You can eat what you catch in Iceland. This Reykjavik sea angling trip mixes hands-on fishing in Faxaflói Bay with a fresh onboard BBQ lunch. I like that it’s truly beginner-friendly (no prior experience or license needed), and I also love the teaching-to-catch pace with a helpful brother-team. One possible drawback: it runs in wild North Atlantic conditions, so you should expect a weather-related chance of rougher seas and there’s never a catch guarantee.

If you’re short on time in Reykjavik, this is a clean fit. It’s about 3 hours on the water, small (max 20 people), and it’s in English—so you’re not stuck guessing what to do with a rod full of monofilament.

Now for the reality check that matters: the fish are there, but Iceland is still Iceland. The crew can’t promise a specific catch on a specific tour, and if conditions turn choppy, motion sickness can happen (even on calm-looking days).

Quick highlights you’ll care about

• Faxaflói Bay fishing grounds with a crew that steers you to where the bite is likely
• All gear provided, plus rain jacket and even borrowing rain gear if you need it
• Onboard BBQ lunch made from the fish you catch (fed before you’re even back at the dock)
• Beginner instruction that actually works, with quick demonstrations and hands-on help
• Small-group vibe (up to 20), plus reports of boats that feel more like a dozen anglers

Reykjavik sea angling with a fish-to-table BBQ lunch

Reykjavik has plenty of tours that promise a fun day. This one has a sharper hook: you’re fishing, then you’re eating the results—right there on the boat, as the trip turns back toward shore.

The key thing is that the whole experience is built around doing the fishing part yourself. You’ll be outfitted, shown how to operate your rod, and guided while you fish on the drift. Then the crew cleans and cooks what you catch, so the lunch doesn’t feel like a generic add-on.

And yes, Iceland really is strict about doing food fresh. When you eat fish that’s been pulled from the water and cooked shortly after, it tastes like the ocean did the cooking. Multiple accounts describe cod and haddock coming off the grill tasting far better than restaurant seafood.

Price and value: what the $160 buys you

At about $160 per person, this isn’t the cheapest thing you can book in Reykjavik. But the value holds together because you get three big categories covered in one price:

• Instruction + gear: You don’t need to shop for tackle, learn alone, or figure out local rules. Fishing equipment is included, and a rain jacket is provided.
• Time-efficient experience: Roughly 3 hours means you can fit it between sightseeing plans.
• A meal built from your catch: The BBQ lunch onboard is a genuine part of the trip, not a separate paid option.

In plain terms: you’re paying for a captain-and-crew day, the boat time to reach the best fishing grounds in Faxaflói, and the labor that goes with cleaning and cooking fish onboard. For a place where meals can add up fast, that included lunch is what makes the price feel reasonable.

Also worth noting: the trip is commonly booked about 51 days in advance on average. If you want a specific day and you’re traveling in peak season, booking ahead is smart.

From Hlésgata 1: how the 3 hours usually play out

The tour starts and ends at Hlésgata 1, 101 Reykjavík. That’s convenient because you’re not fighting across town to meet, and it’s described as near public transportation.

A typical flow on this kind of trip looks like this:

1) Meet and get geared up

You’ll be issued fishing equipment, and you’ll also get a rain jacket. If you’re underprepared for Iceland weather, the crew may let you borrow extra protection such as a rain coat or boots.

2) Short, clear instruction before you fish

From what people report, the crew gives a quick demo and then helps you get set correctly—rod handling, line placement, and what to do when you get bites. The idea is to shorten your learning curve so you can spend your time actually fishing.

3) Sail to Faxaflói fishing grounds

Once you’re out on the water, you’ll go toward the bay’s best fishing areas. People mention drifting with a drogue (a tool that slows the boat down), which makes the fishing feel more controlled.

4) Fish, then eat on the ride back

As you return, the crew BBQs a light lunch from your catch. Several accounts emphasize that the fish is cooked before you even reach the dock, which is why it tastes so fresh.

One practical detail: some reviews mention the boat having a bathroom (a head), plus coffee and cookies available when boarding. That’s not guaranteed by the basic trip description, but it’s a reassuring sign that the ride isn’t just “stand outside and hope.”

Stop in Faxaflói: fishing technique and what you’ll likely catch

The trip is centered on one main water stop: Faxaflói Bay. This is where the crew targets their best odds, and it’s also where you get that Reykjavik-to-the-water feeling fast.

Fishing style on this trip is commonly described as drifting, with the drogue helping slow things enough to fish effectively. That matters because it affects how your lure or bait moves, which directly impacts how often you feel bites.

What fish might show up

You won’t control what the sea does, but the tour data lists common catches like:

• catfish
• cod
• haddock
• mackerel
• pollack

Other species also appear in people’s accounts, including whiting and coalfish, and at least one report mentions halibut. The biggest takeaway: cod and haddock show up again and again, which is why the onboard BBQ is usually a real highlight.

Wildlife you might spot along the way

If you like watching seabirds do their thing, Faxaflói can deliver. Reviews mention lots of seabirds, especially fulmars and puffins. Whales are not promised, but puffins alone are enough to make the boat ride feel like more than just a means to an end.

The crew teaching you fast: brother-team help, English, and patience

This tour stands or falls on instruction. Luckily, the crew is consistently described as friendly, patient, and very practical.

Many people talk about a brother-team dynamic—people even mention names like Captain Jacob and Vigfus in different accounts. The consistent theme is that they coach you in real time: how to hold the rod, how to manage your line, and what to do when you get a bite.

Two specific points I’d highlight if you’re deciding whether this tour is worth your time:

• You don’t need experience: No prior fishing experience or license is required. The crew takes care of you, and the teaching is built for beginners.
• Help continues after the demo: It’s not a one-and-done talk. People describe frequent check-ins and immediate assistance if you’re doing something wrong.

One review also mentions a crew that stepped in when sea sickness started, getting the person what they needed and checking in regularly. That’s not a guarantee, but it shows the vibe: practical care, not just shouting instructions from the rail.

What the onboard BBQ lunch is really like

This is the part that makes the tour feel special, because it turns your fishing into food without a long wait—or any restaurant middleman.

The tour includes a BBQ lunch of catch onboard, and people describe it as simple, fresh, and expertly prepared. Cod and haddock show up often in the cooked accounts, and the biggest pattern is freshness: fish cooked before you’re back at shore is hard to beat.

A couple useful notes for your expectations:

• It’s a light lunch, not a full multi-course feast.
• The crew uses your catch for the BBQ. If you catch more, you’re likely to eat more of the real deal.
• Some accounts mention sauces and sides like potato salad.

If you’re coming to Iceland thinking food is all about sauces (it’s a fair joke, but it’s also kind of true), this meal hits that idea. It’s not fancy, but it’s satisfying, warm, and unmistakably local.

Weather, motion sickness, and staying comfortable out on the drift

This is wild nature. That’s not marketing copy—it’s the reality of being on the water in Iceland.

The tour requires good weather. If conditions are poor, the trip is canceled and you’ll either be offered another date or a full refund. That’s the operator doing what it needs to do for safety.

But weather can also mean “just enough wind and chop to make you uncomfortable.” One review describes seasickness during stormy conditions, and another mentions the crew being helpful when sea sickness hit.

So here’s what you can do to stack the odds in your favor:

• Wear clothing that can get dirty. Salt spray and damp deck life are part of the experience.
• Bring sturdy footwear. The trip provides rain protection, but it specifically calls out that sturdier shoes are not included.
• Plan for motion. If you’re sensitive, consider that even “short” tours can still shake you enough to upset your stomach.

Also: while success rates are described as high, a catch is never guaranteed. That’s not a scam; it’s fishing. Your chance improves with crew guidance and with the willingness to follow instructions quickly.

Who should book this (and who might want a different kind of day)

This tour is a strong match if you want:

• A hands-on Iceland activity that doesn’t require skills you don’t have
• A 3-hour plan that doesn’t swallow your whole day
• A meal included that isn’t just bread and a drink
• A small-group experience (max 20)

It’s especially good for families. People report that kids did well, and one account describes the crew being kind and patient with children. If you’re bringing teenagers, this also works because it gives them something to do that isn’t just looking at the harbor.

You might consider a different option if:

• You’re extremely prone to motion sickness and haven’t had luck with remedies in the past
• You want a guaranteed catch for a specific meal plan (you can’t lock that in on the sea)
• You’re not interested in fishing at all and just want sightseeing from a boat (though the bird-watching can help)

Should you book Reykjavik Sea Angling Gourmet?

Book it if you want the easiest path to an Iceland fishing day that turns into real food while you’re still out on the water. The combination of beginner coaching, included gear, and BBQ lunch from your catch is a rare package, and the small-group size keeps it from feeling like a factory tour.

Skip it only if sea conditions would likely ruin the day for you. If you’re okay with the idea that the North Atlantic can be moody and you’re willing to dress for damp and wind, this is a fun use of a Reykjavik afternoon—one where the payoff is tangible, not just a photo.

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavik Sea Angling Gourmet tour?

It runs for about 3 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

The meeting point is Hlésgata 1, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Do I need prior fishing experience or a fishing license?

No. The crew provides instruction, and no previous fishing experience or license is needed.

Is fishing equipment included?

Yes. The tour includes fishing equipment. A rain jacket is also provided.

What food is included?

A BBQ lunch made from the fish caught onboard is included.

What fish will I catch?

The most commonly caught fish are catfish, cod, haddock, mackerel, and pollack. Other fish may also appear, but a catch is not guaranteed.

What should I wear?

Bring sturdy footwear, clothing that can get dirty, and appropriate layers for Iceland weather. You may be able to borrow extra rain gear such as a rain coat or boots if needed.

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.