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

In Iceland, dinner can begin with a line dropping into Faxaflói Bay. This 2.5-hour trip leaves Reykjavík’s Old Harbor, takes you to productive fishing grounds, and gives you a real chance to catch cod, haddock, pollock, rockfish, or even halibut. The crew cleans and grills part of the catch on board, so you can eat fish that was swimming only a short time earlier.

I like two things right away: the crew works hard to help every person catch something, and the meal is part of the adventure rather than an afterthought. Families have had children as young as six and eight catching fish with help from the deckhands. I also like that you can spot puffins, whales, dolphins, and other sea life along the way.

The main thing to consider is the weather. Faxaflói can be choppy, and sea sickness affected some people even when the fishing was excellent. The fishing itself can also vary. Some trips produce fish on nearly every cast, while one outing brought only three or four fish for the whole boat.

Key points to know before you book

• Fresh fish cooked on board: Your catch can be grilled and served with potatoes after the fishing ends.
• A strong choice for beginners: The crew supplies equipment and protective clothing, then helps with bait, reeling, and unhooking fish.
• Departing from Reykjavík Old Harbor: You fish in Faxaflói Bay, with ocean views and possible wildlife sightings.
• Family-friendly, but not always calm: Children have done well, though wind and waves can make the ride uncomfortable.
• Expect a shared fishing trip: Boats can carry more than 15 people, so this is social rather than private.
• Good value at $141: The price includes the guide, gear, clothing, and cooked catch, which makes it more than a simple boat ride.

Leaving Old Harbor for Faxaflói Bay

The trip begins at Reykjavík’s Old Harbor, a handy departure point if you are staying in the city center. Pick-up starts about 60 minutes before departure for registered Reykjavík hotels and guesthouses, but the transfer costs a small extra fee. If you arrange your own way to the harbor, allow time to find the meeting point and get ready before boarding.

Once the boat leaves the harbor, you have a short ride toward the open water. This part is scenic, but it can be rough. Several people enjoyed the wild ride, while others needed to remain inside the covered lower area because of sea sickness. I would treat motion-sickness medicine as a sensible precaution, especially if you do not usually spend time on boats.

The fishing team provides rods, tackle, bait, and protective clothing. You do not need to bring a full set of fishing gear or know how to cast. The setup is simple: lower the line when instructed, wait for a bite, and reel steadily when the crew tells you to start.

That simplicity is a big part of the appeal. You are not spending an hour learning complicated equipment before reaching the fish. Beginners can get involved quickly, and experienced anglers can focus on the excitement of the catch.

Finding fish in the cold water

The captain moves around Faxaflói Bay to locate good fishing spots. The boat may stop at several areas, and the action can change from one stop to the next. On strong days, cod arrive within minutes, sometimes two fish at a time. People have caught more than five fish each, with some catching ten or more during a particularly active trip.

Cod is the main catch described on this trip, with haddock, pollock, whiting, mackerel, rockfish, and scorpion fish also possible. Halibut is listed among the species you may catch, but fishing is never guaranteed. The size varies too. Many cod have been around 1.5 kilograms, with some reaching about 3 kilograms.

Your deckhand helps when a fish comes up. That includes removing the hook and handling the catch. This is especially useful for children and first-time fishers, who may not know how to manage a strong fish at the side of a moving boat.

The crew’s patience is one of the trip’s strongest features. On family outings, deckhands have created custom bait colors for children and made sure people of different ages and skill levels had a turn. You can expect an active, hands-on approach rather than a guide who simply points out where to fish.

One limitation is that the trip is aimed at casual visitors, not serious anglers seeking a technical lesson. If you want constant information about depth, the sea floor, sonar readings, fish behavior, weighing, and measuring, you may find the instruction basic. The crew focuses on helping you catch fish and enjoy the day.

Wildlife beyond the fishing lines

The fish are the main reason to book, but the bay can provide extra rewards. The route often passes near a puffin island, where you may see puffins gathered on the water or along the shore. Whale and dolphin sightings are also possible.

Several outings included humpback whales, minke whales, dolphins, and jellyfish. The captain and crew have sometimes taken the boat past the regular fishing spots to look for whales. That can add a memorable wildlife moment, though you should not book this as a dedicated whale-watching cruise.

You will spend much of the trip watching your line, helping with fish, or waiting for the next stop. Still, it is worth looking up between casts. The views across Faxaflói and back toward Reykjavík give the trip a strong sense of place. The bay is not just a backdrop, it is the setting for a working fishing experience tied to Iceland’s coastal life.

Bring layers even in summer. Wind and spray can make the deck feel colder than Reykjavík’s streets. Protective clothing is supplied, but warm personal clothing remains useful, especially during the ride between fishing areas.

Turning the catch into lunch

After the fishing, the crew prepares part of the catch on the boat’s grill. The fish is served with potatoes, and the meal is usually eaten in the covered section if the weather is cold or wet.

This is the most satisfying part of the outing for me. You have handled the fish, watched it being prepared, and then eaten it almost immediately. The meal feels connected to the activity rather than like a standard snack included with a tour.

The quality of the cooking can vary slightly depending on who is preparing it and what seasoning is used. Most people have found the fish and potatoes delicious, with some calling it the freshest meal of their Iceland trip. One person found the fish bland and suggested adding butter or more seasoning. You can bring your own spices if you prefer stronger flavor, though the supplied information does not promise a particular seasoning selection.

You do not have to eat every fish you catch. Some of the catch can be kept, while excess fish may be released. If you hope to take fish home, ask the crew what is possible on the day. At least one child was disappointed that a favorite fish could not be taken home, so it is best not to assume that every catch can be packed for later.

The meal takes place toward the end of the trip, often while the boat is heading back or waiting between fishing activity and the return. It gives everyone a chance to gather, compare catches, and warm up.

Boat size, pace, and group feel

This is a shared boat excursion, not a private charter. One family described a boat with more than 15 people, while another group of 12 had enough fish for several plates each and still had some to take away. The exact crowd can vary, but you should expect other people fishing around you.

A fuller boat creates a lively atmosphere. When one person catches a fish, the deckhands need to move quickly, and everyone can see how the crew handles the catch. It also means you may have less room than you would on a private fishing trip.

The pace is usually active once the boat reaches a productive area. One outing began catching fish within ten minutes of casting, while another caught most of its fish at the first stop and fewer at later locations. You may spend about 35 minutes reaching the first fishing site, depending on conditions and the route.

The listed duration is 2.5 hours, while the trip description allows for 2.5 to 3 hours on the water. That is enough time for a proper taste of sea fishing without taking most of your day. One person wished the outing were longer, so serious anglers may want a more extended charter.

What the $141 price includes

At $141 per person, this is not the cheapest activity in Reykjavík, but it includes several useful extras. You receive an English-speaking guide, fishing equipment, protective clothing, and a grilled meal with potatoes. You are paying for the boat, crew assistance, fishing time, and food in one package.

That makes the price easier to justify for a family or couple who wants an activity rather than a sightseeing cruise. You do not need to rent rods, buy bait, or find a restaurant afterward. The meal also has a freshness you cannot reproduce with an ordinary seafood dinner.

The value is strongest when fishing is active and several people catch fish. On slower days, the price can feel high if you mainly sit through a rough boat ride and watch a small catch being prepared. Fishing depends on conditions, so no operator can promise a full cooler.

The trip has a 4.5 rating from 223 reviews, which fits the overall picture: very strong crew service, frequent catches, good food, and occasional problems with waves, crowding, or a slow fishing day. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later.

Who will enjoy this Reykjavík fishing trip

I would recommend it to families, couples, first-time fishers, and anyone who wants a less polished and more hands-on activity in Iceland. Children have had memorable outings here, especially because the crew gives direct help instead of leaving them to manage a rod alone.

It also suits experienced fishers who want easy access to Icelandic cod and haddock without arranging a private expedition. The fishing is straightforward, and the action can be fast. Just do not expect a specialist lesson on Icelandic fishing methods or a quiet boat with plenty of personal space.

You should think carefully if you are prone to motion sickness. The water can be choppy, and one person spent much of the trip inside rather than fishing. The covered area is useful, but it cannot turn a rough sea into a calm one.

This is also not the right pick if your top priority is guaranteed whale watching. Wildlife sightings are a welcome extra. The core activity is fishing, followed by a simple onboard meal.

Practical tips for a better outing

Take motion-sickness medication or ginger tablets if you have had trouble on boats before. One person who is usually prone to sea sickness felt fine after taking ginger, while another couple found the conditions much harder.

Wear warm layers and shoes suitable for a wet deck. Protective clothing is supplied, but Icelandic wind can still cut through light clothing. Keep your phone or camera protected from spray, and take a photo of your fish before it is cleaned if that memory matters to you.

If you are traveling with children, explain that the crew may handle the fish and that not every fish can necessarily go home. The crew can make the experience easy, but children may still need help staying warm and steady on deck.

Arrive ready to fish, but remain flexible. The captain may change locations if the first area is quiet. On a good day, the first stop can be packed with cod. On another, later stops may produce fewer bites.

The onboard app is available in English, German, French, Spanish, and Chinese, but the live guide language is English. The app may help with general information, while direct fishing instructions will be given in English.

Should you book the sea fishing and BBQ tour?

Book this trip if you want to catch your own Icelandic seafood, eat it soon afterward, and spend a few hours outside Reykjavík on the bay. The warm, patient crew is the biggest reason it works for beginners and families. The combination of active fishing, possible wildlife, and a fresh grilled meal gives you more than a standard harbor cruise.

Skip it if rough water is a serious concern, if you need a private boat, or if you want advanced fishing instruction. For most casual anglers, though, $141 is fair for the equipment, help, food, and time on the water. Bring warm clothes, plan for motion sickness, and judge the trip by the experience rather than a guaranteed number of fish.

FAQ

Where does the sea fishing tour leave from?

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

How long does the fishing trip last?

The listed duration is 2.5 hours. The trip description says you may spend about 2.5 to 3 hours on the water.

What fish can I catch?

Possible catches include cod, halibut, haddock, rockfish, pollock, whiting, mackerel, and scorpion fish.

Is fishing equipment provided?

Yes. Fishing equipment and protective clothing are included, along with help from the experienced crew.

Can I eat the fish I catch?

Yes. Part of the catch can be grilled onboard and served with potatoes. You may also be able to keep some of your catch, depending on the arrangements that day.

Is hotel pick-up available?

Pick-up starts 60 minutes before departure and is available for registered hotels and guesthouses in Reykjavík. The transfer costs a small extra fee.

What language is the tour conducted in?

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