Reykjavik: Traditional Sea Fishing with BBQ Feast

The best part of this Reykjavik fishing trip is wonderfully simple: you catch your lunch. After a short ride into the bay, the crew helps you fish for cod, haddock, pollock, rockfish, or whiting, then cooks the catch fresh as you return to harbor. It is part boat ride, part hands-on Icelandic food experience.

I like the small group of no more than 12, which gives you room to fish without fighting for a rail spot. I also like the way this tour connects the sea to the plate. The main drawback is the weather. A calm day can make this a terrific family outing, while wind and rough water may make the same three hours uncomfortable, so bring warm clothes and consider seasickness medicine.

Key points to know before you book

• You eat the fish you catch: Cod and haddock are commonly caught, then prepared with potatoes and sauce.
• The boat leaves from central Reykjavik: Walk 5 to 10 minutes from the city center to the old harbor near the Víkin Maritime Museum.
• The fishing grounds are close: One account describes reaching the first fishing stop after about 20 minutes, leaving plenty of time to fish during the three-hour trip.
• Equipment is supplied: Rods, tackle, fishing instruction, and waterproof clothing are included.
• Birdlife comes with the scenery: You may see puffins and other seabirds around the bay and nearby islands.
• Weather matters: The boat operates in Icelandic conditions, and cold, rain, wind, or rough water can change the feel of the outing.

From Reykjavik’s old harbor to the fishing grounds

Your meeting point is in Reykjavik’s old harbor, beside the Víkin Maritime Museum. From the city center, allow 5 to 10 minutes on foot. The directions are useful because this is not simply a boat waiting beside the first dock. Pass the first dock and the Hamborgarabúlla Tómasar hamburger stand, continue past the Reykjavík Marina Hotel, and look for a sign marked Hlésgata. The boat is on the other side of the shipyard, near the large vessels hauled out for repairs.

That working-harbor setting is part of the appeal. You are not being collected at a hotel and whisked to a distant marina. You walk into one of Reykjavik’s active waterfront areas, board near the repair yard, and head directly into Faxaflói Bay.

The trip lasts about three hours. That is a useful length for a first sea-fishing outing because it gives you enough time to catch fish without taking over an entire day of sightseeing. You can fit it between other Reykjavik plans, though you should avoid scheduling something that requires you to arrive at an exact time immediately afterward.

The ride to the first fishing area may take around 20 minutes. During that stretch, look toward the bay and islands outside Reykjavik. The trip is not only about standing over a fishing line. It also gives you open-water views, a look back toward the capital, and a chance to watch seabirds.

What fishing from the boat is really like

Once the boat reaches a productive area, the crew provides the gear and explains what to do. You do not need to bring fishing equipment or know how to cast. The setup is designed for an easy introduction, and even first-time fishers have caught cod and other species.

The boat may move between spots rather than remain in one place. That is good news if you are hoping to catch something during a short outing. One family group described catching several fish each, while another small party brought in roughly three dozen fish. Your result will depend on conditions, timing, and luck, but this is not presented as a sightseeing cruise with a token fishing stop.

Cod, haddock, pollock, rockfish, and whiting are among the possible catches. The fish can vary in size and type. One unusual catch described on the boat was an Atlantic wolffish, though you should treat that as a lucky exception rather than an expected target.

The crew’s role is important here. You receive fishing instruction and guidance, and the staff can help when a fish is on the line. Guides named in accounts of the operation include Jakob, his brother, Thor, Snorri, and Ana, with family members involved at different times. Their approach has been described as friendly, practical, and playful, which suits a small boat far better than a stiff, formal presentation.

This is also a good outing for families with older children. Children under four are not permitted, and every child aged 12 or younger must wear a provided lifejacket. The boat’s fishing format lets children take part rather than simply watch adults fish, though parents should still think honestly about cold, wind, and the child’s comfort on open water.

The bay, islands, and seabirds

The waters outside Reykjavik offer more than fish. The boat travels among the bay and islands near the capital, where you might see puffins and other seabirds. Binoculars and guides to Icelandic fish and fauna have been available on the boat, adding useful context to the natural setting.

Do not book this as a dedicated birdwatching trip. The main purpose is fishing, and the bird sightings will depend on the season, weather, and route. Still, the chance to see seabirds while waiting for a bite makes the ride feel more connected to Iceland’s coastal life.

You will also get a sense of how fishing shapes Iceland. This is not a staged demonstration in a museum. You are using the sea for food, handling the catch, and seeing how a working crew finds fish using the boat’s instruments. For anyone interested in Iceland beyond waterfalls and geothermal pools, that connection is valuable.

The views can be beautiful, but open water is rarely predictable. On a calm day, the boat ride may be relaxing and scenic. On a windy day, the same route may feel brisk and rough. Dress for the forecast, then add another warm layer. Waterproof clothing is supplied, but that does not replace warm base layers, socks, and sensible shoes.

Turning the catch into lunch

The tour’s most memorable moment comes after the fishing. The crew cleans and filets the catch, then prepares it for the group. Depending on the day’s timing and conditions, the fish may be cooked as the boat returns or after it reaches the harbor.

The meal is straightforward: fresh fish, potatoes, sauce, and side dishes. That simplicity works. Cod and haddock do not need a complicated recipe when they have come from the water a short time earlier. The appeal is the direct chain from line to knife to pan or grill.

The captain has prepared the catch on board during the return ride, and some outings have included pan-fried or grilled fish. Tea, coffee, and homemade cookies have also been offered on at least some trips. These extras may vary, so I would treat them as a pleasant possibility rather than part of the guaranteed lunch.

This meal is one reason the tour offers better value than a standard short boat trip. You are not paying only for time on the water. You get equipment, instruction, a guide, waterproof clothing, the fishing experience, and a lunch made from the day’s catch.

You can also keep what you catch. The team will filet the fish for you, giving you the option of taking it away rather than eating every portion on the boat. Ask the crew about the practical arrangements on the day, since the provided information confirms that you can keep your catch but does not spell out packaging or transport details.

Is $176 a fair price?

At $176 per person, this is not a cheap casual activity. It is priced more like a guided half-day experience than a simple harbor cruise. The value depends on what you want from your Iceland trip.

If you only want to see the bay, you can find less expensive boat rides. If you already fish regularly and want a long, specialized charter, three hours may feel short. But for a visitor who wants a guided fishing experience, lunch, equipment, clothing, and a small group, the price is easier to justify.

The group limit matters. With no more than 12 passengers, you should have more space and more direct help than on a large excursion boat. Several people can fish at once, and the crew can move around to assist. For families or couples who dislike crowded activities, that personal scale is a strong part of the value.

The fishing success reported on past outings has also been high. People have caught multiple fish each, including cod, haddock, pollock, and whiting. No responsible fishing operator can guarantee a catch, but the repeated success suggests that the trip is built around active fishing rather than a vague promise of a chance to hold a rod.

Who should book this fishing trip?

I would recommend it to first-time fishers, families with children over four, couples looking for a hands-on activity, and anyone who values food with a clear sense of place. You do not need to arrive with your own tackle or technical skills.

It is especially good for people who like small, local-feeling outings. The family-run character associated with the operation, the working harbor departure, and the crew’s practical involvement make this feel less polished than a big sightseeing attraction, in a good way.

You should think twice if you dislike boats, cold weather, or the idea of handling freshly caught fish. The tour is also not suitable for children under four. Children 12 and younger must wear lifejackets, and adults should be prepared to supervise them in changing weather.

Seasickness is the main practical concern. One outing had rough conditions even though the fishing was excellent. If you are prone to motion sickness, take appropriate medicine before departure and avoid arriving hungry. The supplied waterproof clothing helps with spray and rain, but it cannot make rough water feel calm.

Practical details for a smoother outing

Wear warm clothing and dress according to the forecast. A base layer, warm mid-layer, waterproof outer clothing, and secure footwear are sensible choices even when the sky looks clear at breakfast.

The boat provides the fishing equipment, instruction, and protective clothing, so you do not need to pack rods or tackle. Bring your camera if you want harbor and bird photographs, but keep it protected from spray.

English and Icelandic are spoken. The tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off, so plan to walk to the old harbor or arrange your own transport. The location is close enough to reach on foot from central Reykjavik.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option gives you some flexibility while you finalize your Iceland plans. Starting times vary, so check availability for the date you want.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if you want to do more than look at Iceland’s coast. The strongest reasons are the small group, the accessible fishing, the chance to catch several local species, and the fresh lunch prepared from your own catch.

I would not choose it as a backup plan for a stormy day, since the sea conditions affect comfort. But with a reasonable forecast and warm clothing, it offers an unusually direct Iceland experience: leave from the capital, fish in the bay, watch the birds and islands, then eat what you helped bring in. For the right person, that is worth more than another scheduled view from a bus window.

FAQ

Where does the Reykjavik fishing tour meet?

The boat leaves from Reykjavik’s old harbor beside the Víkin Maritime Museum. From the city center, the meeting point is about a 5 to 10-minute walk.

How long does the fishing experience last?

The tour lasts approximately three hours, including the boat ride, fishing, and preparation of the catch.

What fish might I catch?

Possible catches include cod, haddock, rockfish, pollock, and whiting. The exact catch depends on conditions and the fishing locations used that day.

Is fishing equipment provided?

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

Can I keep the fish I catch?

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

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is made from the catch of the day and includes freshly prepared fish with potatoes and sauce.

Can young children join the tour?

Children under four are not permitted. Children aged 12 and younger must wear lifejackets, which are provided.