Cod on the line, then lunch onboard. I love the mix of hands-on sea fishing and the instant payoff of eating what you catch, and I also love that the crew handles the fileting and cooks it for you back at the dock. The main drawback is simple: conditions can get choppy, so if you’re motion-sick, plan for that.

This is a true small-group outing (up to 12 passengers) that feels more like working alongside local fishermen than checking boxes. You’ll get fishing gear, waterproof clothing, and clear instruction, then spend a focused 3 hours on the water with a local captain guiding where to fish.

Key things to know before you go

• Small group, real attention: Up to 12 people means the crew can help you get set up fast.
• Catch, keep, and eat: You keep what you catch, and the team filets it for the onboard meal.
• Fresh-cooked fish while it’s still warm: Lunch is made from the catch of the day, cooked on the way back or soon after.
• Plan for rough water: The bay is not always smooth, and seasickness is a legit consideration.
• You’re not stuck waiting: Many people reel in fish during the short outing, even with limited experience.

Old Harbour check-in: finding the boat by Víkin Maritime Museum

Your tour starts in Reykjavik’s old harbor, right by the Víkin Maritime Museum. From the city center, count on a 5 to 10-minute walk, so it’s easy to build into a normal sightseeing day.

Look for the sign marked Hlésgata and head to the side of the shipyard where the larger vessels sit on land for repairs. The key is to arrive a little early so you can settle in before the boat leaves.

This meeting spot also matters because you’re starting in the middle of the harbor action. You’ll feel like you’re about to do something practical, not just take a scenic cruise.

From city to bay: gear, safety, and what the 12-person limit changes

Once you board, the experience quickly becomes hands-on. The crew provides fishing equipment, plus protective waterproof clothing so you’re not battling spray and cold wind.

Even with all that help, dress for Icelandic weather first. The tour is only about 3 hours, but it’s long enough for wind and water to make you feel it, especially if you’re standing still while you wait for a bite.

The group size (no more than 12 passengers) is one of the best parts. With a smaller boat, you’re less likely to get ignored while the crew focuses on the most confident anglers. Instead, you get more time for setup, questions, and quick coaching.

If you’re traveling with kids, this is a safety-first situation: the tour is not recommended for children under 4, and any child 12 and younger must wear lifejackets (provided).

The fishing run outside Reykjavik: what you’re actually trying to do

You’ll sail out from Reykjavik into the bay and toward the islands outside the city. The goal is simple: fish for cod, haddock, rockfish, and pollock, with the local crew guiding the exact spots and timing.

In many departures, the ride out doesn’t take forever. One participant described the first stop as around a 20-minute run, which is great because it means you spend more of the 3 hours with your line in the water.

Your guide provides instruction and guidance, and the crew uses cabin instruments to help locate fish. That matters because it turns fishing from random luck into something more repeatable—especially for first-timers.

And yes, the bay has wildlife energy. Keep an eye out for sea birds while you’re out there, and you may even spot puffins depending on the day.

Catching cod and more: how the crew helps first-timers

The big promise here is not just being on a boat—it’s catching fish. The captain and crew are set up to get people fishing quickly, and multiple people report that everyone who fished ended up catching something.

What you catch can vary with the conditions, but cod and haddock are the common stars. Pollock and rockfish are also on the list, and some trips include other species like whiting (so don’t be surprised if you end up with more than one type in your cooler).

If the water is rough, your chances are still real, but you’ll have to stay steady. One key tip from past outings is straightforward: if you’re even mildly prone to motion sickness, consider bringing seasickness pills. It can make the difference between enjoying the “action” part and spending the whole ride wishing for dry land.

The payoff is the moment you feel the line take hold. With guidance at your side and the gear sorted out for you, you’re not doing this blindly.

Keep what you catch: the filleting step that turns effort into a meal

After the fishing, you return to the harbor with your catch. Here’s where this tour becomes genuinely satisfying: you keep what you catch, and the team fillets it for you.

That filleting step is more than convenience. It means you’re not trying to figure out Icelandic fish prep at the end of a windy boat day. Instead, the crew handles the practical part, and you get to focus on tasting your own haul.

On some trips, the catch can be larger than expected. People have described landing multiple fish during the short outing and still having enough to eat well onboard and on the ride back.

Even if you’re an inexperienced angler, the process is set up so you’re doing the right thing at the right time. You fish, the crew helps you stay on track, and the meal follows.

The BBQ and lunch onboard: pan-fried fish with potatoes and sauce

The lunch is not an afterthought. It’s built around what you catch, which is why it feels different from a typical tour meal.

Expect your freshly caught fish to be cooked onboard—often pan-fried fish with potatoes and sauce. Past departures also describe cooking happening while fishing is still underway or as the boat heads back toward the dock, so you’re not stuck waiting for food until everything is over.

This is one of those experiences that hits both senses: you’re out in the wind, then you’re eating something hot and simple. Cod and haddock taste best when they’re handled quickly, and this tour is designed around that timing.

Depending on the crew and the day, you might also notice small extras like tea or coffee and homemade cookies. Those aren’t the reason to book, but they add to the feeling that this is family-run, working-people hospitality.

If you’re wondering about taste and portions, the consistent theme is that the meal is satisfying. It’s not a tiny sample plate meant to fill time—it’s lunch from your catch, served in a way that matches the effort you put in.

Weather and timing: making the most of a 3-hour experience

The tour is about 3 hours, which is the sweet spot. Long enough to get out to fishing areas and actually work for a catch, short enough that you’re not spending your whole day on the water.

Because the schedule is tight, weather changes can affect comfort. If the bay gets rough, you’ll feel it. That’s why warm clothing matters so much—even with waterproof gear provided.

The good news is that the tour is designed around practical outdoor conditions. You’re not stuck watching from the sidelines in your dry clothes. You’re actively fishing, then you’re warm again with food onboard.

Also, remember there’s no hotel pickup or drop-off included. Plan to get yourself to the old harbor meeting point smoothly, and you’ll enjoy the day without last-minute stress.

Price and value: is $176 a fair deal in Reykjavik?

At $176 per person, this isn’t the cheapest activity in Reykjavik. But it also isn’t just a boat ride.

Here’s what you’re paying for: a local guide, fishing equipment, waterproof clothing, fishing instruction, and a lunch made from the catch of the day. On top of that, you keep what you catch, and the crew fillets it for you.

That combination is where the value shows up. Many tours give you a meal, but not one tied directly to your catch. Many fishing experiences let you fish, but not all of them handle the cleaning and cooking afterward. This one covers the whole arc: line-in-water to food-on-plate.

The small-group limit adds value too. With up to 12 passengers, you’re more likely to get help when you need it, rather than waiting your turn while the boat fills up.

If you’re trying to balance experiences in Iceland, this is one of the more “active and earned” meals you can choose in the capital area.

Who should book this sea fishing + BBQ, and who should rethink it

I’d book this if you want something hands-on in Reykjavik that feels authentic and practical. It’s a great fit for first-timers because you’re not expected to know fishing technique before you arrive.

It’s also a strong choice for families with older kids. The tour isn’t recommended for under 4, but children 12 and younger get lifejackets provided, and the short duration keeps things manageable.

The main group to rethink it is people who get sick easily on moving water. If you’re prone to motion sickness, take that seriously and plan for it. The activity is still worth it for many people, but comfort depends on your tolerance.

Also consider your expectations around food. This is Icelandic sea fishing done simply: you catch fish, then you eat it freshly cooked. If you want a quiet sightseeing-only cruise, this is not that.

Should you book Reykjavik Traditional Sea Fishing with BBQ Feast?

If you want a Reykjavik activity where you actively do the main thing and then eat the result, book it. The small-group format, the all-in gear support, and the catch-based lunch make it feel fair for the price.

If you’re worried about rough water or motion sickness, go in prepared and dress warm. With that mindset, this is exactly the kind of experience that turns a short trip outside the city into a memorable meal and a real story about your first catch.

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavik Traditional Sea Fishing with BBQ Feast tour?

The tour duration is approximately 3 hours.

What kind of fish can you catch on this tour?

You can fish for cod, haddock, rockfish, and pollock.

Do I keep the fish I catch?

Yes. You keep what you catch, and the team can filet it for you.

What food is included?

Lunch is included and it’s made from the catch of the day, cooked onboard.

Are fishing gear and protective clothing provided?

Yes. The tour includes fishing equipment, waterproof clothing, and fishing instruction and guidance.

Is hotel pick-up or drop-off included?

No. Hotel pick-up and drop-off are not included.

Where do I meet the boat?

Meet at the old harbor of Reykjavik, next to the Víkin Maritime Museum. It’s a 5 to 10-minute walk from the city center.

Is the tour suitable for children?

The tour is not recommended for children under 4 years old. All children 12 and younger must wear lifejackets, which are provided.

What languages will the instructor speak?

The instructor speaks English and Icelandic.

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