There is nothing like catching dinner at sea. This 3-hour boat trip from Reykjavik’s old harbor lets you try for cod, haddock, rockfish, and pollock, then you eat what you reel in—fresh, warm, and cooked onboard. I love the hands-on feel of fishing with a local crew and the pay-off of a BBQ-style meal made from the catch of the day.

My favorite part is how personal it feels in a small group of no more than 12, with real instruction as you fish and they help you keep things simple afterward. One thing to consider: the bay can get a bit rough, so if you’re prone to motion sickness, bring seasickness pills and dress for chilly spray.

Key highlights that make this tour worth your time

• Small-group fishing (max 12 passengers) for more guidance and room to relax
• Catch your own cod and haddock (plus rockfish and pollock depending on the day)
• Keep what you catch, then get it filet it for you so you can focus on fishing
• Fresh lunch onboard using your catch, cooked pan-fried/BBQ style with potatoes and sauce
• Waterproof clothing and fishing gear provided so you don’t hunt for the right layers
• Wildlife and birds near Reykjavík’s bay and islands add extra atmosphere between casts

Reykjavik old harbor to the open bay: where the fun starts

You meet at the old harbor of Reykjavik, next to the Víkin Maritime Museum. From the city center it’s an easy 5 to 10-minute walk, and the boat is off to the side of the shipyard area where larger vessels sit during repairs. If you’re navigating on foot, pass the first dock and the Hamborgarabúlla Tómasar hamburger stand, then continue past Reykjavík Marina Hotel until you see a sign marked Hlésgata.

Once you’re aboard, the whole tone shifts from city sightseeing to sea time. The boat runs out across the bay toward islands outside Reykjavík, and even before you hook anything, you’ll get that classic Iceland feeling: cold air, gray-blue water, and a sky that keeps changing its mind every few minutes.

Fishing for cod and haddock: how the trip actually works

The core experience is simple: you fish, you land fish, and you learn by doing. Your local crew provides the fishing equipment and protective clothing, so you can spend your energy on the cast, not on figuring out what gear means what. You’ll get guidance on using the tackle and instruction that helps you settle into the rhythm of line, bait, and wait time.

You’re targeting cod, haddock, rockfish, and pollock. The exact mix depends on where the crew finds the fish that day, but the best part is that you’re fishing in real conditions in the Reykjavík area rather than watching someone else do the work. Many people also note that once the group gets going, it’s not just one lucky angler—everyone who fishes tends to catch something if they’re actively participating.

And yes, you’ll likely see seabirds during the trip. Some passengers even mention puffins and other sea birds—so keep your eyes up between casts. It’s one of those details that makes the experience feel more alive, even when you’re focused on your line.

The small-group advantage: better time with the crew

This tour caps at 12 passengers, which matters more than it sounds. With a smaller number of people, you’re more likely to get real attention when you’re learning, and you’re not constantly waiting your turn to get help. The guides handle everything from setup to instruction, and that creates a flow where you’re fishing sooner.

In the feedback, people repeatedly praise the friendliness and easy professionalism of the crew. Names show up—like Jakob and his brother, and captains such as Snorri—along with first-mates like Ana. Even when the sea is working against you, the crew energy stays upbeat and practical, which makes a huge difference on a cold day out on the water.

Keep what you catch: the filet-and-cook payoff

You keep what you catch, and the team helps with the next step: they filet the fish for you. That’s a big deal for value and convenience. Catching fish is only half the story; cleaning and preparing it yourself on vacation is the part most people want to skip.

Then comes the part you’ll remember: cooking onboard as you head back. The experience is described as a BBQ feast, and the meal is also described as pan-fried fish with potatoes and sauce—so think of it as fresh-cooked fish prepared right there, using whatever method fits the day and the conditions. The theme is the same either way: hot food, right timing, and ingredients that are literally coming off the line.

Lunch onboard: what you eat and why it feels special

Your lunch is included and made from the catch of the day. The meal is pan-fried fish served with potatoes and sauce, which is exactly what you want after time on cold water—simple, filling, and not fussy.

What makes this meal feel extra Iceland-y isn’t just the taste. It’s the timing and the source. You’re eating something that you actively participated in catching. That turns lunch from a routine check-the-box activity into the reward for the whole trip—especially when the crew cooks while you’re still on the way back toward port.

Some passengers also mention extras onboard, like tea/coffee and homemade cookies made by the crew’s family. Those details aren’t the headline, but they do help the atmosphere feel warm and welcoming after the cold air and wind.

Timing and pacing: what 3 hours feels like on the water

This is a 3-hour experience, with most of your time split between sailing, fishing, and the return trip with lunch. It doesn’t drag. You’re not committing to a half-day boat outing where you feel like you’re stuck waiting for something to happen.

Expect a short run out before your first fishing stop, so you’re not spending the whole time just looking at water. Then you fish in intervals, reposition as needed, and end back at the harbor where you eat. For families in particular, the pacing tends to work well because the action stays fairly constant: cast, wait, pull, celebrate, then repeat.

Weather, clothing, and motion sickness: practical tips that actually help

Iceland weather can turn quickly, so dress for cold wind and possible spray. The tour strongly recommends warm clothing, and you’ll also get waterproof clothing provided by the crew. Still, I’d treat this as a “bundle up like you mean it” outing: warm layers under your waterproofs, gloves, and a hat.

One caution shows up in the feedback: conditions can be rough, and people recommend bringing seasickness pills if you’re sensitive. That’s not a reason to skip the tour—it’s just smart prep. If you know you get motion sickness, plan for it ahead of time so you can enjoy the fishing instead of managing your stomach.

Price and value: what you’re paying for at $176

At $176 per person, this isn’t a throwaway activity—but it also isn’t just a sightseeing boat ride. The price includes a local guide, fishing equipment, waterproof clothing, instruction and guidance, and lunch made from your catch. You’re paying for the full package: experience, gear, food, and the behind-the-scenes work of getting your fish ready.

The value hits hardest when you think about what’s included after you catch fish. Keeping the catch is one thing; getting it filet it for you and then eating it warm onboard is where the “vacation simplicity” kicks in. You’re not ending with a cool story and raw fish to figure out at home.

Also, the small-group size helps justify the cost. You’re not just paying for time on the boat; you’re paying for the attention and hands-on guidance that make it easier to actually catch something.

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

This works especially well if you want a hands-on Iceland experience. If you like fishing, this is obvious. If you don’t fish much, it still can be a great intro because the crew provides gear and instruction, and the turnaround to lunch makes the experience feel complete quickly.

It’s also a good pick for families, including people bringing kids who can manage the rules about lifejackets. The tour isn’t recommended for children under 4 years old, and for children 12 and younger, lifejackets are required and provided.

If you’re someone who hates cold, wind, and being out on the water, you might find it tough even with waterproof clothing. And if you’re extremely motion-sensitive, you’ll want to come prepared with seasickness help. The trip sounds fun in the best way, but you do need the right mindset: this is a real sea fishing outing, not a calm cruise.

The fine print that affects your day

You’ll want to plan for getting to the meeting point yourself. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so build in time for a short walk to the old harbor area.

Language-wise, the instruction is available in English and Icelandic. That means you can ask questions freely, whether you want to understand what’s happening with the fishing or just get pointers on making your next cast more effective.

If you’re watching your plans, cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. There’s also reserve now & pay later, which can help if your schedule is still shifting.

Should you book Reykjavik traditional sea fishing with BBQ lunch?

Book it if you want one of the most practical, hands-on experiences Iceland offers right from the city. The combination of small-group fishing, catching fish you keep, and a hot lunch made from your catch is the kind of “do it, then eat it” plan that actually feels like value.

Skip or at least think carefully if cold spray and choppy water sound like your nightmare, even with waterproof clothing. Also, if you’re traveling with a very young child under 4, this isn’t recommended.

If you can handle the weather and you’re open to a bit of sea challenge, this tour is one of the easiest ways to turn Reykjavík into a real fishing day—and get a meal that tastes like the effort behind it.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point?

You board the boat in the old harbor of Reykjavik, next to the Víkin Maritime Museum. It’s a 5 to 10-minute walk from the city center, and the meeting point is on the other side of the shipyard where large ships are on land for repairs.

How long does the tour last?

The duration is approximately 3 hours.

What fish will I try to catch?

The tour focuses on cod, haddock, rockfish, and pollock.

Do I get to keep the fish I catch?

Yes. You keep what you catch, and the team filet it for you.

Is fishing equipment and protective clothing included?

Yes. Fishing equipment and waterproof clothing are included.

Is lunch included, and what is it?

Lunch is included and is made from the catch of the day. The meal is pan-fried fish served with potatoes and sauce.

Is hotel pickup or drop-off included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Is the tour suitable for children?

The tour is not recommended for children under 4 years of age. Children 12 years and younger are required to wear lifejackets, which are provided.

What languages are spoken by the instructor?

The instructor provides instruction in English and Icelandic.

What are the cancellation and payment options?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. There is also a reserve now & pay later option, so you can book and pay nothing today.

What group size should I expect?

The tour runs in a small group of no more than 12 passengers.