Reykjavik: Traditional Sea Fishing with BBQ Feast

Cod comes out of the sea and onto your plate in the same outing on this three-hour fishing trip from Reykjavik. You head into the bay with a small crew, try for cod, haddock, rockfish, or pollock, then return to the harbor to have the catch prepared on board.

I like two things in particular: you get hands-on fishing instruction and the gear, even if you have never held a rod, and the small group limit of 12 keeps the trip personal. I also like that lunch is tied to the day’s catch, rather than being a meal served apart from the experience.

One consideration: this is an open-water outing, so cold, wind, and weather can shape the day. Dress warmly, and don’t treat a particular fish or a large catch as guaranteed.

At a glance

• A working fishing trip, not just a boat ride: Try for cod, haddock, rockfish, or pollock in the waters outside Reykjavik.
• A meal made from the catch: Return to the harbor, where the crew fillets and cooks the fish with potatoes and sauce.
• A small group: No more than 12 passengers means room to fish and space to relax.
• Helpful gear is included: Fishing equipment, instruction, and waterproof clothing are provided.
• A central harbor departure: Meet by the Víkin Maritime Museum, a 5 to 10-minute walk from the city center.

From Reykjavik’s old harbor to the fishing grounds

The meeting point is in the old harbor beside the Víkin Maritime Museum. From the city center, allow a 5 to 10-minute walk, and follow the directions carefully: pass the first dock and the Hamborgarabúlla Tómasar hamburger stand, continue past the Reykjavik Marina Hotel, then look for a sign marked Hlésgata. The boat is on the other side of the shipyard where large vessels are brought ashore for repairs.

That last detail matters. The departure point is not simply the first boat you see at the harbor, so leave a little time to find the right spot. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, but the central location makes this a straightforward outing if you are already staying in Reykjavik.

Once aboard, you sail out across the bay with a local guide and crew. The setting is part of the appeal: you get views back toward the city and out toward the islands, while the trip gives you a reason to pay attention to the water and the wildlife around it. Puffins have been spotted on some outings, though wildlife sightings are never something to count on.

The trip lasts about three hours in total. That makes it a manageable half-day activity, but remember that the time includes both sailing and fishing, followed by the return to harbor and lunch.

Fishing with a crew that shows you how

You do not need fishing experience to take part. The crew provides the equipment and guidance, and the reviews describe staff helping first-timers learn the technique. That personal instruction is useful because it turns the fishing into an activity you can actually participate in, rather than a stretch of time spent watching other people do the work.

The target species include cod, haddock, rockfish, and pollock. Catch sizes can vary, and the number of fish you bring in will depend on conditions and luck. Some people have caught many fish, while others report a more modest group catch. I would book this for the chance to fish and share a fresh meal, not on the assumption that you will land a set number of fish.

The crew’s friendliness is a strong part of the trip’s appeal. Captain Snorri has been praised for preparing the catch, while Ana has helped with fish cleaning and explained the process. Thor has also been singled out as an excellent guide. Crew assignments can vary, so think of these names as familiar faces associated with the operation, not a promise that any one person will be on your departure.

The small group cap helps here. With no more than 12 passengers, there is more room to settle in and take your turn than you might find on a larger boat. It also makes the outing feel less like a standard sightseeing cruise and more like a shared activity with the crew.

What the boat trip feels like

Fishing at sea brings a different pace from a land-based excursion. There is time to watch the water, take in the bay and islands, and wait for a bite. When the line does pull, the moment of bringing up your first fish can be a genuine thrill, especially if you are new to fishing.

The boat trip also gives you a chance to see Reykjavik from the water. The views are a welcome part of the outing, but the main purpose is fishing, not a narrated city cruise. If you want a tour focused on landmarks or a long wildlife itinerary, this is not the best fit. Here, the scenery is the setting for the fishing and meal.

Weather deserves a practical note. The supplied advice is to dress warmly and according to conditions, and that is sensible even if the day looks mild on land. Waterproof clothing is provided, but you should still bring warm layers. Some trips have started in cold, windy weather, so prepare for the possibility rather than relying on a sunny forecast.

Returning to the harbor for the catch

After fishing, the boat returns to the harbor with the catch. The crew cleans and fillets the fish, then prepares lunch on board. The meal is described as pan-fried fish with potatoes and sauce, with the fish cooked fresh from the trip. The title calls it a BBQ feast, but the practical point is the same: you eat the day’s catch soon after it is caught.

This meal is the outing’s most distinctive payoff. Fresh fish served simply lets the quality of the catch do the work, and it connects the fishing to something you can taste. The crew’s handling of the cooking has been a frequent high point, with Captain Snorri praised for preparing cod well.

You can keep what you catch, and the crew will filet it for you. If you are hoping to take fish with you, ask the crew what is possible during your trip. The included lunch is made from the catch of the day, but the amount of fish can vary.

Do not expect a formal restaurant meal or a broad menu. This is a simple, boat-based lunch built around what the group catches, served with potatoes and sauce. That is part of its charm, but it is worth knowing if you have strict food preferences or are mainly booking for a particular style of meal.

Is $170 a fair price?

At $170 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend three hours in Reykjavik. But the price includes a local guide, fishing equipment, waterproof clothing, instruction, and lunch made from the catch. You are paying for an activity, the crew’s help, the boat outing, and a meal that is part of the experience.

For a first-time fisher, the included gear and guidance make the price easier to justify. You do not need to arrange tackle or know how to fish before boarding. For a family or small group that likes hands-on activities, the personal scale and shared lunch may also offer more value than a short sightseeing cruise.

The value is less obvious if you are not interested in fishing or if your main goal is a guaranteed wildlife sighting. Catch numbers and weather vary, and the trip’s best moments come from taking part in the process. I would see it as good value if fishing sounds fun even when the day’s catch is modest.

Who will enjoy this trip most

This outing suits curious first-timers, fishing fans, and families with children old enough to enjoy a boat trip. Several families have taken part, and children were able to catch fish with the crew’s help. Children under 4 are not recommended, and children 12 and younger must wear lifejackets, which are provided.

It is also a good choice if you want an activity that feels tied to Iceland’s coastal setting. You are not only looking at the sea from a distance: you fish in it, learn from a local crew, and eat the result. That connection makes the outing feel more grounded than a boat ride with no hands-on element.

You may want to choose something else if you dislike cold or changing weather, have no interest in fishing, or need a fixed meal menu. The crew can provide waterproof clothing, but the tour remains an outdoor activity on the water. Dress for conditions and keep your expectations flexible.

Practical details before you book

The activity lasts about three hours, with starting times depending on availability. The meeting point is by the Víkin Maritime Museum in Reykjavik’s old harbor, and the tour ends back there. English and Icelandic are the listed languages.

Warm clothes are strongly recommended, and the tour provides fishing equipment, waterproof clothing, and lifejackets for children 12 and younger. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so plan to walk to the harbor meeting point.

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a spot without paying immediately. Those flexible terms are useful if your Iceland plans are still taking shape, especially when weather can influence a sea outing.

Should you book the Reykjavik fishing tour?

Book it if you want to do something active, enjoy the idea of fishing with a local crew, and like the thought of eating a freshly prepared catch. The small group, included gear, practical instruction, and on-board lunch make the experience feel personal and complete.

Skip it if you would be disappointed by a light catch, want a sheltered activity, or are booking mainly for a guaranteed puffin sighting. For everyone else, it offers a memorable way to spend a few hours on the water without leaving Reykjavik far behind.

FAQ

How long is the fishing tour?

The tour lasts approximately three hours, including the boat trip, fishing, return to the harbor, and lunch.

Where does the boat depart from?

The meeting point is in Reykjavik’s old harbor, next to the Víkin Maritime Museum. It is a 5 to 10-minute walk from the city center.

What fish might I catch?

The listed fish include cod, haddock, rockfish, and pollock. The catch can vary.

Do I need fishing experience?

No previous experience is stated as necessary. Fishing equipment and instruction are provided by the crew.

Is fishing equipment included?

Yes. Fishing equipment, instruction, and waterproof clothing are included.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is made from the catch of the day and is described as fish served with potatoes and sauce.

Can I keep the fish I catch?

Yes. You can keep what you catch, and the team will filet it for you.

Is the tour suitable for young children?

The tour is not recommended for children under 4. Children 12 and younger are required to wear lifejackets, which are provided.

What languages are spoken on the tour?

The listed languages are English and Icelandic.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to make your own way to the old harbor meeting point.