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

The best part of this Reykjavík boat trip is simple: you drop a line into Faxaflói Bay, and you may soon be hauling up cod for dinner. This is easy fishing, not a technical lesson, so first-timers and children can get involved quickly. Guides help with bait, tackle, and unhooking fish, while the captain moves the boat to productive spots.

I like the friendly, hands-on crew and the fact that your catch can be grilled onboard with potatoes. I also like the extra wildlife chance, since puffins, dolphins, and even humpback and minke whales have appeared during past trips. The main drawback is the sea itself: choppy water can make the ride rough, and motion sickness has spoiled the outing for some people.

Key points at a glance

• Fish from Reykjavík’s Old Harbor: The boat heads into Faxaflói Bay, with views back toward Iceland’s coast.
• Beginner-friendly setup: The crew supplies rods, fishing gear, bait, and protective clothing, then helps you get started.
• Fresh seafood lunch: Your catch may be prepared on the onboard grill and served with potatoes.
• Wildlife can add to the trip: Puffins near their island, dolphins, humpbacks, and minke whales have all been spotted.
• A short but active outing: Plan on about 2.5 hours, with some descriptions placing time on the water closer to three hours.
• Sea conditions matter: Bring motion-sickness medicine if you are prone to it, since rough waves are possible.

Leaving Reykjavík’s Old Harbor for Faxaflói Bay

The trip begins at Reykjavík’s Old Harbor, a handy departure point near the city center. Once the boat leaves the harbor, you trade streets and cafés for open water, with broad views across Faxaflói Bay.

The route is part of the appeal. You are not simply sitting at a fishing dock. You are moving out into Iceland’s cold North Atlantic waters, where the scenery changes with the weather. A bright day can bring clear views and a pleasant ride. On a gray or windy day, the sea feels more dramatic, but the boat may roll and spray can reach the deck.

The advertised duration is 2.5 hours. The fishing portion is sometimes described as lasting between 2.5 and 3 hours, so check the departure details when you book. This is long enough to get several fishing stops without taking up your whole day in Reykjavík.

A hotel or guesthouse pickup may be available, but it begins about 60 minutes before departure and carries a small extra fee. It is limited to registered Reykjavík hotels and guesthouses. If you are staying near the harbor, going directly to the meeting point may be simpler.

How the fishing works for beginners

You do not need past sea-fishing experience. The crew provides the fishing equipment and protective clothing, and the guides show you how to lower the line and reel in your catch.

The setup is practical and social. At a fishing spot, you follow the crew’s instructions, drop your bait, and wait for the bite. Several people have caught fish within minutes of casting, while others have needed more patience. The captain adjusts the boat’s position to find better action, so the day is not tied to one single spot.

Cod is the fish most often associated with this outing, but you may also catch haddock, pollock, rockfish, halibut, whiting, scorpion fish, or mackerel. Catch sizes vary. Past catches have included cod around 1.5 kilograms, with some fish reaching about 3 kilograms, though you should not treat those figures as a guarantee.

The crew’s help is the strongest part of the fishing setup. They can assist when a fish is on the line, remove the hook, and help you manage the gear. That matters if you are fishing with a child or have never handled a rod before. An eight-year-old participant was given a custom bait color combination, a small touch that shows how attentive the crew can be with families.

This is mainly a tourist-friendly fishing trip, not a specialist angling course. If you want detailed instruction on sonar readings, seabed type, fishing depth, fish behavior, or weighing each catch, you may find the format too basic. You are there to catch fish and have fun, not study Icelandic marine biology.

What happens at the fishing spots

The boat may stop at several areas in Faxaflói Bay. One past outing covered three spots, with strong action at the first and less activity at later stops. That pattern is worth keeping in mind. Fishing depends on sea conditions, season, and the captain’s judgment, so a good start does not always mean nonstop action.

On productive days, the fishing can be remarkably quick. Some people have caught more than five fish each, and one person reported 17 fish in about 40 minutes before getting tired of reeling. Those are unusually strong results, but they show what the trip can deliver when the boat finds a good patch of fish.

On slower days, the catch may be modest. One outing produced only three or four fish for the whole boat. The crew still cooked the catch, but the fishing itself was less satisfying. That is the honest tradeoff with any sea-fishing trip: the guides can improve your chances, but they cannot control the fish.

The boat may also pause or alter its route for wildlife. Puffins are often associated with a nearby puffin island, and dolphins and whales have appeared during the ride. Sightings have included humpbacks and minkes. Treat wildlife as a bonus, not the main purpose of the trip. You are booking a fishing tour first.

The onboard barbecue and your catch

After the fishing, the crew prepares the catch onboard. Fish is grilled and served with potatoes, making the meal feel tied to the outing rather than added as a generic snack.

Freshness is the clear advantage. The fish goes from the bay to the grill during the same short trip, and many people find it excellent. Cod, haddock, and pollock are especially common catches. The meal is served in the covered part of the boat, which is useful if the weather turns cold or wet.

Seasoning can vary. Most people have enjoyed the meal, but one person found the fish bland and wished for butter or stronger seasoning. You may want to bring your own preferred seasoning only if the operator permits it, since the supplied information does not promise a particular recipe. The potatoes are often part of the meal and have earned their own praise.

You may be able to keep your catch or have it grilled. Excess fish may be released, depending on the circumstances. Ask the crew early if keeping a fish matters to you, especially if you want a photo before it is cleaned. One past participant wished for a picture with the fish before it was prepared.

The meal is not just about eating. It gives the trip a satisfying finish and helps turn a short fishing excursion into a complete activity. You get to handle the gear, catch food, and sit down with the group afterward.

Wildlife and views beyond the fishing line

Faxaflói Bay gives you more than a place to fish. From the deck, you may see Reykjavík from the water and watch the coast recede as the boat reaches open bay.

Puffins are a frequent point of interest near the puffin island. The boat may also pass areas where dolphins or whales are active. Some outings have included several humpbacks and minke whales, while others have seen dolphins or jellyfish.

The crew sometimes spends extra time tracking a whale while the group waits for the meal. That can be a fine bonus, especially for families who are not fully committed to fishing. Still, wildlife is unpredictable. If whale watching is your main goal, book a dedicated whale-watching trip instead.

Weather, sea conditions, and what to bring

Iceland’s weather can change fast, and the sea may be rough even when Reykjavík feels calm. Past outings have continued in rain, wind, and large waves, with the crew moving into shallower water when conditions required it.

Protective clothing is included, but you should still dress in warm layers. A waterproof outer layer, sturdy shoes, and gloves can make the deck more comfortable. The boat has a covered lower area where you can warm up and eat.

Motion sickness is the biggest practical concern. One person who is prone to seasickness managed well after taking ginger tablets, while another spent much of the trip below deck and could not fish. If you know you get sick on boats, bring a remedy that works for you and take it before departure according to its instructions.

The rough ride is not always a deal breaker. Some people find the waves part of the adventure. But if you strongly dislike boat motion, this may not be your best Reykjavík activity.

Is $141 a fair price?

At $141 per person, this is not a cheap way to get lunch. It is a guided boat outing that includes the fishing gear, protective clothing, an English-speaking guide, the boat ride, and a grilled meal from the catch.

The value improves if you take part fully. You get about 2.5 hours on the water, instruction from the crew, the chance to catch several kinds of fish, and possible wildlife sightings. Compared with a private fishing charter, the price can look reasonable, especially for a family or first-time angler. You are paying for the whole experience, not just the fish on your plate.

The price feels less attractive if you mainly want a quiet boat ride or a serious fishing lesson. Group departures can be fairly full, with more than 15 people reported on one outing. The crew works hard to help everyone, but you should not expect the space or personal attention of a private charter.

The meal also affects the value. Most people consider the grilled fish and potatoes a highlight. If your main goal is a large catch to take home, ask in advance how that is handled. If your goal is a memorable Reykjavík activity with a meal attached, the package makes more sense.

Who will enjoy this Reykjavík fishing trip?

Families are a strong match. Children can take part without needing advanced skills, and the crew has shown patience with young anglers. The mix of fishing, food, sea views, and possible whales gives children several things to watch for.

First-time fishers are also well served. You can arrive with no experience and still get help from the deckhands. The fishing is active enough that people who came only to watch have sometimes ended up casting and catching fish.

Experienced anglers should set their expectations carefully. You may enjoy the easy action and the chance to catch cold-water species, but the trip is not built around advanced technique. The crew controls the basic process, and the fishing can feel guided rather than independent.

This also suits couples and small groups who want an activity with a clear beginning and end. At 2.5 hours, it fits neatly beside a museum visit, a city walk, or an evening meal. It is less suitable for anyone who dislikes open water or needs a guaranteed wildlife sighting.

Practical verdict: should you book it?

Book this trip if you want accessible fishing, a fresh onboard meal, and a real chance of seeing wildlife without leaving Reykjavík for a full day. The crew is the main reason to choose it. Names such as Oddgeir, Stefan, Asgeir, Samuel, and Oscar have been associated with patient, friendly service, but the crew may vary by departure.

I would especially recommend it for families, first-time fishers, and anyone who likes the idea of eating what they catch. Bring warm layers and a motion-sickness remedy, and accept that the weather and fishing can change the result.

Skip it if you need calm water, private attention, or a serious lesson in technical angling. For everyone else, the chance to reel in Icelandic cod and eat it minutes later makes this one of Reykjavík’s more memorable short outings.

FAQ

Where does the sea-fishing trip depart from?

The tour departs from Reykjavík’s Old Harbor and heads into Faxaflói Bay.

How long does the experience last?

The stated duration is 2.5 hours. The time on the water is also described as about 2.5 to 3 hours, so check the exact departure information when booking.

Is fishing equipment included?

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

Do I need previous fishing experience?

No. The crew teaches beginners how to use the equipment and helps with the fishing process.

What fish might I catch?

Possible catches include cod, halibut, haddock, rockfish, and pollock. Past catches have also included whiting, scorpion fish, and mackerel.

Can I eat the fish I catch?

Yes. The catch can be grilled onboard and served with potatoes. You may also be able to keep your catch, depending on the arrangements.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup starts about 60 minutes before departure and costs a small extra fee. It is available only from registered hotels and guesthouses in Reykjavík.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The live guide speaks English. The activity app is available in English, German, French, Spanish, and Chinese.