Sea Fishing Experience from Reykjavik

The best part of this Reykjavik outing is wonderfully simple: you head into Faxaflói Bay, drop a line, and may eat a cod you caught only minutes earlier. Even first-timers get help from the crew, while experienced anglers can settle in and chase larger fish. I like the fresh fish dinner aboard and the chance to see puffins, dolphins, or whales along the way. The main drawback is that the boat can feel crowded, and fishing success, sea conditions, and equipment quality are not fully within your control.

I also like that you do not need to haul fishing gear across Iceland. Rods, bait, and protective clothing are supplied, and the crew handles tangles, hooks, filleting, and cooking. But if your idea of a perfect fishing trip requires lots of personal space or polished tackle, check your expectations first.

Key points before you cast off

• Catch and eat your fish: Cod and haddock are often prepared with potatoes and grilled aboard.
• Easy for beginners: The crew explains the basics and helps bring fish in, remove hooks, and sort tangled lines.
• A real bay outing: You fish in Faxaflói Bay, with views from the water and possible wildlife sightings.
• Summer bird watching: From May through August, the route passes Akurey and Lundey, known for puffin colonies.
• Three hours from central Reykjavik: Meet at Geirsgata 11 at 5:00 pm and return to the same place.
• Weather matters: Rough seas can make the ride exciting, but poor weather may cancel the trip.

Leaving Geirsgata 11 for Faxaflói Bay

Your outing begins at Geirsgata 11, in central Reykjavik, at 5:00 pm. It ends back at the same meeting point about three hours later. Hotel pickup is available for an extra fee through the supplier, but you should arrange it directly rather than assume it is included.

The meeting point is near public transportation, which makes this a fairly easy activity to fit into a Reykjavik day. The late afternoon departure also works well if you have spent the morning sightseeing, visiting a pool, or recovering from an early arrival.

Once aboard, the captain and crew provide warm coveralls. This matters in Iceland, where the air over the water can feel much colder than it does on shore. You will still want to dress sensibly, but you do not need to pack specialist outerwear for the boat.

The vessel has indoor seating and toilets, and drinks are available aboard. Food and drinks are not included unless specifically stated, so do not count on a full meal before the fish is cooked. The group can reach up to 65 people, which means the boat is substantial, but the fishing area may still feel busy when everyone is working a line.

Learning the basics before the first cast

This trip is not reserved for serious anglers. The crew supplies rods and bait, then helps you learn how to lower the line and work the tackle. If you have never fished at sea, you can expect practical help rather than a long classroom lecture.

The crew also works actively during the fishing. They help untangle crossed lines, remove fish from hooks, and deal with the small problems that arise when many people fish from one boat. That hands-on support is especially useful for families with children and anyone handling sea-fishing gear for the first time.

The fishing method takes you down toward the seabed, where cod and other species may be holding. That also brings a warning: lines can catch on rocky bottom. One poor outing included lost weights, several damaged or incomplete rod tips, and not enough replacement tackle. That appears to be an exception rather than the usual pattern, but it is a fair reason to ask the crew for help quickly if your line snags.

You may catch cod, haddock, pollock, halibut, or rockfish. Cod is the most likely star of the meal, with some catches producing several good-sized fish per person. On another trip, the boat reportedly landed more than 70 cod in about two hours. Those are strong results, not guarantees. Fishing has slow periods, and one person may catch little while the angler beside them does well.

What the fishing feels like on a shared boat

The fishing itself is active and social. You stand or sit with other people close by, watch lines go down, and hear plenty of excitement when someone hooks a fish. The crew may move the boat to different fishing spots in search of better action.

I would not choose this outing for solitude. One especially positive account still noted shoulder-to-shoulder fishing. If you want quiet time alone with a rod, a smaller private charter would suit you better, but that is a different type of experience and likely a different price.

For families, the shared atmosphere can work in your favor. Children can see other people catching fish, receive help from the deck crew, and celebrate each catch. Families with children aged 10 and 13 had a particularly successful outing, and several accounts describe every person in the family catching at least one fish.

The crew’s attitude makes a real difference. Names mentioned include Captain Stefan, Vera, Kiljan, Oscar, Otsgir, and Samuel. The exact crew varies, but the pattern is clear: the staff help with lines, give fishing instruction, and keep the mood friendly. Captain Stefan received special praise for finding productive spots, while Vera and Kiljan were singled out for friendly help and teaching.

Cod, haddock, and the meal you help provide

The most satisfying feature is the food. After fishing, the crew can prepare your catch for you to take back to your hotel or apartment, or cook it on the boat. Many outings include grilled cod or haddock with potatoes, served as the boat heads back toward Reykjavik.

This turns the activity into more than a standard fishing trip. You are not just taking photos of a fish and releasing the memory. You can catch dinner, watch it being filleted, and eat it fresh at sea. The meal is basic rather than fancy, but that is part of its charm. Fresh cod, potatoes, and a bit of sea air make a memorable Icelandic meal.

You should not book this solely for the promise of a large catch. The fish dinner depends on what is landed, and one outing produced very little. Still, even a slow day can include the boat ride, scenery, crew assistance, and the novelty of handling fishing gear in Icelandic waters.

You can also choose to take the prepared fish back to your accommodation. That option is useful if you prefer to cook later or want to keep the boat ride focused on fishing. Ask the crew about the practical arrangements on the day, since the supplied details do not specify packaging or storage.

Puffins, dolphins, and the view from the bay

From May through August, the boat passes Akurey and Lundey. These small islands are known for seabirds and summer puffin colonies, so bring your attention away from the rod from time to time. The bird viewing is an extra, not the main purpose of the trip, but it adds a distinctly Icelandic touch.

Dolphins and whales have also been seen beside the boat on some outings. Again, this is chance wildlife, not a scheduled stop. You should treat these sightings as a bonus rather than something the trip promises.

The view from Faxaflói Bay gives you a different angle on Reykjavik and the surrounding coast. The scenery can be beautiful in clear weather, while rain, wind, and rough seas can make the ride far more physical. One person described cold, wet, windy conditions and still considered the trip memorable, but not everyone will feel the same way.

If you are prone to seasickness, be realistic about the setting. The information provided does not specify seasickness medication or onboard treatment, so bring any remedy you normally use. The boat has indoor seating, which gives you a place to get out of the wind, though you may still feel the motion.

Is $147.54 a fair price?

At $147.54 per person, this is not a cheap way to spend three hours. The price makes more sense when you add up what is included: an expert-led boat trip, fishing rod, bait, warm protective clothing, deck assistance, and the chance to have your catch cooked aboard.

You also avoid buying or renting separate gear. For a first-time angler, that all-in setup is convenient and removes much of the guesswork. The grilled fish adds real value, especially for families who would otherwise pay for another meal in Reykjavik.

The value is weaker if you mainly want a boat ride or wildlife watching. Puffins, dolphins, and whales are possible, but fishing is the purpose of the outing. Likewise, you may not catch enough for a meal, and the boat can be crowded with a maximum of 65 people.

The experience is booked an average of 68 days ahead, which suggests you should reserve early if it matters to your schedule. That is particularly sensible during the busy summer season, when puffins are present and demand for Reykjavik activities is high.

Who should book this Reykjavik fishing trip?

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• First-time sea anglers who want instruction and supplied equipment
• Families with school-age children or teenagers
• Couples looking for an activity that feels different from museums and city walks
• Experienced fishers who enjoy the chance of catching cod, haddock, and pollock
• Anyone who likes the idea of eating a fresh catch immediately after landing it

It is less suitable for you if you need a quiet private charter, dislike cold or wet weather, or want guaranteed fishing results. It is also not the best match if you care deeply about using your own high-quality tackle, since the equipment is shared and its condition may vary.

The trip requires good weather and a minimum number of participants. If poor weather cancels it, you are offered another date or a full refund. If the minimum number is not reached, you can receive a different date or experience, or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the 5:00 pm start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted.

What to bring and how to prepare

Wear layers and shoes with a secure grip. Warm coveralls are supplied, but practical clothing still helps if the weather turns cold or wet. Bring a camera for the bay, seabirds, and any unexpected marine life, but keep it secure around fishing gear and spray.

You do not need to bring a rod, bait, or other fishing equipment. The supplied gear is one of the outing’s strongest practical features. You may want to bring water or a small snack, since food and drinks are not included unless specified, though drinks are available aboard.

Give yourself enough time to reach Geirsgata 11. Hotel transport costs extra and must be booked directly with Special Tours Iceland. The tour is offered in English, and the Special Tours App is available in English, German, French, Spanish, and Chinese.

My verdict: book it for the catch, not a guarantee

I would book this trip if I wanted a hands-on family activity, had never tried sea fishing, or liked the thought of eating freshly caught cod in Faxaflói Bay. The friendly crew, supplied clothing and equipment, active help on deck, and simple onboard meal give it a strong sense of value.

I would skip it if I wanted peace and quiet, guaranteed wildlife, or a carefully controlled private fishing session. The boat may be crowded, the sea can be rough, and fishing luck changes from day to day.

For most visitors, the deciding question is easy: can you enjoy the outing even if the fish are slow? If yes, this is a memorable three-hour addition to Reykjavik. If you need a guaranteed catch, book something else.

FAQ

Where does the sea-fishing experience begin?

It begins at Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland.

What time does the tour start?

The scheduled start time is 5:00 pm.

How long does the trip last?

The experience lasts approximately three hours.

Where does the tour end?

It ends back at the meeting point on Geirsgata 11.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup can be arranged directly with the supplier for an additional fee.

Is fishing equipment provided?

Yes. Fishing rods, bait, and all other necessary fishing equipment are provided aboard.

Is protective clothing included?

Yes. Warm protective coveralls are supplied.

What fish might I catch?

Possible species include cod, haddock, pollock, halibut, and rockfish.

Can I eat the fish I catch?

Yes. The crew can grill your catch aboard, or prepare it for you to take back to your hotel or apartment.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

You will be offered another date or a full refund if poor weather causes cancellation.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted.