Reeling in fish beats anything in Reykjavík. I really like the instant coaching that gets you casting fast, and I also love that the BBQ happens right on the boat with your catch. It’s a short, hands-on trip that turns Iceland’s cold-water fishing into a real family activity, not just a scenic cruise.

The main thing to watch is the choppy-seas factor. Even when the fishing is great, rougher water can make some people uncomfortable, so plan for motion sickness if you’re prone.

Key takeaways before you book

• Expert crew coaching for beginners means you’re not standing around wondering what to do
• Your catch becomes your meal via an onboard grill served with potatoes
• Faxaflói Bay fishing spots are chosen to keep the action going in a 2.5-hour window
• Wildlife sightings are a bonus, with puffins often mentioned and whales seen in some trips
• Bring sea-sickness precautions if you get queasy in waves

Reykjavik Old Harbor to Faxaflói Bay: the setting matters

Reykjavík sea fishing works because the boat doesn’t waste your time. You start from the Old Harbor area and head out toward Faxaflói Bay, where cold-water fish are the point of the outing.

I like this setup for one simple reason: you get “city-to-sea” energy fast. You’re not trekking across Iceland or spending half a day just getting somewhere. Within a short ride, you’re on the deck with lines in the water, learning on the move as the crew guides you to good fishing areas.

The Bay is also visually fun even when the fish aren’t jumping yet. Many people spot puffins around what’s described as a puffin island area. And if the day is right, you might also catch a whale or dolphin sighting while you’re out there fishing and traveling between spots.

What you’re doing on the boat (and why it’s so much fun)

This is a hands-on sea-angling experience for a wide range of ages. You’re casting for species like cod, halibut, haddock, rockfish, and pollock. The key is that you’re not left to figure it out solo. The crew is actively working with you so you can get bites—and keep lines out long enough to actually hook something.

The rhythm: cast, reel, celebrate, repeat

A common theme in the experience is fast action once you reach the fishing spots. Some guides get people catching within minutes of casting, and the best days can feel like non-stop bites. That’s why this tour feels different from a passive “look at the ocean” cruise. You’re doing the work, and the crew keeps helping until it clicks.

A few details help you enjoy it more:

• Keep your focus on the crew’s cues for when to let your bait down and when to reel.
• Don’t fight the gear. If something feels awkward, tell the deckhands right away.
• Expect the trip to move between spots. Reviews often describe multiple fishing locations, which increases the chances that everyone gets fish.

The human touch: crews that make first-timers feel capable

One of the most praised parts is how welcoming and hands-on the guides and deckhands are. People have specifically mentioned crews including Oddgeir, Stefan, Asgeir, Samuel, Oscar, George, and Julia. Even when the boat is full, the vibe is usually practical: help you hook up, help you manage a catch, and keep the energy positive so kids aren’t overwhelmed and adults aren’t bored.

The trip also seems to work even if you only care a little about fishing at the start. More than one review mentions non-fishing family members ending up catching fish too, largely because the crew makes sure you get supported at the right moments (like unhooking and prepping for the BBQ).

Weather, waves, and sea-sickness: the real-world consideration

I’ll be straight with you: this is on open water. When Iceland gives you a rough day, the deck can get splashy, and you’ll feel the movement. That doesn’t stop the fishing, but it can change your comfort level.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, bring your usual fixes. One review explicitly warns that the trip is not ideal for people who get sea sick easily, and it also gives a practical tip: ginger remedies helped one passenger. Another approach mentioned is staying in the covered part of the boat if you need to rest your stomach.

Here’s how to plan smart:

• If you get queasy in waves, take precautions before boarding, not after you’re already feeling it.
• Dress warm. Being cold makes everything worse when you’re also moving on the water.
• Use the boat’s covered areas when you need a break from deck-level waves.

Even on choppier days, plenty of people report catching plenty of fish, so the fishing side usually stays solid. It’s just a “comfort management” thing.

Your catch onboard: the BBQ and the meal timing

This is one of the strongest reasons to pick this tour. You’re fishing, and then the crew grills your catch right on board. The meal is served with potatoes. That means you’re eating something truly fresh—your own catch—while the day is still unfolding.

Why onboard BBQ is more than a nice touch

Fresh fish can be great anywhere, but the timing is the magic. You don’t deal with transport stress or waiting days for dinner. You catch it, it gets cooked, and it becomes part of the experience. One review described the food as beyond fresh, and another called the onboard meal a highlight.

It also adds a fair bit of “closure.” If you’ve ever had a day where the activity is fun but the food is an afterthought, this flips it. The BBQ is part of why the tour feels complete.

Seasoning and taste: mostly praised, with a small caveat

Most people rave about the grilled fish and potatoes. One review did note that fish tasted bland when cooked, and another wished they knew the seasoning used. That tells me two things:

1. The cooking method is usually a hit.
2. If you’re very picky about flavors, you might want to bring your own hot sauce or small flavor add-ons if the provider allows personal food items onboard (you’ll want to check on that ahead of time).

Wildlife chances: puffins are common, whales are the extra payoff

This tour isn’t marketed as a dedicated whale-watching day, but it often gets folded into wildlife spotting.

• Puffins are frequently mentioned, with guests sometimes seeing them around a puffin island area while you travel.
• Some trips include whale and dolphin sightings. One review described humpbacks, minkes, and dolphins, and another mentioned tracking a whale while waiting to eat. In other words, the boat may adjust your time on the water to increase the odds.

You should treat wildlife as a bonus, not a promise. But it’s a real reason to bring a camera and keep your eyes up between fishing pulls.

Price and value: what you really get for about $141

At around $141 per person for roughly 2.5 hours, you’re paying for an experience that bundles the essentials:

• a guide on board
• fishing equipment and protective clothing
• a grilled meal using your catch
• the boat ride to productive fishing areas

To evaluate value, ask yourself what it would cost you to replicate it:

• Book a boat charter just to fish?
• Hire instruction for novices?
• Add an onboard cook-and-meal component?

You’d likely spend far more for a similar package.

Reviews repeatedly highlight the sense of value and the fact that the experience feels “worth it” even when the sea is rough. One person even compared the cost to much higher prices back home for the same kind of boat + fresh cooked fish setup.

So yes, this isn’t the cheapest thing in Reykjavík. But it’s also not a pricey add-on. It’s one of those tours where the included meal and the guide attention make the price feel rational.

Who this tour fits best (and who should think twice)

You’ll probably love it if…

• You want an active, hands-on Reykjavík activity beyond walking and cafés.
• You’re traveling with kids. Reviews mention children feeling excited and included, including a noted bait-color moment for an 8-year-old.
• You like the idea that you’ll eat what you catch, not just buy dinner after.
• You’re okay with learning as you go. Even first-timers report getting hooked up fast.

Think twice if…

• Motion sickness is a big issue for you. The boat can get choppy, and while some people manage it well with remedies or by staying sheltered, it’s still open water.
• You expect a deep technical fishing class. A couple of reviews describe it as more tourist-friendly: you get instructions that help you fish successfully, but not a detailed lesson on sonar readings, depths, or exact ground conditions.

A practical way to prepare for a great trip

Even without overthinking it, you’ll enjoy this more if you prep for real sea conditions.

• Dress warm. Deck time plus wind adds up fast.
• Bring motion-sickness help if you need it. Ginger remedies have helped at least one passenger.
• Listen closely when the crew gives short, direct instructions. The tour moves, and small timing cues matter.
• If you want photos of fish before they’re cooked, you might plan ahead. One review wished for a chance to photograph fish before cleaning, so it’s worth asking politely.

Should you book this Reykjavík sea fishing and BBQ tour?

If you want a fun, family-friendly activity that combines fishing, ocean views, and a meal made from your catch, I think this is an easy yes. The standout strengths are the crew attention that helps almost everyone catch fish and the fact that the BBQ onboard turns the catch into dinner immediately.

The only real “no” category is heavy motion-sickness risk. If you know you react badly to waves, take precautions or choose a different type of outing.

If you’re curious, bring warm layers, prepare for the sea conditions, and expect a short but memorable fishing session where the hardest part is reeling in enough fish before the BBQ calls you in.

FAQ

Where does the tour depart, and where do you fish?

The tour departs from Reykjavík Old Harbor and fishes in Faxaflói Bay.

How long is the tour on the water?

The duration is about 2.5 hours, sometimes described as roughly 2.5 to 3 hours depending on the timing.

What fish can you catch?

You may cast for cod, halibut, haddock, rockfish, and pollock.

Is the tour beginner-friendly?

Yes. Guides help you learn the ropes quickly, so it works for first-timers and people with more experience.

What happens to your catch after fishing?

After fishing, you can have your catch grilled onboard, and it is served with potatoes.

Can you keep the fish you catch?

Yes. The experience includes the idea that you can keep your catch or have it cooked right on board.

What’s provided for fishing comfort and safety?

You get use of fishing equipment and protective clothing.

Do you need hotel pickup?

Pickup starts 60 minutes prior to departure. There is a small extra fee, and it’s only available for registered hotels and guesthouses in Reykjavík.

What should I do if I get sea sick?

If you get sea sickness easily, plan ahead. One review warns the trip may not suit everyone, and ginger remedies were mentioned as helpful, plus you can use covered areas if you feel unwell.