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

A fresh cod or haddock, grilled on the boat after you catch it, is the heart of this trip. You head from Reykjavík’s Old Harbor into Faxaflói Bay, where the crew helps you fish and serves your catch with potatoes. You might also spot puffins, whales, or dolphins.

I like two things in particular: the crew gives newcomers hands-on help, and the meal turns fishing into a shared experience, not just a tally of fish. The main caution is the sea itself. Choppy conditions can make fishing uncomfortable, so motion sickness may be a real issue.

• Fish soon after leaving the harbor: The boat heads into Faxaflói Bay, with the crew choosing fishing spots and helping you get started.
• Beginners are welcome: Equipment and protective clothing are provided, and the crew assists with baiting, reeling, and handling fish.
• The catch becomes lunch: Fish can be grilled onboard with potatoes, or you can keep your catch.
• Wildlife is a possible bonus: Puffins, whales, and dolphins have all been spotted on trips, but sightings are not guaranteed.
• Plan for the weather and waves: The trip runs in Icelandic coastal conditions, and some days can be cold, wet, or choppy.
• Allow for the full outing: Fishing lasts about 2.5 hours. Hotel pickup may begin 60 minutes before departure and costs extra.

From Reykjavík’s Old Harbor to Faxaflói Bay

The trip starts at Reykjavík’s Old Harbor, then heads out into Faxaflói Bay. That makes it an easy way to spend a half-day on the water without arranging a separate trip beyond the city. The focus is fishing, but the open-water views are part of the outing too.

Once the boat reaches a fishing area, the crew helps you set up and try your hand at catching cod, halibut, haddock, rockfish, and pollock. The exact catch depends on conditions and what is biting. Some trips report fast action, while others have produced only a few fish, so treat a full bucket as a possibility, not a promise.

The crew may move between fishing spots during the trip. One outing has included three locations, while another description notes that the first stop can be especially productive and later ones less so. That variety gives you more than one chance to catch something, though the fish do not follow a timetable.

The scheduled time on the water is 2.5 hours, while the activity description gives a range of 2.5 to 3 hours. In practice, plan around the stated 2.5-hour duration and leave room in your day for the boat ride and any pickup. If you are hoping for a long, technical fishing charter, this is a short introductory outing rather than an all-day expedition.

Fishing With Help From the Crew

You do not need to arrive with fishing experience. Rods and other fishing equipment are included, as is protective clothing, and the English-speaking guide and crew help you learn the basics. This hands-on support is a big part of the appeal for families and first-timers: you can focus on trying the line rather than bringing your own gear or figuring everything out alone.

The crew’s role is practical. They help you get fishing, assist when a fish is on the line, and take care of the catch afterward. Families have found that the crew is patient with children and beginners, and one child was even given bait in a favorite color. That small gesture captures the kind of personal attention you might appreciate on a group boat.

The outing is designed to be accessible to a range of skill levels, from someone who has never fished to someone who has spent plenty of days on the water. But it is not necessarily a lesson in advanced angling. The point is to get you fishing, lend a hand, and make the outing enjoyable. If you want detailed instruction about water depth, fish behavior, or technical methods, ask the crew, but do not expect a specialist workshop.

The boat can carry a fairly full group. One family described more than 15 people onboard, with everyone catching fish on that particular trip. A busy deck can make the atmosphere lively, but it may also mean you are sharing space and crew attention. If your ideal fishing day is quiet and solitary, this social group format may not suit you as well.

Cod, Haddock, and the Chance of a Busy Bite

The fish named for this trip include cod, halibut, haddock, rockfish, and pollock. Catches described on outings have also included whiting, mackerel, and scorpion fish. Cod is a frequent catch in accounts of the trip, but species and numbers will vary with the day’s conditions and fishing spots.

The fishing can be remarkably active. On some outings, people have caught fish soon after dropping a line, and some have landed several apiece. One angler reported catching 17 fish in 40 minutes before calling it quits. That is a memorable example, not a typical result you should count on. Other trips have had slower action, with only a handful caught across the group.

This variation matters when you are deciding how to measure value. You are paying for time on the water, a guided attempt at sea fishing, supplied equipment and clothing, and the chance to eat what you catch. The trip is not a guaranteed fish haul. Even on a slower day, you still get the boat ride, coastal scenery, crew support, and a meal if there is enough catch to prepare.

If you do hook a fish, the crew can help with it. Some people choose to take catch home, while others leave it to be cooked onboard. Check with the crew about what is possible for your catch that day, especially if you have a particular fish in mind to keep.

Grilled Catch With Potatoes

The onboard barbecue is more than a nice extra. It completes the outing: you fish, see what comes up, then eat a meal made from the catch. Fish is served with potatoes, and the freshly caught meal is one of the most consistently praised parts of the trip.

The cooking is simple, which suits the setting. A few people have wished for more seasoning, while others have loved the flavor as served. If you like a little extra spice, one past angler brought their own seasoning. You can ask the crew what is available onboard, but do not assume a particular sauce or seasoning is included.

The meal is served on the boat, and the covered area gives you somewhere to get warm while you eat. That can be welcome after time on deck in cold or wet weather. If you are traveling with someone who would rather watch than fish, the meal and shared boat time still give them a reason to come along, though fishing remains the main activity.

Wildlife and Views Along the Way

Fishing is the main event, but the bay can add a wildlife bonus. Puffins are sometimes seen near a local puffin island, and sightings reported on trips have included humpback and minke whales, dolphins, and jellyfish. These encounters are not promised, so think of them as a welcome extra rather than the reason to book.

The crew may steer toward wildlife during the outing. That can mean a memorable pause between fishing and the meal, but the trip’s priority remains fishing, and sightings depend on what is around that day. If you spot whales or dolphins, enjoy the moment without expecting a dedicated wildlife-watching tour.

Even without animals, the view from the water gives you a different angle on Reykjavík and the surrounding coast. The boat trip is a change of pace from city sightseeing, and the combination of sea air, fishing, and an onboard meal makes the outing feel distinct from a standard harbor cruise.

Weather, Seasickness, and What to Bring

Icelandic weather can be part of the adventure, but it can also shape how much you enjoy it. People have fished in rain and wind, and some have described rough or choppy water on the way to the fishing grounds. Conditions can feel less dramatic once the boat reaches a sheltered or shallower area, but there is no guarantee of calm seas.

If you are prone to motion sickness, take that seriously. Some people have struggled to stay on deck, and one person described seasickness as spoiling the trip for a companion. Consider bringing a remedy that works for you before boarding. Protective clothing is included, but you should still dress for the weather and be ready for time outside on the water.

The boat has a covered interior area, which can offer shelter when you want a break from the deck. It is useful for warming up or eating, but it does not remove the possibility of rough conditions. If the forecast looks unsettled, decide whether you are comfortable spending a couple of hours on the sea.

What $141 Buys You

At $141 per person, this is not simply a short boat ride. The price includes an experienced guide onboard, fishing equipment, protective clothing, and the chance to grill your catch with potatoes. For a first-time angler, having the gear and crew support included makes the cost easier to judge. You are paying for a guided activity and a meal, not just access to a fishing rod.

The value is strongest if you enjoy participating. You can learn the basics, try for several kinds of fish, and eat part of the catch soon after it comes out of the water. For a family, that mix of activity and food can make the trip a highlight, especially when children get help from the crew and have a chance to land their own fish.

The value is less certain if you mainly want a large catch or a highly technical fishing session. Fish numbers are unpredictable, and a brief group trip cannot offer the focus of a private charter. At the same time, the shared format can make it fun even if fishing is new to you or you are there for the company.

Hotel pickup is available only from registered Reykjavík hotels and guesthouses. It begins 60 minutes before departure and costs a small extra fee. An app is available in English, German, French, Spanish, and Chinese, while the live guide speaks English. You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and a reserve-now, pay-later option is offered.

Who Should Book This Fishing Trip?

I would consider this trip if you want an active, unusual outing from Reykjavík and like the idea of catching and eating your own fish. It suits beginners, families, and experienced anglers who are happy with a short, social trip rather than a full day of specialized fishing. The crew’s patient assistance is a real advantage if you are unsure how to start.

It is also a good choice for a mixed group. The fishing can appeal to the keen angler, while the boat ride, wildlife possibilities, and grilled meal give everyone something to share. Just remember that people who are sensitive to motion may have a tougher time, and a good catch is never guaranteed.

Book it if you are comfortable with open water and want fishing to be the centerpiece of a compact outing. Skip it if you need calm seas, guaranteed wildlife, or a quiet, advanced fishing charter. The best reason to go is the simple combination: cast a line in Faxaflói Bay, see what comes up, and eat the catch while you are still out on the water.

FAQ

How long is the sea-fishing trip?

The listed duration is 2.5 hours. The activity details describe time on the water as 2.5 to 3 hours, so allow a little flexibility.

Where does the boat depart from?

The trip sets out from Reykjavík’s Old Harbor and heads into Faxaflói Bay.

Do I need fishing experience?

No. The trip is suitable for beginners as well as experienced anglers, and the crew helps you learn how to fish.

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, but the catch varies.

Is fishing equipment provided?

Yes. Fishing equipment and protective clothing are included.

Can I eat the fish I catch?

Yes. Your catch can be grilled onboard and served with potatoes. You may also keep your catch.

Is hotel pickup included in the price?

Pickup is available for registered hotels and guesthouses in Reykjavík, but it costs a small extra fee. It begins 60 minutes before the departure time.