Cold mornings, big fish.

This Reykjavik tour is one of the most hands-on things you can do in Iceland, with you actively fishing and then eating what you catch. I especially like the small-group feel (up to 12) and the fact that the lunch is made from your catch, not some pre-made meal. One thing to consider: it’s 3 hours outside on the water, so if you hate cold or choppy conditions, you’ll want to dress properly.

You’ll also love the practical side of it: waterproof gear and fishing guidance are included, and the crew helps you get your first lines in the water without turning it into a complicated lesson. Guides like Captain Snorri and first mate Ana have been praised for their friendliness and for cooking and serving the fish so it tastes like something you earned. The main drawback is that there’s no hotel pickup, so you’ll need to get yourself to the Old Harbor meeting point.

Key Highlights You’ll Feel Right Away

• Small group (12 max) means more help when you’re learning and more room to enjoy the bay views
• Keep what you catch, and the team filets it for you so you can focus on fishing, not prep work
• On-board fish lunch made from the catch of the day, often with cod prepared right by the captain
• Warm waterproof clothing provided helps you stay comfortable in Iceland’s changeable weather
• Wildlife spotting is part of the ride when conditions cooperate, with puffins mentioned in the experience

Finding the Boat: Old Harbor, Víkin Maritime Museum, and Hlésgata

This starts in Reykjavik’s Old Harbor area, at the docks near the Víkin Maritime Museum. It’s an easy walk from downtown—about 5 to 10 minutes—so you’re not stuck wasting time on long transfers.

If you’re coming from the city center, use the simple landmarks: pass the first dock, then the Hamborgarabúlla Tómas hamburger stand, continue past the Reykjavík Marina Hotel, and look for the sign marked Hlésgata. The meeting point is on the other side of the shipyard area where large ships sit on land for repairs, so take a moment to orient yourself before your boarding time.

I like tours that start where locals actually work. This one does. You’ll be walking into a real working harbor scene, not a staged tourist dock.

3 Hours at Sea: How the Timing Works

The tour runs for about 3 hours, and that time is packed with two big goals: fishing and lunch. You’re not doing a long cruise where you spend most of your time watching from a distance.

Because the group is kept to no more than 12 passengers, you get more chances to cast, reel, and ask questions. That matters if you’re a first-timer—line handling and timing can feel awkward at first, but having help nearby makes it click fast.

You’ll also be on deck in Icelandic weather. Even if the day looks mild when you leave your hotel, the sea air can feel sharper once you’re moving. So plan to move slowly on stairs, keep an eye on deck surfaces, and treat the trip like an outdoor activity first, sightseeing second.

Fishing for Cod, Haddock, Pollock, and Rockfish

Once you’re aboard, you sail out into the bay and start fishing with a local crew. The species you’re targeting include cod, haddock, rockfish, and pollock, depending on what’s available on the day.

Here’s what I think makes this tour work so well for beginners: they don’t just hand you gear and disappear. You get instruction and guidance, and the goal is catching your first fish rather than checking off a box.

The crew also helps with what happens after you reel one in. You keep what you catch, and the team will filet it for you, which removes the biggest hassle for most visitors. That turns the fishing from a fun gamble into a meal with a real ending.

In the reviews, people talk about catching plenty of fish—even when they were inexperienced—and you’ll hear praise for how enthusiastic the fishing crew is. Names like Captain Snorri and Thor show up often, and the common thread is that the guides treat the day like a shared adventure, not a transaction.

Wildlife is part of the bay experience too. You might spot seabirds such as puffins, especially when you’re out where the boat slows and everyone’s looking over the rail.

Waterproof Clothing and Cold-Water Comfort Tips

Good news: the tour includes waterproof clothing and fishing equipment, plus protective layers for time on the water. That’s a huge value because waterproof outerwear in Iceland can be pricey if you try to buy it on your trip.

Still, bring layers you trust. You’re strongly recommended to wear warm clothes and dress for the weather. Think warm base layers, a hat, and gloves you can fish in—if you can feel your fingers, the cold will win.

If you’re traveling with kids, note the age guidance: it isn’t recommended for children under 4 years old. For kids 12 and younger, lifejackets are required and provided. That keeps things safe and straightforward for families.

I also suggest you plan to stay balanced and patient. Boats can move a bit, and learning to fish takes focus. If you get distracted by every wave, you’ll miss the moments where the line suddenly tightens.

The BBQ Lunch on Board: Pan-Fried Fish, Potatoes, and Sauce

The best part of this tour is the finish: you return to the harbor and then eat. Lunch is included, and it’s made from the catch of the day, which is the whole point here.

The menu isn’t vague. You’re served pan-fried fish with potatoes and sauce. Fresh fish tastes like fish that was just pulled from the sea, not fish that sat on ice for days. Even if you don’t consider yourself a seafood person, the flavor difference is usually obvious within the first bite.

A lot of reviews mention that the captain cooks the fish with real care—people talk about cod cooked to perfection and meals that were a highlight of the whole Iceland trip. Captain Snorri shows up repeatedly in that praise, and first mate Ana is mentioned for helping with the process when the fish are cleaned.

One practical note: since you keep the catch and the crew filets it, you won’t be stuck doing prep work yourself. Your job is basically fishing, then eating.

Price and Value: What $170 Really Covers

At about $170 per person for a 3-hour outing, this isn’t the cheapest Reykjavik activity. But it’s priced like a hands-on experience, and the value is easy to see when you count what’s included.

You get:

• a local guide and fishing instruction
• fishing gear and waterproof clothing
• lunch made from the catch
• the chance to keep your fish and have it prepared for you

That bundle matters. Many tours in Iceland charge for the “activity” but then leave you to handle meals and extra gear on your own. Here, your fishing effort turns into lunch, which can make the day feel like a complete experience rather than a half-day snack.

The main cost-related consideration is simple: there’s no hotel pickup and drop-off. So you need to factor in your time and transport to get to the Old Harbor meeting point.

If you’re already doing one paid boat tour in Reykjavik, this is often a better deal than something that’s mostly viewing. If you want hands-on fishing plus a real meal, this is the kind of price that starts to make sense quickly.

Who This Tour Is Best For (and Who Should Rethink)

This tour fits best if you want to do something active and you don’t mind being outside in coastal weather. It’s great for:

• Families (with kids 4 and up) because lifejackets are provided and the crew is set up to help people actually catch fish
• First-timers who want guidance and don’t want to guess their way through fishing
• Couples and small groups who prefer a smaller boat experience instead of a crowded tour bus vibe

It may not be a fit if you’re traveling with very young children under 4, or if you hate the idea of a cold, wet deck time—even with waterproof clothing provided.

Also consider your priorities. If you want long dramatic scenic cruising with zero hands-on work, you might prefer a different type of Reykjavik boat tour. This one is about pulling fish up and then eating it.

Should You Book This Reykjavik Sea Fishing and BBQ Tour?

I’d book it if you want a real Iceland memory with a clear payoff: you fish, you keep what you catch, and you eat it soon after while it’s still fresh. The small group and the included waterproof gear make it feel more manageable than many outdoor tours, especially if you’ve never fished before.

Do it if you’re hungry for something authentic and practical, not just a photo stop. And dress for the sea, not for the forecast on your phone—cold air can sneak up the moment you’re on the water.

Skip it only if you already know you can’t handle being outside in cool windy weather for a few hours. Otherwise, this is one of those Reykjavik experiences where the “worth it” factor comes from the full chain—from line in water to lunch on your plate.

FAQ

Where do I meet the boat?

Meet at the Old Harbor in Reykjavik near the Víkin Maritime Museum. The boat is a 5 to 10-minute walk from the city center, and the meeting point is next to the shipyard area where larger ships are on land for repairs.

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours.

What fishing gear and clothing are included?

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

Can I keep the fish I catch?

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

What is included in lunch?

Lunch is included and is made from the catch of the day. It’s pan-fried fish served with potatoes and sauce.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You’ll need to get to the meeting point on your own.