Reykjavik’s Finest Catch: Guided Sea Angling Tour

The best part of this three-hour trip is the simple, satisfying loop: leave Reykjavík’s old harbour, fish in Faxaflói Bay, then eat a portion of your own catch while the boat heads back. Cod, haddock, and pollock are among the possible catches, and the guide can help you get started even if fishing is new to you.

I like two things in particular: the crew can change fishing spots if the bite slows, and the fish is cleaned, filleted, and barbecued onboard with potatoes and coleslaw. The trade-off is that fishing depends on conditions and luck, so a good catch is possible, not promised. At $188 per person, it suits you best if the time on the water and the meal are part of the appeal.

The quick take

• Fish in Faxaflói Bay: The boat heads out from the Old Harbor to fishing grounds in the bay, with about two hours set aside for guided angling.
• No fishing experience needed: Rods, reels, and tackle are supplied, and the guide offers basic instruction and help during the trip.
• Your catch becomes lunch: The crew cleans and fillets the fish, then serves it grilled with potatoes and coleslaw.
• A change of spot is possible: If the fish stop biting, the captain may move the boat to another location.
• A three-hour outing: The schedule includes a 25-minute sightseeing cruise, two hours of fishing, and a 30-minute onboard meal.
• Comforts are included: Coffee, sparkling water, and warm blankets help make the ride more comfortable.

Leaving Reykjavík’s Old Harbor

Meet at Hlésgata 1, on the harbour between the maritime museum and the shipyard. Look for a guide wearing a black Viggson Sailing jacket or T-shirt near the fish-and-chips wagon. That landmark makes the meeting point easier to spot, though it is worth allowing a little time to find it before departure.

The trip is run by Viggson Sailing, with an English-speaking guide. No individual guide names are provided, so you can expect guidance from the crew rather than a specific named host. Once aboard, the boat heads out for a 25-minute sightseeing cruise before reaching the fishing grounds.

That short cruise is more than a transfer. It gives you time to settle in, take in the harbour and bay, and feel the change from city streets to open water. Bring a warm layer even if the weather seems mild on shore. Warm blankets are supplied, but the boat is still on the North Atlantic, where being comfortable matters if you plan to spend much of the trip outdoors.

Fishing in Faxaflói Bay

The main event is a two-hour guided fishing session in Faxaflói Bay. The guide provides rods, reels, and tackle, then explains the basics of sea angling and helps you use the equipment. If you have never held a fishing rod, you are not expected to arrive with a secret technique or a tackle box of your own.

Cod, haddock, and pollock are among the species you may catch. The bay is described as having high fishing success, but no sea trip can guarantee a bite, much less a particular fish. The practical upside is that you have a substantial stretch of time on the water, rather than a quick cast for the sake of a photo.

The crew’s flexibility can matter when the action slows. On one outing, the captain moved the boat to a new stop when the bite eased, and the change brought the group back onto fish. That is a useful sign of an active approach, though it is not a promise that every move will lead to a full bucket.

For a first-time angler, the guide’s help is part of the value. You can ask for assistance with the gear and get tips as you fish, rather than being left to puzzle out the equipment alone. Experienced anglers may appreciate the chance to focus on the water and the catch, but should keep expectations in check: this is a short, friendly fishing excursion, not a specialist expedition built around a particular species or technique.

Fishing also leaves room to enjoy the surroundings. You can take in the fresh air and the rhythm of the boat between bites, and seabirds such as gulls or puffins may appear. The trip’s appeal is not limited to the fish; it offers a few hours away from Reykjavík’s streets and a different view of Iceland’s coast.

From catch to onboard barbecue

After the fishing session, the crew helps clean and fillet the catch. The meal is grilled onboard and served with coleslaw and potatoes. It is a memorable detail because the fish on your plate comes from the same bay where you have just been fishing, rather than from a kitchen far removed from the day’s activity.

You should not expect every fish caught to be cooked for the group. The amount available can vary, and one large catch may exceed what the crew can prepare during the return trip. Still, the plan is to give you a taste of your own catch, and the meal is a welcome close to the fishing portion.

The meal takes about 30 minutes and is served onboard. Coffee and sparkling water are included, making this more than a bare-bones boat ride with fishing gear. If eating freshly caught fish is part of your reason for booking, this tour connects the activity and the meal in a direct, satisfying way.

What the $188 price buys

At $188 per person, this is not the least expensive way to get out on the water. The price makes more sense when you count what is bundled into the three hours: boat time, fishing gear, an English-speaking guide, help with the catch, a grilled fish meal with sides, drinks, and warm blankets.

The meal is a real part of the experience, not an optional extra you need to arrange afterward. So is the supplied equipment, which saves you from sourcing fishing gear for a short outing. If you only want to see the bay from a boat, this may be more activity than you need. If you want to try angling and eat the result, the package offers a clearer return on the time and cost.

The strongest draw is the combination of fishing and food, with the chance to catch cod, haddock, or pollock. The crew’s willingness to move to another fishing spot when the bite slows also helps the trip feel responsive. Still, the price cannot buy a guaranteed catch, so book for the outing as a whole rather than treating it as a sure way to secure dinner.

Who should book this trip?

This outing is a good match for curious beginners, families interested in trying something active, and anglers who like a relaxed session rather than a full-day commitment. The guidance and included tackle lower the barrier for newcomers, while the meal gives the trip a clear reward beyond the fishing itself.

It can also work for anyone who wants a short break from Reykjavík’s urban sights and is happy to spend time on the water. You do not need to be a dedicated angler to enjoy the trip, but it helps to be comfortable with the idea that fishing has slow moments. Bring patience, a warm layer, and an interest in the bay as well as the catch.

If your priority is a long, highly technical fishing charter, the three-hour format may feel brief. The schedule gives two hours to fishing, with the rest devoted to the cruise and meal. If that balance sounds right, you get a compact taste of sea angling without giving up most of a day.

Practical details before you go

The tour lasts three hours, and the starting time depends on availability. The meeting point is at Hlésgata 1, by the harbour between the maritime museum and shipyard. Look for the Viggson Sailing jacket or T-shirt near the fish-and-chips wagon.

Fishing equipment, coffee, sparkling water, and warm blankets are included. The grilled catch comes with coleslaw and potatoes. The tour is conducted in English, and you can reserve without paying immediately; cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The experience has a 4.7 rating from 37 reviews, and the most consistent strengths are the friendly crew, active fishing, and the meal. One particularly useful detail is that the captain may move the boat if the bite slows. A family outing also brought in some larger fish, though catches naturally vary from trip to trip.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a hands-on way to experience Faxaflói Bay, value help with the fishing, and like the idea of eating a portion of your own catch. The grilled fish, friendly crew, and option to shift fishing spots make the outing more than a simple boat ride.

Skip it if you need a guaranteed catch, want to spend the whole outing fishing, or are mainly looking for a sightseeing cruise. For a three-hour mix of angling, coastal air, and a fresh onboard meal, this is a well-rounded Reykjavík activity at a price worth considering.

FAQ

How long is the sea angling tour?

The tour lasts three hours. The schedule includes a 25-minute sightseeing cruise, two hours of guided fishing, and a 30-minute meal onboard.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Hlésgata 1 in Reykjavík’s Old Harbor, between the maritime museum and the shipyard.

How do I find the guide?

Look for a guide wearing a black Viggson Sailing jacket or T-shirt near the fish-and-chips wagon at the meeting point.

Is the tour conducted in English?

Yes. The live tour guide speaks English.

Do I need to bring fishing equipment?

No. Fishing gear, including rods, reels, and tackle, is included.

What fish might I catch?

Possible catches include cod, haddock, and pollock. The exact catch can vary.

Is food included?

Yes. The crew cleans and fillets the catch, then barbecues fish to serve with coleslaw and potatoes.

What drinks are included?

Coffee and sparkling water are included.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.