Reykjavik’s old harbor turns into a real fishing story fast. I love the mix of hands-on guide help and the reward of barbecue on board, where you eat what you catch in cold North Atlantic air. The chance to target cod, haddock, halibut and more—plus the sea views—makes this feel like more than a typical tour.

The main thing I’d keep in mind is the sea can be choppy, and this isn’t always a great fit if you’re very prone to motion sickness. If you plan ahead with motion-sickness remedies and dress for wind and spray, you’ll be in much better shape.

Quick hits to know before you go

• Old Harbor departures give you an easy, central start point for a day on the water
• Expert deckhands coach beginners so you’re not left guessing with a line in the sea
• Cod and other species can bite quickly depending on the day and the fishing spot
• BBQ-on-board with potatoes turns your catch into an instant meal
• Wildlife sightings happen with puffins, whales, and dolphins spotted on some trips
• Sea sickness is the one real wildcard on rougher days

Setting out from Reykjavik and aiming for Faxaflói Bay

This is a straightforward Reykjavik experience with a satisfying rhythm: you leave from the city’s Old Harbor area, head out toward fishing waters in and around Faxaflói Bay, fish for a set stretch of time, then turn the catch into a hot meal on the way back. The overall time on the water is about 2.5 to 3 hours, which is long enough to feel like a real outing but short enough to keep your day from getting swallowed by the sea.

A few minutes at the start matter. If you’re using the optional pickup, it begins 60 minutes before departure (available only for registered hotels and guesthouses, with a small extra transfer fee). That extra planning time is worth it, because once you’re on board, the crew moves quickly: gear up, learn what to do, then get your line in the water.

The practical upside here is that you don’t need prior gear, and you don’t need a full day of commitment. You do need to treat the boat like a boat—meaning you dress for wind, spray, and sudden temperature shifts.

Learning the ropes: what “expert guides” means in real life

What makes this tour work for beginners is that the crew doesn’t just give a speech. They help you get the basics down fast—how to drop the bait, how to respond when you get a bite, and what to do when a fish is on the line. Even when you don’t have fishing experience, you’re in the loop enough to stay busy and feel capable.

You’ll also see how proactive the deckhands are once the action starts. Multiple guides and captains are mentioned by name in the trip stories—people like Oddgeir, Stefan, Asgeir, Samuel, and Oscar—and the common theme is hands-on help. In plain terms: they try to get everyone catching fish, not just watching.

One detail I appreciate is that the work continues after the fishing. If you catch, the crew handles the next steps—getting fish ready for the grill and making sure people get their meal while the trip keeps its momentum. That’s a big deal when you’re on a schedule and the sea decides to change its mood.

The fishing itself: cod and friends, plus what you might actually feel

The targets listed for this trip include cod, halibut, haddock, rockfish, and pollock. In reality, what you pull up depends on the day’s conditions and where the captain decides to fish. The good news is that the trip is designed so you’re not standing around waiting for luck.

Several trip accounts mention fast action—sometimes cod in under half an hour, and in one case people were catching within about 10 minutes of starting. On better days, the bite can feel almost constant, with people bringing fish up repeatedly and the deck staying busy.

That said, it’s still fishing. One shortfall shows up in a couple of stories: on rougher or less productive stretches, some groups report fewer fish. The crew likely adjusts where they fish, but ocean conditions can still win sometimes.

The most important mindset shift for you: don’t treat this like a museum stop. Treat it like an activity where you do things—cast, reel, and follow instructions—so you get the most out of the time.

Your onboard BBQ: eating what you caught, right there at sea

This is one of the main reasons to choose this specific style of tour. Your catch can be barbecued onboard, served with potatoes. The meal is part of the point: Iceland’s fishing culture is tied to the sea, and this turns the catch into something you eat immediately instead of bringing it home and figuring it out later.

People consistently describe the BBQ as fresh and genuinely tasty, not just a token snack. Some mention that the crew cooked fish with potatoes and sauces, and that the dinner felt beyond what you’d expect for the time and cost.

There are two small considerations to keep your expectations grounded:

• The exact seasoning can vary, and one review specifically wished for more seasoning or noted bland results for the cooked fish.
• If you’re sensitive to smells or heat, know that cooking is happening onboard while you’re still adjusting to motion and wind.

Also, the tour is described as catch-and-eat, but you may also have the option to keep your catch. At least some people chose to take fish home rather than having everything cooked onboard. If that matters to you, ask the crew how they handle it during your departure.

Puffins, whales, and dolphins: the nature bonus (not guaranteed, but real)

Iceland tours love to promise wildlife, but this one earns extra points because sightings are tied to where the boat is traveling while fishing. Puffins show up when conditions align—some accounts even mention puffin island. More dramatic sightings show up too: whales like humpbacks and minkes, plus dolphins, are mentioned in multiple stories.

What I like here is how the crew balances the fishing with the spotting. One trip description says the boat went past fishing spots to look for whales while waiting to eat, which tells you this isn’t just a single-minded mission. The sea can be unpredictable, and the captain’s job includes both fish and safety plus guest experience.

Don’t plan this as your whale guarantee. But if you’re the kind of traveler who enjoys the chance of something special while doing something practical, you’ll likely appreciate this bonus.

Weather, sea sickness, and where to ride out the rough parts

Here’s the honest truth about Reykjavik boats: wind and waves are normal. The difference between a great day and a miserable day often comes down to whether you’re prepared for motion.

Some of the best trip stories still mention unfriendly weather. In one case the waves were unfriendly but the fishing didn’t care—and the catch numbers were high. Other stories show that if conditions are rough, the crew may shift to shallower or calmer areas to help improve the fishing and overall comfort.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, plan like you mean it. One review flat-out warned that this isn’t ideal for easy sea sickness, and another suggested ginger pills beforehand. A couple of people also mentioned staying inside more than usual when it got rough.

The practical move for you:

• Bring motion-sickness remedies if you’ve ever reacted on boats.
• Dress in layers and keep dry clothing in mind.
• Use the covered areas when you need to—especially during transitions from fishing to eating.

Timing and group energy: why the 2.5 hours feel like the right length

This tour is 2.5 hours long, and that matters. It’s long enough to get the rhythm of fishing but not so long that you forget what you’re doing. Several accounts describe action starting quickly and staying strong, which helps you feel like your time on the water is productive.

Group size can affect the vibe. One story mentions the boat being fairly full (15+), but the crew still manages help and coaching so people keep catching. The common theme is that deckhands pay attention to individuals—unhooking, assisting with fish, and making sure you’re not stranded with confusion when the action starts.

You’re also not just sitting still while waiting. The job is to cast, watch your line, and react. When the crew finds fish, the whole boat’s energy lifts fast.

Price and value: is $141 worth it?

At about $141 per person, this isn’t a budget activity—but it also isn’t just a normal sightseeing add-on. You’re paying for three expensive pieces bundled together:

1. A boat trip out into productive waters
2. Equipment plus protective clothing and guided instruction
3. A cooked meal using your catch, plus potatoes

Some reviews make the value feel even clearer by comparing it to higher seafood costs elsewhere. The point for you: if you’d normally buy seafood in Iceland, you’ll see prices that can make you wince. Here, you’re not only eating fish—you’re also participating in the moment that produces it.

The other value angle is time efficiency. You get a meaningful Reykjavik activity without needing to organize gear, licenses, or a long day schedule. For families and first-timers, that efficiency often feels like the real bargain.

Who should book this sea fishing and BBQ tour?

This tour fits best if you like hands-on activities and want an Iceland experience you can actually do, not just watch. I’d especially recommend it for:

• First-timers who want coaching and a high chance of catching fish
• Families with kids (a child-friendly vibe shows up often, with crews helping everyone feel successful)
• People who want a meal that’s tied to the day’s work

It’s also a decent fit for experienced anglers who just want time on the water with a working crew. The catch list and the captain’s willingness to adjust for action help, and the onboard prep makes it easy.

The only group I’d caution: travelers who are severely sea-sick on boats. If you know you react badly, this can become a test you may not enjoy. For light sensitivity, remedies and smart positioning onboard can make a huge difference.

Should you book this Reykjavik sea fishing tour with onboard BBQ?

If you want a memorable Reykjavik half-day that mixes scenery, real fishing effort, and a hot meal from your catch, I think you should book it. The big wins are the high level of crew involvement, the “do it yourself” fishing element, and the fact that the catch becomes dinner while the experience is still fresh.

If you’re the type who hates even mild motion, you should think carefully. Prepare for waves and temperature, and consider whether a boat outing is a risk you’re comfortable taking.

For most people—especially couples, families, and first-timers—it’s the kind of Iceland activity that feels unusually personal for the time you spend.

FAQ

What fish can I catch on this tour?

You can target cod, halibut, haddock, rockfish, and pollock.

How long is the sea fishing trip?

The duration is about 2.5 hours, with departures that can vary by availability (the time on the water is described as roughly 2.5–3 hours).

Will they grill the fish onboard?

Yes. Your catch can be grilled onboard and served with potatoes.

Can I keep the fish I catch?

The tour is described as catch-and-eat, and some people choose to take their catch home. You’ll want to ask the crew how they handle it on your departure.

Is pickup included in the price?

Pickup starts about 60 minutes before departure, but it is only available for registered hotels and guesthouses in Reykjavík and involves a small extra transfer fee.

What languages are available?

The live tour guide is English, and there’s also an app available in English, German, French, Spanish, and Chinese.

You Might Also Enjoy

Rovaniemi: Snowmobiling and Ice FishingCairns: Great Barrier Reef Fishing Charter with LunchAthens: Fishing Trip Experience on a Boat with Seafood MealExclusive Squid Fishing on Chic Floating Café from Pattaya