Reel in Iceland’s dinner at sea. This 3-hour fishing outing in Faxaflói pairs hands-on sea angling instruction with a catch-and-cook meal, all starting right from downtown Reykjavik. You’ll sail to productive spots, fish from the boat with provided gear, and enjoy a light onboard BBQ using what you land.

I love how beginner-friendly the setup is, from learning how to handle the rod to getting shown what to do when the drift and line get going. I also love the payoff: BBQ lunch made from your catch, so the trip turns into something you can actually eat, not just watch from a boat.

One consideration: this is wild nature fishing, so there’s no catch guarantee. If seas are rough for the day, you’ll want to plan for motion sickness and bring the right clothes, since even “light” fishing time means getting a bit wet or dirty.

Key things to know before you cast your line

• Faxaflói fishing grounds: you head out in search of the bay’s best spots, guided the whole way.
• All gear + rain jacket included: you won’t be stuck renting or guessing what to bring.
• Learn as you go with small groups: max 20 people, and the crew teaches you how to fish without experience.
• BBQ lunch onboard: a light meal cooked from the fish you catch, served before you’re back in the harbor.
• Wild conditions, no promises on fish: success can be great, but weather and nature still decide the day.

Sea angling in Faxaflói: the straightforward, hands-on format

This tour is built around one simple idea: you spend your time doing the fishing, not standing around listening for a lecture. You get onboard, get the basics, then the crew guides you to productive areas in Faxaflói Bay. The boat handles the sailing and positioning, while you do the casting, managing the line, and learning how to respond when fish are active.

The vibe is also practical. You’re not expected to arrive with a full angling kit or previous knowledge. That matters in Iceland, where weather can change fast and you don’t want your day to turn into a gear scavenger hunt.

The trip typically runs about 3 hours, and it’s offered in English. On average, it’s booked about 51 days in advance, so if your schedule is tight, I’d book early rather than gamble on last-minute availability.

Where you start in Reykjavik: Hlésgata 1, right where the action is

You meet at Hlésgata 1, 101 Reykjavík, and the tour ends back at the same point. That’s a big deal for logistics. You’re not pushed into a long transfer to a distant marina, and you can slot this into an afternoon plan without turning your day into a route-planning project.

Also, this start point is described as near public transportation, which helps if you’re not planning to rent a car just to catch fish for a meal. If you’re walking, allow time to dress for the water before you arrive at the dock area, since you’ll likely be moving between city streets and sea air.

Getting ready onboard: rain gear, rods, and real instruction

What I like here is that “come as you are” actually holds up. Rain jacket and fishing equipment are included, and the crew can provide rain gear like a rain coat or boots if you need it. That means you can focus on learning instead of worrying you showed up underdressed.

You’ll also get quick instruction on how to operate the rod and how to handle your line. One detailed account described beginner-friendly, ready-to-fish rigs (including a short stiff rod and lures set up to work well for new anglers). The point isn’t the specific brand; it’s that the setup is practical for people who are still learning timing, drift, and how to respond when you feel bites.

Clothing that helps (and what’s not included)

Good news: the tour covers rain outerwear. Less good news: sturdy footwear isn’t included, and you’ll want clothing that can get dirty. Even when conditions are calm, you’re at sea with fish handling and wet gear, so plan for the “I’m okay if this gets splashed” mindset.

If you’re the type who packs carefully and panics when a bag gets damp, wear clothes you can live with afterward. I also recommend bringing a light layer you can remove if you warm up, since standing and reeling can work up heat fast.

Out to Faxaflói: drifting the bay with the crew guiding your every move

Once you’re underway, the experience becomes about fishing technique in real conditions. You’ll sail to the best fishing grounds the bay has to offer, and the crew guides you along the way. That guidance is what turns this from a boat ride into an actual activity.

Fishing is done on the drift, and at least one described setup included a drogue to slow the drift. In plain terms, that helps keep your lure in the productive zone long enough for bites to happen. The crew also manages the rhythm of the day, moving between areas when it makes sense, so you’re not stuck doing the same thing in the same spot for the entire trip.

What you might catch (and why the fish list matters)

The most commonly mentioned species include catfish, cod, haddock, mackerel, and pollack. You might also see other catches depending on the day and the spot, including fish like whiting and coalfish, plus occasional larger varieties that can make the day feel extra rewarding.

I like that the tour doesn’t treat catching fish as a guarantee. They note that the success rate is high, but they can’t promise a catch on a particular tour. That honest framing helps you plan expectations. It also nudges you to enjoy the process: the drift, the bites, the learning, and the moment the line starts to feel alive.

Sea birds and the fun side of sailing

You’re not locked below deck the whole time. One of the joys people call out is seeing seabirds while you’re on the water, especially fulmars and puffins. If you enjoy the “I’m doing something, but I’m also seeing Iceland work” feeling, this adds up fast.

You may also get the chance for wildlife sightings beyond birds. One account didn’t see a whale on their specific outing, but noted that whale sightings are not unusual. I’d treat that as a possibility, not a checklist item.

The BBQ lunch on the way back: why the meal is part of the attraction

The meal is not an afterthought. The crew will BBQ a light lunch out of your catch onboard. You fish, the crew handles cleaning, and then you eat fresh fish before you’ve even fully returned to the harbor.

That catch-to-cook timing is what makes the food taste special. It also keeps the experience tight: you don’t have to decide where to eat afterward, and you don’t have to store fish for later. You’re basically converting your fishing effort into dinner on the same clock.

A few details that come up in accounts: the fish is cleaned and prepared right on board, and it’s served with sides like potatoes and sauces in some cases. Coffee and cookies were also mentioned as part of boarding comfort, which is a small touch but makes the whole trip feel smoother.

What about taking fish home?

Some people mention that the crew can offer a way to send fresh filet home if someone has a kitchen. If you’re staying somewhere with cooking space, it’s worth asking during the trip.

Price and value: what $160 buys you in real terms

At $160 per person, you’re paying for more than a boat ride. The cost covers:

• guidance and instruction
• fishing equipment
• a rain jacket
• and a BBQ lunch made from the catch

When you break it down that way, the value becomes easier to judge. You’re not paying to rent gear, buy clothing you’ll only use once, or plan your meal separately. In a place like Reykjavik, food prices can add up, so a fresh-cooked lunch that’s included helps close the gap on what this costs.

Also, the crew handles the parts you can’t easily DIY: finding the best fishing grounds, positioning the boat for drifting, and teaching you quickly how to fish the setup they’re using. If you’ve ever tried to “figure out fishing” on your own in a new country, you know the hidden costs are usually time and mistakes. This tour compresses that learning curve.

Weather, sea sickness, and the reality of wild fishing

This is water, and Iceland weather is never fully predictable. The tour requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s the kind of policy that matters because your time is limited and the sea can’t be forced to cooperate.

Motion sickness is the other real factor. A few accounts mention sea sickness when conditions were stormier, and in one case the crew helped with it and provided what was needed. Still, I’d treat rougher seas as a possibility, especially if you’re sensitive.

Practical tips that actually help

• Wear clothes you can get damp in, even if conditions look mild at the dock.
• Bring sturdy shoes, since wet decks and dock steps aren’t the time to wear slippery sneakers.
• If you know you get motion sick, be proactive and ask the crew about options for comfort.

Who this tour fits best (and who might want to think twice)

This is a great fit if you:

• want a hands-on Iceland activity that teaches you something immediately
• don’t want to bring equipment or figure out gear rental
• enjoy being outside while still having a clear structure
• like the idea of eating what you catch, freshly cooked onboard

It can also be a solid family-friendly option. Accounts mention kids joining comfortably, and one person specifically said the crew was kind and patient with their children. So long as everyone in your group can handle the outdoor conditions and being on the water for a few hours, it’s a good match.

If you’re very picky about “I don’t want fish handling” or you’re extremely seasick in choppy water, this might feel stressful. And remember: you can’t control whether the fish are biting that day. The crew does the work to maximize your odds, but nature still has the final word.

Should you book Reykjavik Sea Angling Gourmet?

I’d book this if you want a short, high-reward Reykjavik experience where you actively fish, get guidance, and end up eating a real meal that tastes like the sea. The included rain jacket and equipment help, and the small-group feel (max 20) makes it easier to learn without being lost in the crowd.

Skip it only if you know you’ll struggle with boats in variable weather or you need a guaranteed outcome. This tour doesn’t promise fish, but it does promise a well-run outing built for people who want to learn fast and enjoy the results while you’re still out on the water.

If you have an afternoon free in Reykjavik and want something more memorable than another city stroll, this is one of the most practical ways to get an Iceland “catch and eat” moment in a few hours.

FAQ

Do I need fishing experience or a fishing license?

No. The crew takes care of you and teaches the best techniques, so you do not need prior fishing experience or a license.

What’s included in the tour price?

The tour includes excellent guidance, a rain jacket, fishing equipment, and a BBQ lunch made from the fish you catch onboard.

Where do I meet for the Reykjavik sea angling trip?

You meet at Hlésgata 1, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the trip on the water?

It’s about 3 hours, with time spent fishing at sea and onboard lunch as part of the experience.

What kinds of fish might I catch?

The most commonly caught fish include catfish, cod, haddock, mackerel, and pollack. Other species may be possible depending on the day and fishing grounds.

Will the tour guarantee that I catch fish?

No. While the success rate is described as very high, fishing happens in wild nature, so they cannot guarantee a catch on a particular tour.

Can I cancel if my plans change, or if weather causes issues?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. If the experience is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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