Cod on a line, then lunch on deck. This Reykjavik tour is a hands-on way to fish in the Faxaflói waters, and I love that the crew turns your first catch into an onboard BBQ meal. The second thing I really like is the small-group feel, where you get real coaching instead of standing around hoping you’ll figure it out.

Your main consideration is motion. If you’re the kind of person who gets queasy on boats, you’ll want to plan for it, because even short sea time can feel rough when the water isn’t calm.

Key Points at a Glance

• Keep what you catch: your haul goes straight into the cooking plan on board
• Faxaflói fishing grounds: the crew knows where to take you for cod, haddock, mackerel, pollack, and catfish
• BBQ on the way back: fresh fish grilled onboard with homemade sauce and potatoes
• Rain gear and tackle included: rain jackets and all fishing equipment are provided
• Small boat energy: enough room to get personal help during the fishing
• Wildlife sightings are possible: puffins and even whales come up when conditions allow

Finding the Jóhanna at Hlésgata Harbour (and Getting Ready Fast)

This experience starts right in Reykjavik, at Hlésgata harbour. Meet the crew onboard the boat Jóhanna, right next to the dry dock—easy to find once you’re looking for the boats in that harbor area.

When you arrive, the biggest “first win” is how quickly you can get into fishing mode. You don’t need to bring gear, and you’ll have rain jackets available on board. Comfortable shoes matter more than you’d think, because you’ll be on a boat deck where surfaces can be wet, and you’ll move around as the crew sets up lines and positions people.

Also bring the right mindset. You’re going to get salty, possibly wet, and your clothes should be ones you don’t mind getting dirty. The tour is built around being outside and doing something hands-on, not dressing for a photo shoot.

Sailing Faxaflói Fishing Grounds: How the Crew Gets You Fishing

The tour runs about 3 to 3.5 hours from Reykjavik, cruising the fishing grounds of Faxaflói. That timing is perfect for a “do it today” activity: long enough to feel like a real sea day, but not so long that you’re exhausted before dinner.

What makes this work well is that the crew isn’t treating it like one static spot and a waiting game. They take you to the best places to fish in the area, and you may move between spots during the trip to keep the chances high. On more than one occasion, people have described catching from multiple spots rather than one long stretch of silence.

And even when the focus is fishing, the sea view still does its job. Reykjavik’s coastline plus open water gives you that classic “I’m really in Iceland” feeling—especially if you’re used to tours that stay close to shore.

Wildlife can also show up. I’d treat it as a bonus, not a promise, but people have reported sightings of puffins and even whales during the trip. If the weather is decent, keep your head up and your phone away until you’ve had a moment to just watch.

Fishing for Cod, Haddock, Pollack, Mackerel, and Catfish

You’re fishing for several species on this cruise, including cod, haddock, mackerel, and pollack, plus catfish (as listed for the tour’s targeted catch). That variety is great because it keeps things interesting. If one species is slow, you’re not stuck hoping for one outcome.

Here’s the practical part: you don’t need to know the “moves” ahead of time. The crew teaches you the best fishing technique for the setup and where to position yourself. I like tours that don’t treat beginners like extra baggage. This one gives you a chance to learn while you’re actively fishing, with hands-on help on deck.

On top of the instruction, what surprises many first-timers is how physical and fast it can feel when the bite turns on. People have described very lively action, including fish taking the line quickly. You won’t just watch; you’ll feel the tug and learn by doing.

Also, the tour is run on a small boat (a cap of 12 people has been mentioned in accounts of this trip). That matters because it reduces the “line cutting and waiting” problem you sometimes get on bigger charters. You can ask questions, get adjusted, and keep fishing without long delays.

What You Catch Is Yours: The Catch-and-Cook Difference

This is a catch-and-eat style trip. When you land fish, what you catch is yours, and the crew uses the catch for the onboard BBQ. That one detail changes the whole experience. You’re not paying for a meal you could get anywhere—you’re working for it on the water.

In practice, you should expect some portion of the cooking to happen right there on board. People have described the fish being cut and prepared onboard so it’s ready to grill when it’s time to eat. You also shouldn’t be shocked if you see the crew working quickly, because the meal is built around freshness while you’re still out at sea.

If your appetite is bigger than your first catch, the “keep what you catch” setup can also mean you might take extra fish along for later. That’s not always guaranteed for everyone, but it’s a common pattern when people catch a lot and want to use the rest at home.

Just remember: you’re catching fish in open water. If you’re picky about seafood texture, or you strongly dislike any fishy smell on clothing, this might feel messy. But if you like the idea of real “from the sea to the grill” food, it’s a big win.

The Onboard BBQ with Homemade Sauce and Potatoes

This is the part that turns a fishing trip into a real Iceland memory. After fishing, the crew BBQs the fresh catch on board. The tour description calls out homemade sauce and potatoes, and people have consistently praised the meal as one of the highlights.

What you’re really tasting here is freshness. Fish straight off the water doesn’t have time to lose that clean, ocean flavor. People have described it as delicious and hot, eaten on the return ride toward the harbour, which keeps the whole day flowing instead of turning it into a separate restaurant stop.

You can also expect that the sauce and sides are part of the Icelandic comfort-food angle. Potatoes are included, and some accounts mention extras like potato salad or coleslaw depending on how the crew plates things that day. Even without those variations, the core idea stays the same: you catch it, then you eat it.

One more practical benefit: you don’t need to hunt down food in Reykjavik after you’re done. The meal is part of the experience, which saves time and helps you avoid the “what now” feeling after a half-day activity.

Puffins and Whales: Wildlife Moments You Might Get

Reykjavik’s sea tours often promise wildlife, but this one fits the real odds better than some. People have reported puffins and whales during the trip, and that wildlife energy is especially strong if the captain takes you near spots where birds gather.

A few accounts also describe time near an island, specifically for watching puffins. I’d still treat sightings as weather-dependent. You can’t demand a whale on a schedule. But you can get a real chance, and the combo of fishing action plus wildlife sighting can make the day feel unusually full.

If you spot birds, don’t forget you’re also fishing. The best approach is simple: enjoy the view for a minute, then get right back to your line. That balance is the heart of why this tour works.

Clothes, Shoes, and Motion-Sickness Planning That Actually Helps

You’ll be out on the ocean, and weather in Iceland can shift fast. The good news is that the tour provides rain jackets on board. The not-so-fun news is that you’ll still want to dress in layers and expect some salt spray or wet deck time.

For what to wear:

• bring clothes you don’t mind getting dirty
• wear comfortable shoes with solid grip
• dress in layers so you can adjust when the wind changes

Now, about motion. Even if the trip is only a few hours, you can feel it. One person shared that if you’re very sensitive to seasickness, this may not be for you. Another account mentioned the crew responding quickly when someone felt unwell, including ginger candy and peppermint tea.

So my advice is simple and practical: if you’re worried about nausea, take your prevention seriously before you go. Bring any personal motion-sickness remedies you use, and don’t assume you’ll be fine because it’s “short.”

Also, note what’s not allowed: pets and luggage or large bags are not permitted. That keeps the boat space manageable for everyone.

Price and Value at $176: When This Feels Like a Great Deal

At $176 per person, this is not a budget activity. But you’re also getting several things bundled together: guided fishing, all equipment, rain gear, and an onboard meal made from your own catch.

So the value question becomes: are you paying for “a boat ride,” or are you paying for “a real experience you can’t replicate”? For me, this leans strongly toward the second option. A lot of Reykjavik tours are scenery first and activities second. This is the opposite. You’re out there fishing, learning, catching, then grilling immediately.

It also helps that the fishing tour structure is designed to succeed. The captain and crew know the area and take you to productive spots for the target species, which increases the odds you’ll actually bring fish aboard.

The only time I’d think twice is if you mainly want calm sightseeing with no mess, no hands-on work, and no chance of getting wet. In that case, the price may feel steep for the amount of physical experience. But if you want a story where you caught the meal and ate it on the ride back, the cost starts to make sense quickly.

Who Should Book This Reykjavik Sea Angling Cruise

This is a strong fit for:

• First-timers who want real instruction and a chance to catch fish without stress
• People who like food tied to the activity itself (catch-and-eat is the whole point)
• Anyone who wants a small-boat feel and personal attention
• Families with kids old enough to participate comfortably (the tour specifies children under 2 aren’t suitable)

It’s less ideal if:

• you strongly dislike boats and motion (plan ahead if you get seasick)
• you don’t want to wear clothes that might get dirty
• you need to bring pets or large bags

One of the most praised aspects of this trip is how the crew helps during fishing, including time for individual questions. If you’ve ever felt lost on a tour because nobody slowed down for you, you’ll probably appreciate the pace here.

Should You Book This Sea Angling Gourmet Tour?

If you want an Iceland activity that feels practical and authentic, this is an easy yes—especially if you like hands-on experiences and you eat seafood with enthusiasm. The catch-and-cook setup is the standout value, and the small-boat guidance makes it work for both new and experienced fishers.

Before you book, ask yourself two things:

1) Are you okay with getting a little wet and dirty for a memorable day on the water?

2) If you’re even slightly prone to seasickness, have you planned for it?

If your answers are yes, you’ll likely feel like you got both the sea adventure and the meal you actually worked for. If your answers are no, there are plenty of Reykjavík tours that focus less on fishing and more on comfort.

FAQ

Where do I meet the tour in Reykjavik?

You meet the crew onboard the boat Jóhanna at Hlésgata harbour, right next to the dry dock.

How long is the sea angling experience?

The tour lasts about 3 hours, and it can run up to around 3.5 hours depending on the trip.

Do I need fishing experience or my own equipment?

No. All fishing equipment is provided, and the captain and guide teach you the best fishing moves if you don’t know them already.

What fish can I catch, and do I keep it?

You can fish for cod, haddock, mackerel, pollack, and catfish. What you catch is yours, and the crew cooks it onboard.

Is the onboard BBQ included, and what does it involve?

Yes. You’ll have a crew BBQ of the fresh catches onboard, with homemade sauce and potatoes.

What should I wear or bring?

Wear clothing you don’t mind getting dirty. You should also bring comfortable shoes. Rain jackets are provided on board.

Can I cancel if my plans change, and is it suitable for young children?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Children under 2 years old are not suitable for this activity.