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

Reykjavik turns into a working fishing day when you head out from the Old Harbor and spend a couple hours fishing for cod, haddock, pollock, and more. What I like is the whole loop, cast, catch, then eat, with onboard BBQ right after. It feels both fun and practical, not just a boat ride.

I also like how hands-on the crew is. Names that come up again and again include Oddgeir, Stefan, Asgeir, Samuel, Oscar, and George, and their vibe is simple: help you get your line in the water, then help you land the fish. The one possible drawback is that the sea can be choppy, and if you’re prone to motion sickness, you’ll want to plan for it.

Key Highlights You’ll Actually Remember

• Catch more than you expect, even if it’s your first time, because the captain steers to active fishing spots
• Guides do the hard parts, from bait setup to helping with unhooking and prepping your fish
• BBQ on board, grilled with potatoes while the trip is still fresh in your memory
• Wildlife bonuses like puffins, and in some cases whales, dolphins, and other ocean sightings
• Gear and protective clothing included, so you’re not hunting for cold-weather layers at the last minute
• Action can be fast, and in good moments the biting feels nearly nonstop

Why Sea Fishing in Reykjavik Feels Like Real Iceland

I love tours where you’re not just watching Iceland from a distance. This one puts you on the water, in the role of angler, and then hands you a hot meal based on what you caught. That “you made this” connection matters. It turns fish into a story, not a menu item.

You also get the best kind of Reykjavik day, short enough to fit into a packed itinerary, but big enough to feel like an event. The outing runs about 2.5 hours on the water, and that timing is perfect if you want the ocean experience without signing up for a half-day that eats your whole schedule.

One more thing I really like: the guides treat skill level as irrelevant. A first-timer can still have a successful trip because the crew helps you get the basics right quickly. You still have to reel, but you’re not left to figure out everything on your own.

Getting From Old Harbor to Faxafloi Bay, What Happens and What Matters

The trip starts in Reykjavik’s Old Harbor, and you head out toward Faxafloi Bay. From there, the tour becomes a mix of fishing work and Iceland scenery. You’re out looking for fish, but the coastline and ocean views keep interrupting the focus in the best way.

You might also spot puffins around what people call puffin island. That’s not guaranteed, but it’s common enough that it’s part of the “expectations set” for the day. And if you get lucky, you could add bigger wildlife sightings too. Several people mention whales and dolphins, including humpbacks, minkes, and dolphins, with the crew sometimes adjusting the route while you’re waiting to eat your catch.

The practical part to know is that the boat ride is real. Even when the fishing is the star, you’ll feel the sea. On choppier days, people tend to spend more time inside the covered area. That’s not a failure of the tour, it’s just smart sea behavior.

How the Fishing Works During the 2.5- to 3-Hour Session

The heart of this experience is sea angling for species like cod, halibut, haddock, rockfish, and pollock. On many outings, cod and pollock show up often, and reviews also mention whiting and mackerel. The exact mix varies by day and by where the captain finds active fish, which is normal for fishing anywhere.

During the short window, the captain and crew aim to keep the action moving. You’ll likely fish at more than one spot, because sometimes one ground is hot and another is slower. In fact, a couple experiences mention the first spot producing lots of bites, then later areas being a bit more sparse. If that happens, it usually means the crew is working the fishing plan, not that you wasted money.

What makes this tour work for beginners is the way you’re guided. You get equipment and protective clothing, then you learn the basics like when to lower the bait and how to handle your line when a fish takes it. One thing I noticed from experiences described by others: the crew often supports you all the way through getting the fish off the hook and onto the cooking plan.

If you want a realistic expectation, aim for “fun and likely success,” not “guaranteed monster fish.” Still, the stories here include impressive catches, with some people landing many fish in a short time, even mentioning very fast catches once the boat reached the productive areas.

Choosing Your Moment, Rod in Hand, Then Actually Catching Fish

Your success on this kind of fishing day comes down to three things: staying comfortable, following the crew’s timing, and not overthinking it. The tour includes fishing equipment and protective clothing, which helps a lot. You won’t be stuck borrowing gear or improvising layers while you’re trying to cast.

The guides tend to handle the details that scare most first-timers. That includes helping with bait setup and unhooking when you land a fish. People also describe the crew as patient, especially for kids. One parent noted their 8-year-old felt special when the crew helped create a bait color combination in the child’s favorite color, which tells you how they manage the experience, not just the fishing.

For people who get sea sick, this is the one consideration to take seriously. Some experiences specifically say it’s not a fit for those who are easily sea sick, and at least one person suggests taking motion sickness remedies ahead of time, like ginger pills. If you’re sensitive, I’d treat this as an outdoor sport in moving water, and plan accordingly. The “covered part of the ship” is there for a reason, and some folks stayed inside while others fished outside.

The Big Payoff, BBQ on Board With Your Day’s Catch

This is where the trip turns from “activity” into “meal you’ll remember.” Whatever you catch during the outing can be grilled right on board, and it’s served with potatoes. That means your reward is hot, fresh, and timed to the end of the fishing session, not tucked into a restaurant schedule later.

The cooking is also part of why so many people rate this as a highlight. Multiple experiences describe the fish as beyond fresh, and at least one person says the grilled fish with potatoes and sauces tasted as good as anything they’d had. And yes, some people complain about seasoning or taste in the cooked fish, but those are the exceptions. Overall, the pattern is that the crew does a solid job turning your catch into something you can actually enjoy.

One practical thing to know: the boat setting is tight and the meal timing is part of the experience flow. If you’re hoping to take a photo of your fish before it gets prepared, you might want to do it quickly. There’s at least one comment wishing a photo of the fish before cutting had been possible, which tells me photos depend on how busy things get.

Also, some people chose to take some fish home. That’s described as an option in a few experiences, but the exact policy can vary by day and how the fish is handled. If taking some home matters to you, ask the crew what they allow once you’re on board.

Price and Value, Is $141 Worth It?

At about $141 per person for a 2.5-hour outing, the price isn’t cheap in the way a city museum ticket is. But this is not just a boat trip. It’s guided fishing instruction, included gear, protective clothing, and a hot onboard meal cooked from your catch.

That value math makes sense because the tour covers multiple “cost categories” at once:

• Transport out of Reykjavik and time on the water
• Expert guidance and help for beginners
• Equipment and cold-weather gear
• Food, served immediately at the end

The strongest value signal in the feedback is that people often catch fish quickly, then eat it while it’s still undeniably fresh. When you can do the catch and meal in one shot, you don’t need a separate dinner plan or additional guided services.

Still, I’ll keep it honest. A couple experiences mention fewer fish than expected, and on choppy days, comfort can drop. So I’d treat the price as fair for the overall package, but accept that fishing results are never identical every day.

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Should Rethink It)

This is a great fit if you want a hands-on Iceland activity that includes food. It’s also ideal if you’re traveling with kids, because the crew often supports families and makes the fishing feel doable. The tone described is welcoming and patient, and the “everyone catches something” goal shows up repeatedly.

It also works for people who don’t fish much. Several experiences highlight how easy the process feels when the crew helps with timing and unhooking. Even if you only manage one or two fish, you still get the onboard BBQ payoff.

The main group I’d caution is anyone with strong motion sickness. The ocean can be rough, and while there are covered areas, you still need to be comfortable enough to participate. If you know you’ll struggle, this may be a less enjoyable fit, even if the fishing part goes well.

Practical Tips Before You Go (So the Day Stays Fun)

Here’s how to set yourself up for a smoother, more successful outing.

First, dress like you’re going to be wet and cold. Iceland weather changes fast, and you’re on moving water. Protective clothing is provided, but you still need layers you can move in.

Second, plan for sea conditions. If you’ve had motion sickness before, bring a remedy. More than one experience recommends preparing ahead of time, and some people simply didn’t go outside to fish during rough moments.

Third, focus on the basics the guides repeat. The guides steer you to active areas and help with the steps that matter, like bait timing and what to do when something hits.

Finally, bring your appetite. The meal is not a late add-on, it’s part of the tour rhythm. If you’re hungry, you’ll enjoy the BBQ even more.

Should You Book This Reykjavik Sea Fishing and BBQ Tour?

If you want a genuinely hands-on Reykjavik experience, this is an easy yes. The combination of on-the-water fishing, included gear, skilled deckhands, and grilled BBQ with your catch makes it feel like more than a one-off activity. It’s short enough to fit into your schedule, but it delivers enough story and satisfaction to anchor your trip.

I’d book it especially if you’re traveling as a couple, with kids, or with friends who all have different comfort levels with fishing. The crew support is a big part of why first-timers and seasoned fishers can both have a good time.

If you know you’re likely to struggle with motion sickness, I’d rethink it or at least prepare with real strategies, so you can enjoy the day even if the sea gets bumpy.

FAQ

Where does the tour leave from?

The tour sets out from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor and goes fishing in Faxafloi Bay.

How long is the experience?

The duration is about 2.5 hours on the water, with some start times varying by availability.

What fish will you try to catch?

The tour focuses on cod, halibut, haddock, rockfish, and pollock. Actual catches can vary by day.

What is included with the tour?

Included are an experienced guide on board, fishing equipment and protective clothing, and BBQ onboard with potatoes. An app is also included in multiple languages.

Is the BBQ cooked from the fish you catch?

Yes. You can grill your catch right on board, and it is served at the end of the fishing session with potatoes.

What if I need help getting there, do you offer pickup?

Pickup starts 60 minutes prior to departure, and the transfer has a small extra fee. Pickup is available for registered hotels and guesthouses in Reykjavik.

What languages are available?

The live guide is English, and the app is available in English, German, French, Spanish, and Chinese.