Reykjavik: Traditional Sea Fishing with BBQ Feast

The best part of this Reykjavik fishing trip is wonderfully direct: you catch dinner, then eat it fresh from the sea. The crew takes you into the bay, helps you work the gear, and cooks the catch onboard or as you return to the harbor. Fresh cod and haddock do not need much fuss to make a memorable meal.

I like the small group of no more than 12, which gives you room to fish without elbowing through a crowd. I also like the family-style feel, with friendly local fishermen, simple equipment, and plenty of help for first-timers. The one concern is the sea itself. A few outings have been rough, so bring seasickness medicine if you are prone to motion sickness and dress warmly.

Key points at a glance

• Fresh-catch lunch: Eat cod, haddock, pollock, whiting, or rockfish caught during your own trip.
• Short run from Reykjavik: Fishing spots can be reached in about 20 minutes, keeping the three-hour outing focused.
• Small boat, small group: No more than 12 passengers means more space and easier access to the crew.
• Good for beginners: Rods, tackle, fishing instruction, waterproof clothing, and guidance are supplied.
• Family-run character: Fishermen such as Jakob, his brother, Captain Snorri, and their relatives have been associated with the friendly, hands-on style of the operation.
• Weather matters: Cold, wind, rain, and choppy water can shape the day, so warm layers and seasickness tablets are smart choices.

From Reykjavik’s old harbor to the fishing grounds

You meet beside the Víkin Maritime Museum in Reykjavik’s old harbor. From the city center, allow about five to 10 minutes on foot. Pass the first dock and the Hamborgarabúlla Tómas hamburger stand, continue past the Reykjavik Marina Hotel, and look for the sign marked Hlésgata. The boat is on the other side of the shipyard, near the large vessels hauled out for repair.

That meeting point is practical but not quite obvious. Give yourself extra time if you are unfamiliar with the harbor, especially in poor weather. Hotel pickup is not included, so you make your own way there.

Once onboard, the crew supplies fishing gear and waterproof clothing. You should still wear warm layers underneath. Icelandic weather can change quickly, and the trip takes place outside in open water, not inside a sheltered city attraction.

The short journey out is part of the pleasure. You get views back toward Reykjavik, the islands outside the city, and the bay’s birdlife. Puffins and other seabirds have been spotted on these trips, though wildlife is never guaranteed. Binoculars and guides to local fish and fauna have also been available on some outings.

Fishing in Faxaflói Bay

The boat can reach its first fishing area in roughly 20 minutes. That leaves most of the three-hour outing for fishing rather than simply getting offshore. The crew watches the boat’s instruments, moves between spots, and helps you lower and work the line.

The usual catch includes cod, haddock, pollock, whiting, and rockfish. Some people catch several fish, and strong days have produced six to eight fish per person. You should not treat that as a promise, since weather, season, and the fish themselves decide the result. Still, the setup is designed to give beginners a real chance.

You do not need to arrive with fishing experience. The crew explains the technique and helps when a fish takes the hook. That matters because the gear is unfamiliar to many visitors, and the fun can disappear quickly if you are left guessing what to do.

The fishing is often active rather than a long wait for one dramatic catch. The boat may move regularly to find fish, and the crew can assist several people at once because the group stays small. On a good outing, nearly everyone who keeps fishing gets a turn.

For families, this is a particularly easy introduction to ocean fishing. Children 12 and younger must wear lifejackets, which are provided. The tour is not recommended for children under four. Older children can take part, but you should remember that a cold, moving boat requires patience and warm clothing.

A closer look at the crew and the boat

The operation has a family-run feel. Guides and captains described in the tour’s history include Jakob and his brother, as well as Captain Snorri and family members who have helped guests learn the ropes. The important point for you is the working knowledge onboard. The crew handles the boat, the gear, the catch, and the meal rather than simply pointing you toward a fishing rod.

Their tone is casual and friendly. Tea, coffee, and homemade cookies have been offered on some trips, adding a bit of comfort when the weather turns cool. The crew may also explain how fish are located with the boat’s cabin instruments and show you how the catch is cleaned.

The boat is not a luxury yacht, and this is not a polished sightseeing cruise with a large indoor lounge. Its appeal is hands-on. You come to fish, watch the crew work, enjoy the bay, and share a meal. The small passenger limit gives everyone room to relax, but conditions will still feel more nautical than resort-like.

Cooking the catch on the way home

The reward comes after the lines are in. The crew cleans and fillets the fish, then prepares it fresh for lunch. Depending on the day and the boat’s routine, the catch may be cooked onboard while you are still fishing or during the return toward the dock.

The meal is simple: fresh fish with potatoes, sauce, and sometimes salad or other trimmings. That simplicity is exactly right. Cod and haddock are mild, firm fish, and they need little beyond heat and seasoning when they have just come from the water.

Several outings have produced enough fish for a proper shared meal. On one especially productive trip, four people caught roughly three dozen fish. On another, a family of four caught six to eight fish each during the fishing portion. These are good examples of what a successful day can look like, not a fixed catch guarantee.

A meal made from your own catch gives the outing more meaning than a standard harbor lunch. You see the fish come aboard, learn how it is handled, and then eat it soon after. If you have never fished before, that sequence turns a simple activity into a story you will remember.

Weather, comfort, and seasickness

Icelandic weather is the main variable. A sunny day can make the bay beautiful, with clear views of Reykjavik, nearby islands, and seabirds. Rain and cold do not automatically ruin the trip, since waterproof clothing is supplied, but they make warm personal layers even more important.

Wear clothing suited to the forecast, including a warm base layer and sturdy footwear. Do not assume the supplied waterproof outerwear replaces a proper sweater or fleece. You should also bring anything you normally use for motion sickness.

One outing was described as rough but still enjoyable, and the practical advice is simple: take seasickness tablets before departure if you know you need them. A choppy sea can make it hard to fish, eat, or enjoy the views. The crew can help with fishing technique, but no one can guarantee calm water.

The boat’s short trip to the fishing area helps limit the amount of time spent traveling, but it does not remove the effects of wind and waves. If you are very sensitive to motion, choose a calm-weather forecast when possible and keep your plans flexible.

What the $176 price includes

At $176 per person, this is not the cheapest activity in Reykjavik. It is also more than a simple harbor cruise. The price includes the boat trip, local guide, fishing equipment, instruction, waterproof clothing, and lunch made from the catch.

That package gives the tour solid value if you want to fish and eat what you catch. You do not need to rent gear, buy special clothing, or arrange a separate meal afterward. The three-hour length also keeps the cost and time commitment below a full-day fishing charter.

The value is weaker if you mainly want scenic views or wildlife. The bay scenery and birds are welcome extras, but fishing is the main event. If you dislike cold, moving boats or have no interest in handling fish, a whale-watching or sightseeing trip may suit you better.

The catch itself is not guaranteed in a particular quantity, so do not judge the price by the number of fish you hope to take home. You are paying for the boat, crew, gear, instruction, and shared meal as much as for the fish. You can keep what you catch, and the team will fillet it for you, but the special pleasure is eating the fresh catch during the outing.

Who should book this fishing trip

I would choose this tour for a first ocean-fishing experience, a family looking for something more active than sightseeing, or anyone who wants a meal tied to the place they are visiting. It works well for couples and small groups too, especially if you prefer a personal boat rather than a large commercial outing.

You do not have to be a serious angler. The equipment and teaching make the activity approachable, and the crew provides hands-on help. Children over four can take part, with lifejackets required for those 12 and younger.

The trip is less suitable for anyone who wants a guaranteed calm ride, a long luxury lunch, or a polished indoor setting. It is also not a good choice for children under four. If you have limited mobility, the supplied information does not give enough detail to confirm suitability, so ask the operator before booking.

The English and Icelandic-speaking instructors keep communication straightforward for most international visitors. The crew’s local fishing background adds useful context without turning the outing into a formal lecture.

Booking details that matter

The tour lasts approximately three hours, with starting times varying by date. Check availability before building other plans around it. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so plan to walk to the old harbor or arrange your own transport.

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 schedule is still shifting. That flexibility is useful when weather may affect how much you want to be on the water.

The activity has earned a 4.7 rating from 132 bookings, with praise focused on the friendly crew, strong catch, small group size, and fresh meal. One lower rating still described the trip as fun and reported a good catch, which fits the overall picture: satisfaction depends mainly on weather, sea conditions, and your interest in fishing.

Should you book it?

Book this Reykjavik sea-fishing trip if you want a real activity with a meal at the end, not just a view from a boat. The short ride to the fishing grounds, small passenger limit, supplied clothing, and patient instruction make it a practical choice for beginners.

I would especially recommend it on a day with a favorable forecast. You may catch cod, haddock, pollock, whiting, or rockfish, and you can keep the catch after the crew fillets it. The fresh fish with potatoes is the payoff, but the stronger memory is taking part in the whole process.

Skip it if rough water would spoil your day or if you want a guaranteed wildlife sighting. For everyone else, $176 buys three active hours, local help, fishing gear, and lunch that could not be fresher.

FAQ

Where does the fishing trip meet in Reykjavik?

Meet at the old harbor beside the Víkin Maritime Museum. The boat is a five to 10-minute walk from the city center, on the other side of the shipyard near the Hlésgata sign.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. You need to reach the old harbor independently because hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

How long does the tour last?

The fishing trip lasts approximately three hours. Starting times vary, so check availability for your chosen date.

What fish might I catch?

The possible catch includes cod, haddock, rockfish, pollock, and whiting.

Is fishing equipment provided?

Yes. Fishing equipment, fishing instruction, guidance, and waterproof clothing are included.

Do I get to eat the fish I catch?

Yes. The crew cleans and fillets the catch, then prepares a fresh meal with fish, potatoes, sauce, and possible side dishes.

Can children join the tour?

Children under four are not recommended for the activity. Children 12 and younger must wear lifejackets, which are provided.

What languages are spoken on the boat?

Instruction and guidance are available in English and Icelandic.