Reykjavik turns into a fishing expedition fast. You meet at Geirsgata 11, dress in warm coveralls, and head out over Faxaflói Bay for a hands-on sea fishing session with an expert crew. What I like most is that you get the whole setup for you: all fishing gear plus bait.

My second favorite part is what happens after you land fish. You can grill your catch on board, or take it with you for later. One thing to plan around: this is a boat trip on icy North Atlantic waters, so it can mean rough, cold, shoulder-to-shoulder fishing conditions depending on the day.

Key things to know before you go

• Warm coveralls and professional equipment included so you do not have to pack or guess
• Crew-led fishing spots with real coaching for first-timers
• Catch-and-cook format: grill on board or take it back to your place
• Summer passes Akurey and Lundey for seabirds and puffins (May to August)
• Small-ish groups for a boat trip with a maximum of 65 people

Meeting at Geirsgata 11: where the trip actually starts

Your afternoon kicks off at Geirsgata 11 (101 Reykjavík). The start time is 5:00 pm, and the whole outing runs about 3 hours, ending back at the same meeting point. This matters because it’s easy to build into a Reykjavik day without needing a long transfer.

You’ll meet the captain and crew and get oriented right away. Then you’ll pull on warm coveralls before you step onto the deck. That small detail is a big deal in Iceland. A normal jacket plus guesswork is not the move. Coveralls help you stay comfortable when the wind hits and you’re standing still to fish.

Also keep in mind: the meeting point is near public transportation, and hotel pick-up is only available for an extra fee if you book through the supplier. If you’re staying in the center, walking or a short ride usually beats adding another schedule.

Faxaflói Bay boat ride: views and sea life, with real cold-weather prep

Once you head out, you’re looking at classic Reykjavik coastal scenery from the water. The bay is called Faxaflói Bay, and you’ll feel the motion quickly as the boat cuts through waves. That can be exciting. It can also be a wake-up call if you’re not used to open-water rocking.

What helps: you’re not going out under-dressed. The tour includes protective clothing, and the boat has seating inside with toilets. Some reports also mention drinks available, but food and drinks are not listed as included by default, so plan to bring your own mood—and not assume a meal is waiting besides your fish.

On the water, keep your eyes up. In the trips I’m drawing from, people have spotted whales and dolphins during the return, and there’s always a good chance of seeing seabirds close to shore while you fish or while the boat moves between spots.

Practical tip: wear layers under the coveralls if you run cold. You want warmth for the whole session, not just the first 10 minutes.

The fishing session: what you’ll catch and how the crew sets you up

Here’s the promise of this trip in plain language: you’ll fish, you’ll have gear, and you won’t be left alone with a line in your hand. The crew guides you to the best places to fish and teaches you the basics, even if you’ve never done sea fishing before.

You use supplied rods and bait, and the crew helps with key moments like untangling lines and getting everyone back to fishing. That matters because sea fishing is not only about knowing where the fish are. It’s also about handling snaggy bottoms, managing knots, and not losing your rhythm when the group gets crowded.

Species you may catch include:

• Cod
• Haddock
• Pollock
• Halibut
• Rockfish

In many of these outings, cod and other bottom fish are the main story. If you land fish, you also get a fast path from catch to dinner, which is a big part of the fun here.

One consideration: some participants note the fishing can feel shoulder to shoulder. If you hate tight spacing, arrive mentally ready for a shared deck during active fishing. It doesn’t mean it’s miserable. It just means personal space is not the priority on a working fishing boat.

Summer bonus: Akurey and Lundey for seabirds and puffins

If you’re going in May to August, your boat ride may include passing Akurey and Lundey. These islands are known for seabirds and summer puffin colonies, so keep your gaze on the shoreline and sea cliffs while you’re out there.

This is one of those “it’s not the main job, but it’s a free show” moments. Your hands are busy fishing, but your eyes can still grab color in the distance. Puffins and seabirds are a special fit for this kind of trip because you’re already dressed for being outside and looking across open water.

If you’re visiting outside summer months, you may not get that specific island pass. Still, you’ll likely have plenty of Reykjavik coastal views during the boat ride.

Deck-to-dinner: grilling your catch on board or taking it home

This is the part that turns a fishing trip into an experience you’ll remember at dinner time.

After fishing, you have two options:

1. They grill the catch on board for you to eat
2. They prepare the fish so you can take it back to your hotel or apartment to cook later

The ability to grill on board is a rare convenience. You’re not waiting for a restaurant, guessing how to cook seafood you barely saw before it became dinner, or dealing with the mess yourself. You also get that satisfying loop: you cast, you land, you eat.

In many cases, you’ll also see side items prepared along with the fish, such as potatoes, and the crew generally handles cleaning and serving. The exact menu can vary by day, but the key point is that the crew is ready to transform your catch into something you can actually enjoy.

If you’re taking fish back, make sure you’re thinking about storage and timing back at your place. It’s not hard, just something you should plan for so the fish stays fresh.

Price and value: what $147.54 buys you in Iceland terms

At $147.54 per person for about 3 hours, you’re paying for a full guided fishing experience that covers the hard parts:

• guides and crew
• protective coveralls
• equipment and bait
• and the big value-add: grilling your catch on board (or prepping it to take home)

A self-guided fishing setup in Iceland can get expensive fast once you price out gear rental, bait, a suitable boat or charter, and someone to teach you how to fish in sea conditions. This tour rolls those moving pieces into one price and keeps you focused on actually fishing.

Also, the tour is offered in English, and the included Special Tours app is available in multiple languages, including English, German, French, Spanish, and Chinese. That’s helpful if you want quick context while you’re on the move, or if your group includes more than one language.

Group size is capped at 65 travelers. That’s not tiny, but it is a realistic upper limit for a boat that still needs enough deck space for everyone to fish.

Who this trip is perfect for (and who should think twice)

This is a strong fit if:

• you want a hands-on activity that feels Iceland-y without being hiking-only
• you’re curious about sea fishing but you do not want to learn from scratch
• you care about eating what you catch, right there or later
• you’re traveling with kids or teens, because the crew works to get people catching fish

You might want to think twice if:

• you dislike cold, wind, and wet decks even with coveralls
• you have motion sensitivity and rough seas bother you
• you hate crowded working spaces on a boat deck

The good news is that this trip is built for first-timers. The crew is there to help with the moments where fishing usually breaks down for beginners.

What weather and sea conditions mean for your day

This is one of those Iceland activities where weather isn’t a minor detail. It’s the main variable. The experience requires good weather, and if conditions are poor, the operator will either offer another date or provide a full refund.

Even with good weather, expect real sea exposure. Some participants note rough seas and cold rain, but the overall experience still lands as fun because the crew is focused on getting everyone fishing and eating.

So if you book, bring the mindset that this is an outdoor activity. You’re not “watching” Iceland from inside. You’re spending the time outside and on the water.

Should you book this Reykjavik sea fishing trip?

Book it if you want a short, satisfying Iceland day with a clear outcome: fish in hand, fish on the grill, and a boat ride over Faxaflói Bay that actually feels like the coast is part of the show.

Skip it or choose another option if you:

• cannot handle cold wind or boat motion
• need a quiet, spacious experience
• want a guaranteed guaranteed fish-heavy day no matter what (sea fishing has ups and downs)

If you’re okay with the natural randomness of the ocean and you like the idea of hands-on cooking as part of the deal, this is one of the more cost-effective “do something real” tours in Reykjavik.

FAQ

What time does the Reykjavik sea fishing tour start?

The tour starts at 5:00 pm and ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the fishing experience?

It lasts about 3 hours.

Is fishing gear and bait provided?

Yes. You get all necessary professional equipment, including fishing rods and bait.

Can I grill the fish or take it back to my accommodation?

Yes. The tour includes grilling your catch on board, or you can have the fish prepared so you can take it back to cook later.

Are food and drinks included?

Food and drinks are not included unless specified. (Some boats have drinks available, but the tour itself does not list them as included.)

What happens if weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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