REVIEW · REYKJAVIK
Reykjavik Sea Angling Gourmet
Book on Viator →Operated by Elding Whale Watching · Bookable on Viator
Reykjavik fishing is hands-on and delicious. This 3-hour sea angling trip turns Faxaflói Bay into your classroom, with real instruction and a hot meal from fish you catch out at sea.
I especially love how equipment and coaching are handled for you, even if you’ve never fished before. I also love the payoff: a BBQ lunch onboard that tastes like Iceland, not like a tour cafeteria.
One thing to plan around: it’s wild North Atlantic weather. You’ll get a high chance of catching fish, but they can’t guarantee it, and conditions can affect the trip.
In This Review
- Key Points You’ll Care About
- Faxaflói Sea Angling: What This Trip Is Really Like
- Price and What You Actually Get for $160
- Getting There: Hlésgata 1 and How the Timing Feels
- The 3-Hour Plan on Faxaflói: What Happens at Sea
- What you do out there
- What the crew is doing
- Views and wildlife you might spot
- Gear and Instruction: Why Beginners Feel Comfortable Fast
- Rain gear and staying dry-ish
- Who’s teaching you
- The Big Reward: BBQ Lunch Made from Your Catch
- How lunch works onboard
- What fish you might catch
- Weather, Sea Conditions, and Motion Sickness Reality
- The trip depends on conditions
- If you get motion sickness
- What helps you feel better
- Clothing Tips That Actually Matter
- Small-Group Vibe: Comfort Without the Crowd
- Who Should Book This Sea Angling Gourmet Trip
- Should You Book Reykjavik Sea Angling Gourmet?
- FAQ
- Do I need fishing experience or a license?
- What’s included in the tour price?
- What should I wear for this sea angling trip?
- How long is the tour and where does it start and end?
- How many people are on the boat?
- What fish might I catch in Faxaflói?
- What happens if the weather is bad?
Key Points You’ll Care About

- No experience needed: the crew teaches technique on the water, step by step.
- Faxaflói Bay fishing time: you spend about 3 hours out at sea at the best local grounds.
- Catch-and-cook lunch: your fish is cleaned and grilled onboard as part of the experience.
- Small group size: capped at 20 travelers, so it doesn’t feel like a cattle call.
- Gear support included: rain gear is provided, and they can help if you’re unsure.
- Sea-sickness help exists: if you feel rough, tell the crew right away.
Faxaflói Sea Angling: What This Trip Is Really Like

If you like your tours practical, this one fits. You’ll meet in central Reykjavik, then head out onto the bay where you learn how to fish the way Icelanders do it: simple gear, clear guidance, and lots of time with a line in the water.
The vibe is part lesson, part good day outdoors. You’re not sitting on a sightseeing boat while someone else does the work. This is a true “you do it” style tour, with a crew that stays close enough to help you fix problems—whether that’s how you’re holding the rod or what to do when the drift changes.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Reykjavik.
Price and What You Actually Get for $160
At $160 per person for about 3 hours, the real question is value. Here’s how it pencils out in a place where food and tours can add up fast.
You’re paying for:
- Boat time out on Faxaflói
- Fishing instruction (not just a quick safety talk)
- All fishing equipment provided
- Lunch onboard, made from your catch
That bundle matters. If you only wanted a meal, you’d still be in Reykjavík for a pricey lunch. If you only wanted instruction, you’d likely pay for a class or guide separately. Here, the tour turns the catch into the meal, so you’re getting both the activity and the reward built into the same experience.
Also, with gear included and rain gear provided, you’re not forced to hunt down rentals before you arrive. Just show up with the right footwear and clothing for wet, cold conditions.
Getting There: Hlésgata 1 and How the Timing Feels

The meeting point is Hlésgata 1, 101 Reykjavík. The tour ends back at the same place, so you don’t need a complex plan for getting home after.
The schedule is short and focused—about 3 hours at sea (plus boarding). That makes it a nice fit for a Reykjavik itinerary. You can do a city morning, then head out in the afternoon and still keep your evening free.
One practical note: because it’s at sea in open water, you’ll want to dress for wind and spray, not just for “Iceland in general.” Even when the day looks calm on land, conditions on the water can be different.
The 3-Hour Plan on Faxaflói: What Happens at Sea

Stop-wise, the main event is Faxaflói. You’ll spend roughly three hours fishing from the boat while the crew guides you to the best areas in the bay.
What you do out there
You’ll fish from the boat using techniques they teach onboard. A drift setup is part of how they slow things down and control how your line moves. Then you cast, drop, and react when you feel bites. If you’re new, you’ll get coaching so you’re not guessing.
What the crew is doing
The crew doesn’t just point you at a rod. They:
- help you understand how to handle the line and rod
- answer questions as the session goes
- move through different fishing spots in the bay to improve your odds
If you’re the type who wants to learn fast, this tour is geared toward that. You’re actively fishing, not watching from the sidelines.
Views and wildlife you might spot
Faxaflói isn’t only about fish. You’ll usually get nice birdlife around the water. One common highlight in past outings is seeing seabirds like puffins and other familiar coastal birds while you wait between bites.
Gear and Instruction: Why Beginners Feel Comfortable Fast

I like tours where beginners aren’t treated like passengers who “should just try.” This one is the opposite. You get fishing equipment and instruction provided, plus practical help if you’re confused.
You’ll also find that the gear and methods are designed to be workable for people who haven’t done this before. In plain terms: it’s made for you to succeed without needing a tackle-box in your suitcase.
Rain gear and staying dry-ish
They provide a rain jacket and you can borrow rain coat or boots if needed. That’s important. In Iceland, staying even a little drier often means you enjoy the trip more, especially when wind picks up.
Who’s teaching you
Crew members are often Icelandic brothers, and names you may hear include Jacob and Vigfus. In multiple outings, people mention how patient and helpful the crew is—especially with kids and first-timers.
That tone matters. When the captain or mate checks in, answers fast, and keeps the experience friendly, you actually learn.
The Big Reward: BBQ Lunch Made from Your Catch
This is a catch-and-eat tour in the best way. When you pull fish onboard, the crew handles the rest and you eat what you catch.
How lunch works onboard
You’ll enjoy an onboard BBQ lunch made from the fish caught during the trip. In many situations, the crew cleans and cooks before you even reach the harbor, so you’re not waiting around for food later.
You’re likely to taste fish that’s fresh enough to feel like it was just pulled from the sea. And yes, the sauces and potato sides help a lot. Iceland is big on sauce, and this lunch leans into that comfort-food angle while still being very much “fresh fish day.”
What fish you might catch
Common catches include cod, haddock, mackerel, pollack, and often catfish. Based on what people have reeled in on past trips, you might also run into species like whiting, coalfish, and sometimes halibut depending on conditions and the area fished.
A useful reality check: the tour is run in wild nature. Even with a high success rate, you should treat catching as “very likely,” not “guaranteed every time.”
Weather, Sea Conditions, and Motion Sickness Reality
This part is worth thinking about before you go, because it’s the difference between a great afternoon and a miserable one.
The trip depends on conditions
They state the experience requires good weather. If conditions are unsafe, the trip can be canceled and you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
If you get motion sickness
One clear benefit: the crew can help. In at least one case, the operator noted they offer complimentary antiemetics. If you feel queasy, tell staff early rather than toughing it out. They’ll check on you and help you ride it out.
What helps you feel better
Your best tools are:
- staying bundled up (cold makes nausea worse)
- looking toward the horizon when the boat moves
- avoiding heavy meals right before boarding (common sense, but it helps)
Clothing Tips That Actually Matter
The tour guide recommends good sturdy shoes and clothing that can get dirty and get wet. I agree, because you’re fishing on a working boat in salt spray.
Here’s what to pack mindset-wise:
- wear sturdy footwear with grip (slippery decks are not the time for flimsy sneakers)
- bring a layer system for wind and cold
- expect you might get splashed, even if conditions are good
If you’re missing rain gear, you may be able to borrow it onboard (rain jacket is included, and additional borrowing is mentioned). Still, plan to show up ready—your comfort will be better.
Small-Group Vibe: Comfort Without the Crowd
This tour caps at 20 travelers. On a boat, that limit matters. It means you’re more likely to feel like you can move, ask questions, and get attention when you’re learning.
In practice, people tend to describe it as friendly and easy-going. The crew often stays engaged, and you’ll see real teamwork: people help each other manage gear and deal with fish.
Who Should Book This Sea Angling Gourmet Trip
This is a good fit if you want:
- a hands-on activity (not just watching)
- a guided day with equipment provided
- a meal that’s part of the story: you catch it, they cook it
It’s especially ideal for:
- beginners who want to learn fast without stress
- families and mixed-age groups
- anyone who loves seafood but wants freshness that goes beyond a restaurant plate
If you’re extremely seasick prone, you’ll want to take motion sickness seriously and plan accordingly. But if you can handle a boat ride with the right precautions, you’ll likely have a blast.
Should You Book Reykjavik Sea Angling Gourmet?
Yes, if you want a short, meaningful Reykjavik experience with real skills and a real meal.
Book it when:
- you want instruction plus lunch bundled together
- you’re excited by the idea of eating fish that came from your own line
- you like active tours where you’re doing the main work
Skip it (or be cautious) when:
- you know you struggle with boat motion and can’t manage it
- you’re going in expecting certainty of a catch every time
If your goal is an Iceland afternoon that feels both practical and tasty, Reykjavik Sea Angling Gourmet is one of the most straightforward ways to do that—fishing first, then eating what you caught, with the crew right there to help you learn.
FAQ
Do I need fishing experience or a license?
No. The crew provides instruction and you do not need previous fishing experience or a license to participate.
What’s included in the tour price?
The tour includes excellent guidance, a rain jacket, fishing equipment, and an onboard BBQ lunch made from your catch.
What should I wear for this sea angling trip?
Wear sturdy footwear and clothing that can get dirty. Dress for wet, cold conditions, and consider layers. The experience also notes that borrowed rain gear may be available.
How long is the tour and where does it start and end?
The experience runs for about 3 hours. It starts and ends at Hlésgata 1, 101 Reykjavík.
How many people are on the boat?
The maximum group size is 20 travelers.
What fish might I catch in Faxaflói?
The most commonly caught fish listed are catfish, cod, haddock, mackerel, and pollack. Other species may also be possible depending on conditions.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.













