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

The best part of this Reykjavik boat trip is simple: you drop a line into Faxaflói Bay and may soon be hauling up cod, haddock, pollock, or rockfish. The crew works hard to put everyone over fish, and several children and first-time anglers have caught dinner before they have fully learned the routine.

I like the hands-on crew, who help with bait, lines, and unhooking fish without making beginners feel out of place. I also like the onboard barbecue, where part of the catch is cooked with potatoes while the boat is still out on the water. The main drawback is the sea itself: choppy conditions can make the ride uncomfortable, especially for anyone prone to motion sickness.

Key points at a glance

• Fishing starts fast: Some outings reach productive water within about 10 to 35 minutes, with several fish caught in a short stretch.
• Good for first-timers: The crew gives practical help, and children as young as six and eight have taken part successfully.
• Fresh meal onboard: Your catch can be grilled and served with potatoes, though seasoning may be fairly simple.
• Wildlife is a bonus: Puffins, humpback whales, minke whales, dolphins, and jellyfish have all been spotted on different trips.
• Expect an active boat: The trip lasts about 2.5 hours, and rough water can affect comfort and fishing time.
• Solid value at $141: You get the boat ride, guide, gear, protective clothing, fishing, and a cooked meal in one outing.

Fishing Faxaflói Bay from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor

The trip leaves from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor and heads into Faxaflói Bay, the broad body of water in front of the capital. You are not going far offshore for a full-day expedition. This is a short, focused outing built around getting a line in the water quickly and giving everyone a fair chance to catch something.

The fishing grounds hold cod, haddock, halibut, rockfish, and pollock. Other catches have included whiting, mackerel, and scorpion fish. Cod appears to be the most common prize, with some fish weighing around 1.5 kilograms and larger examples reaching roughly 3 kilograms.

The boat ride out gives you open views of Iceland’s coast and sea. On clear days, the setting is a pleasant change from Reykjavik’s streets and museums. The boat also passes near a place known for puffin sightings, so keep your eyes open even when the rods are quiet.

You may spend time at several fishing spots rather than one fixed location. One trip visited three areas, with plenty of action at the first stop and less activity at the later ones. That variation is normal for fishing, and the captain may move the boat to find better conditions.

What the 2.5-hour itinerary feels like

The total outing lasts about 2.5 hours, with some activity descriptions giving a range of 2.5 to 3 hours. A typical trip begins with departure from the harbor, followed by the ride toward the first fishing area. Some people have started catching fish within 10 minutes of casting, while others have reached the main fishing spot after roughly 35 minutes.

Once the boat stops, the crew helps you lower your line and get comfortable with the gear. This is straightforward fishing rather than a technical lesson in advanced sea angling. You will generally be told when to drop your bait, and the crew steps in when a fish comes up.

That setup works well for families and beginners. You do not need to arrive with your own rod, reel, or specialist clothing. Fishing equipment and protective clothing are included, and the team helps with the practical parts, including removing fish from the hooks.

Experienced anglers should adjust expectations. This is not a private charter where you study sonar readings, select your own depth, or receive a detailed lesson in local fishing methods. One experienced participant wanted more information about the sea floor, fish depth, and the captain’s use of the sonar. If you already fish often, you may find the format basic.

The payoff is that the fishing can be active. On especially productive outings, people have caught fish almost every time they lower the line. One fisherman reported 17 fish in 40 minutes before becoming tired from reeling them in. That is not something you should count on every day, but it shows how lively the action can become.

Friendly help for children and first-time anglers

The crew is the strongest part of this outing. Names mentioned by participants include Oddgeir, Stefan, Asgeir, Samuel, Oscar, and Julia, though the exact team can vary. Their job is not just to run the boat. They also keep an eye on the lines, help with catches, and make sure less experienced people are not left standing around confused.

That matters on a fishing trip. A child can lose interest quickly if a rod feels too heavy or nobody explains what to do. Here, the crew has helped young anglers land fish and made small personal touches, such as preparing bait in a child’s favorite color.

The format suits families particularly well. An eight-year-old became a central part of one successful outing, and another parent took a nearly six-year-old along with strong help from the crew. People who arrived only to watch have sometimes ended up fishing and catching something themselves.

The boat can feel fairly full. One family described more than 15 people onboard, while another group counted 12 anglers. A full boat means more shared energy when the fish start biting, but it also means you may have less personal space and need to wait briefly for assistance during busy moments.

The onboard barbecue is part of the experience

After the fishing, the crew prepares some of the catch on the boat’s grill. The meal is served with potatoes, and the timing makes the food feel like part of the outing rather than a separate restaurant stop later in the day.

Freshness is the clear advantage. The fish goes from the water to the grill in the same outing, and many people have found the meal excellent. Cod, pollock, haddock, and other catches have all been cooked onboard. Some groups ate several plates and still had fish left to take away.

The cooking is not elaborate. One person found the fish bland and suggested more butter or seasoning, while another supplied personal spices and preferred the result. If you like bold flavors, carry a small seasoning packet only if the operator permits it. The supplied information confirms the meal includes potatoes, but it does not promise a particular sauce or seasoning.

You may also be able to keep some of your catch. The experience is described as offering the choice to keep your fish or barbecue it onboard. On some trips, extra fish were released after enough had been prepared or eaten. Ask the crew on the day if taking fish home is important to you, since the practical details may depend on the catch and local arrangements.

Wildlife adds another reason to look up

Fishing is the main event, but Faxaflói Bay can supply a second show. Puffins may be seen around their island, and different outings have recorded dolphins, humpback whales, minke whales, and jellyfish.

One captain took the boat beyond the main fishing areas to follow whales while the group waited for the meal. That sort of sighting is a bonus, not a guaranteed part of the route. The captain’s first duty is to find fish, and marine wildlife depends on the day.

Still, this combination gives the trip more range than a simple harbor cruise. You may spend one moment managing a cod on the line and the next watching a whale surface in the distance. Bring your camera, but keep it protected from spray and cold.

Weather, waves, and motion sickness

Iceland’s sea does not promise calm conditions. Several outings went ahead in rain, wind, or large waves, and the fishing still worked. One group described severe weather with waves splashing over the deck, while another found the ride choppy but manageable once the boat reached the fishing grounds.

The rough ride is the main issue to consider before booking. A person prone to motion sickness became ill enough to miss much of the activity. Another participant used ginger tablets in advance and managed well, while others stayed in the cabin when the sea became uncomfortable.

Take motion sickness seriously. Eat lightly before departure, bring any remedy you normally use, and dress for cold, wet weather even in summer. Protective clothing is included, but layers remain useful. The boat has a covered lower area where you can warm up and eat, yet anyone who spends most of the trip below deck will miss much of the fishing.

The weather also affects the quality of the outing in ways beyond comfort. Rough water can limit where the boat goes and may reduce fishing time. A calm, bright day gives you better views and a more relaxed meal, while a windy day can feel more adventurous but less pleasant.

Is $141 a fair price?

At $141 per person, this is not a cheap casual activity, but the price covers several separate costs. You get the boat trip, an English-speaking guide, fishing equipment, protective clothing, a 2.5-hour outing, and a meal made from the day’s catch with potatoes.

The food is the key value point. A standard restaurant meal in Reykjavik can be expensive, and this one comes with the fishing, harbor departure, and sea views included. You also avoid paying separately for rods and gear.

The value is strongest for a family or mixed group. An experienced fisher may wish for more technical instruction, but a group with children, beginners, and curious non-anglers gets a shared activity with a clear reward at the end. Some people who were unsure about fishing ended up catching fish, eating onboard, and treating it as a favorite part of their Iceland visit.

You should not book it only because you expect to fill a cooler. Fish numbers vary. Some outings have produced several fish per person, while one less successful trip caught only three or four fish for the boat. The crew can work hard and still cannot control the sea.

A small extra fee applies if you use the pickup service. Pickup begins 60 minutes before departure and is available only from registered hotels and guesthouses in Reykjavik. If you are staying elsewhere or already near the Old Harbor, check the meeting arrangement carefully.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so check availability when choosing the date.

Who should book this fishing trip?

I would choose this for families, first-time anglers, and anyone who wants a very Icelandic meal with a little adventure attached. The crew’s patience makes the outing approachable, and the chance to see puffins or whales gives non-fishers something to watch.

It also suits couples and friends who want a break from museums, geothermal pools, and road trips. The 2.5-hour length is useful when your Reykjavik schedule is tight. You can fit it into a morning or afternoon without giving up an entire day.

I would hesitate if you get seasick easily, dislike cold or wet weather, or want a serious instructional fishing charter. The boat can be full, the sea can be rough, and the fishing lesson stays practical rather than technical.

Should you book it?

Book this Reykjavik sea fishing trip if you want a friendly, active outing where catching a fish is a real possibility, not just a theme. The most reliable strengths are the helpful crew, the family-friendly format, the fresh grilled meal, and the chance to see wildlife in Faxaflói Bay.

Go prepared for wind, waves, and simple seasoning. Bring motion sickness medicine if you need it, wear warm layers, and keep your expectations flexible. On a good day, you may catch dinner, watch whales, and return to the harbor with a story far better than another standard city tour.

FAQ

Where does the sea fishing tour depart from?

The tour departs from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor and heads into Faxaflói Bay.

How long does the fishing trip last?

The stated duration is 2.5 hours. Some details describe the time on the water as approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.

What fish might I catch?

Possible catches include cod, halibut, haddock, rockfish, and pollock. Other catches reported on trips include whiting, mackerel, and scorpion fish.

Is fishing equipment provided?

Yes. Fishing equipment and protective clothing are included, along with an experienced guide onboard.

Can I eat the fish I catch?

Yes. The catch can be grilled onboard and served with potatoes. The experience also allows for keeping your catch, subject to the practical arrangements on the day.

Is the tour suitable for children and beginners?

Yes. The crew provides help with bait, lines, and removing fish from hooks. Children as young as six and eight have taken part successfully, and the activity is designed for first-time and experienced anglers.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup starts 60 minutes before departure and is available from registered hotels and guesthouses in Reykjavik. The transfer costs a small extra fee.