Sea Fishing Experience from Reykjavik

The best part of this Reykjavik outing is simple: you catch a fish, then eat it. The boat heads into Faxaflói Bay, the crew points you toward productive fishing grounds, and your cod or haddock can become dinner before you reach shore. Fresh fish cooked on board gives this short trip a satisfying sense of place.

I like two things right away: all fishing gear and warm coveralls are supplied, so you can pack light, and beginners receive hands-on help from the deck crew. The setting adds plenty, too. Summer trips pass Akurey and Lundey, where puffins gather, and several sailings have included sightings of dolphins or whales.

The main drawback is that this is a shared fishing boat, not a private charter. One report describes shoulder-to-shoulder fishing, and catches depend on weather, sea conditions, and the fish on that day. A small number of equipment complaints also appeared, so serious anglers should keep expectations practical.

Key Points Before You Book

• Three hours on Faxaflói Bay: A manageable half-day activity that fits well into a Reykjavik schedule.
• A real meal from your catch: The crew can grill some of the fish aboard, or prepare it for you to take back to your hotel or apartment.
• Good for first-timers: Rods, bait, protective clothing, and instruction are included.
• Summer wildlife bonus: From May through August, the route may pass Akurey and Lundey, known for puffins and seabirds.
• Strong family appeal: Children and teens have caught fish with help from the crew, though the boat can feel busy.
• Weather matters: Poor conditions can cancel the trip, with a new date or full refund offered.

Leaving Geirsgata at 5 PM

You meet at Geirsgata 11 in central Reykjavik at 5:00 pm. The tour returns to the same place, which makes the timing easy to fit around a morning excursion, a late lunch, or a relaxed afternoon in town.

Hotel pickup is not included, but you can arrange it directly with Special Tours Iceland for an added charge. The meeting point is near public transportation, so many people can reach it without paying for a taxi.

The trip lasts about three hours. That is long enough to get out into open water, fish for a worthwhile stretch, and enjoy a meal from the catch without giving up an entire day. I see this as a useful choice for a packed Iceland itinerary, especially if you are already planning longer outings along the south coast or to the Golden Circle.

The usual booking pattern is roughly two months ahead, with an average of 68 days in advance. That does not mean you must book that early, but it is a useful warning for summer dates and family trips. If you have only one evening available, reserve it early.

Warm Coveralls and a Working Fishing Boat

At the dock, you meet the captain and crew and put on protective coveralls. Icelandic weather can change quickly, and the coveralls matter even when the forecast looks calm. The bay may be cold, windy, rainy, or rough, so wear warm layers underneath and shoes that can handle a wet deck.

The boat has indoor seating and toilets, according to the information provided, and drinks are available on board. Food and drinks are not generally included beyond the preparation of your catch, so do not assume a full snack service.

This is a working fishing outing rather than a polished sightseeing cruise. Rods and bait are supplied, and the crew helps you set up. If your line tangles, your catch needs removing from the hook, or you need help bringing in a fish, deckhands step in.

The crew names associated with these sailings include Captain Stefan, Vera, Kiljan, Oscar, Otsgir, and Samuel. Crew assignments can vary, but the consistent pattern is friendly, active help on deck. Captain Stefan has been praised for finding productive fishing spots, while Vera and Kiljan have been singled out for making the trip fun and helping with tangled lines.

Fishing the Cod Grounds

Once the boat reaches the fishing area, you drop your line and wait for the pull. The most common catch appears to be cod, but you might also bring up haddock, pollock, halibut, or rockfish.

The style here is active and communal. You are not sitting alone with a quiet riverbank. Several lines may be in the water at once, and the crew moves around helping people land fish, remove hooks, and deal with crossed lines. That energy works especially well for families and first-time fishers.

The catch can be impressive on a good day. Some people have caught several large cod, while one particularly productive outing brought in dozens of fish in about two hours. Other trips have been slower, including one person who caught little but still enjoyed the meal and the outing.

That variation is important. No fishing trip can promise a full cooler. You may catch cod and haddock steadily, or you may spend more time waiting. The crew can choose productive areas, but sea conditions and the fish themselves remain in charge.

A small warning for experienced anglers: one outing involved rocky bottom, snagged lines, lost weights, and several rods with damaged tips or missing eyelets. This appears to be an isolated but useful caution. The supplied equipment is enough for the activity, yet it may not satisfy someone accustomed to bringing carefully maintained personal gear.

A Shared Boat, Not a Private Charter

The boat can carry up to 65 people, although individual departures may be smaller. That maximum tells you what kind of experience to expect. This is a group excursion with a social feel, not a quiet private trip.

On a busy departure, you may fish close to the person beside you. One account specifically described shoulder-to-shoulder conditions. Lines can cross, and a snag on the bottom can interrupt more than one person at a time.

Still, the shared format has a useful upside. When a child lands a cod, people nearby tend to join the excitement. The crew works to help each person catch something, with special attention given to kids. Families with children aged 10 and 13 have found the format enjoyable, and preteens and teens have caught several fish on the same outing.

I would choose this trip for a family, couple, or solo visitor who likes a lively group activity. I would not choose it for a serious angler seeking privacy, specialized tackle, or complete control over the fishing plan.

Puffins, Dolphins, and the Bay Views

Fishing is the main event, but the ride itself gives you a fresh view of Reykjavik. You leave the harbor, cut across Faxaflói Bay, and see the city from the water as the boat heads toward its fishing grounds.

From May through August, the route passes Akurey and Lundey. These islands are known for seabirds and summertime puffin colonies. Puffin sightings are not guaranteed, but keep your eyes on the shores and waterline while the boat passes.

Marine life can add another surprise. Dolphins and whales have been seen beside the boat on the return journey. These sightings are chance encounters, not part of a guaranteed whale-watching route, so consider them a bonus rather than the reason to book.

Sea conditions also shape the ride. Some departures have been cold, rainy, windy, and rough, while others have enjoyed calm weather. The experience requires good weather, and Special Tours Iceland may cancel if conditions are poor. In that case, you receive the choice of another date or a full refund.

Turning Cod Into Dinner

The most memorable feature is what happens after the lines come up. The crew can fillet your catch and grill it on board. Several outings also included potatoes, turning the catch into a hot meal as the boat returned to Reykjavik.

This is more than a convenient lunch. You see the full chain from sea to plate in a single afternoon. The crew handles the practical work, and you get to eat fish caught only a short time earlier.

You can also have the catch prepared to take back to your hotel or apartment. That option is useful if you prefer to cook later or if the boat meal does not fit your schedule. The exact amount prepared on board may depend on the catch and the crew’s service that day.

I would bring a little patience during the meal service. The crew is also running the boat, helping with gear, and cleaning fish. This is a friendly working galley, not a restaurant kitchen. The simple combination of grilled cod and potatoes is part of the charm.

Is the $147.54 Price Fair?

At $147.54 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend three hours in Reykjavik. The value comes from the number of pieces included: a boat trip into Faxaflói Bay, fishing instruction, rods, bait, protective clothing, crew support, and the chance to eat your catch.

If you already fish often and own your own gear, the price may feel high for a group outing with shared equipment. You are paying for access to the boat, the local crew, the fishing grounds, and the convenience of not organizing any tackle or food preparation yourself.

For a first-time fisher, the value is stronger. You do not need to know which rod, bait, or weight to bring. You can arrive in Reykjavik, put on the supplied coveralls, follow the crew’s instructions, and have a real Icelandic seafood experience without arranging a private charter.

The price also compares better for families who want one activity that works for adults and children. The catch, meal, boat ride, and wildlife possibilities all arrive in one compact outing. Just remember that your personal result depends on the day. A full dinner is possible, but not promised.

Who Will Enjoy This Most?

I would recommend this trip to:

• First-time sea fishers who want clear help from the crew
• Families with children or teenagers
• Couples who like hands-on activities
• Visitors who want to eat something they caught in Iceland
• Anglers who do not want to pack rods, bait, or protective clothing
• People with a free late afternoon in Reykjavik

I would think twice if you dislike cold, wind, motion, or shared group activities. The boat may be crowded, and the sea can be rough. You should also avoid booking it as your only must-do activity if catching fish is essential to your plan.

The best approach is to treat the fishing as the core activity and the catch as a welcome bonus. You may return with several cod, or you may return with a good story, a warm meal, and a view of the bay.

Booking, Weather, and Cancellation Details

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the 5:00 pm start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund.

The operator can cancel because of poor weather or because too few people book the departure. If that happens, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund. Confirmation arrives at booking, and the tour is offered in English.

The Special Tours app is available in English, German, French, Spanish, and Chinese. The actual fishing tour is listed as English-speaking, so the app’s language choices do not necessarily mean the crew provides live guiding in all five languages.

FAQ

Where does the sea-fishing tour start?

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

What time does the tour start?

The scheduled start time is 5:00 pm.

How long does the fishing experience last?

The experience lasts approximately three hours.

Is fishing equipment provided?

Yes. Fishing rods, bait, and all other necessary fishing equipment are provided. Protective clothing is also included.

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.

Is hotel pickup available?

Hotel pickup is available directly through the supplier for an additional fee. It is not included in the listed price.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of travelers is not met.

Should You Book the Reykjavik Sea-Fishing Trip?

Book it if you want a practical, social outing where the activity ends with fresh fish and potatoes on the boat. The supplied gear, warm coveralls, active crew, and beginner-friendly setup make it easy to join, while puffins, dolphins, whales, and good bay views can add something extra.

Skip it if you need quiet fishing, private space, or guaranteed results. The boat may feel crowded, conditions can turn rough, and equipment quality may vary. For most families, couples, and first-timers, though, the chance to catch dinner in Faxaflói Bay makes this one of Reykjavik’s more memorable short excursions.