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

The best part of this Reykjavik boat trip is simple: you catch dinner in Faxaflói Bay, then eat it while the sea is still around you. Cod, haddock, pollock, rockfish, and halibut are all possible catches, and the crew helps even first-time fishers get a line in the water quickly.

I like the hands-on crew, who keep an eye on every rod and help with bait, reeling, and unhooking fish. I also like the onboard barbecue, which turns a standard fishing outing into a proper Iceland experience. The main drawback is the sea itself. Wind and waves can make the ride rough, and motion sickness has spoiled the trip for some people.

Key points to know before you book

• Fish from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor: The boat heads into Faxaflói Bay, with views back toward the coast and a chance to pass puffin island.
• Beginner-friendly fishing: The crew supplies equipment, bait, and protective clothing, then helps you from the first cast to the final catch.
• Fresh fish cooked onboard: Your catch can be grilled with potatoes, or you can keep some of it rather than eat it immediately.
• Wildlife is a possible bonus: Puffins, humpback whales, minke whales, dolphins, and jellyfish have all been spotted, but sightings are never guaranteed.
• Allow about three hours: The advertised duration is 2.5 hours, with the full outing sometimes described as 2.5 to 3 hours.
• Prepare for motion: The boat can be choppy on the way out, so bring motion-sickness medicine if you are prone to seasickness.

From the Old Harbor to Faxaflói Bay

Your outing begins at Reykjavik’s Old Harbor, a handy departure point near the city center. If you use the optional hotel pickup, be ready up to 60 minutes before departure. Pickup is offered only at registered Reykjavik hotels and guesthouses, and it costs extra.

Once aboard, the crew provides the fishing gear and protective clothing. You do not need to arrive as an experienced angler. The setup is made for quick action, which is useful on a short trip. You learn the basic rhythm, lower your line, wait for a bite, and reel in when the crew tells you to.

The boat heads out toward Faxaflói Bay. The ride gives you broad views of Iceland’s coast and open water, though the trip can feel rough before the boat reaches its fishing area. On calm days, the journey is part of the fun. On windy days, it may be the least comfortable section.

The crew sometimes passes puffin island, where you may see birds gathered on the water or rocks. Whales and dolphins have also appeared during outings, including humpback whales, minke whales, and pods of dolphins. Treat these sightings as luck, not as a promised part of the program. The main purpose is fishing.

How the fishing works for first-timers

This is not a quiet, technical lesson in Icelandic angling. It is a practical group fishing trip designed to get you catching fish without a long learning curve. The crew tells you when to drop your line and steps in when a fish is hooked.

That format works well for families and mixed groups. An eight-year-old can take part with close help, while an experienced fisher can enjoy the action without bringing personal tackle. Children have been given extra attention, including small touches such as customized bait colors.

The usual target fish include cod, haddock, pollock, rockfish, and halibut. Cod appears to be the most common catch, with haddock and pollock also frequent. Some outings produce steady action, with fish coming up on nearly every cast. One particularly productive trip saw a fisher bring up 17 fish in about 40 minutes before tiring of the reeling.

That kind of catch is possible, but it should not be your expectation. Fishing depends on weather, water conditions, the season, and the location chosen by the captain. One outing produced only a few fish for the whole boat. The captain may move between several spots to find better action, and some spots can be much better than others.

What the crew adds to the experience

The crew is the strongest part of this activity. Deckhands move quickly when a fish comes up, help you control the line, and remove the hook. That matters when several people catch fish at once.

Crew members named during recent outings include Oddgeir, Stefan, Asgeir, Samuel, Oscar, and Julia. The exact team can change, but the pattern is clear: the job is not left entirely to you. The crew works to keep the whole boat involved rather than focusing only on the strongest or most experienced fishers.

This also makes the outing social. You may be fishing beside a family, a couple, and someone who has never held a sea-fishing rod before. The shared excitement is part of the appeal. Even people who joined mainly for the boat ride have ended up trying a cast and catching fish.

If you want a detailed lesson on sonar readings, seabed depth, fish behavior, or tackle selection, this may feel basic. One fisher wanted more information about the depth at each spot, the sea floor, and exactly where fish appeared on the sonar. The crew’s priority is steady participation and a good catch, not an advanced fishing seminar.

The onboard barbecue is the real payoff

At the end of the fishing period, the crew prepares some of the catch on the boat. The fish is grilled and served with potatoes, usually while you are heading back or waiting for the meal to be ready.

This is the feature that gives the trip more value than a simple fishing charter. You are not just hauling fish over the rail and leaving with a story. You can sit down with the group and eat fish caught that same day, often only a short time earlier.

Expect a straightforward meal rather than a restaurant-style feast. The fish has been described as fresh and well cooked, and the potatoes are a recurring part of the meal. Seasoning seems to vary. A few people found the fish bland and wished for butter, stronger seasoning, or sauce, while others thought it was delicious as served. Bringing a small personal seasoning would not hurt if you are particular about flavor, though the supplied meal is included.

You may also choose to keep some of your catch. The exact handling of the fish depends on the outing, but people have taken fish home, while excess fish has been released or used for the group meal. Ask the crew early if you have a specific plan for your catch.

Weather, waves, and seasickness

Iceland’s sea weather can change the mood of this trip quickly. Rain does not necessarily stop the fishing, and poor weather has not prevented strong catches on some outings. Still, wind and waves affect both comfort and how far the boat can go.

A choppy ride is the main practical concern. Some people have stayed below deck because they felt too sick to fish. If you are prone to motion sickness, take your preferred remedy before boarding. Ginger tablets helped one person who usually gets sick, but that is personal advice rather than a guarantee.

Wear the protective clothing supplied by the crew and dress in layers underneath. Even in summer, the open water can feel cold. The boat has a covered lower area where you can warm up and eat, which is useful when rain or wind arrives.

This is not the best choice for someone who wants a calm sightseeing cruise. It is better for you if you can accept a bit of spray, movement, and changing weather in exchange for the chance to fish in open water.

Wildlife and the view back to Reykjavik

Fishing remains the main event, but the scenery gives the trip more range. Faxaflói Bay opens the view beyond Reykjavik, and the return toward the harbor provides a different look at the city and coastline.

Puffins are a common hope because the route can pass their island. Whale and dolphin sightings add another layer, and some outings have included several humpback whales, minke whales, and dolphins. The captain may spend a little time tracking wildlife when conditions allow, but the boat cannot control where animals appear.

This is especially helpful for a mixed group. One person can fish while another watches the water, takes in the views, or stays under cover with the meal. Non-fishers may still find enough to enjoy, but anyone joining solely for wildlife should choose a dedicated whale-watching trip instead.

Is $141 a fair price?

At $141 per person, this is not a cheap way to spend two and a half hours. Iceland is expensive, and the price reflects the boat, crew, equipment, protective clothing, guide service, and cooked meal.

The value improves if you use everything included. You get a boat outing from central Reykjavik, instruction, fishing gear, help from the deckhands, the chance to keep fish, and a meal made from the catch. A family that catches several fish and enjoys the social meal may find the price reasonable.

The value is weaker if you dislike fishing, feel ill on boats, or expect a private charter. This is a shared group experience, and boats have held more than 15 people. A fuller boat can mean less personal space, although the crew still works to give everyone a chance to catch something.

Compared with booking a separate sightseeing cruise and seafood meal, the combination is appealing. Compared with a serious private fishing charter, it is a simpler and more tourist-focused outing. I would book it for the experience of catching and eating Icelandic fish, not because it is the cheapest meal in town.

Who should book this Reykjavik fishing trip?

Families are a natural fit, especially with children old enough to follow basic instructions. The crew’s patience makes it suitable for beginners, and the quick fishing action can hold a child’s attention better than a long, quiet charter.

Couples and friends can enjoy it as an unusual break from museums, hot pools, and road trips. It also works well for a mixed group where some people fish often and others have never tried. The crew helps level the field.

Experienced fishers should adjust expectations. You may catch plenty of fish, but this is not built around advanced technique or a private guide. You will get more from it if you enjoy active fishing, changing spots, and the fun of a group catch.

I would hesitate to book it if you get severe seasickness, need a guaranteed wildlife sighting, or want a leisurely boat cruise. The bay can be rough, and the fish count can vary from excellent to modest.

Practical details that matter

The live guide speaks English. An app is available in English, German, French, Spanish, and Chinese, but the listed live tour language is English.

The trip takes about 2.5 hours, though the full time on the water may run closer to three hours. Check the available departure time when booking, since schedules can vary.

Optional pickup begins 60 minutes before departure and carries a small extra charge. It is limited to registered hotels and guesthouses in Reykjavik, so confirm that your accommodation qualifies before relying on the transfer.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option can help if your Iceland plans are still shifting.

FAQ

Where does the fishing boat leave from?

The tour departs from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor and travels into Faxaflói Bay.

How long does the activity last?

The stated duration is 2.5 hours. The full time on the water may be about 2.5 to 3 hours.

What fish might I catch?

Possible catches include cod, halibut, haddock, rockfish, and pollock. Cod appears often, but the catch varies with conditions and location.

Is fishing equipment provided?

Yes. Fishing equipment and protective clothing are included, along with help from an experienced English-speaking guide and crew.

Can I eat the fish I catch?

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

Is hotel pickup available in Reykjavik?

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

Should you book it?

Book this trip if you want an active Iceland memory rather than another sightseeing stop. The best combination is the friendly crew, fast beginner-friendly fishing, and a fresh meal made from the day’s catch.

Go prepared for wind, waves, and a shared boat. Take motion-sickness medicine if you need it, wear warm layers, and do not count on whales or a huge haul of fish. With those expectations, this is a strong choice for families, first-time fishers, and anyone who likes the idea of catching dinner in Faxaflói Bay and eating it before returning to Reykjavik.