Salt air, a baited line, and lunch you made. This Reykjavik sea angling trip takes you out on Faxaflói Bay and turns the whole outing into a hands-on lesson, plus a BBQ lunch cooked from what you catch.

I love the way the crew keeps it simple for beginners, and I especially liked the instructor energy from brothers Jacob and Vigfus, who are known for clear help and patience. I also like that fishing equipment and instruction are included, so you’re fishing fast instead of wasting time figuring gear out.

One thing to plan around: weather matters. Tours run in wild North Atlantic conditions, so they can’t promise a catch every time, and rougher seas can trigger motion sickness for some people.

Key things to know before you fish

• Beginner-friendly coaching: no fishing license and no previous experience required; the crew teaches technique step by step.
• You eat what you catch: the crew BBQs a light lunch onboard using your catch.
• All the gear is handled: rods, rigging, and help are provided, plus you can borrow a rain coat or boots if needed.
• A short, focused 3-hour outing: easy to slot into an afternoon when you still want time for Reykjavík.
• Small group size: a maximum of 20 people on the boat, so the instruction doesn’t get lost in a crowd.
• No catch guarantee: success is high, but nature is nature—expect real fishing, not a factory product.

Sea angling from Reykjavík: the real value in a short trip

This is one of those Iceland activities that feels honest. You’re not just riding out to watch someone else do the work. You’re on the boat, learning how sea fishing works, casting and reeling along with the crew, and then eating fish that’s cooked while the day is still young.

What makes this special is the pairing of teaching + food. The “catch and cook” format sounds simple, but it changes the whole vibe. Your time on the water turns into a full loop: learn what to do, apply it with your own hands, then taste the result immediately. That’s a big part of why people rate this trip so highly.

The price sits in the mid-range for a guided tour in Reykjavík, but the value comes from the inclusions. You’re paying for the boat time, instruction, fishing equipment, and a BBQ lunch made from your catch. That’s not just a souvenir—it’s a meal you wouldn’t otherwise get from a city sightseeing tour.

The 3-hour plan from Hlésgata 1 to Faxaflói Bay

Everything starts and ends at Hlésgata 1, 101 Reykjavík. That matters more than you’d think. When you return to the same place, you can plan dinner without guessing how you’ll get back across town.

The timing is built around a single main block: roughly 3 hours at sea in Faxaflói Bay. In practice, that means time for getting set up, learning the rod and rig, trying different areas on the drift, and then settling in for lunch onboard.

What stop 1 on Faxaflói Bay feels like

Out on the water, the crew guides you to the best fishing grounds they can access that day. You drift rather than do constant casting from one spot. Some boats use a drogue to slow the drift, which helps the line work the way it should and keeps the fishing rhythm from feeling chaotic.

Expect the crew to check in while you’re learning. The goal isn’t just that you hold the rod; it’s that you understand the “why” behind the technique. The tone stays friendly and personal, so questions don’t feel like interruptions.

Drawback to know: you’re fishing in the North Atlantic. If seas are choppy, the work still goes on, but your comfort may not. There’s mention of motion sickness support (antiemetics are available), but you should still plan realistically if you’re sensitive to boat movement.

How the crew teaches you to fish (even with zero experience)

This is a beginner-friendly format without the usual hand-waving. You don’t need to know knots already, and you don’t need a license. The crew provides the fishing equipment and instruction, and they work with you on basic setup and technique.

A helpful detail from how the gear is set up: it’s designed to be easy to manage on a moving boat. The rigs are intended to reduce tangles and make it hard to mess up the essentials. That means more time learning the process and less time fighting line problems.

From the way the crew is described, instruction also comes with a “coach brain.” For example, people note that the brothers keep it clear and patient, and they pay attention to safety and comfort. If you’re fishing with kids or someone who’s new to boats, that kind of calm teaching style matters.

Motion sickness and cold-weather comfort

Cold water fishing is not a warm bath. Even when the day is bright, Reykjavík weather can be brisk and the wind can cut.

Some participants mention getting support for sea sickness, including complimentary antiemetics. Still, I recommend you treat this as a real sea trip. Bring your best cold-weather layers and consider taking your motion-sickness prevention before you’re already feeling queasy.

Fishing technique you’ll actually use on the boat

When people say the trip is hands-on, they mean you’re doing the key actions yourself. You’ll learn how to operate the rod and how to handle your line on a drift.

One technique you’ll likely experience is drifting the line through the water rather than trying to muscle a lure at one exact location. The crew guides you through the routine of dropping the line, watching what happens, and then responding quickly when you feel a bite.

If conditions are right, the fishing can get fast—enough that you can feel the rhythm of it. Some folks even describe stretches where catches come frequently. That’s exactly why drift-fishing works well here: the line is in the right zone as the boat moves.

What you can catch in Faxaflói Bay

The most commonly mentioned species for this area include cod, haddock, mackerel, pollack, and catfish (yes, catfish appears in the common list for this trip). You can also see other fish depending on the day, including whiting, coalfish, and even mentions of halibut.

A practical mindset helps: think “fish species vary by conditions,” not “I will catch one specific fish.” Even with a high success rate, the sea controls the day. The crew does everything they can—finding good areas, guiding your technique, and keeping the process going—but you’re still fishing in wild nature.

The onboard BBQ lunch: the catch-to-plate advantage

Here’s the part that many people remember most: the meal is cooked from your catch onboard.

The trip includes a light lunch BBQ of fish. You don’t have to wait until you get back to Reykjavík to taste what you landed. That freshness is the whole point. Fish has a short window when it tastes its best, and cooking on the boat means you get as close to “just caught” as possible.

People describe the lunch as simple and tasty, often with potatoes and sauces. One of the nicest details is that the crew also handles cleaning and cooking right there. Even if you’re new to fishing, you end up eating food that feels like a payoff instead of a generic tour snack.

Want a full sit-down meal?

This is not positioned as a heavy restaurant-style feast. It’s a light lunch, but it’s filling in a way that makes sense for an active 3-hour outing. If you’re hungry after, plan a second meal later—but many people don’t need to rush because the fish BBQ hits the spot.

What to wear (and what to bring) so the trip stays fun

Cold wind plus wet spray equals a straightforward packing problem: protect your feet, protect your legs, and accept that you might get splashed.

Good to know:

• You’ll be offered a rain jacket as part of the included gear.
• If needed, you can borrow items like a rain coat or boots.
• You should still wear sturdy footwear because you may want secure traction.
• Clothing that can get dirty is strongly recommended.

I’d treat this as a “layers and traction” outing. A warm base layer and a jacket you trust beat bringing fashion clothes you’ll hate wearing for the rest of the trip.

Also, don’t assume you’ll be dry the whole time. Even gentle conditions can splash from spray and water movement.

Boat comfort, group size, and safety

This activity caps at 20 people, which keeps the experience from turning into a crowded class. You’re more likely to get individual help when needed, and the crew can keep an eye on everyone’s comfort.

People also mention that the boat feels well-equipped and clean, and that the captain and crew are attentive and safety-minded. One review also specifically notes there’s a bathroom onboard, which is a surprisingly big comfort detail for a short trip.

Roomier boats are nicer in wind, because everyone shifts positions slightly when the sea changes. If you’re booking for a family, small group size and staff attention are exactly the kind of practical perks you want.

Price and value: is $160 worth it?

At about $160 per person for roughly 3 hours, this isn’t the cheapest thing you can do in Reykjavík. But you’re also not just paying for a boat ride.

You’re getting:

• guided sea angling instruction
• fishing equipment
• onboard BBQ lunch made from your catch
• a short, easy-to-plan afternoon experience centered on real fishing

For many people, the meal alone shifts the math. If you were going to spend money on food anyway, this turns that cost into something tied directly to the activity. You also come back with an experience that’s active and memorable, not just a photo stop.

If your budget is tight, my advice is simple: compare it to other paid tours that don’t include gear or food. When you factor in those “hidden costs,” this one tends to look better.

Who should book this (and who might think twice)

You’ll like this if you want:

• a beginner-friendly intro to sea fishing
• a short boat outing that doesn’t eat your whole day
• the “catch and cook” payoff
• a small group setting with hands-on help

Consider the tradeoffs if:

• you get motion sick easily
• you need guaranteed results (this doesn’t guarantee a catch)
• you dislike cold, windy weather even when the forecast looks fine

If you’re the type who wants control and quiet, fishing is still a shared, active experience. You’ll be working alongside other people on the boat, and that’s part of the fun.

Weather and sea conditions: how to plan for the Iceland reality

This trip requires good weather. If conditions aren’t right, it can be moved to a different date or refunded, depending on the situation. That’s how Iceland sea activities work, and it’s not unique to this operator.

My practical tip: book this earlier in your trip if you can. That way, if the sea decides to be moody, you still have time to swap plans. If it’s your last day, you risk losing your whole window.

Also, if you can choose between times, pick a slot when you’re not already exhausted. Choppy seas are harder when you’re tired, and you’ll enjoy the instruction more when you feel steady.

Should you book Reykjavik Sea Angling Gourmet?

If you want a Reykjavik activity that mixes hands-on learning with a meal you helped earn, this is a strong pick. It’s short enough to fit without stress, small enough for real guidance, and practical enough that beginners aren’t left floundering.

I’d book it if you’re okay with Iceland weather being unpredictable and you’re willing to dress for cold and possible wet spray. If you’re motion-sensitive, take precautions and bring your patience. When the sea cooperates, this kind of “fish, learn, eat” outing becomes one of those days you talk about for weeks.

FAQ

Do I need fishing experience or a license for this tour?

No. You do not need previous fishing experience or a license. The crew provides instruction and will take care of you while you learn.

How long is the Reykjavík sea angling trip?

It runs for about 3 hours.

What fish might I catch in Faxaflói Bay?

The most commonly caught fish listed for this tour include catfish, cod, haddock, mackerel, and pollack. Other fish may also be possible depending on conditions.

Is lunch included, and what is it?

Yes. A light BBQ lunch made from the fish caught onboard is included.

What fishing gear and clothing should I bring?

Fishing equipment is provided. The tour includes a rain jacket, but it does not include sturdy footwear or clothing that can get dirty. You should wear sturdy shoes and dress for wet, cold conditions.

Is the tour guaranteed to result in a catch?

No. The success rate is described as very high, but because it’s wild nature, they cannot guarantee a catch on a particular tour.

How many people are on the boat?

The maximum group size is 20 travelers.

Where do I meet the crew?

You meet at Hlésgata 1, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point.