Sea Fishing Experience from Reykjavik

REVIEW · REYKJAVIK

Sea Fishing Experience from Reykjavik

  • 4.5110 reviews
  • 3 hours (approx.)
  • From $147.54
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Operated by Special Tours Iceland · Bookable on Viator

Traveller rating 4.5 (110)Duration3 hours (approx.)Price from$147.54Operated bySpecial Tours IcelandBook viaViator

Reykjavik sea fishing turns a simple hobby into a real evening. From a 5:00 pm departure near Geirsgata 11, you head out into Faxaflói Bay, get hands-on help, and (best part) turn your catch into a hot meal.

I love that they provide the stuff that usually slows people down: fishing rods, bait, and protective clothing. I also love the payoff—your fish can be grilled right on the boat, or prepared for you to take back to your accommodation.

One thing to plan for: the trip depends on good weather, and some spots on the boat can feel tight if it’s shoulder-to-shoulder fishing.

Key highlights at a glance

  • Gear and bait are provided, so you don’t show up shopping.
  • Warm coveralls help you stay comfortable while you’re out on the water.
  • Crew guidance for first-timers, including help untangling lines and improving your odds.
  • Grilled catch on board, with an option to take it back.
  • Summer route includes Akurey and Lundey, good for seabirds and puffins.
  • Max group size is capped at 65, which keeps it busy but not chaotic.

Reykjavik Sea Fishing at 5 pm: A Cold-Water Adventure with a Warm Finish

Sea Fishing Experience from Reykjavik - Reykjavik Sea Fishing at 5 pm: A Cold-Water Adventure with a Warm Finish
This is the kind of activity that feels bigger than the time on the clock. You’re only out for about 3 hours, but the rhythm is all there: gear up, head out, fish for a while, then eat what you catch. And because it starts in the late afternoon (5:00 pm), you’re catching Reykjavik at its in-between mood—still active, but with that cooler edge in the air.

The trip is centered on fishing in the waters off Reykjavik, specifically the bay area known as Faxaflói Bay. The crew shows you where to fish, and you work the lines with supplied rods and bait. If you’ve never sea-fished before, you’re not stuck figuring it out on your own; the team actively helps you get going.

The part that keeps showing up in the experience is the “catch to meal” setup. You don’t just reel in fish and leave it to fate. You get a grill session on board, or you can have the fish prepared so you can take it back to eat later.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Reykjavik

Getting Ready: Coveralls, Supplied Rods, and Real Help for New Anglers

Sea Fishing Experience from Reykjavik - Getting Ready: Coveralls, Supplied Rods, and Real Help for New Anglers
Cold wind has a way of making people underestimate a sea trip. That’s why I like that they provide protective clothing, including warm coveralls. You meet the captain and crew, get the gear sorted, and you’re not juggling a coat that isn’t built for wet salt air.

Then there’s the practical win: you don’t need to bring your own fishing kit. The tour includes fishing rods and bait, so your mental checklist is short. You can focus on the actual fun—learning how to cast, feel the line, and respond when something takes the bait.

What makes the experience work for first-timers is the coaching style. You’ll get guidance on the basics and ongoing help while you fish. Even better, when lines tangle or you get snagged, the crew is used to fixing problems without turning the trip into a frustration contest.

One detail that stands out from the way the crew runs things: they actively try to make sure everyone gets a shot. That matters most with kids and people brand-new to fishing. A good day on the water isn’t just about the fish; it’s about keeping the energy up while you learn.

From Geirsgata 11 to Faxaflói Bay: What the Boat Time Looks Like

You start at Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík, and you return back to the same meeting point. The tour starts at 5:00 pm, so you’ll want to plan to arrive early enough to check in, get dressed, and be ready before the boat pushes off.

Once you’re underway, you get that Reykjavik-to-open-water transition. The boat heads out into icy waters in the bay, cutting through waves while you’re in the mindset of “okay, this is real sea fishing now.” It’s scenic, yes—but it’s also functional. The crew’s goal is to get you to the best fishing spots without wasting time.

On board, the larger-boat setup helps. You’ll find seating inside and toilets, which is more comforting than people expect when it’s cold and the wind is doing its thing. Some trips also have drinks available, which can take the edge off the damp air if you’re out there longer than you planned.

How much you’ll enjoy the ride depends on conditions. Some days bring rougher seas, and the boat can get a bit bumpy. The good news: the crew keeps the activity moving. You’re fishing, not just white-knuckling the trip.

Where the Fishing Happens: Species, Crew Spot Skills, and Realistic Expectations

Sea Fishing Experience from Reykjavik - Where the Fishing Happens: Species, Crew Spot Skills, and Realistic Expectations
This is a sea fishing trip aimed at catching multiple species, with the most commonly expected targets including cod, haddock, pollock, halibut, and rockfish. In practice, your haul will depend on where the crew finds fish and how the day’s bite looks.

The crew also earns their money in the “spot finding” part. Several experiences highlight that the captain and deck crew put people on fish quickly, which changes everything. Sea fishing can feel slow if you’re not where the action is. Here, the approach is to get lines in the right area and adjust as needed.

If you’re fishing with kids or you’re worried about learning fast, this is where the crew’s hands-on style matters. You can expect help with the basics and with common issues like crossed lines. You’re not being left to fend for yourself while everyone else looks like pros.

One thing to keep in mind: fishing can get crowded along the rails. If you’re sensitive to tight spacing, you might find it a bit shoulder-to-shoulder during the best moments. Even with that, most people still end up loving the energy because everyone is focused on one thing: catching fish.

And yes—wildlife can happen while you’re fishing or while you’re heading back. Some trips include sightings of whales and dolphins right next to the boat, which turns the return ride into something you remember even if you had an average fishing moment.

Akurey and Lundey in Summer: Puffins, Seabirds, and a Bonus Nature Show

Sea Fishing Experience from Reykjavik - Akurey and Lundey in Summer: Puffins, Seabirds, and a Bonus Nature Show
If you go in the summer months (May to August), the boat may pass Akurey and Lundey during the trip. These islands are known for seabirds and puffin colonies, which means you might get a bird show while you’re waiting for your line to do something exciting.

This is a nice contrast to the rest of the trip. Fishing is active and hands-on, but watching puffins and seabirds adds a calmer, colorful break. You’re still on the same boat, still moving through the same cold-water scenery, but you get variety in what you’re noticing.

If wildlife is a big part of your Iceland plans, this summer timing can add value beyond the fishing alone.

From Catch to Dinner: Grilling on Board or Taking Fish Back

Sea Fishing Experience from Reykjavik - From Catch to Dinner: Grilling on Board or Taking Fish Back
The meal setup is what turns a fishing trip into a genuine food experience. After fishing, you have two options: the crew can grill your catch on board, or they can prepare it so you can take it back for later cooking at your accommodation.

In plain terms: you don’t have to figure out what to do with raw fish after the tour. The crew handles the filleting and cooking process tied to what you caught. That means you get a hot, seasoned result while the fish is at its best.

A lot of the feel-good moments come from this part. People talk about big cod hauls, then a dinner that matches the day’s effort. Kids often remember this because they catch fish and then get to eat it while the excitement is still high.

Practical note: the tour includes the grilling, but food and drinks are not included unless specified. In other words, you may be getting the fish cooked for you, but don’t assume you’re getting a full meal setup with sides and non-fish drinks included across the board.

Crew Energy: Friendly Coaching and Named Help on Deck

This trip runs on teamwork: captain for spot choice, deck crew for line support, and the whole group effort to make sure people stay in the game. Reviews often mention friendly, hands-on help from specific crew members, including names like Stefan (captain), Vera, Kiljan, and deck help such as Samuel and Otsgir (spelling as given).

What that adds up to for you is confidence. When your line tangles, someone steps in. When you’re new, someone explains what to do next. When you catch fish, the crew helps you bring it in and process it for grilling.

Even when seas are rough, people describe the crew as keeping the mood up and the process moving. That’s important because sea fishing can tempt you to get discouraged fast. Here, the culture is to turn problems into a quick fix and keep fishing.

Price and Value: Is $147.54 Worth It?

Sea Fishing Experience from Reykjavik - Price and Value: Is $147.54 Worth It?
At $147.54 per person for about 3 hours, this is not a bargain-priced activity. But it can still feel like a good deal depending on how you travel.

Here’s the value logic that matters:

  • You’re not paying extra for gear. The rods, bait, and protective clothing are included, which is often where cheaper trips hide costs.
  • You’re paying for guidance. The crew works actively to help you fish, especially if you’re a beginner.
  • You’re paying for a meal outcome. Turning your catch into grilled food (or prepared fish to take back) removes the hassle of dealing with seafood logistics later.

If you were already planning to eat seafood in Iceland, this can feel like you’re buying an experience plus a meal tied directly to it. If you’re a serious angler, the spot-finding help can boost your chances of a good catch. If you’re a casual visitor, the combination of coaching + food + scenery still lands as a solid evening activity.

In short: this costs more than a simple city tour, but it earns it through included equipment, crew support, and the catch-to-dinner payoff.

Who Should Book This, and Who Might Want to Think Twice

This trip fits best if you want a hands-on Iceland experience. You’ll probably love it if:

  • you fish now or want to learn with real coaching
  • you want a late-day activity that still feels like an adventure
  • you like the idea of eating what you catch
  • you’re traveling with kids who need an activity with a clear reward

You might think twice if:

  • you strongly dislike close spacing, since fishing spots can feel tight
  • you get motion sick easily. The boat can face choppy conditions on some days, even if the crew manages the ride

Overall, it’s a strong pick for families, couples, and anyone who wants a different Iceland story than waterfalls and museums.

Should You Book the Reykjavik Sea Fishing Trip?

I’d book it if you’re ready to trade a normal dinner for a story you can eat. The combination of supplied gear, warm clothing, and a crew that helps you actually fish makes this approachable even if you’ve never done sea fishing. The fact that your catch becomes grilled food on board or prepared to take back is the difference between a nice outing and a satisfying evening.

If you want wildlife too, plan for May to August when Akurey and Lundey can enter the route. If you’re unsure, check your own comfort with cold weather and possible rough seas.

If those two things sound fine to you, this is one of the most practical “do it now” experiences in Reykjavik.

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavik sea fishing tour?

The tour lasts about 3 hours.

Where is the meeting point and when does it start?

You meet at Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland. The start time is 5:00 pm, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

What’s included in the tour price?

The tour includes the fishing with expert guides, protective clothing, all necessary equipment (including fishing rod and bait), and grilling the catch on board. It also includes access to the Special Tours App.

Do I need to bring my own fishing gear?

No. Fishing rods and bait are provided on board, and you’ll also be given protective clothing.

What fish might I catch on this trip?

You may catch cod, haddock, pollock, halibut, and rockfish.

Can I eat the fish after the trip?

Yes. The crew can grill the catch on board, or prepare it so you can take it back to your accommodation for later.

Are food and drinks included?

Food and drinks are not included unless specified. The tour includes grilling your catch, but you should not assume a full meal and drinks package.

What happens if the weather is poor?

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

Can I get a full refund if I cancel?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

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