Sitting on a boat and pulling cod is a very Iceland thing. This 3-hour sea fishing trip out of Reykjavik’s Faxaflói Bay mixes classic offshore fishing with a practical, no-stress setup: you get warm coveralls and all the pro fishing equipment. The crew also keeps the vibe friendly, including for first-timers and families, so you’re not stuck figuring out gear on a cold deck.

I especially like that you can turn your catch into a meal right after the fishing session—either grilled on board or prepped to take back. One thing to weigh: this is a popular tour with a maximum of 65 travelers, so you may feel a bit close at the rail depending on how the boat is arranged.

You meet the captain and crew, get outfitted, then head into the icy water with angling guidance from people who know where the bites happen. In summer, the route can pass islands like Akurey and Lundey, which adds a neat wildlife bonus—seabirds and puffins show up in the right season. The main consideration is simple: the experience depends on weather and sea conditions, so you should plan to be flexible if the day needs adjusting.

Key things to know before you cast off

• 3 hours on the water from a central pickup point near Geirsgata 11, returning to the same meeting spot
• Everything needed to fish is provided: rods, bait, and protective clothing
• You can eat what you catch with grilling on board (or have it prepared to take back)
• Beginner-friendly crew help with lines, technique, and getting fish off the hook
• Seasonal wildlife sightings: in May–August, the boat may pass Akurey and Lundey for seabirds and puffins
• Big on cod catches with a good chance of haddock, pollock, halibut, and rockfish too

Reykjavik at 5 pm: where the sea-fishing day starts

The timing is one of the smartest parts of this trip. You start at 5:00 pm and finish back at the meeting point, so you don’t lose a whole day to the ocean. Instead, you get out for a few hours, enjoy the ride and the fishing, then you’re free for dinner plans after.

You’ll meet at Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík, and the location is near public transportation, which matters if you’re not renting a car. The tour ends back at the same place, so you avoid the “how do we get home?” scramble that can happen with more remote excursions.

The mood on departure tends to be excited but practical. You meet the captain and crew, then you put on warm coveralls so you can focus on fishing, not surviving the cold. It’s also the moment you’ll learn the simple rules of how the boat handles lines and where you should stand when you’re reeling in.

One small detail that makes a big difference for comfort: the boat experience is built around people staying warm and upright while working a line. A review mentioned rain pouring down and rainjackets being available, which is exactly the kind of real-world support you hope for when Iceland weather changes fast.

Faxaflói Bay fishing: gear, bait, and hands-on coaching

Once you’re out on Faxaflói Bay, the trip becomes less about fancy technique and more about getting your line in the right place—and getting fish safely to the surface. The crew provides angling equipment, including fishing rods and bait, so you don’t need to bring anything besides your own cold-weather layers and a willingness to listen.

This setup is a big value play. Renting or sourcing gear in Reykjavík can be a headache, and it’s extra waste when you only need it for one evening. Here, you get the tools and the guidance as a package.

If you’ve never sea-fished before, the crew is set up for you. They’re used to beginners who need help with the basics: how to hold the rod, how to manage the line, and what to do when you hook something (and when you don’t). In the reviews, I saw repeated praise for the crew untangling lines, helping people bring fish aboard, and keeping kids included—so you’re not treated like dead weight if you’re new.

And if you are experienced, you still get useful help. You can spend your energy learning the “spotting and timing” side rather than the “where is the gear and how does this work” side.

What the boat experience feels like

Expect a genuine fishing atmosphere. One review flagged shoulder-to-shoulder fishing, which tells me you may be close with others at times. That can be totally fine—just come prepared for a bit of crowding and keep an eye on your space when lines go tight.

On the plus side, several reviews mention the boat has seating inside, toilets, and the chance to get drinks on board. Even if the weather turns ugly, you’ll have somewhere to warm up between casts.

What you might catch: cod focus with Iceland variety

This trip is strongly cod-forward. Depending on conditions, you may catch cod, haddock, pollock, halibut, and rockfish. Cod shows up again and again in the feedback, including stories of people pulling in multiple large cod, and even situations where everyone on the boat hooked at least one fish.

That matters because sea fishing can be unpredictable. What you’re buying here is not a guarantee of a specific number of fish—it’s a high-chance, guided fishing experience with the equipment, bait, and help to maximize your time on the line.

If you want an easy way to set expectations: think of this as “active fishing with strong odds of a good catch,” especially on days when the crew finds the sweet spots. Reviews included counts like catching over 70 cod in about two hours and multiple cod dinners prepared right on the boat. Even when the bite is slower, the experience still has value because you get out on the water, learn from the crew, and then eat what you catch.

Wildlife side bonus: whales, dolphins, and birds

When the boat is heading back, it can turn into a wildlife show. Multiple reviews mention seeing whales or dolphins swimming near the boat on the way home. It’s not listed as a guaranteed sighting, but it’s a common enough perk that it should raise your optimism.

If you’re traveling in summer (May to August), the route can pass Akurey and Lundey. These islands are known for seabirds and puffin colonies in warmer months. So while you fish, you might also spot bird life on shore—especially if you’re in a window with good visibility.

After the catch: grill on board or take it back

Here’s where this tour moves from “activity” to “experience with payoff.” After fishing, they can prepare your catch for you in one of two ways: grill it on board or take it back to your hotel/apartment for later.

The included highlight is grilling on board. That means you don’t have to solve the logistics of how to cook fish in Iceland—or in your rented apartment kitchen if your lodging is small. You also get a meal experience that feels tied to the day, not tacked on.

Several reviews describe fish being cooked right on the boat, with cod highlighted again and again. One review mentioned potatoes served alongside the cooked fish, which fits the kind of straightforward, hearty meal that makes sense on a cold evening.

If you choose the take-back option, the trip still feels complete. You’ll likely get your catch prepared in a way that’s easier to handle later than raw whole fish. That’s a real help if you don’t want to deal with cleaning and filleting yourself.

A quick practical tip

Even if you plan to eat on board, come with a healthy appetite and dress for the cold. Fishing works up an appetite fast, and you’ll likely feel hungrier than you expect after a couple hours outside.

Price and value at about $147.54 per person

At $147.54 per person for around 3 hours, the price looks fair once you factor in what’s included. You’re paying for four big components:

1. Captain and expert guides finding fishing spots and keeping the operation safe
2. Protective clothing so you’re warm enough to enjoy the session
3. All necessary equipment and bait, meaning no extra gear costs
4. Cooking payoff, with grilling on board included

Food isn’t listed as included unless specified, so don’t assume a full meal plan. But the meal element here is directly connected to your catch, and that’s a strong value anchor for a lot of people.

Where the value gets especially good is for beginners and families. If you had to book gear, figure out locations, and learn technique on your own, the time cost alone gets steep. With this tour, you’re outsourcing the hard parts and getting a hands-on crew. Reviews repeatedly praise the crew’s friendliness and their willingness to help kids and first-timers, which is exactly the kind of service that makes a paid tour worth it.

Best fit: who will love this sea fishing trip

This is built for people who want an outdoors activity without turning it into a DIY project. I’d point you toward it if you like:

• First-time fishing and want someone to show you what to do
• Families looking for a shared challenge and a meal reward
• Fish-and-eat travelers who want the catch-to-table payoff
• Couples who want something different from typical land tours

Reviews mention kids as young as 10 and 13 having a great time, and even families where all members ended up catching fish. That’s a strong sign the crew keeps things organized and supportive.

Group size is capped at 65 travelers, which is big, but the boat environment usually feels like a shared scramble for the best line angles. If you prefer quiet, personal space, you might feel that it’s not a private experience. If you’re okay with a lively, hands-on vibe, that closeness can feel like part of the fun.

The crew vibe (names you may hear)

Different captains and deckhands may work different dates, but the reviews mention people like Captain Stefan, Vera, Kiljan, Oscar, and deckmates such as Samuel and Otsgir. What ties them together in the feedback is help with getting people fishing, handling crossed lines, and making sure everyone has a chance at a catch.

Weather reality: how to think about cancellations and sea conditions

This experience requires good weather, so it’s worth planning with flexibility. If conditions are poor, the tour can be offered a different date or a full refund, and the crew/tour operator will handle the change. That matters because Reykjavik in late afternoon can shift quickly—wind, waves, and rain all affect how comfortable and safe fishing is.

The good news is that you’re not going out totally unprepared. You’ll get protective clothing and the trip is set up for cold, damp conditions. And again, reviews mention extra protection like rainjackets being available on rainy days.

My practical take: if your schedule can handle a weather shift, you’ll enjoy this more. If you’re locked into strict plans, keep your day-after options in mind.

Should you book this sea fishing tour?

If you want one of the most Iceland-style activities—salt air, cod on the line, and fish cooked because you caught it—this is an easy yes. The biggest strengths are the included gear and clothing, the hands-on crew support for beginners, and the payoff of grilling your catch. That combination turns a simple fishing trip into a memorable evening with a real food reward.

I’d especially book it if you’re traveling as a couple, with kids, or if you’re new to sea fishing and don’t want to deal with learning the basics alone. The only reasons to pause are if you hate crowded setups on boats or if you need absolute certainty of fish counts—sea fishing is still weather- and location-dependent.

If you can handle a cold deck and you’ll be happy even if the bite varies, you’ll likely have a great time out on Faxaflói Bay.

FAQ

How long is the sea fishing experience from Reykjavik?

It lasts about 3 hours.

Where do we meet, and when does it start?

You meet at Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík, and the tour starts at 5:00 pm. It ends back at the same meeting point.

Is fishing equipment and bait provided?

Yes. The tour includes fishing rods and bait, plus protective clothing.

What fish species might I catch?

Species you may catch include cod, haddock, pollock, halibut, and rockfish.

Can the crew cook the fish on board?

Yes. The tour includes grilling the catch on board, and you may also have the option to take your catch back for later.

Do I need to speak Icelandic or bring my own food?

The tour is offered in English. Food and drinks are not included unless specified.