Reykjavik: Sea Fishing Boat Tour & BBQ with the Day’s Catch

A warm BBQ after a cold-water battle. This Reykjavik sea trip is interesting because it mixes hands-on fishing coaching with the payoff of an onboard BBQ using your day’s catch. Even if you’ve never fished before, the crew works with you quickly, and names like Oddgeir, Stefan, and Asgeir pop up again and again in the way they help families and first-timers get bites.

I also like the practical side: you set out from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor, fish in Faxaflói Bay, and you can either keep what you catch or eat it right away on the boat. One drawback to think about is motion sickness. On choppy days, you’ll want to take it seriously, because this is time on the water, not a calm pond cruise.

Key things to know before you go

• Reykjavik Old Harbor departure: you’re close to the action from the start.
• Faxaflói Bay fishing: the crew aims for cold-water species like cod, halibut, haddock, rockfish, and pollock.
• Guide-led learning fast: the staff helps you cast, set bait, and manage hooks.
• Onboard BBQ with potatoes: your catch becomes dinner while it’s still fresh.
• Puffins and wildlife spotting: you often pass areas where puffins show up, and some trips include whale and dolphin spotting.
• Choppy-water reality: sea sickness can be an issue, so plan layers and take precautions if you’re sensitive.

Reykjavik Old Harbor to Faxaflói Bay: how the day is paced

The tour runs about 2.5 hours on the water (with pickups starting roughly 60 minutes before departure if you’re using the transfer). That timing matters. Iceland days are packed with choices, and this one gives you a solid chunk of sea time without eating your whole schedule.

You leave from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor and head into Faxaflói Bay, where the fishing is the main event. The pace is built around fishing: cast, wait for bites, land the fish, reset, and repeat. On many trips, guests get action quickly—fast enough that even kids can get into the rhythm. Then the captain moves to different fishing areas. Some days the first spot is the busiest, and later spots can be quieter, but the goal is always to keep everyone fishing.

A nice touch is that you’re not staring at gear the whole time. You’re out in the open North Atlantic, so you’ll get big ocean views and plenty of fresh air. Puffins are often spotted around the route, and the crew may also do wildlife scanning while you’re waiting to eat—some groups report seeing humpbacks, minkes, and dolphins when the captain adjusts the cruise between fishing stops.

Learning to fish in 2.5 hours: what the crew really does

This is one of those tours where the success story is not just luck. The crew’s job is to make sure you know what to do when the line is in the water.

You get:

• Fishing equipment and protective clothing
• An experienced guide on board (live tour guide in English)
• Help throughout the fishing so you’re not left guessing

What I’d call the “make it work” skill is hook-handling and bait setup. The guides generally:

• Get you casting and baited properly
• Help when you hook a fish (including unhooking and handling tasks)
• Keep the rhythm going so you aren’t waiting forever for help

This hands-on style is why families come back. It also shows up in how many people end up with at least one fish, even when the group includes total beginners. You’ll still do the fishing, but you won’t feel like you’re on your own.

If you’re the type who wants to improve fast, bring your curiosity. Pay attention when the guide adjusts technique, not because you’ll become a professional overnight, but because small changes can mean more bites. And if you’re more relaxed about it, that’s fine too: you’re basically signing up for a fun “try it, learn it, eat it” day at sea.

What you can catch in Iceland waters (and why it matters)

The tour focuses on cold-water species, including:

• Cod
• Halibut
• Haddock
• Rockfish
• Pollock

Even without going deep into fish science, this lineup is a big deal for your experience. Cod, haddock, and pollock are the kind of fish that tend to turn a fishing trip into an actual story: you’re not just “hoping something bites,” you’re casting into waters known for these species. And halibut is the kind of fish that makes people suddenly sit up straighter when it’s mentioned.

In real life, what you catch can vary by day and fishing area. Some trips roll along with nonstop action and lots of fish on board. Other trips catch fewer, or concentrate the best action earlier. The key point: the crew works to keep the group fishing, and the BBQ at the end uses your catch, so the day still pays off even if you don’t land a monster.

A practical note on fish expectations

If you’re hoping for a guaranteed personal best, you might feel a little unlucky on a slower day. But if you’re going for the experience—learning the basics, feeling bites, and eating fresh fish—this is built for you.

The onboard BBQ: your catch becomes dinner on the spot

This tour doesn’t treat food like an afterthought. The idea is simple: catch fish, grill it onboard, and eat together on the way back.

What’s included:

• BBQ your catch onboard, served with potatoes

The appeal here is obvious if you’ve ever had fish that was supposed to be fresh but clearly wasn’t. This one is different because the catch becomes dinner right away. People often describe it as beyond fresh, and it’s hard to argue with that logic.

You’ll usually find a warmer part of the boat when it’s cold, and the BBQ is timed after fishing ends—so you’re not freezing while you wait for dinner. Several reports mention moving into a covered cabin or lower deck when the weather is rough.

Flavor reality check

The meal is often praised, but seasoning preferences vary. Some people love the simple BBQ setup and the included sauces or accompaniments. Others wish it had more butter or wanted a richer flavor. If you’re picky about seasoning, don’t assume it will match your home style—think of it as Icelandic fish-forward cooking done onboard, not a fine-dining buffet.

Weather, sea sickness, and comfort: what to plan for

Iceland sea weather is not polite. Even when the day is a success, it can be bouncy.

Here’s what you should take seriously before booking:

• Sea sickness can happen. One report specifically warns it’s not ideal for people who are prone to motion sickness.
• On windy, choppy days, you’ll want to keep warm and stay in the right spot when you’re fishing.

Protective clothing is included, which helps a lot, but it’s not a magic shield against waves. If you’ve struggled on boats before, consider practical strategies like ginger (one guest shared that it helped) and choosing where you sit so the motion feels less intense.

Where to be when conditions turn

If you’re prone to nausea, consider staying in more sheltered areas when you feel worse. Some guests reported that being down in the cabin helped, while others still fished from the deck and powered through. The tour experience is flexible enough that you can still participate, even if you need to change your position.

Also pack for cold, not just rain. Think layers, warm gloves, and a hat you don’t mind getting salty-windy.

Price and value: why $141 can feel like a bargain

At $141 per person for a roughly 2.5-hour outing, the value comes from what you get bundled in.

You’re paying for:

• A live English guide
• Equipment and protective clothing
• Access to the fishing areas in a real boat
• A BBQ meal cooked using your catch (served with potatoes)

In other words, you’re not just buying a ride. You’re buying instruction, gear, and the meal outcome. And the “outcome” matters because this isn’t a snack after the fact—it’s the fish you caught turned into dinner.

Is it still worth it on a slower day with fewer fish? I think it can be, because the experience includes learning and the onboard cooking. But if you’re traveling with high expectations for nonstop hookups, slower days can feel less thrilling.

Still, the overall rating is strong: 4.5 out of 5 across 223 reviews, which usually means people are leaving happy, not just “technically satisfied.”

Who this sea fishing tour is perfect for

This trip works especially well if you want Iceland that feels hands-on.

Best fit

• Families with kids who want a real activity, not just sightseeing
• First-time fishers who want guidance and a high chance of catching something
• People who like a short, memorable tour that still includes food

It’s also a good option for couples and friends because the group setup is built for shared success. Many reports describe everyone catching fish, even on choppy days. If you want to be part of the action—casting together and then eating together—this fits.

Who might not love it

If you’re strongly prone to motion sickness, you might find the sea conditions stressful even with protective clothing and onboard shelter. And if you’re expecting a super deep fishing lecture with measurement and technical sonar talk, the tour is more practical than academic. This one is about catching, cooking, and having fun.

Practical logistics that affect your day

A few details can change how smooth your experience feels.

• Pickup time: pickup starts 60 minutes prior to departure. If you’re doing the transfer, plan to be ready early.
• Transfer cost: there’s a small extra fee, and it’s only available for registered hotels and guesthouses in Reykjavik.
• Language: the live guide is in English.
• Multilingual support: there’s also an app available in English, German, French, Spanish, and Chinese.

If you’re tight on time in Reykjavik, build in a buffer. The best tours feel calm, not rushed, and a 60-minute early pickup window can be a lifesaver when you’re coordinating with other plans.

Should you book this Reykjavik fishing boat and BBQ?

Yes—if you want something real to do in Reykjavik that ends with hot food made from what you caught. The pairing of guide support plus BBQ onboard is the magic formula here, and it’s why the experience gets such high marks.

I’d book it if:

• You’re traveling with kids or beginners and want them included
• You like a hands-on activity with an immediate payoff
• You don’t need a perfectly calm boat day to have fun

I’d think twice if:

• Motion sickness is a frequent problem for you
• You need very detailed technical instruction rather than a practical, activity-first approach

If you’re on the fence, go for it with one mindset: you’re not just watching Iceland—you’re tasting it, literally, at the end of a fishing line.

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavik sea fishing boat tour?

The duration is about 2.5 hours, and some schedules may run closer to 2.5–3 hours. Check availability for your preferred starting time.

Where does the tour depart from?

The trip sets out from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor and heads into Faxaflói Bay for fishing.

What fish species are you aiming to catch?

The tour description lists cod, halibut, haddock, rockfish, and pollock.

What happens after you catch fish?

Your catch is grilled onboard as a BBQ meal, served with potatoes. The tour also notes you can keep your catch or barbecue it on board.

Is a guide included, and what language do they speak?

Yes. You’ll have an experienced guide on board, and the live tour guide is in English.

What’s included for equipment and clothing?

The tour includes fishing equipment and protective clothing, plus the onboard BBQ meal.

Is there a transfer, and when does pickup happen?

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