Sea Fishing Experience from Reykjavik

REVIEW · REYKJAVIK

Sea Fishing Experience from Reykjavik

  • 4.5110 reviews
  • 3 hours (approx.)
  • From $147.54
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Operated by Special Tours Iceland · Bookable on Viator

Traveller rating 4.5 (110)Duration3 hours (approx.)Price from$147.54Operated bySpecial Tours IcelandBook viaViator

Reykjavik turns fishing into a full-on sea day. This 3-hour trip out of Faxaflói Bay mixes cold North Atlantic scenery with hands-on angling, plus the best part: they cook what you catch. I like that you get protective clothing and all fishing gear—so you can show up light and fish fast. I also like the catch-and-cook setup, where you can eat on board or take food back for later.

One thing to consider: the boat is set up for shared fishing space, so it can feel close when the group is large (maximum 65). Add in wind and waves, and you’ll want to dress for it even if the crew hands out warm layers.

Key things about this Reykjavik sea fishing tour

Sea Fishing Experience from Reykjavik - Key things about this Reykjavik sea fishing tour

  • All gear included: rods, bait, and what you need to fish, no shopping trip required
  • Warm coveralls provided so you’re not fighting the cold from the first minute
  • Catch-and-cook options: grill on board or take your catch back
  • First-timer friendly: the crew guides you through the basics and helps with lines
  • Seasonal seabird sightings: in May–August, the route passes Akurey and Lundey for puffin chances
  • Ocean wildlife may show up: dolphins and whales have popped up on past outings

Reykjavik’s 5 pm start: the sea day vibe in Faxaflói Bay

Sea Fishing Experience from Reykjavik - Reykjavik’s 5 pm start: the sea day vibe in Faxaflói Bay
This tour starts at 5:00 pm and runs about 3 hours, ending back where you began at Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík. That timing matters in Iceland. Late afternoon light can be great for photos, and the sea has that proper “real” feel—not just a short coast hop.

Once you meet the captain and crew, the mood shifts quickly from city to ocean. You’re out onto the icy waters of Faxaflói Bay, with Reykjavik still in view for a bit before the horizon takes over. It’s a fun switch if you’ve already done the classic sights and you’re craving something hands-on.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Reykjavik.

The boat, coveralls, and getting your line in the water fast

The tour is designed around one goal: get you fishing with minimal fuss. You’ll meet the crew, then slip into warm coveralls to stay comfortable as the boat heads out. From there, you’ll use the supplied angling setup, including rods and bait, so you don’t waste time figuring out gear you’ve never seen before.

This is also where the crew makes a big difference. Even if you’ve never sea fished, the team will help you with the essentials—how to manage the line, what to do when lines tangle, and how to get your catch handled safely. In practice, that means you can focus on one thing: paying attention when the bite happens.

A few practical notes from the way the experience is set up:

  • The boat has seating inside, plus toilets are available.
  • It’s not a private charter style setup. You’ll fish near other people, which can mean shoulder-to-shoulder moments when the group is crowded.

What fish you can catch (and why the species list matters)

Sea Fishing Experience from Reykjavik - What fish you can catch (and why the species list matters)
The target species are the real reason this works for both beginners and seasoned anglers. The tour says you may catch cod, haddock, pollock, halibut, and rockfish. That matters because it’s not just one “maybe” fish—it’s a menu.

From a planning point of view, this gives you flexibility:

  • If conditions favor one species, there are other options in the mix.
  • If you’re a first-timer, the crew can steer you toward whatever is biting rather than sending you off to work blindly.

What’s also reassuring is that the trip is built for people with different experience levels. You’re not expected to already know how to read the water or fight a sea fish. The crew’s job is to help you participate and catch something—whether that’s your first cod or your tenth.

Summer route bonus: Akurey and Lundey for puffins and seabirds

Sea Fishing Experience from Reykjavik - Summer route bonus: Akurey and Lundey for puffins and seabirds
If you’re booking in May to August, your boat passes Akurey and Lundey. Those islands are known for seabirds and summertime puffin colonies, so you’ve got a strong chance to see birds while you’re fishing.

This matters because it turns the trip into more than just “sit, cast, repeat.” You’re out at sea with wildlife overhead as well as under you. Even when you’re busy with bait and lines, it’s worth keeping an eye on the shores and rocky edges for bird activity.

If birds aren’t your thing, you’ll still enjoy this route for the scenery and the change in what you see while the boat moves between fishing spots.

Catch-and-cook: grilling on board or taking dinner back

Sea Fishing Experience from Reykjavik - Catch-and-cook: grilling on board or taking dinner back
Here’s where this tour goes beyond typical fishing trips. Your catch is prepared in a couple ways:

  • Grill the catch on board, then eat while you’re still out at sea
  • Or have your catch prepared so you can take it back to your accommodation for later cooking

That option is a big value play. In Iceland, a good meal is never cheap, and seafood is high-demand. Getting your own cod or haddock cooked on the boat (and handled for you) turns “fishing” into a full experience instead of just catching and hoping you can cook it yourself later.

A couple extra details that help you set expectations:

  • Food and drinks aren’t listed as included across the board, but the tour does include cooking—so you’ll be eating what you catch as part of the activity.
  • Some past guests specifically mentioned sides like potatoes cooked along with the fish, so don’t be surprised if you get more than just plain grilled fish.

Wildlife sightings on the way home: whales and dolphins happen

While you should book this for the fishing first, it’s smart to keep expectations open for ocean wildlife. Feedback tied to the experience includes sightings of whales and dolphins, often on the ride back.

That’s not a guarantee, of course. But when it happens, it’s the kind of moment that makes the whole trip feel bigger than a standard outing. You’re already out in the Faxaflói Bay area, where marine life can be present, and the boat route gives you opportunities to spot movement near the surface.

Price and value: why $147.54 feels reasonable here

Sea Fishing Experience from Reykjavik - Price and value: why $147.54 feels reasonable here
At $147.54 per person for about 3 hours, this isn’t a bargain-basement activity. But the value is in what’s bundled.

You’re not just paying for a boat ride. You’re paying for:

  • Expert guides
  • Protective clothing
  • All necessary equipment, including fishing rods and bait
  • A included cook option: grill the catch on board

If you tried to replicate this on your own, you’d quickly run into costs for gear, bait, and (most importantly) local guidance and a fishing plan. Sea fishing in Iceland isn’t just “throw a line and wait.” The crew is finding the best spots and keeping you fishing so you don’t waste time.

So the best way to think about the price is this: it’s paying for convenience plus local expertise plus the meal payoff.

Who this tour is best for (and who might want a backup plan)

This is a strong fit for:

  • First-time sea fishers who want the crew to teach and help
  • Families with kids and teens (the trip is designed so people can catch fish and not feel left out)
  • Anglers who want a guided shot at common North Atlantic species

It’s also a good “I’m in Reykjavik but I want one real adventure” day. You’re not just sightseeing. You’re doing a hands-on activity, then turning the catch into dinner.

Who might want a backup plan? If you’re very sensitive to crowds on boats, this one can get tight. You can also get a rough-sea feeling on the open water. The boat has inside seating, but you’ll still be outside the whole time when you’re working your line.

Weather, waves, and what to do if conditions get tough

This experience requires good weather. If weather goes sideways, the operator will either offer a different date or issue a full refund. That’s a good setup because sea fishing is weather-dependent, and you don’t want to gamble your day for bad conditions.

On the day, if it’s choppy or windy (it often is in Iceland), focus on what you can control:

  • Stay bundled in the coveralls and any rain gear provided or recommended
  • Keep your attention on your setup so you don’t fight tangles
  • If something feels off—like you’re constantly snagging or your gear seems damaged—say something right away so the crew can adjust

One note worth taking seriously: the experience includes gear, but it’s still your line in the water. Before you start casting, do a quick visual check of your rod and tackle so you’re not fighting a problem that could have been fixed early.

Special Tours App: a small add-on that can help

A “NEW” piece here is the Special Tours App, available in English, German, French, Spanish, and Chinese. You can use it to get more out of the tour while you’re on board. It’s not a replacement for the crew’s guidance, but it can help you follow what you’re seeing as the boat heads out and moves between areas.

If you like structured info during activities, it’s a nice bonus.

Practical tips for your day from Geirsgata 11

The meeting point is Geirsgata 11 in central Reykjavik, and the start time is 5:00 pm. The area is listed as near public transportation, so you don’t need a rental car to make this easy.

A few practical tips that match how the trip runs:

  • Wear layers under the coveralls. The coveralls help, but you’ll still feel the cold wind.
  • Bring a camera you can handle with gloves if you’ll be outside a lot.
  • Plan to spend most of your attention at the rail when you’re fishing. This trip is about action, not hanging around.

If you’re staying outside the center, hotel transfers are available for an extra fee if you book them with the supplier.

Should you book this Reykjavik sea fishing tour?

Yes—if you want a sea fishing trip where the heavy lifting is done for you. This is one of those Reykjavik activities that gives you three payoffs: a guided fishing session, a real shot at multiple North Atlantic species, and the catch turned into dinner (on board or later).

Book it especially if:

  • You’re new to fishing and want help, not lectures
  • You hate the idea of transporting or buying gear
  • You like experiences that end with food you didn’t have to plan

Skip it or think twice if:

  • You’re very uncomfortable with close group space on boats
  • You can’t handle cold wind and a bit of chop, even with coveralls
  • You want guaranteed wildlife sightings rather than fishing-first fun

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavik sea fishing experience?

It lasts about 3 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 5:00 pm.

Where do I meet the tour?

The meeting point is Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland. The activity also ends back at the meeting point.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English.

Do I need to bring fishing gear?

No. All necessary equipment is provided, including fishing rods and bait.

What fish might I catch?

Possible species include cod, haddock, pollock, halibut, and rockfish.

What happens to the fish I catch?

You can have it grilled on board, or you can take it back to your accommodation for later.

Are food and drinks included?

Food and drinks are not included unless specified, but the tour does include grilling your catch.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup is available for an additional fee if you book it with the supplier.

What if the weather is bad?

The tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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