Reykjavik: Traditional Sea Fishing with BBQ Feast

The best part of this Reykjavik outing is simple: you catch lunch, then eat it. You fish in the bay for cod, haddock, rockfish, or pollock, return to the old harbor, and have the crew clean, filet, and cook the catch on board. It feels more like joining a small local fishing operation than taking a standard sightseeing cruise.

I like the small group of no more than 12 people, which gives everyone room to fish and makes it easier to get help from the crew. I also like the practical finish: the fish is prepared fresh, with potatoes and sauce, instead of sending you off with only a photograph and a story.

The main consideration is the sea and weather. Reports include cold, windy starts, while calm weather made some trips especially pleasant. Dress warmly, and remember that fishing success and comfort can change with conditions.

Key points to know before you book

• Fish for your own lunch: Target cod, haddock, rockfish, and pollock, then eat the catch after returning to harbor.
• Small boat, small group: A maximum of 12 passengers gives you more personal attention and useful space around the fishing areas.
• Local crew support: Captain Snorri, Ana, Thor, and other crew members provide instruction, gear, and help for beginners.
• Fresh harbor BBQ: The crew cleans and filets the fish before cooking it with potatoes and sauce.
• Easy city-center meeting point: Walk 5 to 10 minutes from central Reykjavik to the old harbor, near the Víkin Maritime Museum.
• Plan for Icelandic weather: Waterproof clothing is supplied, but you should still wear warm layers and dress for the forecast.

A real fishing trip from Reykjavik’s old harbor

This is a three-hour sea fishing experience run by Happy Tours Iceland Reykjavík. You meet at the old harbor, not far from central Reykjavik, and board a small boat for a trip into the bay and around the islands outside the city.

The setting gives the activity a useful sense of place. You are not simply sitting inside a warm cabin watching the coast pass by. You handle fishing equipment, learn how to work the line, and wait for the pull of a fish. The crew supplies the fishing gear, protective clothing, and basic instruction, so you do not need previous experience.

That matters if you are new to fishing. Several accounts describe first-time fishers catching cod with help from the captain and first mate. The crew’s role is active, not decorative. Captain Snorri has cooked the catch, Ana has helped clean and explain the fish, and Thor has been praised for giving clear fishing guidance. Names and crew assignments may vary, but the small operation allows for direct help.

The boat carries no more than 12 passengers. That limit is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip over a larger fishing boat. You have a better chance of getting attention when you need help, and you are less likely to feel lost in a crowd. It also gives each person space to relax between catches.

Walking to the boat near Víkin Maritime Museum

The meeting point is in Reykjavik’s old harbor, next to the Víkin Maritime Museum. From the city center, allow about 5 to 10 minutes on foot.

The directions are more specific than simply saying old harbor. Pass the first dock and the Hamborgarabúlla Tómasar hamburger stand, then continue past the Reykjavík Marina Hotel. Look for a sign marked Hlésgata. The meeting point is on the other side of the shipyard, where large ships are placed on land for repairs.

That last detail is useful because the location can feel less obvious than a tour desk on a main street. Give yourself enough time to find the entrance rather than arriving at the last minute with a fishing rod in one hand and a coffee in the other. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you are responsible for getting to and from the harbor.

The activity ends back at the same place. That makes it easy to walk into central Reykjavik afterward, and the early lunch can fit neatly into a sightseeing day.

Fishing for cod, haddock, rockfish, and pollock

Once on the water, the crew provides the equipment and explains what to do. You fish for cod, haddock, rockfish, or pollock, depending on the conditions and what is biting.

The fishing itself is the heart of the trip, and the reports from the boat suggest that catches can be generous. Some outings produced several fish per person, with one particularly successful fisher reporting more than 20 fish on each of two days. A family group of 10 caught about 12 keepers, including cod, whiting, and haddock. Another pair caught 14 fish.

Those numbers are encouraging, but you should not treat them as a promise. Fishing depends on conditions, timing, and luck. A good trip is not only about filling a bucket. You also get time on the bay, views toward the islands outside Reykjavik, and the pleasure of learning a simple skill in a working marine setting.

Wildlife is another possible bonus. Puffins were seen on one outing, but sightings are not presented as a guaranteed part of the trip. The main focus remains fishing, with the surrounding sea and birdlife adding interest while you wait for a bite.

For families, the activity can work especially well because the fishing is hands-on. Children are involved in the same task as adults, and accounts describe kids catching large fish. Still, this is not a small-child outing. It is not recommended for children under four, and all children aged 12 and under must wear the provided lifejackets.

What the small group changes

A maximum of 12 passengers is more than a number on a booking page. It affects how the trip feels.

On a crowded boat, fishing can turn into a sequence of waiting, untangling lines, and trying to see what is happening around you. Here, you have a better chance of receiving quick help with the equipment and learning directly from the crew. The smaller setting also gives everyone guaranteed room to relax, which is welcome when the boat is moving and the air turns cold.

The crew’s friendliness is a repeated strength. Captain Snorri and his family have been described as warm and accommodating, and the father-daughter team on one outing helped make a family group feel well looked after. That personal tone suits this type of activity. Fishing is more enjoyable when someone notices that you need help before you have spent five minutes wrestling with the line.

The small group does not remove the basic realities of being at sea. You can still feel cold, wind can still rise, and the boat will still move beneath you. But a compact group gives you a more direct connection with the crew and avoids the feel of an impersonal harbor excursion.

Waterproof clothing helps, but bring warm layers

Waterproof clothing is included, along with fishing equipment. That is useful protection against spray and wet gear, especially when you are handling fish and lines.

You should still wear warm clothes and check the weather before leaving your accommodation. One outing began cold and windy before finishing with a comfortable meal back at the dock. Icelandic weather can shift quickly, and waterproof outerwear does not replace a warm base layer, sweater, and suitable socks.

Wear clothing you do not mind using around fish and bait. The activity is practical rather than polished. You are there to fish, and that means your hands, sleeves, and footwear may not stay perfectly tidy.

The crew’s protective clothing makes the trip easier for visitors who did not pack specialized boating gear. It also means you can include the activity in a normal Reykjavik itinerary without carrying a suitcase full of fishing equipment. Just do not mistake supplied waterproof clothing for a guarantee of comfort in every condition.

The harbor meal is the payoff

After fishing, the boat returns to the harbor. The crew cleans and filets the fish, then prepares it for lunch with potatoes and sauce.

This is what gives the trip its character. You are not simply told that Iceland has excellent seafood. You catch the fish, see it prepared, and eat it soon afterward. The short path from sea to plate is clear and satisfying.

Captain Snorri has been praised for cooking cod perfectly, and the meal has also included fresh fish prepared by the captain after the catch was cleaned on board. The cooking is described as simple, fresh, and carefully done. That simplicity is exactly right here. Fresh cod or haddock does not need a complicated menu.

Lunch may also arrive earlier than your usual midday meal, depending on the departure time. That is worth remembering when planning the rest of your day. You may want a snack beforehand, especially if you are not used to spending a morning outdoors on a boat.

The meal is included in the price and gives the $170 fare more substance. You are paying for a guided boat trip, equipment, clothing, instruction, and a cooked lunch. Compared with a sightseeing cruise that ends when you return to the dock, this experience gives you a complete activity and a meal connected to what you did.

How the $170 price works for your budget

At $170 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend three hours in Reykjavik. Its value depends on what you want from the outing.

If you only want to see the harbor and bay, a less expensive cruise may be enough. If you already have a fishing trip planned elsewhere in Iceland, adding another one may not be necessary. But if you want a hands-on activity, the price covers several parts that would otherwise add up: the boat, local guide, equipment, waterproof clothing, instruction, and lunch from the day’s catch.

The small group also matters in the price calculation. You are not paying for a large boat with limited contact with the crew. The experience is designed around a maximum of 12 passengers, and the close guidance is especially useful for beginners and families.

The strongest value comes if you enjoy the full process. You fish, spend time on the bay, learn from local crew, keep what you catch, and eat a fresh meal. If you care only about catching a large number of fish, the price may feel less certain because conditions affect the result.

What happens to the fish you catch

You can keep what you catch, and the team will filet it for you. The catch is also used for the included lunch, so you get to eat the freshest part of the experience before deciding what to do with anything remaining.

The available details do not specify how much fish each person can take home or how it is packaged. If taking fish away is important to you, ask the crew about the practical arrangements before departure. What is clear is that the crew handles the cleaning and fileting, saving you from dealing with that work yourself.

For many people, the meal will be the most memorable use of the catch. Fresh fish prepared by the captain, with potatoes and sauce, turns an ordinary catch into a shared meal. It also gives children and first-time fishers a clear reward for learning the technique.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would recommend this outing to people who want an active Reykjavik experience rather than a passive cruise. It is a good fit for:

• First-time fishers who want instruction and supplied equipment
• Families with children over four, especially those who enjoy practical activities
• Small groups who value direct contact with a local crew
• Seafood lovers who like the idea of eating what they catch
• Visitors with a free three-hour window in Reykjavik
• Anyone who wants bay views and possible wildlife sightings without committing to a full-day excursion

You should think twice if you strongly dislike cold, wind, wet clothing, or uncertainty. You should also choose another activity if your main goal is a guaranteed wildlife sighting or a guaranteed large catch. The boat may provide an excellent day, but the sea sets some of the rules.

Timing, cancellation, and family details

The trip lasts approximately three hours, but starting times vary, so check availability when you book. Since it ends at the old harbor, you can plan another central Reykjavik activity afterward.

The provider offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Iceland plans are still shifting.

English and Icelandic are offered as the guide languages. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so plan to walk to the harbor or arrange your own transport.

Children under four are not recommended for the trip. Children aged 12 and under must wear lifejackets, which are provided. Warm clothing remains important for every age group.

Should you book this Reykjavik fishing trip?

Book it if you like the idea of doing something useful with your time in Reykjavik: going out on the bay, learning a simple fishing skill, and eating a meal tied directly to the experience. The small boat, personal crew, and fresh fish lunch give it more character than a standard cruise.

I would be especially keen to book this for a family with older children or for someone who has never fished before. Captain Snorri, Ana, Thor, and the wider crew provide the kind of direct help that lets beginners join in without feeling out of place.

Skip it if you want guaranteed calm weather, a fixed catch, or a warm indoor activity. At $170, the value is strongest when you count the equipment, clothing, instruction, small group setting, and lunch together. Dress properly, allow time to find Hlésgata, and you will be ready for a very Icelandic meal: fish caught in the bay and cooked back at the harbor.

FAQ

Where does the fishing trip begin?

It begins at Reykjavik’s old harbor, next to the Víkin Maritime Museum. From central Reykjavik, the meeting point is about a 5 to 10-minute walk.

How long does the activity last?

The tour lasts approximately three hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

What fish might I catch?

The target species include cod, haddock, rockfish, and pollock. Whiting has also been caught on some outings.

Is fishing equipment provided?

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

Is lunch included?

Yes. The crew prepares lunch from the catch of the day, with fresh fish, potatoes, and sauce.

Can I keep the fish I catch?

Yes. You can keep what you catch, and the team will filet it for you.

Is the trip suitable for young children?

The activity is not recommended for children under four. Children aged 12 and under must wear lifejackets, which are provided.