Reykjavik: Traditional Sea Fishing with BBQ Feast

Fresh fish tastes better when you catch it. This three-hour Reykjavik boat trip takes you into the bay for cod, haddock, rockfish, and pollock, then brings you back to the harbor to cook the catch. I like the small group of no more than 12, and I like that the meal is made from fish you helped bring aboard. The main consideration is the weather: cold wind can make the outing feel much longer if you arrive dressed for an ordinary city walk.

This is a hands-on outing rather than a sightseeing cruise with a fishing rod added for decoration. You get equipment, instruction, waterproof clothing, and help from a local crew. The catch is cleaned and filleted, then prepared with potatoes and sauce. You should not book it only for a guaranteed haul, but the fishing reports are encouraging, with many people catching several fish and some bringing in more than a dozen.

Key points before you book

• Small boat, maximum 12 passengers: You get more room and more direct help than on a large group excursion.
• Fresh fish cooked after the trip: The crew prepares your cod, haddock, pollock, or other catch back at the harbor.
• Fishing instruction is included: You do not need previous experience, and first-time fishers can take part.
• Reykjavik’s old harbor meeting point: The boat is a five to 10-minute walk from the city center, beside the Víkin Maritime Museum.
• Wildlife and island views: Keep watch around the bay, where the outing can include views of puffins and nearby islands.
• Weather makes a real difference: Warm layers are strongly recommended, even though protective clothing is provided.

Leaving Reykjavik’s old harbor

The trip begins at the old harbor, close to the Víkin Maritime Museum. From central Reykjavik, allow five to 10 minutes on foot, though finding the exact dock takes a little attention.

If you walk from the center, pass the first dock and the Hamborgarabúlla Tómasar hamburger stand. Continue past the Reykjavík Marina Hotel until you see a sign marked Hlésgata. The meeting point is on the far side of the shipyard, near the area where large vessels are hauled out for repairs.

This is not a hotel pickup tour. You need to make your own way to the harbor, so build in extra time if you are carrying rain gear, traveling with young children, or arriving from another part of the Capital Region. The upside is that the starting point is central and easy to combine with a harbor walk or a visit to the maritime museum.

Once aboard, the crew supplies fishing equipment and protective clothing. You should still wear warm clothes suited to the day. Icelandic weather can shift quickly, and waterproof outerwear does not replace a warm base layer, sweater, hat, or gloves.

Fishing the bay for cod and haddock

After leaving the harbor, the boat heads out across the bay. The main activity is simple and appealing: drop your line, follow the crew’s instructions, and wait for the pull of a fish.

The listed catch includes cod, haddock, rockfish, and pollock. Some catches also include whiting. You are not expected to know how to handle the gear before you arrive. Fishing instruction and guidance are included, and the crew helps you work out what to do once a fish is on the line.

That makes this a good introduction for beginners. You can take part without buying equipment or learning complicated techniques in advance. The reviews also point to a useful feature for families: children and adults alike have caught sizable fish, rather than simply watching the crew do all the work.

Still, fishing is fishing. A strong catch is common enough to be part of the appeal, but it cannot be promised for every departure. Weather, sea conditions, and the fish themselves have a say. I would treat the meal as a likely reward, not an absolute guarantee of a particular species or number of fish.

The crew’s attitude seems to be an important part of the outing. Captain Snorri is praised for preparing the catch, while guides including Thor and Ana are noted for friendly instruction and practical help. A father and daughter crew has also operated the trip, giving it a family-run feel rather than the polished but distant mood of a large commercial cruise.

Views, islands, and possible puffins

Fishing occupies much of the time, but you are also out on the water for the views. The route gives you a different angle on Reykjavik and the islands outside the city.

The bay can be calm and bright, or cold and windy. Some departures have included puffin sightings, which adds a welcome wildlife moment, but you should not book this as a dedicated bird-watching trip. The focus remains on fishing and lunch.

I like the way these two activities work together. When the line is quiet, you can look out across the water. When someone hooks a fish, attention shifts quickly back to the rail. The boat is small enough that the group can share the excitement without feeling lost among dozens of other passengers.

The smaller capacity matters here. With no more than 12 people, you should have room to relax and a better chance of getting help when you need it. Several people have described the personal service as a major strength. A family group of 10, for example, found the smaller boat more personal and caught a mix of cod, whiting, and haddock.

Returning to the harbor for lunch

The best part of the itinerary comes after the fishing. The boat returns to the harbor, where the crew cleans and fillets the catch before cooking it.

The meal is described as pan-fried or grilled fish with potatoes and sauce. This is a plain meal in the best sense. Fresh cod needs little decoration, and eating fish caught during the same outing gives lunch a direct connection to the place and activity.

The crew may clean the fish while you watch, and Ana has been praised for explaining the filleting process. Captain Snorri has also received strong praise for cooking the fish carefully. You are not simply handed a packaged sandwich after a boat ride. The meal is made from the day’s catch, and the preparation becomes part of the experience.

This is also where the $170 price needs a fair look. The cost covers three hours on the water, fishing gear, protective clothing, instruction, a local guide, and lunch. You also keep what you catch, with the crew filleting it for you. Compared with a basic sightseeing cruise, it is expensive. Compared with a small-group fishing outing that includes equipment, guidance, and a fresh meal, the price is easier to justify.

One practical point: the timing may feel like an early lunch, depending on your departure. The fish is cooked when you return, so do not plan a full restaurant meal immediately afterward unless your schedule allows room.

What the three hours feel like

The stated duration is approximately three hours, including the harbor departure, time fishing, return, and meal preparation. That makes it a manageable half-day activity for a Reykjavik stay.

The pace is active but not frantic. You will spend time handling the line, waiting, watching the water, and responding when a fish bites. The meal gives the trip a clear finish, and the activity ends back where it began.

A short outing also limits the risk of turning a pleasant fishing trip into an endurance test. Even so, three hours outside in Iceland can feel demanding if you are cold or if the sea is rough. The provided waterproof clothing is useful, but dress warmly underneath and according to the forecast.

The boat has space for all passengers to relax, which is worth noting for people who dislike crowded excursions. You should still expect a working fishing boat rather than a luxury yacht. The appeal is the practical, local feel.

Who will enjoy this fishing tour most

This is a strong choice for families with children old enough to follow crew instructions and enjoy an active outing. Children under four are not recommended. All children age 12 and younger must wear lifejackets, which are provided.

It also suits couples and solo visitors who want something more hands-on than a standard Reykjavik cruise. You do not need previous fishing experience. The crew supplies the equipment and shows you how to use it, so beginners can join without special preparation.

Food-focused visitors will find the catch-to-plate idea especially appealing. The meal is not separate from the activity. It is the payoff. If you care about local food and prefer a simple meal tied to the surrounding waters, this is more meaningful than a generic lunch stop.

The trip may be less suitable if you dislike cold, wind, boats, or the sight of fish being cleaned. It is also not the right pick if you need a guaranteed wildlife sighting or a guaranteed number of fish. The strongest part of the tour is the combination of real fishing and a freshly prepared meal, not a fixed sightseeing checklist.

What to wear and bring

The company provides fishing equipment and waterproof clothing, but you are strongly advised to wear warm clothes. I would choose several layers rather than one heavy coat, since you may warm up while fishing and cool down when standing still.

Useful choices include:

• Warm base layers
• A fleece or sweater
• Waterproof trousers if you have them
• A warm hat and gloves
• Sturdy footwear suited to a boat
• Weather protection for the walk to and from the harbor

Keep your personal items secure and avoid bringing anything you would worry about near water. The supplied information does not promise hotel pickup, so plan your walk to the old harbor as part of the outing.

Group size, guides, and atmosphere

The maximum group size of 12 is one of the clearest advantages. Fishing works better when you are not competing with a busload of people for rail space or attention from the guide.

A small group also gives the crew more time to help with bait, lines, and fish handling. The strong feedback about Captain Snorri, Thor, and Ana points to a warm, involved style of hosting. The guides have been praised for explaining fishing techniques, helping inexperienced fishers, and preparing the final meal with care.

The tour is offered in English and Icelandic. That makes it practical for international visitors, while still keeping the local setting central.

The family-run character is worth highlighting. You are joining a working-style fishing experience led by people who appear to take pride in both the catch and the cooking. That personal contact is a large part of what you are paying for.

Value at $170 per person

At $170 per person, this is not a budget activity. Reykjavik excursions add up quickly, and the price may give you pause if your main aim is simply to see the bay.

The value improves when you count what is included:

• Three hours on the water
• Fishing equipment
• Waterproof clothing
• Fishing instruction and guidance
• A local guide
• Lunch prepared from the catch
• Filleting of the fish you keep
• A small group capped at 12 people

The meal is the key difference. You are not paying only for boat time. You are paying for an activity, the crew’s help, and a fresh lunch made from your own catch. The fish is prepared on board after returning to the harbor, with potatoes and sauce.

I would book it if you want an active food experience and have room in your budget. I would skip it if you are mainly looking for a cheap way to get on the water, or if a quiet sightseeing cruise sounds more appealing than handling fishing gear.

The flexible booking terms also help with Iceland’s changeable conditions. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately. Check the available departure times before planning the rest of your day.

Should you book the Reykjavik sea fishing tour?

You should book this tour if you want to do something genuinely participatory in Reykjavik. The combination of a small boat, local crew, open water, and a meal made from your catch gives the outing a clear sense of place.

I especially like it for first-time fishers, families with children over four, and anyone who values personal service over a larger sightseeing operation. The reports of people catching several fish, spotting puffins, and returning for a second day suggest that the fishing can be very rewarding.

Go prepared for Icelandic weather, and keep your expectations sensible. You may catch cod, haddock, rockfish, pollock, or whiting, but no crew can control the sea. If you accept that uncertainty, the $170 price buys more than a boat ride: it buys a chance to catch, prepare, and eat a small piece of Iceland.

FAQ

How long is the traditional sea fishing tour?

The tour lasts approximately three hours. Check availability for the current starting times.

Where does the tour begin?

It begins at the old harbor in Reykjavik, next to the Víkin Maritime Museum. The boat is about a five to 10-minute walk from the city center.

How do I find the meeting point?

From the city center, pass the first dock and the Hamborgarabúlla Tómasar hamburger stand. Continue past the Reykjavík Marina Hotel until you see a sign marked Hlésgata, then go to the other side of the shipyard where large ships are on land for repairs.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to make your own way to the harbor.

What fish might I catch?

Possible catches include cod, haddock, rockfish, and pollock. Whiting has also been caught on some outings.

Is fishing equipment provided?

Yes. Fishing equipment, waterproof clothing, fishing instruction, and guidance are included.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is made from the catch of the day and includes freshly prepared fish with potatoes and sauce.

Can I keep the fish I catch?

Yes. You can keep what you catch, and the crew will filet it for you.

Is the tour suitable for young children?

The tour is not recommended for children under four. Children age 12 and younger must wear lifejackets, which are provided.

What languages are available?

The guides provide the tour in English and Icelandic.

What happens if I need to cancel?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option lets you book without paying immediately.