Reykjavik Sea Angling Gourmet

The best part of this Reykjavík outing is simple: you catch dinner in Faxaflói Bay, then eat it before the boat reaches the harbor. The crew, including brothers Jakob and Vigfus on some departures, supplies the gear and shows you how to fish, so you do not need a license or past experience.

I like the hands-on fishing, where you do the work instead of watching a guide do it for you. I also like the fresh barbecue, with cod, haddock, mackerel, pollack, or other catch cooked aboard. The catch is not guaranteed, and rough water can make the ride uncomfortable if you are prone to seasickness.

Key points to know before you book

• Fresh fish on the return trip: Part of the catch may be cleaned, cooked, and served before you reach Reykjavík.
• Beginner-friendly equipment: Rods, tackle, instruction, and rain jackets are supplied.
• Three hours on Faxaflói Bay: The compact length fits neatly into a Reykjavík sightseeing day.
• A real fishing outing: You drift over several fishing areas and may catch cod, haddock, mackerel, pollack, catfish, or whiting.
• Weather matters: The tour runs in wild conditions, so poor weather can lead to a cancellation or rescheduled departure.
• Good for mixed groups: The crew works with beginners, experienced anglers, children, and older participants.

Fishing for your lunch in Faxaflói Bay

This is not a sightseeing cruise with a fishing rod added as an afterthought. You leave from Hlésgata 1 in Reykjavík and spend about three hours at sea, moving to productive fishing areas around Faxaflói Bay.

The crew sets you up with a short, sturdy rod and straightforward tackle. One detailed account described the gear as deliberately simple and hard to tangle, a sensible choice when a boat is carrying people with very different levels of experience.

You will receive a quick lesson on holding the rod, releasing the line, and working the tackle. After that, the crew helps you adjust your technique and removes fish from the hook when needed. You can ask questions throughout the trip, and the English-speaking crew keeps the instruction personal rather than formal.

The usual method is to let your line down while the boat drifts. A sea anchor, also called a drogue, can slow the drift and keep the boat over the fishing ground longer. The crew may move between several areas during the outing, giving you more than one chance to find active fish.

This setup suits first-time anglers particularly well. You do not need to bring a license, buy specialized gear, or spend time learning complicated knots. Experienced anglers may find the loan equipment fairly heavy and basic, but that is part of the point. It works for the whole boat, including people who have never fished before.

What you may catch beneath the boat

The common catch includes cod, haddock, mackerel, pollack, catfish, and whiting. The exact mix depends on the conditions and the fishing area, so you should treat the list as a possibility, not a promise.

Cod and haddock are the stars if you are looking forward to lunch. Mackerel and pollack can provide fast action, while whiting may be smaller. Catfish and other less familiar species can make the outing more interesting even if they are not destined for the grill.

Some catches can be impressively large. On productive trips, people have reported pulling up fish two at a time, and some outings have produced dozens of fish between a pair of anglers. That does not mean you should expect a record catch every time. The boat operates in wild nature, and the company clearly states that no particular catch can be guaranteed.

The crew also makes sensible choices about what goes into the meal. Smaller fish and species that are less useful for eating may be returned, while suitable fish are kept for the barbecue. If you are hoping to take fish home, ask the crew what is possible during your departure. Some people have been offered fresh fillets, but that depends on practical details such as where you are staying and how you can store them.

The barbecue is the real bonus

The fishing is the main activity, but the meal gives the trip its special Reykjavík flavor. On the ride back, the crew cleans a selection of the catch and cooks it on the boat. The meal has been described as fresh fish with potatoes, sauce, and sometimes a simple salad or similar accompaniments.

This is not a polished restaurant service, and that is fine. The appeal is eating cod or haddock caught only a short time earlier, with the bay still outside the windows. The cooking is straightforward, but the freshness does much of the work.

I would value this meal even more in Reykjavík, where restaurant prices can add up quickly. At $160 per person, the outing is not cheap as a fishing lesson alone. Once you include the boat ride, equipment, instruction, crew assistance, and cooked lunch, the price becomes easier to justify.

Keep your expectations sensible. The included lunch is described as light, not a long gourmet spread. The experience is about the pleasure of catching your own food and eating it at sea, not about a formal tasting menu.

Why the three-hour length works well

The tour lasts about three hours, which is a useful middle ground. You get enough time to settle into the boat, fish several areas, and enjoy the meal without giving up an entire day of your Iceland itinerary.

I especially like the afternoon potential. You can walk around central Reykjavík in the morning, fish in the afternoon, then have the evening free for dinner or another city activity. That makes this easier to fit into a short visit than a full-day angling charter.

The compact schedule also helps if you are traveling with someone who is interested in trying fishing but does not want a long offshore commitment. Three hours can still feel like a proper outing, while leaving an escape route if the sea is not your friend.

The tradeoff is that a short trip leaves less room for delays, slow fishing, or long scenic detours. If the boat loses time waiting for a bite or must move often between areas, your fishing time can feel brief. The crew’s job is to keep the outing active, but nature sets the pace.

The boat, crew, and group size

The maximum group size is 20 people, although some outings have carried around 12 anglers. That is small enough for the crew to help with tackle and fish, but you should not expect a private charter.

The boat has the basic facilities needed for a short trip, including a bathroom. Coffee and cookies may be offered when you board, and rain jackets are available if you need one. Boots are not included, so sturdy footwear is your responsibility.

The crew gets consistently strong praise for patience and good humor. Jakob and his brother are named on several outings, while Vigfus and his brother are also identified in the feedback. Names and crew assignments may vary, but the useful point is that the operation is family-run in feel, with the captain and deckhand actively helping rather than leaving you alone with a rod.

That matters when the fish start biting. A busy deck can become confusing when several people hook fish at once. Having a crew member nearby to untangle lines, remove fish, and explain what to do keeps the mood fun instead of frantic.

The boat has also worked well for mixed ages. An 11-year-old and a 78-year-old were both reported to have enjoyed the outing, and the crew has been praised for helping children. That does not mean every child will love a moving boat, but it does suggest the activity is not reserved for serious anglers.

Weather, sea conditions, and seasickness

Faxaflói Bay can be calm and bright, or it can feel distinctly North Atlantic. One departure was canceled because of poor weather, while another had rough enough seas to cause motion sickness. The company offers a different date or full refund if weather forces a cancellation.

That policy protects you from losing your money, but it cannot protect your schedule. If you have only one day left in Iceland, a late cancellation can be frustrating. Check your messages before leaving for the meeting point, especially if the forecast looks poor.

If you get seasick, plan ahead. The crew has helped people who felt ill and has complimentary antiemetics available according to the tour information. Still, you should dress warmly, keep your eyes on the horizon when possible, and avoid treating the meal as your first priority if the sea turns rough.

The weather also affects the quality of the outing in other ways. Calm water makes it easier to handle the rod and enjoy the views. Wind and rain can turn the same three hours into a test of patience. Bring layers and accept that Icelandic conditions may change quickly.

What to wear and bring

Wear sturdy shoes with good grip. The deck may be wet, and fish handling is not a clean activity. You should also wear clothing that can get dirty, since bait, fish slime, water, and barbecue work are part of the setting.

A rain jacket is included, but you should still dress for cold weather rather than relying on loan gear. Warm layers are more useful than one bulky coat, because you can adjust as conditions change.

I would avoid wearing anything delicate or difficult to clean. You are heading out to fish, not stepping onto a sightseeing vessel in city clothes. The crew can provide some protection from rain, but you are responsible for being comfortable and properly shod.

The views beyond the fishing

The fishing keeps your attention, but remember to look up. Faxaflói Bay opens broad views from the water, and the boat ride gives you a different angle on Reykjavík and the coast.

Seabirds are part of the experience. Fulmars and puffins have been seen on the water, and whale sightings are possible, though never guaranteed. This is an enjoyable bonus rather than the purpose of the tour.

That distinction is important. If your main goal is to see whales, book a dedicated whale-watching cruise instead. If you want a working boat outing with a chance of birds, distant marine life, and open-bay scenery, the views add plenty to the fishing.

Who will enjoy this most

I would recommend this tour to you if you want an active, social outing and like the idea of eating what you catch. It is a strong choice for couples, families, parent-and-child trips, and friends looking for something beyond Reykjavík’s museums and cafés.

You do not need fishing experience. Several first-time anglers have caught sizable fish after the crew’s short lesson, and the simple equipment lets you get started quickly.

It also works for experienced anglers, though you may wish for lighter tackle or more control over your setup. The supplied rods are chosen for durability and ease of use, not for fine sport-fishing technique.

I would hesitate if you strongly dislike boats, are very sensitive to motion, or need a guaranteed catch. The company has a high success rate, but even a well-run boat cannot control fish, wind, or waves. You should also think twice if your schedule cannot absorb a weather change.

Practical value at $160 per person

At $160, this is a mid-to-high priced activity, but the cost includes more than a rod rental. You receive instruction, fishing equipment, a rain jacket if needed, the boat trip, crew assistance, and a cooked sample of your catch.

The meal is the value booster. Reykjavík is an expensive city for dining, and a fresh seafood lunch served at sea gives you both food and an experience for the same booking fee.

Still, do not book it simply because you want a cheap meal. The lunch is light, and the catch varies. Book it because you want to spend time on the water, learn a simple form of sea angling, and enjoy food connected directly to the activity.

The tour is offered in English, and confirmation is received when you book. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted, except that poor weather may lead to a new date or full refund.

Should you book Reykjavik Sea Angling Gourmet?

I would book this if you have three free hours in Reykjavík and the idea of fresh cod or haddock cooked on the boat sounds better than another standard excursion. The combination of simple instruction, active fishing, friendly crew, and lunch made from the catch gives the trip a clear identity.

Choose it with realistic expectations. You may catch a lot, or only a little. The sea may be smooth, or it may test your stomach. Wear proper shoes, bring warm layers, and keep a little flexibility in your schedule.

For beginners, families, and anyone who wants an easy introduction to Icelandic sea angling, this is a very good fit. For serious anglers seeking specialized tackle or a guaranteed trophy catch, it is more basic. For most visitors, though, the chance to catch your own dinner and eat it before returning to Reykjavík is a memorable use of an afternoon.

FAQ

Where does the sea angling tour start and finish?

The tour starts at Hlésgata 1, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland, and returns to the same meeting point.

How long does the activity last?

The sea angling outing lasts approximately three hours, including time on Faxaflói Bay and the return to the harbor.

Do I need fishing experience or a license?

No. You do not need previous fishing experience or a fishing license. The crew provides instruction and helps you learn the basic technique.

What fishing equipment is included?

Fishing equipment is included, along with guidance from the crew. Rain jackets are also available if needed.

What fish might I catch?

The most commonly caught fish include catfish, cod, haddock, mackerel, and pollack. Whiting and other species may also be caught, but no specific catch is guaranteed.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The crew prepares a light barbecue lunch from suitable fish caught during the outing. The meal may include fresh fish and accompaniments such as potatoes and sauce.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The activity requires suitable weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.