be large, conditions can be rough, and the catch is not guaranteed. Think of it as an accessible Icelandic sea adventure with real fishing, not a luxury charter or a highly technical expedition.

The trip is booked an average of 68 days ahead, which suggests that popular dates can fill early. If fishing is high on your Iceland list, booking ahead is sensible. The Special Tours App is also available in English, German, French, Spanish, and Chinese, though the boat tour itself is offered in English.

Who should book this Reykjavik fishing trip?

I would recommend it to:

• First-time sea anglers who want clear guidance
• Families with children or teenagers
• Couples who like the idea of catching and eating their own dinner
• Experienced anglers who value action and do not mind shared space
• Visitors looking for a three-hour activity close to central Reykjavik
• Anyone who wants a chance to see puffins, dolphins, or whales without booking a separate wildlife cruise

I would think twice if you dislike rough water, need lots of personal space, or want a private boat. You should also avoid treating the trip as a guaranteed fish haul. The strongest departures produce plenty of cod and haddock, but the sea does not follow a schedule.

FAQ

How long is the sea fishing experience?

The trip lasts approximately three hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland, and returns to the same meeting point.

What time does the fishing trip begin?

The scheduled start time is 5:00 pm.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup is not included in the listed price. It can be arranged directly with the supplier for an additional fee.

Is fishing equipment provided?

Yes. Fishing rods, bait, and all necessary equipment are provided, along with protective clothing.

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 accommodation. Food and drinks are otherwise not included unless specified.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. If poor weather or an insufficient minimum number of participants cancels the trip, you will be offered another date or a full refund.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want hands-on fishing, warm gear, helpful crew, and a simple meal made from your own catch. It is especially appealing for families and beginners, since the crew does much of the difficult work and makes sure you understand the basics.

Skip it if your idea of fishing requires solitude, guaranteed calm water, or a private guide. For most people who can accept a busy boat and changing conditions, the chance to catch cod in Faxaflói Bay and eat it before returning to Reykjavik makes this a memorable use of three hours.