Reykjavik: 3-Hour Sea Angling Gourmet Experience Tour

Faxaflói is not just a view from Reykjavik’s waterfront. It is a working fishing ground, and this trip takes you out to try the Icelandic tradition for yourself. You fish with an experienced crew, then eat the catch aboard, a simple pleasure that turns the return ride into part of the meal.

I like two things in particular: the crew helps beginners handle the gear, and the fish you catch is grilled on board rather than sent off to a restaurant kitchen. There is also a chance of seeing whales or puffins, though wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

One consideration: this is a boat trip on open water, so conditions can be rough, and seasickness may spoil the outing for some people. Dress for changeable weather, wear shoes you do not mind getting dirty, and remember that the trip can run up to three and a half hours.

• Fish several Faxaflói grounds: The captain moves between spots for cod, haddock, mackerel, catfish and pollack.
• Get hands-on help: Fishing gear is provided, and the crew teaches you how to use it.
• Eat your catch aboard: The crew barbecues the fish with potatoes and homemade sauce.
• Look out for wildlife: Whales and puffins have been spotted, but sightings are not promised.
• Meet at Hlésgata harbour: Board Jóhanna beside the dry dock.
• Budget about $176 per person: The fare includes equipment, rain jackets, guidance and the cooked catch.

From Hlésgata Harbour to the fishing grounds

The trip starts at Hlésgata harbour, beside the dry dock, where you meet the crew aboard the boat Jóhanna. The meeting point is specific, so check your route before setting out and arrive with time to find the boat. One useful tip is to show up early if you are unsure where to go.

Once aboard, you leave Reykjavik behind and head toward Faxaflói. The total outing is described as three hours, though the time at sea may reach three to three and a half hours. That is long enough to feel like a proper fishing excursion without taking up an entire day of your Iceland itinerary.

The boat’s crew knows the local grounds and chooses fishing spots around the bay. Rather than staying put if the fish are not biting, the captain may try more than one location. You are out on the open ocean, not a sheltered pond, so the ride and conditions can vary.

Fishing even if you have never held a rod

You do not need to arrive with fishing skills. All equipment is provided, and the captain and guide show you how to fish. Their help matters: fishing from a boat can feel unfamiliar at first, and practical guidance lets you focus on the experience instead of guessing what to do with the gear.

The target catch includes cod, haddock, mackerel, catfish and pollack. What turns up depends on the day and the fishing grounds. Some trips have brought in many fish, including large cod, while others may be less productive. The tour is a chance to fish, not a guaranteed catch count.

The crew’s involvement is one of the strongest reasons to book this outing. On trips led by Jacob and Vigfoss, the brothers have been praised for helping people aboard, offering individual attention and answering questions. Crew can vary, but the format is hands-on: you are not simply handed a rod and left to work it out alone.

There is a practical side to the fun. Fishing can be messy, and the tour advises wearing clothes you do not mind getting dirty. Comfortable shoes are essential; leave pets and large bags behind.

More than a fishing trip across Faxaflói

The bay is the setting, but the outing is about taking part in a local practice. Iceland’s fishing grounds have drawn fishermen for centuries, and here you get a modest, direct taste of that connection. You are not visiting a museum display about fishing; you are on the water, working a line with the crew.

The views and fresh air are part of the appeal. In good conditions, the sea can make the ride itself a pleasure. Wildlife sightings add another possible bonus: whales and puffins have been seen on trips. Treat these as lucky extras, not the main promise. The reliable plan is fishing, time at sea and a meal from the catch.

The tour is described as responsible and sustainable, but specific catch limits or fishing rules are not provided. If sustainability practices are a deciding factor for you, ask the operator what measures are in place before booking rather than assuming details.

The onboard barbecue is the payoff

After fishing, the crew prepares the catch aboard the boat. Fresh fish is grilled on the boat’s barbecue and served with potatoes and homemade sauce. The exact meal may vary, but the core idea is unusually satisfying: your fishing effort becomes lunch on the ride back.

This is not a formal restaurant meal. It is a practical, convivial end to the excursion, with the crew handling the cleaning and cooking. You get to eat fish caught that day in the waters you have just crossed. That freshness, and the sense of having a hand in the meal, is what makes the food more than an included extra.

The barbecue also gives the return leg a clear purpose. You are not just heading back to shore after the activity; you are settling in to eat together. If you are not keen on fishing but enjoy seafood, this may still appeal, though the fishing itself is the main event and the meal depends on the catch.

What the $176 fare buys you

At $176 per person, this is not a budget boat ride. The value comes from several parts being bundled together: a three-hour-plus trip, fishing equipment, instruction, rain jackets and a cooked meal from the catch. You are also paying for a crew that takes you to fishing grounds and helps run the outing, not simply transport across the bay.

For someone who wants to try sea fishing in Iceland, the price is easier to justify. A novice gets gear and guidance without needing to arrange a separate fishing charter, and an experienced angler gets time on Faxaflói with local captains. The barbecue is a memorable finish, though it should not be treated as a guaranteed feast: the amount and kind of fish depend on the day.

You may be able to book directly with the operator, Elding Adventure at Sea, for a lower price. Compare the final cost and terms before choosing where to book. The activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours ahead, and a reserve-now, pay-later option is available through the booking channel described for this tour.

How to prepare for the open water

Rain jackets are available aboard, but dress in layers and bring comfortable shoes. The tour specifically recommends clothing you do not mind getting dirty. Large bags are not allowed, so pack lightly and keep valuables to a minimum.

The sea can be calm or rough. A past trip included rough conditions that caused one passenger to feel seasick, while another person described needing ginger candy and peppermint tea. That does not tell you how your own trip will feel, but it is a fair reminder that the open ocean is not always gentle. If you are prone to motion sickness, consider whether a boat outing is right for you and plan accordingly.

Wildlife is another matter of timing and luck. Whales and puffins have been seen, but no sighting is assured. Go for the fishing and the meal; count any wildlife encounter as a bonus.

Who will get the most from this trip

This outing suits first-time fishers who want clear instruction and experienced anglers who would like to try Icelandic waters. It also works well for families with older children: a father and sons aged 10 and 22 enjoyed a trip together, and children have been part of successful family outings. Children under two are not suited to the activity.

You do not need to be a dedicated angler to enjoy it. The fresh air, changing fishing spots and shared meal give the trip a social feel. But if you dislike boats, have strong concerns about seasickness, or expect a guaranteed wildlife encounter, this may not be the right choice.

Group size matters, too. One trip with seven people felt comfortable, while a full boat can feel more crowded. The maximum number is reported as 12, so if personal space is important, ask about the expected group size when booking.

Should you book the Faxaflói fishing trip?

Book it if you want an active, distinctly Icelandic outing and like the idea of eating what you catch. The combination of local fishing grounds, crew instruction and a barbecue aboard gives you more than a standard sightseeing cruise. At $176, it is best value when you will enjoy both the fishing and the meal, not just one or the other.

Skip it if rough seas would make the day miserable, or if you need a fixed catch or guaranteed wildlife sighting to feel the fare is worthwhile. For everyone else, bring practical clothes, arrive early at Hlésgata harbour and let the crew handle the fishing lesson. The best part may be the moment your fresh catch comes off the grill while Reykjavik draws closer.

FAQ

How long is the sea angling tour?

Plan for three to three and a half hours. The listed duration is three hours, but the outing may run longer.

Where do I meet the crew?

Meet aboard the boat Jóhanna at Hlésgata harbour, beside the dry dock.

What fish might I catch?

The fishing grounds are used for catfish, cod, haddock, mackerel and pollack. The catch can vary.

Is fishing equipment provided?

Yes. All fishing equipment is provided, and the captain and guide can teach you how to use it.

Is the fish cooked during the trip?

Yes. The crew barbecues the fish caught aboard, serving it with potatoes and homemade sauce.

Can I cancel for a refund?

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