Big cod bites start minutes after you cast.

This Reykjavik sea fishing trip feels equal parts sport and snack break, with a real focus on getting you catching fish fast. I like that the crew stays hands-on and patient, with guides named Oddgeir, Stefan, Asgeir, Samuel, and Oscar showing up repeatedly in reviews. I also like the payoff, your catch cooked onboard on the grill with potatoes, so you end with a hot meal that tastes like you earned it. You’ll likely head out from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor to Faxaflói Bay, cast for cod, halibut, haddock, rockfish, and pollock, and enjoy big ocean views as you go.

One thing to consider: the weather and boat ride can be choppy, and if you get motion sick easily you’ll want a plan before you leave the dock. Some people even note the trip is not ideal for very sea-sick prone folks. Even so, lots of families still have a blast when the guides keep everyone organized and warm.

Key highlights that make this tour worth your time

• Old Harbor departure with a fishing-focused route to Faxaflói Bay, where the crew aims for good cold-water action
• Expert help for first-timers and return anglers, with guides who take time to get your bait working
• Real species variety including cod, halibut, haddock, rockfish, and pollock
• Catch-and-cook BBQ onboard with your fish grilled and served with potatoes
• Wildlife spotting is often part of the day, including puffins near a puffin island and sometimes whales or dolphins
• Gear and protective clothing included, so you can spend your energy fishing, not shopping

Reykjavik Old Harbor to Faxaflói Bay: the fishing route you’re paying for

This is not a long sightseeing cruise dressed up as fishing. The point is time on the water, time with a line in the sea, and a crew that knows where to concentrate effort.

You start from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor, then head toward Faxaflói Bay. In plain terms, that matters because fishing is all about being at the right place when conditions line up. More than once, reviews mention that casting quickly leads to bites once you reach the sites the captain chooses.

Timing is also tight in a good way. The tour runs about 2.5 hours (often described as 2.5 to 3 hours on the water). That means you’re not stuck out there all day getting colder, and it keeps the action moving. The “hit the fish, then eat the fish” format fits Iceland well, especially when the weather changes by the hour.

If you’re doing this with kids, that shorter window is a win. Reviews include an 8-year-old who felt extra special during the bait-making moment, and that kind of attention works best when the day stays focused and upbeat rather than long and slow.

Casting for cod, halibut, haddock, rockfish, and pollock

The biggest reason people love this tour is simple: you don’t get left to figure it out on your own.

Even if you’ve never fished, the crew explains how to set up, how to drop your bait, and what to do when you feel a bite. The tour description says the guides know exactly where to angle for the best catch, and reviews back that up with stories of nonstop action once the boat reaches the fishing spots.

You can reasonably expect attempts for these species: cod, halibut, haddock, rockfish, and pollock. In reviews, cod is the most frequently mentioned catch, but people also report haddock, pollock, whiting, and other varieties depending on the day.

A useful mindset here: treat it like guided fishing practice, not like you’re being tested. Many reviews praise guides who keep everyone catching something, including people who arrived with zero experience. If you’re the type who worries you’ll be bored, don’t. When the boat is on the fish, the deck turns into a constant rhythm of lines down, lines up, and quick re-baiting.

Also, don’t assume the tour will be identical every time. One review notes that some fishing sites were sparse on their outing. Another says the bites were fast and almost nonstop. That’s the nature of fishing, and the crew’s job is to adjust and move until people are getting results.

The on-board BBQ: turning your catch into a hot meal

Here’s the part most tours forget: food. This one builds the meal into the experience, and it happens onboard.

When you’re done fishing, you grill your catch onboard and eat it right away. You get potatoes with the grilled fish, and several reviews call out how fresh and delicious the end-of-trip meal was. One person even compares the taste to what they’re used to back home and says they doubt they’d had anything better.

If you’ve ever watched fishermen bring home dinner and thought, yes, that would be fun, this is that feeling, just without the logistics. Your fish is cleaned and cooked on the boat, and it’s served hot while the day is still rolling.

A practical note: fish preferences vary. Some reviewers mention wanting more seasoning or that one batch tasted bland for them, but most describe the BBQ as a major highlight. If you’re picky about spice, you might want to bring your own small sauce option. The data here doesn’t say you can bring condiments, so keep it flexible, but it’s a reasonable approach if you’re sensitive to bland flavors.

There’s also the “meal plus memories” advantage. People don’t just eat, they gather as a group and talk about who landed what. It’s a nice end cap in cold, windy Iceland, when the boat becomes a warm shelter under a covered part of the ship.

Wildlife moments: puffins, whales, dolphins, and what to expect

You’re on a fishing tour, but you’re also on Iceland’s water. That means wildlife can pop up between casts, or even while you wait for the BBQ.

You may see puffins on or near a puffin island. The tour description specifically mentions this, and reviews include the “caught fish and saw birds” vibe, too.

Some reviews also mention whale and dolphin sightings. One review describes humpbacks, minkes, and dolphins while the crew took the group past fishing spots to look. That’s not guaranteed, but it is realistic. Treat it as a nice bonus, not a promise.

Even if wildlife doesn’t appear, the views of the North Atlantic feel like part of the ticket. Ocean air hits different in Reykjavik, and you’ll be spending your time looking out at open water, not just staring at a boat floor.

Gear, protective clothing, and how to dress for cold water action

The tour includes fishing equipment and protective clothing, which is exactly what you want in Iceland. You shouldn’t have to guess what cold-weather gear is enough, especially when you’re dealing with salt spray and wind.

That said, you still need to dress for the reality of sea time. Reviews mention choppy water, rough waves splashing the deck, and the need to stay comfortable enough to keep fishing. If you run cold easily, plan on layers and take the time to wear what keeps your core warm.

There’s also the question of motion sickness. A few reviews mention sea sickness issues and recommend bringing remedies. One review says it’s not suitable for those who get sea sick easily. If that’s you, don’t ignore it. Bring medication you’ve used before, and consider staying in the cabin or covered areas if available when waves kick up.

A small comfort detail: some reviews mention a warm lower deck and a covered part of the ship, plus one person notes Wi-Fi onboard. Those aren’t universal facts in the tour data, but the presence of a covered space is consistent with how people handled cold weather during the trip.

Price and value at $141 per person (what you’re really getting)

At $141 per person for about 2.5 hours, this tour isn’t “cheap,” but it is good value when you look at what’s included.

You’re paying for:

• An experienced guide on board
• Equipment and protective clothing
• A BBQ meal cooked onboard with your catch and potatoes
• A day where the crew tries to put you on fish quickly, so you spend less time waiting

If you were to replicate this on your own, you’d pay for gear, a boat, and local expertise. Even then, you wouldn’t get the same “food becomes part of the catch” payoff. That combination is why people keep calling this a highlight and why reviews repeatedly mention how easy it was to catch fish even for novices.

One more value angle: the tour aims to keep the experience moving for mixed groups, including families with non-fishers. Reviews include people who came along just to hang out, and still ended up catching a fish. That matters because Iceland trips often include people with very different energy levels. This tour gives you a shared activity and a reward at the end.

Should you book this Reykjavik fishing and BBQ tour?

Yes, if you want a hands-on Reykjavik activity where the goal is catch first, food second, and learning is part of the fun. I’d book it if:

• You’re traveling with kids or a mixed group and need something everyone can do
• You want a guided fishing experience with equipment included
• You care about eating real local seafood while it’s still fresh from the day’s catch
• You like the idea of short, focused time on the water rather than an all-day grind

I might skip it if:

• You get motion sick very easily and you don’t have a reliable plan
• You expect a deep, technical fishing lecture on species behavior and sonar readings. Some reviews say the approach is more targeted toward tourists who need help catching fish, and less about advanced technical instruction

If you’re on the fence, lean toward booking. Iceland is full of dramatic nature, but this one adds something rarer: a shared, simple win you can eat.

FAQ

What’s the duration of the Reykjavik sea fishing boat tour?

The tour lasts about 2.5 hours on the water. Starting times vary by availability.

Where does the tour depart from?

It departs from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor.

Can beginners go on this tour?

Yes. The guides help you learn quickly, whether it’s your first time or you fish often.

What fish species can you try to catch?

The tour focuses on cod, halibut, haddock, rockfish, and pollock.

Is the food included?

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

What’s included in the price besides the guide?

Included are the fishing equipment and protective clothing.

Does the tour offer pickup in Reykjavik?

Pickup starts about 60 minutes before departure. The transfer costs a small extra fee and is only available for registered hotels and guesthouses in Reykjavik.

Will I have a live guide, and what language do they speak?

Yes, there is a live tour guide. The language listed is English.

Is there an app with the tour?

Yes. There is an app available in English, German, French, Spanish, and Chinese.

Can I keep the fish?

The experience is described as letting you keep your catch or barbecue it onboard. Some reviews also mention taking fish home.