You can fish and eat in the same sitting. This Reykjavik sea angling trip takes you out from Old Harbor toward Faxaflói Bay, where your guides put you on the cold-water action and you can grill what you catch right on board.

I really like the hands-on feel: even first-timers get help with bait, hooks, and getting your line in the right rhythm. I also like that the trip is built around real payoff—fresh fish for dinner—so it never feels like a watch-and-wait experience.

The main thing to consider is the sea part. When the water is choppy, it can be rough on your stomach, and you’ll want to plan for motion sickness if you’re prone. The good news: there are warm, covered spaces on the boat where you can take a break.

Key Things You’ll Notice on This Sea Fishing + BBQ Tour

• Old Harbor departure, clear local rhythm: you start in Reykjavík’s working harbor area and head out fast.
• Guides teach while you fish: you’re shown how to fish and helped when it matters, no matter your skill level.
• Cold-water fish target list: cod, halibut, haddock, rockfish, and pollock are on the menu of possibilities.
• Fishing grounds with multiple stops: the captain will shift locations to keep the action going.
• BBQ on board with the day’s catch: grilled fish arrives hot with potatoes right after your fishing.
• Wildlife sightings can happen: puffins are often spotted, and some trips include whale and dolphin sightings.

Reykjavik’s Old Harbor: The Part That Makes This Feel Like Iceland

I like that this tour starts with something you can actually picture: Reykjavík’s Old Harbor, not a remote trailhead or a long bus ride before anything happens. Within a short time, you’re on the water, heading toward Faxaflói Bay—one of the areas where Reykjavík sea life shows up for fishing trips.

The real appeal is how quickly the experience turns into a story you’ll keep telling. You’re not just “doing an activity.” You’re learning a hands-on skill while staring at open ocean views, the kind that make the air feel sharper and the horizon feel wider. And if you spot puffins on their own little island along the way, it adds a very Iceland touch without turning the day into a nature lecture.

One more practical point I appreciate: the tour is short. At about 2.5 hours on the water (with some flexibility up to around 3 hours), it’s long enough to fish properly, but short enough that you don’t need a half-day block of your trip for it.

How the Crew Gets You Fishing Fast (No Experience Required)

The crew approach is the biggest reason this tour earns strong scores. You get an experienced guide on board, plus deckhands who stay actively involved. That matters because sea fishing is different from land fishing. There’s boat motion, line handling, and a learning curve that can ruin the vibe if nobody explains it in time.

On this trip, you’re handed the basics quickly: fishing equipment and protective clothing are included, and the staff helps you get set up so you can actually cast, feel bites, and reel without guessing. Names that have come up include Oddgeir, Stefan, Asgeir, Samuel, and Oscar, and the common thread is that the crew watches the group and steps in when someone needs help unhooking or getting the line back under control.

I also like the way the tour is designed for mixed groups. Families, couples, and solo travelers fish side by side. Even if you’re not the type who wakes up early for “sport,” you still get that satisfying moment when your line tightens and the catch starts happening.

Faxaflói Bay Fishing Grounds: Cod, Halibut, Haddock, and More

Here’s what you’re really signing up for: a chance to catch cold-water species in a place where the captain knows where to angle. The tour heads from Reykjavík’s Old Harbor toward Faxaflói Bay, and the guide aims for fishing spots where you have a realistic shot at cod and other species.

The fish possibilities include:

• cod
• halibut
• haddock
• rockfish
• pollock

In other words, this isn’t a “hope for the best” outing focused on one fish. The action can feel fast when the boat moves to a productive site, and the crew typically works to keep everyone in the loop so you’re not stuck waiting while others fish.

A detail worth keeping in mind: conditions can shift. Some trips hit best results at a first spot, then move again if bites slow. You might see clusters of success at one location, then more spread-out catches at another. That’s normal for fishing at sea, and it’s part of why the boat keeps moving during the trip.

If you’re hoping for brag-worthy numbers, set expectations realistically, but also know the format is built to maximize chances. With guided setup and multiple fishing moments, most people end up doing more than just one cast out of boredom.

Puffins, Whales, and the Stuff Between Bites

A lot of fishing tours are all action, then silence. This one has built-in in-between moments that keep it interesting even when you’re waiting for the next bite.

Puffins are frequently spotted on the way to fishing areas. That’s a small detail, but it’s exactly the kind of thing that makes a sea trip feel like part of Iceland, not just a boat rental with lines attached.

And when sea conditions allow, you may also see whales and dolphins. Some sailings have included sightings of humpbacks, minke whales, and dolphins. One practical reason to care about this: wildlife sightings are usually time-efficient. You don’t need to stop for an hour to see something. If the captain can track it while still keeping you near fishing grounds, you get a double win.

Comfort matters here too. You’ll be out on open water, and Iceland weather can flip quickly. The trip includes protective clothing, and the boat has covered areas where you can duck in when the wind or spray gets too intense. If you’re sensitive to motion sickness, this break space can be the difference between enjoying the fishing and staying frozen to the rail with regret.

BBQ on Board With the Day’s Catch: The Best Part After the Catch

The standout payoff is the BBQ. Whatever you catch during your fishing time can be grilled onboard, and it’s served with potatoes. This turns the day into a full loop: you fish, you clean up in the moment, then you eat what you just caught.

That matters more than it sounds. Many tours hand you dinner that could have come from anywhere. Here, dinner is tied to your experience. You’re also not dealing with a separate restaurant plan or timing squeeze in central Reykjavík after a windy boat ride.

I also like that the cooking happens immediately after fishing, so you’re not waiting around for hours with empty hands. The meal is hot and simple, and it lets you focus on savoring the moment rather than figuring out what’s for dinner later.

One food tip: if you’re bringing people with strong opinions about taste, remember that fish flavor can vary by species and freshness. Cod and other white fish tend to be mild, while other catches can be more noticeable. If you’re someone who likes sauces or extra seasoning, you might want to mentally prepare that you may have limited customization since the BBQ is prepared for the group.

Price and Value at About $141: What You’re Really Paying For

At about $141 per person for a 2.5-hour experience, the first question is simple: is this actually good value? For me, it feels fair because you’re getting multiple pieces that would cost you separately.

You’re paying for:

• a guided fishing experience with equipment and protective clothing included
• access to the boat and captain’s effort to get you to workable fishing spots
• a hot meal onboard using your catch, served with potatoes

If you were to book fishing gear, boat time, and a meal package independently, the bundle pricing starts to make sense. The trip also functions as a full activity, not just a small add-on. You’re on the water during a meaningful block of time, and you leave with both memories and the tangible part—food you helped catch.

One caution on value: your personal payoff is partly weather-driven. When conditions are favorable, you get more consistent action. When it’s rough, the fishing can get harder and motion sickness becomes more real. Still, the BBQ portion stays the same. Even when sea conditions slow down the catches, the onboard meal keeps the day feeling complete.

And the overall quality signal is strong: the tour has a 4.5-star average rating across a couple hundred bookings, which lines up with the consistent theme of helpful crew and lots of people managing to catch fish.

Who This Reykjavik Sea Fishing Tour Is Best For

This is a good fit if you want an activity that’s hands-on, short, and outdoors, with a clear payoff at the end. It’s especially good for:

• Families with kids who want to feel included rather than sitting on deck bored
• Couples looking for something different than the usual Reykjavík dining and museums
• First-time anglers who need instruction while the boat is moving
• Experienced fishers who still enjoy the guided effort and the chance to eat their catch immediately

It’s also great for mixed groups. Some people come along for the boat ride and scenery first. The crew style tends to pull everyone in, so the experience doesn’t stall out if half the group isn’t super into fishing.

The biggest “not for you” scenario is if motion sickness ruins your day. The trip isn’t marketed for calm, easy sailing. If you know you get sick on boats, bring a plan: stay in covered areas when needed, and consider remedies that work for you personally. One helpful strategy mentioned by other passengers is taking motion sickness remedies ahead of time.

Quick Checklist Before You Cast Off

You’ll be on cold water in Reykjavík, so think comfort, not just waterproof boots.

Bring:

• warm layers you can wear under protective clothing
• gloves or warm outerwear if you run cold (the boat provides protective clothing, but you’ll still feel wind)
• a plan for motion sickness if you’re prone

Do:

• listen closely when the crew explains line handling
• keep your hands steady and focus on the rhythm they show you
• use the covered areas when the spray kicks up

If you want to maximize your time fishing, show up ready at the departure period. Pickup starts 60 minutes prior to departure for those using the transfer option, and that helps you avoid the stressful rush in chilly weather.

Should You Book This Reykjavik Sea Fishing and BBQ Tour?

Book it if you want a Reykjavik activity that’s practical, fun, and outcome-driven. The best reasons are also the simplest: you get guided fishing gear and teaching, you’re targeted toward cod and other cold-water species, and you end with a BBQ made from your catch with potatoes.

Skip it or think hard first if you’re highly sensitive to rough water or motion sickness. The tour can be choppy, and the fishing part rewards staying alert and moving around safely.

If you’re the type who likes active days—where you can reel in fish, spot wildlife like puffins, and eat something genuinely fresh right after—this is the kind of tour that turns into a highlight without needing a lot of extra planning.

FAQ

How long is the sea fishing boat tour and BBQ?

The duration is about 2.5 hours on the water (with starting times based on availability). Some tours may run closer to 3 hours depending on conditions.

Where does the tour depart from?

It departs from Reykjavík’s Old Harbor.

What kinds of fish are you trying to catch?

The trip targets cod, halibut, haddock, rockfish, and pollock.

Is the BBQ included?

Yes. You grill your catch onboard, and it’s served with potatoes.

Can I keep what I catch?

The experience is described as letting you keep your catch or barbecue it onboard, depending on what you catch during the trip.

Do I get fishing gear and protective clothing?

Yes. Equipment and protective clothing are included.

What languages are available during the tour?

The live tour guide is English. There is also an app available in English, German, French, Spanish, and Chinese.

Is pickup available in Reykjavík?

Pickup starts about 60 minutes prior to departure for registered hotels and guesthouses in Reykjavík. There is a small extra fee for the transfer.