Sea Fishing Experience from Reykjavik

Cod may be the star of this three-hour trip, but the draw is the whole routine: head out from Reykjavik, drop a line in Faxaflói Bay, and see if dinner takes the bait. The crew supplies the rods, bait, and warm coveralls, so you can try sea fishing without packing specialist gear.

I like two things in particular: the crew helps beginners as well as seasoned anglers, and you can have your catch grilled on board instead of treating the fish as a trophy you must carry home. In summer, the route may also pass Akurey and Lundey, islands known for seabirds and puffin colonies.

The main caveat is that fishing depends on conditions and luck. Some trips bring in plenty of cod; others may be cold, rough, or slower, and fishing can feel close-quarters when the boat is busy.

What to know before you cast off

• Your catch can become the meal: The crew can grill your fish aboard, and some outings include potatoes with the meal.
• You do not need fishing gear: Rods, bait, and protective clothing are provided.
• The boat heads into Faxaflói Bay: Expect an open-water outing, not a quiet shore-side lesson.
• Summer can add seabirds: From May to August, the route may pass Akurey and Lundey, known for their puffin colonies.
• Wildlife sightings are a bonus: Dolphins and whales have been seen, but no sighting is guaranteed.
• The price is $147.54 per person: At about three hours, it includes the fishing activity and equipment, while food and drinks are not generally included unless specified.

From Geirsgata to the fishing grounds

The trip starts at Geirsgata 11 in central Reykjavik and returns to the same meeting point. The listed start time is 5:00 pm, making this a useful late-day activity if you want to keep the morning free for town or another outing.

Once aboard, the captain and crew provide protective coveralls and the fishing equipment. The boat then heads out into Faxaflói Bay, where the crew selects fishing spots and helps you get set up. The bay is part of the appeal: you trade Reykjavik’s streets for open water and views back toward the city and surrounding coast.

This is a working fishing trip rather than a sightseeing cruise with a rod as a prop. The main activity is fishing, and the best part of the outing may be the steady rhythm of lowering your line, waiting, and bringing in a fish. If the fish are biting, that rhythm can turn lively fast. Cod is the most frequently reported catch, with haddock, pollock, halibut, and rockfish also possible.

Fishing with help, not homework

You do not need to know how to sea fish before you go. The crew explains the basics and helps with the practical parts, such as baiting, handling a catch, and untangling crossed lines. That support matters on a boat, where lines can snag or tangle and the fishing grounds may be new to you.

The trip can suit experienced anglers too. You get access to a crew-selected fishing spot and the chance to fish in Icelandic waters without arranging your own boat or gear. The difference from freshwater fishing is clear: you are fishing from a boat in the sea, with the movement and conditions that come with it.

Some trips produce a remarkable haul. Families have reported catching dozens of cod, while other outings bring in a handful. The fish are not on a schedule, so I would treat a big catch as a happy possibility, not a promise. If catching a fish is your only measure of success, that uncertainty is worth considering before you book.

A practical note: some fishing grounds have rocky bottoms, and lines or weights can get snagged. Equipment quality and available spare parts may also vary, so tell the crew promptly if a rod or line needs attention. The crew’s help is one of the trip’s strongest features, but it cannot remove every frustration that comes with fishing.

The sea, the weather, and the boat

The trip lasts about three hours, which is long enough for a proper fishing session without taking up the whole day. But it is still an open-water outing. Weather can change the feel of the trip, and cold, wind, rain, or rough seas are all possible factors in Iceland.

Protective clothing is provided, and a family on a rainy trip reported that rain jackets were available too. Even so, it is sensible to dress for the conditions and take the forecast seriously. If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you are offered another date or a full refund.

The boat has been described as large, with indoor seating and toilets. Drinks may be available on board, but food and drinks are not included unless specified. If you are prone to seasickness or unsure how you will feel in rough water, keep that possibility in mind when deciding whether to join.

The maximum group size is listed as 65. That is a substantial number for a fishing boat, and a full trip can feel crowded at the rail. One complaint described shoulder-to-shoulder fishing, while other trips had smaller groups. If personal space is important to you, understand that the group size can affect how roomy the fishing session feels.

Cod on the grill, and what happens to your catch

The most satisfying finish is often the simplest: the crew prepares some of the fish you catch and grills it aboard. Several outings have included potatoes alongside the fish, turning the return journey into an informal meal. That is a special pleasure of fishing rather than merely watching it: you catch your food, then taste it while still at sea.

Do not assume every menu detail is included. The tour information says food and drinks are excluded unless specified, while the catch can be grilled on board. The fish is your own catch, and the meal may depend on what the group brings in and how the crew prepares it that day. Ask the operator if you need clarity about what food will be served.

If you would rather cook your fish later, the catch can be prepared for you to take back to your hotel or apartment. Check your accommodation’s cooking arrangements before choosing that option. Either way, the chance to eat fish caught during the trip gives the outing a satisfying purpose beyond the photo.

Puffins in summer, whales when luck allows

From May through August, the boat passes the islands of Akurey and Lundey, known for seabirds and summer puffin colonies. Keep an eye on the shore and water as you travel. The islands add a wildlife element to the trip, but fishing remains the main event, and puffin viewing should be treated as a seasonal possibility rather than a dedicated wildlife stop.

Dolphins and whales have also been spotted near the boat on some outings, including on the return journey. Those sightings can make a good trip even better, but they are wild animals, not part of a guaranteed schedule. If you see them, enjoy the moment; if not, the fishing and coastal views are still the focus.

The combination makes the trip more than a straightforward angling session, especially for families. Children can take part in the fishing with crew guidance, while the ride, sea views, and chance of wildlife give them other things to watch for between bites. Families with children and teens have found the three-hour length manageable, though conditions at sea and the child’s comfort matter.

Is $147.54 good value?

At $147.54 per person, this is not a budget activity, but the price covers more than a seat on a boat. Fishing rods, bait, protective clothing, and expert crew support are included, so you do not need to rent or bring equipment. The trip also offers the chance to have your catch grilled aboard, which adds a memorable meal to the outing when fishing goes well.

Value depends on what you want from your time in Reykjavik. If you are keen to fish, the access to a boat and local fishing grounds is the central benefit. If you are mainly looking for a scenic cruise, you may find that three hours is a lot of time to spend around a fishing activity. The wildlife and views are welcome extras, not the main product.

Hotel transfers are not included, though they may be booked directly with the supplier for an additional fee. The tour is offered in English, and the Special Tours App is available in English, German, French, Spanish, and Chinese. The trip is recommended by 91 percent of participants and has a 4.7 rating from 110 reviews, useful signs of broad appeal, but not a guarantee of a perfect day.

Who should book this trip?

I would put this high on the list for fishing fans, families who want an active outing, and first-timers curious about sea fishing. The crew’s hands-on help makes the activity approachable, while the chance to cook the catch gives it a satisfying finish. It is also a good pick if you want to do something distinctly different from the usual city walk or museum visit.

Think twice if you dislike cold, wind, boat movement, or close quarters. Fishing is unpredictable, and the trip can be less rewarding if you expect a guaranteed catch or a quiet sightseeing cruise. The company requires good weather and a minimum number of participants; if the trip is canceled for either reason, you are offered another date or a refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time.

Book it if the idea of fishing in Icelandic waters sounds fun even when the catch is modest. For the best chance of enjoying the outing, go for the experience itself: the time on the bay, the crew’s help, and, if the fish cooperate, a meal you helped catch.

FAQ

How long is the sea fishing trip?

The activity lasts about three hours and returns to its meeting point.

Where does the trip start and end?

It starts at Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavik, and ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 5:00 pm.

Is fishing equipment provided?

Yes. Fishing rods, bait, and protective clothing are provided.

What fish might I catch?

Possible catches include cod, haddock, pollock, halibut, and rockfish.

Can the crew cook the fish?

Yes. You can have your catch grilled aboard or prepared for you to take back to your hotel or apartment to cook later.

Are hotel transfers included?

No. Hotel transfers are available to book directly with the supplier for an additional fee.