Reykjavik: Traditional Sea Fishing with BBQ Feast

Reykjavik’s sea fishing is interesting because it is practical Iceland in action, you are out on the bay, pulling real lines, then eating your own catch not later, right in the flow of the trip. I like that this is a small-group outing, capped at 12 passengers, so the crew can help you quickly and keep the pace comfortable.

I also really like the fresh lunch made from what you catch, with the crew filing and cooking it up so you are not just sightseeing. The main drawback to plan for is the sea can get choppy, so if you are sensitive, bring seasickness tablets and dress for wind.

Key points to know before you go

• Small group (up to 12) for hands-on help and a calmer feel on the water
• Keep what you catch, and the team will filet it for you
• Multiple fish types are on the menu, including cod, haddock, pollock, and rockfish
• Lunch is included and comes from the catch of the day, cooked onboard
• Bird watching happens naturally while you fish around Reykjavik-area waters

Old Harbor Rendezvous: Finding the Boat by Víkin Maritime Museum

Your tour starts in Reykjavik’s Old Harbor, on the docks next to the Víkin Maritime Museum. From the city center, it is an easy 5 to 10 minute walk, but do not overthink it, you are looking for the boat crew and the shipyard area where boats are brought in for repairs.

One helpful detail: if you are walking in from the center, pass the first dock, then the Hamborgarabúlla Tómasar hamburger stand. Keep going past the Reykjavík Marina Hotel until you see a sign marked Hlésgata, then head to the other side of the shipyard where the larger ships sit on land. It sounds fiddly, but once you do it once, the area makes sense fast.

I like this meeting point because it gets you out of the hotel-hopping routine. You start close to the action, and by the time you are on board, you are already thinking about lines, bait, and the cold salt air.

On the Water: Fishing for Cod, Haddock, Pollock, and Rockfish

This is a true fishing trip, not a cruise with fishing as decoration. After boarding, you sail across the bay on an authentic outing led by a local crew. The goal is simple: cast, reel, and land species like cod, haddock, rockfish, and pollock.

A few things I think make this experience work for real people, not just avid anglers:

• The crew provides fishing instruction and guidance, so even if you have never held a rod, you are not left to figure it out alone.
• Your group size stays small, so you get attention when a line goes out or you need help setting up.
• The boat typically makes short moves to find fish. Several past trips note a short run to the first spot, often around 20 minutes, then more shifting around once you are fishing.

You will also be surrounded by the kind of nature that feels close to everyday Iceland: birds over the water, island views outside Reykjavik, and the constant change of wind and light. Even if your priority is the fish, the scenery keeps breaking the monotony.

And yes, the best part is that it is not just about hope. On many trips, people end up catching enough to share, eat, and brag a little.

Gear, Waterproof Clothing, and Safety That Keeps the Trip Enjoyable

What makes this outing feel easy is that the operator brings the essentials with you. You get:

• Fishing equipment
• Waterproof clothing
• Fishing instruction and guidance
• And protective clothing for comfort, so you are not turning your trip into a wet-weather survival test

Even with the waterproof gear, you still need to dress for Iceland’s mood. Wear warm layers, and plan for wind. This is not a “bring a hoodie and hope” situation. When the bay is working, it is cold even in daylight.

Safety-wise, lifejackets are part of the plan. This tour is not recommended for children under 4 years old, and all children 12 and younger must wear lifejackets, which are provided. That is a sensible rule for a boat-based activity close to open water.

One more practical note from real conditions: if the water is rough, you can feel it. Bring seasickness pills if you think you might need them. When the boat is moving, it is not the time to tough it out without a plan.

The BBQ on Board: Turning Your Catch Into a Real Meal

This is where the tour goes from fun to memorable. You do not just catch fish and leave. You bring your catch back and the crew cooks it so you can eat it fresh.

The process has a few parts:

• You catch and keep the fish
• The team helps with fileting so you are not spending your lunch hour butchering your own dinner
• Then you eat a lunch made from the catch of the day

What that looks like in practice depends on the day and crew style, but expect something in the family of pan-fried fish with potatoes and sauce, with BBQ-style cooking mentioned as well. Some people even report the captain cooking while fishing is still underway, so you get food on the way back to the harbor. Translation: you stay warm, you stay fed, and you do not wait around hungry.

Food quality is a big reason this tour earns its high marks. When your meal tastes fresh and simple, it sticks in your memory. Several people describe it as one of the best meals they had in Iceland, not because it is fancy, but because it is honest and tied directly to your catch.

If you want the extra comfort details, you might also find small onboard touches like tea, coffee, or homemade snacks, depending on the crew that day.

Timing and Weather: How a 3-Hour Trip Fits Reykjavik

This experience is built to be doable even if Reykjavik is packed. The duration is about 3 hours, which is long enough to sail out, fish, and have lunch without eating your whole day.

The flow usually goes like this:

• Board at the Old Harbor
• Sail to the fishing area
• Fish for species like cod, haddock, pollock, and rockfish
• Return to the harbor
• Eat lunch onboard, using your catch

Weather matters. The bay is exposed, and wind can change fast. Your best move is to treat this as an outdoor activity first and a restaurant second. Bring layers you can adjust, and keep your outer clothing truly wind-resistant. Waterproof gear helps, but wind is still wind.

Also, remember the sea can sway you. If you are prone to motion sickness, plan ahead. A lot of the enjoyment comes from staying comfortable enough to focus on the moment, not from fighting the boat.

Price and Value at $176 Per Person

At $176 per person, this is not the cheapest thing you can do in Reykjavik. But value here is not about a low price tag, it is about what you get for that money.

You are paying for:

• A local crew and guidance
• Fishing equipment
• Waterproof clothing
• A structured fishing outing with a small group
• And a full lunch included, made from your catch of the day

A normal meal in Reykjavik can feel expensive. Add a boat outing, gear, and staff time, and the math gets more sensible. The best value moments are when you catch plenty and your crew cooks it while you are still part of the action. That is exactly what many past trips describe, plenty of fish, multiple species, and an easy lunch that feels like a payoff, not a checkbox.

If you want a “do it like Iceland does it” experience that mixes outdoors time and real food, this one is priced like an activity, not like a souvenir.

Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Should Skip It)

This fits well if you want hands-on Iceland, not just photos. It also suits beginners, because the crew provides instruction and your group is small enough for help.

It is a great match for:

• Families where kids are old enough to enjoy the boat and fishing
• People who want a short activity that still feels like an adventure
• Food lovers who like the idea of catching dinner and eating it soon after
• Anyone who prefers smaller groups over bus-style tours

It might not be ideal if:

• You get very seasick and do not plan to take precautions
• You are traveling with very young children, since it is not recommended for kids under 4
• You want a purely relaxed sightseeing cruise, because fishing is the point

One pleasant surprise from past trips is how inclusive it feels. People report catching fish even without experience, and some trips with multiple family members end with everyone having lines in the water and fish to show for it.

Should You Book This Reykjavik Sea Fishing and BBQ Tour?

If you are trying to decide whether to book, I would. This is one of those rare activities where the story is the same for beginners and seasoned folks: you go out, you catch, you eat what you caught, and it happens quickly enough that you are not exhausted later.

Book it if you want:

• Small-group fishing near Reykjavik
• To keep and filet what you catch
• A real included meal made from the day’s catch
• Outdoor time with birds and bay scenery, not just a standard city tour

Skip it if you cannot handle boat motion, or if your trip style is purely indoor and cozy. Otherwise, bring warm layers, consider seasickness pills, show up ready to fish, and you will likely leave with a full belly and a story that sounds very Iceland.

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavik Traditional Sea Fishing with BBQ Feast?

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. Hotel pick-up and drop-off are not included.

What kinds of fish can you catch on this tour?

The tour lists fishing for cod, haddock, rockfish, and pollock.

What’s included in the price?

You get a local guide, fishing equipment, waterproof clothing, fishing instruction and guidance, and lunch made from the catch of the day.

Is the tour suitable for children?

The tour is not recommended for children under 4 years. All children 12 and younger must wear lifejackets, and lifejackets are provided.

What is the cancellation policy?

There is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.