Sea Fishing Experience from Reykjavik

Faxaflói Bay can turn a simple fishing trip into a very Icelandic afternoon: cold sea air, volcanic scenery, seabirds, and a fresh cod dinner made from your own catch. You fish from a large boat with indoor seating, toilets, drinks available for purchase, and crew members who keep working when lines tangle or fish come aboard.

I like the all-inclusive fishing setup, especially for first-timers who do not want to pack rods, bait, or waterproof gear. I also like the chance to eat your catch on board, with fish and potatoes prepared by the crew. The main drawback is that fishing space can feel tight, and rough weather or a poor fishing day can change the experience quickly.

Key points to know before you book

• Your catch can become dinner: The crew can fillet and grill your fish on board, or prepare it for you to take back to your hotel or apartment.
• Warm clothing is supplied: Protective coveralls are available, but you should still dress in layers for cold, wet, windy conditions.
• The fishing is beginner-friendly: The crew provides rods and bait, explains the basics, and helps with tangled lines and hooked fish.
• Summer adds bird-watching: From May through August, the boat passes Akurey and Lundey, islands known for seabirds and puffin colonies.
• Wildlife is possible, not promised: Dolphins and whales have been spotted near the boat, but the main focus remains fishing.
• The group may be large: The maximum capacity is 65 people, and one fishing trip was described as shoulder to shoulder.

Setting out from Geirsgata at 5 pm

The tour begins at Geirsgata 11, near Reykjavik’s harbor, at 5 pm. It returns to the same point after roughly three hours, making it an easy fit for an afternoon or evening in the city.

You meet the captain and crew at the boat, then put on warm protective coveralls before heading out. Hotel pickup is not included, though it can be arranged directly with the operator for an extra fee. Since the departure point is near public transportation, most people can reach it without paying for a transfer.

The timing matters. A 5 pm start gives you most of the day for museums, the Blue Lagoon, a drive, or a relaxed morning in Reykjavik. In summer, the long Icelandic evening keeps the bay bright well after the boat leaves the harbor.

The boat has indoor seating and toilets, which are useful comforts once you are away from shore. Drinks are available on board, but food and drinks are not part of the listed price unless specified. Bring what you need for the outing, especially water and any snack you prefer.

Crossing Faxaflói Bay in a working fishing boat

Once the boat leaves Reykjavik, the trip becomes less about sightseeing from land and more about the open water. You cut across Faxaflói Bay while the crew searches for productive fishing spots.

The ride itself can be part of the fun, but you should not expect perfectly calm seas. Some departures have had rough, cold, rainy, and windy conditions. Warm coveralls help, yet you should still wear layers and sturdy shoes. Iceland’s weather can change quickly, and a sunny harbor does not guarantee a gentle ride offshore.

The crew’s role is practical. They help you hold and use the equipment, point out where to fish, remove fish from hooks, and sort out crossed or tangled lines. Captain Stefan received particular praise for finding productive spots, while crew members such as Vera and Kiljan were singled out for being friendly and helpful.

That hands-on help makes a real difference. Sea fishing is not as simple as dropping a line from a pier. You need to lower the bait to the right depth, feel for the bottom, and bring up a heavy fish without losing control. If you already fish regularly, you can get started quickly. If you are new to it, the crew keeps the learning curve manageable.

Fishing for cod, haddock, pollock, and more

The most common catch is cod, often in good numbers. Haddock, pollock, halibut, and rockfish are also possible. The exact result depends on the conditions and the location of the boat that day.

Some outings produce a steady stream of fish. A family once caught more than 70 cod in about two hours, while another pair brought in four large cod. Other departures are slower, with only a modest catch. One lighthearted account described catching a dead fish, which says something about the unpredictability of fishing as well as the good humor on board.

You should not book this as a guaranteed seafood buffet. You might catch several fish, or you might spend stretches waiting for a bite. Still, the crew works to move between fishing locations and gives people a fair chance to catch something.

The equipment is supplied, including rods and bait. That saves you the trouble of bringing specialist gear through Iceland. It also means you can book this activity as a one-time holiday experience, even if you have never owned a fishing rod.

There is one practical concern. A departure had problems with snagged lines, lost weights, and rods with damaged tips or missing eyelets. This appears to be an isolated complaint among many strong reports, but it is worth keeping in mind. Fishing rocky sea bottoms can cost you a weight, and equipment quality may vary from rod to rod.

The boat can become crowded, particularly when many people are fishing at once. One person described shoulder-to-shoulder conditions. If you need a quiet, private fishing trip, this is not the right format. If you enjoy the energy of a shared outing, the excitement often spreads as fish begin coming over the rail.

Turning your catch into a hot meal

The best part of this trip may come after the fishing. The crew can fillet your catch and grill it on board, often serving it with potatoes. Fresh cod cooked only minutes after it leaves the water is a simple but memorable meal.

You do not need to know how to clean a fish. The crew handles the filleting and cooking, allowing you to enjoy the result without extra work. Several departures produced enough fish for a substantial meal, with food left over after everyone had eaten.

If you prefer to cook later, the catch can be prepared for you to take back to your accommodation. This option suits anyone staying in an apartment or hotel with kitchen access. Ask the crew about the available preparation on your departure, since the meal depends on what you catch and how much time remains.

The meal also gives the trip a clear sense of purpose. You are not simply casting a line for a few hours and walking away empty-handed. Even a slow fishing session can end with a taste of Icelandic seafood and a story about the one that got away.

Puffins, dolphins, whales, and the view

From May through August, the route passes Akurey and Lundey. These islands are known for seabirds and summer puffin colonies, so keep your eyes on the shoreline and the water while the boat passes.

Puffins are not guaranteed, and this is not a dedicated bird-watching cruise. Still, the islands add a pleasant extra layer to a fishing trip. You can watch for birds between casts rather than spending the entire afternoon focused on the rod.

Marine wildlife is also possible. Dolphins and whales have been seen from the boat, including dolphins and whales swimming close by on the return journey. Treat these sightings as luck, not a scheduled part of the tour. The crew can take you to fishing areas, but no operator can promise that a whale will appear beside the boat.

The views are strongest when the weather cooperates. On a clear day, you get broad water views and a fresh look at Reykjavik from offshore. On a wet or windy day, the scenery may be harder to enjoy, though the protective clothing and indoor seating give you places to warm up.

Who will enjoy this Reykjavik fishing trip

This is a good choice for families with older children and teenagers. Children aged 10 and 13 took part successfully, and the crew made a point of helping younger fishers. The activity has a manageable duration, and the promise of eating the catch gives children a reason to stay engaged.

It also suits couples looking for something different from Reykjavik’s usual city walks and geothermal pools. You can fish together, share the excitement of each catch, and finish with dinner on the boat.

First-timers should feel comfortable booking. You do not need to bring equipment or have sea-fishing experience. The crew explains the basics and assists with the practical parts, including tangled lines and landing fish.

Experienced anglers may enjoy the chance to fish Icelandic waters, but expectations should be realistic. This is a shared, three-hour outing rather than a private charter. You will have less control over the fishing location, equipment, and pace than you would on a small private boat.

People who dislike cold, motion, or unpredictable conditions should think twice. The tour requires good weather, and cancellations can happen when the sea is unsafe. One scheduled trip was called off because of weather, with notice provided early enough for the people booked to adjust their day.

Is the $147.54 price good value?

At $147.54 per person, this is not a bargain activity, but the price covers several useful pieces. You receive the boat trip, an expert crew, warm protective clothing, a rod, bait, and the chance to have your catch grilled on board.

If you would need to rent or buy fishing equipment, the included gear improves the value. The cooked fish and potatoes also make the outing feel closer to a meal-and-activity package than a simple boat ride.

The value depends heavily on what you want. For someone who loves fishing, catching several cod and eating them fresh may make the price easy to justify. For someone who only wants a scenic boat trip, it may feel expensive, since the scenery is a side benefit and fishing is the main event.

A group of up to 65 people can join, so do not expect the personal attention of a small charter. The crew still receives strong praise for helping people catch fish, but a full boat may mean limited elbow room and more waiting when several lines tangle at once.

The activity is often booked about 68 days ahead, which suggests that you should not leave it until the last day of your Iceland trip if fishing is important to you. Booking early also gives you more room to move the activity if the weather forecast turns poor.

Booking details and cancellation terms

The tour is offered in English and includes access to the Special Tours App, which is also available in German, French, Spanish, and Chinese. Confirmation is provided at booking.

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made inside that 24-hour window are not refunded or accepted.

Because the trip depends on good weather and a minimum number of people, the operator may cancel it. In that case, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund. Hotel pickup is available for an extra charge if arranged directly with Special Tours Iceland.

Should you book the sea-fishing experience?

I would book this if you want an active Reykjavik outing with a real result at the end. The strongest reasons are the helpful crew, supplied clothing and equipment, family-friendly instruction, and the chance to eat freshly caught cod or haddock on board.

I would skip it if you need a private boat, dislike rough water, or want guaranteed wildlife sightings. Fishing can be excellent, but it can also be crowded, windy, or slow.

For most people who are curious about sea fishing, this is a worthwhile use of three hours. Dress warmly, keep your expectations flexible, and save room for a fresh fish dinner.

FAQ

Where does the sea-fishing tour start and end?

The tour starts at Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland, and finishes back at the same meeting point.

What time does the tour begin?

The scheduled start time is 5 pm.

How long does the fishing experience last?

The trip lasts approximately three hours.

Is fishing equipment provided?

Yes. The tour includes fishing rods, bait, protective clothing, and the other necessary fishing equipment.

Can I eat the fish I catch?

Yes. The crew can grill your catch on board. They can also prepare it for you to take back to your hotel or apartment for later cooking.

What happens if the tour is canceled because of weather?

If poor weather causes the cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.