Sea Fishing Experience from Reykjavik

Faxaflói Bay can turn a simple boat ride into dinner. You fish from Reykjavik, use professional gear supplied by the crew, and may end the afternoon eating cod or haddock that you caught yourself. That direct connection between sea and plate is the best part of this outing.

I like the friendly deck crew, who help beginners, untangle lines, remove fish, and prepare the catch. I also like the easy three-hour format: long enough to feel like a proper fishing trip, short enough to fit neatly into a Reykjavik sightseeing day. The main drawback is that fishing space can feel tight on a busy departure, and rough weather or poor equipment can affect the experience.

Key points to know before you book

• Fresh fish for dinner: Your catch can be filleted and grilled aboard, with potatoes served on some departures.
• Good for first-timers: The crew supplies rods and bait, then shows you how to lower, work, and retrieve your line.
• Summer bird watching: From May through August, the boat passes Akurey and Lundey, known for puffin colonies.
• Wildlife is possible: Whales and dolphins have been seen near the boat, though sightings are never guaranteed.
• Warm clothing is provided: Protective coveralls and rain gear help, but you should still dress for cold, wet, windy conditions.
• Fishing is not guaranteed: Most accounts describe plenty of cod, yet one departure produced little, and another had trouble with weights and rod tips.

From Geirsgata to Faxaflói Bay

You meet at Geirsgata 11 in central Reykjavik for the 5 pm departure. The activity returns to the same place, which makes planning simple if you are staying in town or using public transport.

The boat heads out across Faxaflói Bay, where the city gives way to open water and broad views of Iceland’s coast. You are not simply sitting on a sightseeing vessel with a rod as an afterthought. The purpose is to find fish, and the crew moves the boat between fishing areas when needed.

At the start, the crew provides warm coveralls and fishing equipment. Rods, bait, and the basic gear are included, so you do not need to pack a fishing kit from home. The crew then explains the essentials, which matters if your only previous fishing experience involved a quiet lake or a child’s rod.

The tour is offered in English. Special Tours also provides an app in English, German, French, Spanish, and Chinese, which can be useful if you want extra trip information in one of those languages.

Learning the ropes before the first cast

Sea fishing is different from fishing on a riverbank. The boat moves, the line drops toward the seabed, and several people may be working rods close together. The crew helps you get started, but you should expect an active session rather than a private lesson.

This is a strong choice for beginners because the deckhands help with the practical jobs that can slow down a newcomer. They can assist when lines cross, remove fish from hooks, and help you bring a catch aboard. Several crew members have received special praise for keeping children involved, which makes the trip a good fit for families with older children and teenagers.

Experienced anglers will probably enjoy the chance to fish new waters, but this is not a specialist charter with a private guide for one small party. The maximum group size is 65 people. That is a sizable boat outing, and the fishing positions may feel close together when the boat is full.

One important point: your success depends on conditions. Cod, haddock, pollock, halibut, and rockfish are among the possible catches, but no crew can promise a particular species or a full bucket. Some outings produce fish at a remarkable rate, while another can be slow. That uncertainty is part of fishing, not a fault by itself, but it matters when you are comparing this with a standard sightseeing cruise.

Cod, haddock, pollock, and the chance of a big haul

Cod is the fish you are most likely to hear about, and it often becomes the star of the meal. Haddock and pollock are also possible, while halibut and rockfish add variety. You may catch several fish in a short period, especially when the boat finds a productive area.

The best moments come when the whole deck suddenly becomes active. Rods bend, the crew moves between anglers, and fish are lifted over the rail. Families with children can find this much more engaging than a passive boat ride because everyone has a task and every catch feels earned.

The scale of the catch varies sharply. Some parties have caught dozens of cod in roughly two hours, while other people have caught only one or very little. One account even describes pulling up a dead fish, which is a funny reminder that the sea does not follow a schedule.

The crew’s role makes a real difference. Captain Stefan has been singled out for finding productive areas, while Vera and Kiljan have been praised for helping anglers and sorting out tangled lines. Oscar has also been named as a warm and helpful crew member. Names and crew assignments can change, but the useful lesson is this: the trip depends heavily on the people working the boat, not just on the fish below it.

The boat ride is part of the experience

When the rods are quiet, you still have open-water views and the changing mood of Faxaflói Bay. On clear days, the setting can be beautiful. On rough days, the ride becomes a genuine North Atlantic outing, with cold, wind, rain, and moving water.

Protective clothing is included, and rain jackets have been available on wet departures. Still, I would wear warm layers beneath the coveralls and shoes that can handle a wet deck. The supplied clothing is a useful safeguard, not a reason to arrive in light city clothes.

Rough seas can make the trip more exciting, but they can also make it tiring. If you are prone to seasickness, the combination of boat movement, cold air, and fishing over the side deserves thought. The supplied information does not state that seasickness medication is provided, so plan your own needs before meeting the boat.

The vessel has indoor seating and toilets, and drinks are available aboard, but food and drinks are not included as a general part of the booking. The meal made from your catch is the main food feature.

Summer puffins at Akurey and Lundey

From May through August, the boat passes Akurey and Lundey. These islands are known for seabirds and summer puffin colonies, so keep your eyes on the shoreline and rocks when the boat is nearby.

This is a pleasant bonus rather than the main purpose of the outing. You are not booking a dedicated puffin-watching trip, and the time spent near the islands is tied to the fishing route. Still, the birds add another layer to the boat ride, especially if your fishing line is quiet for a few minutes.

Wildlife can extend beyond seabirds. Whales and dolphins have been spotted during the ride, including near the return journey. These sightings are never guaranteed, so treat them as luck, not part of the product you are paying for.

The timing also has practical value. A 5 pm departure leaves the earlier part of the day free for museums, the harbor, Hallgrímskirkja, or a drive outside Reykjavik. In summer, the long daylight can make the return feel much later than it is, while the three-hour duration keeps the outing from taking over your entire day.

From hook to grill aboard the boat

The most satisfying part comes after the fishing. The crew can fillet your catch and prepare it for you to take back to your hotel or apartment, or grill it aboard the boat.

When the catch is cooked on board, the meal can include grilled fish and potatoes. The appeal is obvious: you do not just see Icelandic seafood on a menu, you take part in getting it from the water to your plate. The fish is generally described as a highlight, and the crew’s cooking adds real value to the ticket.

The onboard meal also changes the feel of the outing. Instead of packing up the moment fishing ends, you sit down and enjoy what you have caught as the boat heads back. For families, this provides a shared finish. For couples, it turns a short fishing session into a memorable dinner.

There is a practical limit. If the fishing is slow, there may be less to cook. The operator can prepare what you catch, but the meal should not be treated as a guaranteed seafood buffet. Bring your own expectations in line with the nature of fishing.

Is $147.54 a fair price?

At $147.54 per person, this is not a cheap way to spend three hours in Reykjavik. The price makes more sense when you count what is included: an expert-led boat trip, protective clothing, rods, bait, crew assistance, and the option to eat your catch aboard.

You are also paying for access to a fishing boat and for the crew’s work in finding productive areas, handling fish, removing hooks, and preparing the meal. If you would otherwise need to rent equipment or arrange transport to a separate fishing location, the package is easier to justify.

The value is strongest for someone who genuinely wants to fish. If you only want a scenic harbor cruise, this is the wrong choice. Much of the three hours involves waiting, handling tackle, and standing on a moving deck. The scenery is a useful extra, not the central attraction.

A full boat can reduce the value for serious anglers. With up to 65 people, you may fish shoulder to shoulder, and you may need patience when lines cross. One account also describes lost weights over a rocky bottom and rods with damaged or missing tip guides. That appears to be an isolated but important warning: ask for help promptly if your line snags, and do not expect private-charter equipment or elbow room.

Who will enjoy this Reykjavik fishing trip

I would recommend this outing most strongly to:

• Families with children old enough to handle a rod and enjoy active sea time
• First-time sea anglers who want instruction and supplied equipment
• Couples looking for an unusual meal and a shared outdoor activity
• Experienced fishers who are happy with a group boat rather than a private charter
• Anyone who likes the idea of eating food caught during the same outing

It is less suitable if you need a guaranteed catch, dislike cold or rough water, or want plenty of personal space. It may also disappoint if your main goal is wildlife photography, since puffins, whales, and dolphins are possible sightings rather than the stated purpose of the trip.

Most people can take part, and the activity is near public transport. Hotel pickup can be arranged directly with Special Tours for an extra fee, but it is not included in the basic price.

Weather, cancellations, and planning details

The trip requires suitable weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you can be offered another date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached.

The regular cancellation rule is simple: cancel at least 24 hours before the 5 pm start for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours ahead are not accepted for a refund, and the cut-off uses local Iceland time.

The experience is often booked well ahead, with an average booking lead time of 68 days. That is worth noting if your Iceland schedule is fixed, especially during the busy summer season. Book early, but keep the weather policy in mind.

Should you book the sea-fishing experience?

Book it if you want an active, hands-on outing with a real chance to catch dinner. The combination of beginner-friendly help, included equipment, summer puffin islands, possible whale or dolphin sightings, and grilled fish makes this more memorable than a standard harbor cruise.

I would choose it for a family day or for anyone who says I want to do something different in Reykjavik. I would skip it if a slow catch would ruin your day, if you need a quiet boat ride, or if you expect the gear and space of a private fishing charter.

The honest choice is to accept the uncertainty. Some afternoons bring a huge cod haul and a full meal. Others may bring rough water, tangled lines, or very little fish. If you can enjoy the process as much as the result, this is a good-value Iceland outing with a particularly satisfying finish.

FAQ

Where does the sea-fishing experience begin?

The tour begins at Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland. It also ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the fishing trip start?

The scheduled start time is 5 pm.

How long does the activity last?

The experience lasts approximately three hours.

Is fishing equipment provided?

Yes. Fishing rods, bait, and the other necessary fishing equipment are provided on board.

Is protective clothing included?

Yes. Warm coveralls and protective clothing are included to help with cold and wet conditions.

What fish might I catch?

Possible catches include cod, haddock, pollock, halibut, and rockfish.

Can I eat the fish I catch?

Yes. The crew can grill your catch on board, or prepare it for you to take back to your hotel or apartment. Food and drinks are otherwise not included unless specified.

Is hotel pickup available?

Hotel pickup is available to book directly with Special Tours for an additional fee. It is not included in the standard tour price.