Reykjavik Sea Angling Gourmet

Fish first, feast afterward. This three-hour sea-angling trip from Reykjavik gives you a hands-on way to see Faxaflói Bay, learn simple fishing techniques, and eat part of your catch before returning to shore. You do not need a fishing license or previous experience.

I especially like the patient, personal instruction and the fact that the crew cooks the fish onboard. Fresh cod or haddock, grilled just after being caught, is hard to beat. The main consideration is the weather: this is an outdoor boat trip in Iceland, and rough seas can cause cancellations or motion sickness.

The tour has earned a 4.7 rating from 55 reviews, with 93 percent of participants recommending it. The crew members Jacob, Vigfus, and their brothers receive repeated praise for helping beginners, entertaining families, and keeping the mood friendly. At $160 per person, it is not a cheap fishing outing, but the equipment, guidance, boat ride, and fresh fish lunch make the price easier to justify in costly Reykjavik.

Five things to know before you book

• You fish in Faxaflói Bay for about three hours: The route changes with conditions and the crew’s sense of where the fish are feeding.
• No fishing license or experience is needed: The crew explains how to hold the rod, release the line, and work the rig.
• Your catch becomes lunch: Cod, haddock, pollack, mackerel, catfish, coalfish, and whiting are among the fish commonly caught.
• The boat provides the working gear: Fishing equipment and rain jackets are included, but sturdy shoes and clothes that can get dirty are your responsibility.
• The trip is weather-dependent: Poor weather can lead to a new date or full refund, and choppy water may be hard on anyone prone to seasickness.
• The group can reach 20 people: Some outings have had around 12 anglers, giving the crew room to offer individual help.

Leaving Hlésgata for Faxaflói Bay

You meet at Hlésgata 1, near Reykjavik’s harbor area, and return to the same place. The meeting point is close to public transportation, which makes this a useful outing if you are staying in central Reykjavik and do not have a car.

From the start, the tone is practical rather than formal. You board, collect the supplied fishing equipment, and get a quick lesson from the crew. The rods and rigs are set up for reliability, not for delicate sport fishing. One detailed account described short, stiff rods with simple commercial lures designed to resist tangles and imitate small fish.

That setup matters. You will not need to spend the first hour learning knots or sorting through tackle. The equipment is made for a mixed group, including people who have never held a fishing rod and children who need something easy to manage. Experienced anglers may find the gear heavier and less refined than their own equipment, but it is a sensible choice for a shared boat.

The crew speaks English and has been praised for clear demonstrations and calm, friendly help. Jacob and his brother are often mentioned by name, while Vigfus and his brother are also noted for their patience. If you are new to fishing, ask questions early and let the crew show you the basic motion. You will likely be catching fish before the technique feels completely natural.

Three hours of fishing, not a long expedition

The core outing lasts about three hours at sea. That is a good length for a Reykjavik day. You get enough time to fish in several areas without giving up an entire morning or afternoon.

The boat drifts across different fishing grounds, using a drogue to slow the movement when needed. The crew moves the group among productive areas in Faxaflói Bay. Some trips have fished three or four locations, while another outing reported three main drift areas. The exact route depends on sea conditions and where the fish are active.

This is not a quiet, solitary fishing charter. You share the rail with other people, and the best moments can become lively when several rods bend at once. Still, groups of around 12 have had enough room to fish comfortably, and the official maximum is 20. If you want a private boat and complete control of the pace, this is not that kind of trip. If you like the social side of fishing, the shared format works well.

The fish commonly caught include cod, haddock, pollack, mackerel, catfish, coalfish, and whiting. Halibut, wolffish, and other less common catches have also appeared. Some fish may be returned, especially smaller specimens or species not selected for the meal. The crew decides how much is kept for eating, so do not assume that every fish caught will go on the barbecue.

Success is never guaranteed. The operation has a very strong catch rate, but this is still fishing in wild water. On good days, people have caught fish one after another, sometimes two at a time. On other days, the catch may be more modest. The honest way to book this is to value the instruction, scenery, and time on the bay even if the fish are not cooperating.

What fishing feels like for beginners

I think the simple gear and close crew support make this one of the easier fishing outings for a first-timer. You lower the line, work it as instructed, and wait for the pull. When a fish takes the lure, the crew helps you bring it up and remove it safely.

Several accounts describe beginners catching large cod or haddock, sometimes on their first fishing trip. One person who did not fish at all expected to watch a spouse from the sidelines, then caught the largest cod of the day. An 11-year-old and a 78-year-old were also both pleased by the outing.

That does not mean every beginner will catch a large fish. It does mean the crew has experience teaching people with different levels of strength, confidence, and fishing skill. Parents should still expect children to need help with the rod, the line, and the fish once it reaches the boat.

The activity is also a good match for couples or friends with mixed interests. You can enjoy the boat ride, views, seabirds, and food even if you are less excited about fishing than the person beside you. The fishing is the main event, but it is not the only reason to come.

The fresh-fish lunch on the return trip

The meal is the feature that changes this from a standard fishing session into a food experience. The crew cleans and cooks a selection of the catch on the way back to Reykjavik. Reports describe grilled cod and haddock, potatoes, sauces, and potato salad.

Do not expect a restaurant meal with a long menu. This is a light barbecue prepared onboard, using what the group has caught. That simplicity is part of the appeal. The fish travels only a short distance from the sea to the grill, and you eat it while still on the water.

Cod and haddock receive the most praise, with repeated comments about their flavor and freshness. Some outings have produced a mix of mackerel, pollack, whiting, wolffish, and halibut. The exact plate depends on the day’s catch, so the meal is best viewed as a pleasant result of the fishing rather than a guaranteed dish.

The crew may offer extra fish to take away if you have a suitable kitchen. That option is not useful for everyone, especially if you are staying in a hotel or boarding a cruise ship, but it can be a welcome bonus for people in self-catering accommodation. Ask the crew what is possible on your departure.

Faxaflói views, seabirds, and a chance of wildlife

Fishing keeps your hands busy, but remember to look up. Faxaflói Bay gives you open-water views from just outside Reykjavik, with the city and Icelandic coast providing a striking setting for the trip.

Seabirds are a regular part of the experience described by participants. Fulmars and puffins have been seen, and whale sightings are possible, though not promised. This is not marketed as a dedicated whale-watching trip, so wildlife should be treated as an extra rather than the purpose of the outing.

The boat has basic amenities, including a bathroom, and coffee and cookies may be offered when you board. Rain jackets are available to borrow, and boots may be available if needed. Even with those provisions, I would dress for cold, wet conditions. Bring sturdy footwear and clothes that can get dirty, since fishing involves bait, water, fish, and a working deck.

The weather can change the character of the day. Calm seas make it easy to concentrate on the rod and enjoy the views. A stormy or rough sea can bring motion sickness, even when the fishing is good. One account describes the crew helping a sick participant and checking on that person often. If you know you are sensitive to boat movement, ask about the available complimentary antiemetic medication and plan your clothing carefully.

Is $160 a fair price in Reykjavik?

At $160 per person, this outing costs more than a simple harbor activity, but it includes several parts that would otherwise add up: a three-hour boat trip, fishing equipment, instruction, rain protection, crew assistance, and a meal made from the catch.

Reykjavik is an expensive city for eating out, so the onboard fish lunch has real value. You are not just paying for a plate of seafood. You are paying for the chance to catch it, watch it being prepared, and eat it in Faxaflói Bay.

The value is strongest if you enjoy active experiences and fresh seafood. If you mainly want a scenic boat ride, a dedicated sightseeing cruise may suit you better. If you are a serious angler looking for specialized tackle, lighter equipment, or a private charter, you may find this format too basic.

The tour is commonly booked about 51 days ahead, so I would not leave it until the last moment during a busy Iceland trip. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure. If poor weather cancels the trip, you can receive a different date or a full refund. A late cancellation caused by the booking company’s delayed notice was a source of frustration for one person, so it is wise to check your messages and confirm the departure details before setting out.

Who should choose this fishing trip?

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• First-time anglers who want clear instruction without buying equipment
• Families with older children who can take part with crew help
• Couples looking for an afternoon activity with food included
• Seafood lovers who care about freshness more than presentation
• Experienced anglers who enjoy a relaxed, social outing
• Visitors with only a few days in Reykjavik who want time in the city and on the bay

The afternoon timing is particularly useful. You can spend the morning walking around Reykjavik, fish for three hours, then still have the evening free. That makes it easier to fit into a short stay than a full-day excursion.

I would think twice if you dislike cold, wet conditions, cannot tolerate boat movement, or want a quiet private trip. You should also avoid booking it as your only chance to eat fresh fish, since the catch depends on nature. The crew works hard to find fish, but no captain can promise a particular species or number.

Practical packing advice

Wear layers and bring a waterproof outer layer, even though rain jackets are supplied. Icelandic weather can feel cold on open water, and you will be more comfortable if you can adjust your clothing.

Choose sturdy shoes with good grip. Avoid clothing you would be upset to stain, since fish handling and cooking can be messy. You do not need to bring a rod, reel, tackle, fishing license, or special fishing equipment.

Arrive ready to listen to the safety and fishing instructions. If you are traveling with children, stay close during the first few casts and let the crew manage the fish once it comes aboard. Near the end, keep some time to enjoy the meal and the bay rather than focusing only on the catch.

Should you book Reykjavik Sea Angling Gourmet?

Yes, if you want an easy introduction to Icelandic sea fishing with a meal built into the experience. The strongest reasons to book are the helpful crew, beginner-friendly gear, good chance of catching several species, and fish cooked onboard within minutes of leaving the water.

I would call it a particularly good choice for families, mixed-interest couples, and anyone who wants a practical three-hour outing from Reykjavik. Just pack for rough weather, accept that fishing is never certain, and do not confuse this shared trip with a specialist charter. For most visitors seeking fresh food, open water, and a little adventure without a full-day commitment, the combination is well judged.

FAQ

Where does the Reykjavik Sea Angling Gourmet tour start?

The tour starts at Hlésgata 1, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland.

Where does the tour end?

The activity returns to Hlésgata 1, the same location where it begins.

How long is the fishing trip?

The outing lasts approximately three hours at sea.

Do I need previous fishing experience?

No. The crew provides instruction, and no previous fishing experience or fishing license is required.

What fish might I catch?

Common catches include catfish, cod, haddock, mackerel, and pollack. Whiting, coalfish, wolffish, and halibut have also been caught.

Is fishing equipment provided?

Yes. Fishing equipment and guidance are included. Rain jackets are also provided, and boots may be available if needed.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The crew prepares a light barbecue using some of the fish caught during the trip.

What should I wear?

Wear sturdy footwear and clothing that can get dirty. Appropriate clothing for changing Icelandic weather is recommended.

Can the tour be canceled because of weather?

Yes. The experience requires good weather. If poor weather causes a cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund.