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

Fishing in Iceland is pure, hands-on fun. This 2.5 hour sea fishing boat tour from Reykjavik Old Harbor pairs guided cod and pollock fishing with the payoff of eating your catch right on board. I really like the way the crew helps you get lines in fast, and I also like that the tour ends with a BBQ cooked onboard and served with potatoes, so the whole trip feels like one complete experience, not just a boat ride.

The main drawback to think about is the sea. The trip runs on real ocean conditions, and if you’re prone to motion sickness, you’ll want to plan for it before you go.

Key things to know before you book

• Reykjavik Old Harbor departures: You get out on the water quickly, with pickup starting about 60 minutes prior (for participating hotels and guesthouses).
• Fishing targets are clear: cod, halibut, haddock, rockfish, and pollock are the big goals.
• Guides coach you in real time: even first timers usually get to catch fish, not just watch.
• BBQ right after fishing: your catch gets grilled onboard and served with potatoes.
• Wildlife often shows up: puffins are commonly spotted from the route, and some days the captain also looks for whales and dolphins.
• Weather can be choppy: you may spend time dealing with waves, so dress warm and plan for seasickness if needed.

From Reykjavik Old Harbor to Faxaflói Bay: how the trip actually runs

This tour is built for a simple rhythm: meet early, get geared up, head out, fish hard, then eat. The boat leaves from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor, and you typically see the start of the action soon after departure. Pickup begins 60 minutes prior to sailing time, but only from registered hotels and guesthouses in Reykjavík. There is a small extra fee for the transfer, so factor that into your budgeting and plan to be ready when they come.

Once you’re on the water, the route focuses on Faxaflói Bay, where the guides know where to angle. That matters. Fishing success is mostly about being in the right area, at the right time, and with the right setup. The crew’s job is to shorten your learning curve, so you spend less time guessing and more time getting bites.

A nice touch is the communication support: there’s a tour app available in English, German, French, Spanish, and Chinese, and the on-board live guide is in English. If your fishing vocabulary is limited, that extra layer helps you feel oriented fast.

Cold-water fishing targets: cod, halibut, haddock, rockfish, pollock

The tour is sold as a “catch something” experience, and it aims at the Icelandic cold-water species most likely to show up in this bay: cod, halibut, haddock, rockfish, and pollock. You’re not just tossing a line and hoping. The crew is there to help you with practical timing and technique, like when to drop bait and how to keep things moving once fish start biting.

What I like about the species list is that it covers both variety and realism. You might catch multiple types in the same outing, but the targets are not random. They’re the species the boat is set up to fish for, and that keeps the trip from turning into a “maybe we’ll catch something” gamble.

Also, you don’t need to be a fisherman to enjoy this. Even if you’re brand new, you can still have a successful outing because the guides focus on getting you productive with the gear they provide. On some days, people end up catching enough fish that it turns into nonstop excitement, not occasional luck.

The onboard coaching that turns beginners into fish-catchers

The biggest difference between an average fishing outing and a great one is who manages your learning curve. Here, the crew runs the experience like hands-on training.

In the best moments, you’ll notice the deckhands staying close, helping with the parts that feel awkward at first. Several guide names show up in past trips, including Oddgeir, Stefan, Asgeir, Samuel, Oscar, and George. You may or may not meet those exact people, but their roles highlight the same theme: strong support and patient instruction.

If you’re thinking, I might be too slow, this is the kind of tour that is designed to reduce that fear. People with limited experience often report fast results, with bites happening soon after lines go in. Even if you don’t catch a lot, you’re not left alone with a rod. You get steps, prompts, and help when you hook a fish.

One thing to keep in mind is that fishing is physical. When the action starts, reeling can become the main workout of your day. One review mentioned catching a bunch quickly and then getting tired of the reeling. That’s a very real sign the crew is doing its job and you’re actually catching, not just participating.

Ocean conditions and motion sickness, the practical reality

Iceland doesn’t promise calm seas. This is the ocean, and waves can splash on deck. That’s part of the charm for many people, but it can be an issue for others.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, plan ahead. One past guest specifically warned that the trip is not ideal for easy-to-get sea sickness and recommended remedies like ginger pills. Another traveler had to stay in the covered area rather than fishing from the open deck. That tells you how the boat setup works in practice: the action is on deck, so if your stomach can’t handle the movement, you’ll want to make peace with sitting inside during the fishing periods.

What helps most is dressing for warmth. The tour includes protective clothing, which is a big deal in cold conditions. Still, I’d treat this as an outdoor winter experience, not a casual summer outing. Bring layered warmth so you can adjust as the wind changes.

Wildlife spotting on the way: puffins, whales, dolphins

This tour is not just fishing. It often includes wildlife spotting because the route passes areas where seabirds and marine animals show up.

Puffins are a recurring highlight. The itinerary includes a chance to spot puffins on their island as you travel toward the fishing grounds. That’s fun even if you’re focused on catching fish, because it gives you a quick break from reeling and a reason to look up.

On some days, the captain also adjusts priorities. Past guests noted whale and dolphin sightings, including humpbacks and minkes, and even dolphins in addition to the fishing. Sometimes that wildlife watching happens while waiting for the onboard BBQ moment, so the day stays balanced rather than turning into a separate sightseeing detour.

Jellyfish have shown up too, which just proves you’re seeing real life on a real coast. It’s not a staged zoo moment, it’s an ocean bonus.

The onboard BBQ with your catch: why it feels like Iceland

This is the part people remember. You fish, then you eat, and you eat the fish you caught.

Your catch is grilled onboard and served with potatoes. The reports are consistent on freshness and enjoyment, with guests describing the meal as beyond fresh and truly unforgettable. One person specifically pointed out that the food was cooked right after fishing and tasted incredible, which makes sense when you think about it. Fresh fish cooked quickly is hard to beat.

There are also small food notes that keep things honest. One traveler said the grilled fish tasted a bit bland and suggested more butter or extras. That’s not a reason to skip, but it is a good reminder: if you have strong preferences for seasoning, you might want to bring your own small condiments if allowed by the operator. The tour does include potatoes and the standard preparation, but your taste buds still matter.

A warm covered part of the boat can also be a comfort. Some guests described retreating indoors when it got cold, then returning for the next fishing cycle. That simple design keeps the experience from becoming pure suffering.

Group energy, patience, and how this tour handles kids

This tour is frequently described as family-friendly, and the support style is part of why. Kids can struggle with fishing basics, but the guides and deckhands help with the moments that matter. One parent shared that the crew made a bait color combination for their 8 year old’s favorite color, a small gesture that turns the day into something personal.

Another parent highlighted a ten year old’s experience, with everyone still catching fish even on a fuller boat. That suggests the crew manages distribution of attention and keeps people engaged. At least one trip had a boat that was fairly full, 15 plus, but the action stayed lively.

If you’re traveling with a mixed group, that’s a big plus. You can have one person who wants to fish nonstop, another who just wants the ocean views, and the tour can work for both.

Price and value: what $141 gets you beyond fishing

At about $141 per person for roughly 2.5 hours, you’re paying for more than a boat ride. You’re buying instruction, equipment, protective clothing, the cook-on-board meal, and a guided effort to put you in the right fishing zones.

If you compare this to the cost of hiring private fishing time or paying for seafood plus a guide, the value starts to make sense fast. Many people have said the tour felt like an unusually good deal for the combination of boat, gear, and a meal made from what you catch. One guest even compared it to what they would pay back home and found the difference huge.

The best value angle is that the meal is included and tied to the day. You’re not ending with an optional restaurant bill, and you’re not eating a random fish. You’re eating the catch from your session, which gives the whole outing a payoff that feels local and earned.

Who should book this sea fishing and BBQ tour?

Book it if you want a hands-on Iceland experience that mixes action with food. It’s great for:

• First timers who want coaching and a good shot at catching fish.
• Families who want kids to feel included, not sidelined.
• Groups of mixed experience where beginners and seasoned anglers can both enjoy the process.
• Food lovers who like the idea of eating what you catch, cooked immediately.

Think twice if:

• You’re extremely prone to motion sickness and likely won’t be able to handle deck time. The covered area is there, but the core fishing happens outside.

Quick checklist so you feel ready

• Plan to be at your pickup point about 60 minutes before departure if you’re using the hotel or guesthouse transfer.
• Wear warm layers, and take advantage of the provided protective clothing.
• Bring a plan for motion sickness if you get it easily, since ocean movement is real.
• Make sure you’re comfortable being outside in wind and spray, even when the views are incredible.
• If you like structure, the onboard English guide plus the multi-language app support will help you follow what’s happening.

Should you book it?

Yes, I’d book it for most people. The combination of guided fishing, the realistic chance to catch multiple species, and an on-board BBQ made from your catch is the kind of Iceland activity that feels both memorable and practical. You get real effort out on the water, and you get a meal that closes the loop.

If you know you react badly to waves, treat that as your main decision factor. For everyone else, this is one of the easiest ways to turn Iceland’s sea life into a day you can taste, not just watch.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour departs from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor.

How long is the sea fishing experience?

The tour lasts about 2.5 hours on the water, with starting times based on availability. Pickup begins 60 minutes prior to departure.

What fish are you trying to catch?

The targets include cod, halibut, haddock, rockfish, and pollock.

Is the BBQ included, and what comes with it?

Yes. Your catch is grilled onboard, and it is served with potatoes.

Do you offer pickup in Reykjavík?

Yes, pickup starts 60 minutes before departure, but it is only available for registered hotels and guesthouses in Reykjavík. A small extra fee applies for the transfer.

Can I cancel if plans change?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.