This is one of Reykjavik’s most hands-on tours, built around real saltwater fishing and an on-board BBQ right after you haul in the catch. I like that you don’t need to already know what you’re doing: the crew teaches you as you go, and you’re out on the water for a compact 2.5–3 hour slice of Icelandic sea life from the Old Harbor.

The best part for me is the payoff: you cast for cod, halibut, haddock, rockfish, and pollock, then the grill is fired up onboard and served with potatoes. One thing to plan for is sea conditions and motion sickness—some people say this trip isn’t for the lightly queasy, especially if the sea is choppy.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Old Harbor departure, Faxaflói Bay fishing: you’re fishing where the guides aim for cold-water species.
• Hands-on coaching for beginners: you get help with the basics so you can actually catch fish.
• The BBQ is part of the experience: your catch is grilled onboard and served with potatoes.
• Wildlife is a bonus: puffins are often spotted, and some trips also turn up whales and dolphins.
• You’ll feel the action: many outings are fast-paced, with reports of nonstop bites during certain windows.
• Not every spot is equal: a day can include hot water and cooler patches where catches slow down.

Reykjavik Old Harbor to Faxaflói Bay: why this fishing water matters

This tour is built around the Icelandic Atlantic—starting in Reykjavik’s Old Harbor and heading out to Faxaflói Bay. That matters because you’re not just “doing a boat ride.” You’re going where the crew expects cold-water fish to show up, then putting lines down during the time you’re out there.

The timing is also a big part of the value. At 2.5 hours on the water (with departures and pickup that make the day feel easy to schedule), you’re not spending half a day commuting and waiting around. You get a clear sequence: meet, move out to the fishing grounds, fish, then eat. It’s simple and it keeps the focus where it should be—on catching and on the meal that follows.

I also like the realism of the species list. The tour targets a mix of popular Icelandic catches—cod and halibut for classic results, plus haddock, rockfish, and pollock. That mix gives you a better chance of having your line go off at least sometimes, even when one species is slower in a given spot.

The 2.5–3 hour flow: casting, learning, then BBQ on board

On this kind of fishing tour, the “it was fun” factor usually comes from pacing. You’re not doing long lectures. You’re getting practical help, then repeating the same simple rhythm: bait, line down, reel up, and unhook if needed.

Here’s how the experience tends to feel on the water:

• You’ll start with guidance from the on-board guide and get help with fishing equipment and protective clothing.
• As you head out, you’ll have the chance to enjoy ocean views from the boat, with wildlife sightings often popping up along the way.
• Once you reach productive areas, the crew helps you fish efficiently. A lot of recent feedback points to quick action once the lines hit the water.

Then comes the part you’ll remember in Reykjavik when you start thinking about food: the grill onboard. Whatever you catch can be cooked right there and served with potatoes. That’s not just a convenience—it changes how you experience the day. Instead of treating fishing like an activity and dinner like something separate, you get a direct cause-and-effect loop: catch something, eat something. Even people who aren’t die-hard fish fans seem to enjoy that.

A few practical notes from the overall experience:

• If conditions are rough, the crew may adjust where you fish. Some days feel like nonstop action; other days can be more stop-and-go.
• The meal is served onboard after fishing, so your day ends on a warm, simple note.

What you’re really fishing for: cod, halibut, haddock, rockfish, pollock

The fish list is a great thing to check before you book, because it sets expectations. You’re fishing for cod, halibut, haddock, rockfish, and pollock. Those species show up in the cold-water waters around Reykjavik, and the guides know how to target them during the time you’re out.

What’s worth planning around is that the exact mix depends on the day and the water the captain finds. Even on very successful trips, you might catch mostly one species rather than every listed fish. That said, the overall pattern in feedback is encouraging: people report that the crew put them on fish, and many passengers catch more than one fish during the 2.5 hours.

One thing I’d take from the reported experiences: getting a bite quickly is common once the lines are in the right place. Several accounts describe fast fishing once they reached the first productive area—sometimes so fast that it can feel almost too easy. If that’s your goal, this is exactly the kind of tour where you’re paying for a crew who can find the bites.

Wildlife on the route: puffins, plus a chance at whales and dolphins

The tour route includes sightseeing potential, not just fishing work. In particular, puffins on a puffin island are often mentioned as a frequent sighting.

And there’s another wildlife angle worth knowing: in some outings, the boat makes time to look for bigger animals—people have reported sightings of humpback whales, minke whales, and dolphins while waiting to eat or while moving between fishing areas. That’s not guaranteed, but it’s a realistic “bonus” to expect with this kind of North Atlantic cruise.

If you’re traveling with kids, this is a major win. Fish is the main event, but wildlife moments help keep everyone engaged, especially if there’s a short lull between bites.

The crew is the secret ingredient: teaching + attention at the rail

A fishing tour lives or dies by the people on the deck. This one has a strong track record for hands-on help, and names like Oddgeir, Stefan, Asgeir, Samuel, Oscar, George, and Julia show up in feedback as guides and crew members who made the day easier—especially for first-timers.

What I like about the crew style is that it’s practical. The tour isn’t asking you to figure it out solo in cold water with a bunch of strangers. Instead, you get support with the basics, and that usually shows up fast:

• People report that even beginners can start catching within a short window.
• Crew members help with getting set up and staying efficient while you fish.
• The captain works to keep the group on productive spots, rather than leaving people waiting.

Some feedback also mentions the crew adjusting for comfort, like offering chances to move into more covered areas when conditions get rough. That’s not flashy, but it’s the kind of detail that makes the day actually work.

Weather, sea sickness, and what to pack in Iceland

Iceland sea weather is never fully predictable. The boat ride can get choppy, and that’s the main consideration that comes up repeatedly in feedback. If you’re prone to motion sickness, take it seriously.

Here’s what you can do with the info you have:

• The tour includes protective clothing, which helps with wind and spray, but it won’t magically fix nausea.
• Some people recommended bringing or using motion-sickness remedies in advance. Ginger pills are one example mentioned by a person who gets sick easily.
• On rougher days, you may want to spend time where it’s calmer if the boat has covered space.

My practical takeaway: pack like you’ll be outside on a windy dock and on a moving boat. Even if you feel fine at the start, give yourself a buffer. A short episode of nausea can ruin a great fishing run.

BBQ value: the taste test of catch-your-own-dinner

Let’s talk about the meal, because it’s part of what you’re paying for. The tour serves grilled fish onboard with potatoes after you fish. Multiple accounts call the food very fresh, and the overall tone is that the fish tastes better because it’s cooked immediately after being caught.

Still, it’s not perfect for everyone. One reviewer suggested the cooked fish could use more seasoning or added flavors like butter, which tells you the BBQ is probably straightforward rather than fancy. That’s not a deal-breaker, but it helps you set expectations: this is “caught and grilled,” not “gourmet tasting menu.”

A smart way to think about the meal value is this: you’re not just buying access to fishing gear and a boat. You’re also buying the cooking process, the potatoes, and the experience of eating what you caught—right there with your group. In Reykjavik, that combination is often where the value comes from.

Price and what you’re really getting for about $141

At $141 per person for roughly a 2.5-hour tour, it’s not a cheap afternoon. But I don’t think it’s overpriced when you break down what’s included:

• Fishing equipment and protective clothing
• A guide on board (so you’re not learning in isolation)
• The boat ride out to the fishing grounds
• Grilling onboard, served with potatoes

The real question is: will you catch fish and enjoy the meal enough to justify it? The feedback leans strongly toward yes—many people say they caught multiple fish, and the BBQ was a highlight. There are also a couple of mixed notes where catches were slower or smaller, which is normal in fishing.

So here’s my honest framing: you’re paying for the crew’s job—finding fish and keeping beginners comfortable enough to try. If that’s your goal, the price tends to make sense.

Who this Reykjavik sea fishing BBQ is best for

This is a strong fit for:

• Families with kids: wildlife plus a simple fishing-to-food payoff keeps energy high.
• First-time fishers: coaching seems to be the focus, and many people report catching fish quickly.
• People who want an Iceland activity with a real reward: the BBQ makes it more memorable than “watching a show.”

It might be less ideal if:

• You’re very sensitive to motion sickness and don’t plan ahead.
• You expect a deep, technical fishing masterclass with sonar readings and fish-by-fish measurement. Some feedback says the teaching is geared toward getting tourists catching something, not studying the science end-to-end.

If you want a fun, practical experience where you can realistically come home with memories—and often fish—this is a good match.

Should you book this cod-and-BBQ tour from Reykjavik?

I’d book it if you want a Reykjavik outing that combines three things in one: fishing help, ocean scenery, and a hot meal made from your catch. The strongest signal is the repeatable success people describe—lines going down, fish coming up, and everyone getting fed onboard with the potatoes.

I’d think twice if you know you get sick on boats and you don’t want to use remedies or adapt your comfort strategy. Also, if you need an ultra-technical fishing experience, this tour is more about getting you fishing than building a scientific report card.

If you’re choosing between “another tour” and “a tour that ends with something you cooked yourself,” this one has an edge. The short duration helps, the crew support seems to matter, and the BBQ gives the day a satisfying finish.

FAQ

Where does the tour depart from?

The tour leaves from Reykjavik’s Old Harbor and heads to Faxaflói Bay to fish.

How long is the sea fishing and BBQ tour?

It runs for about 2.5 hours on the water (check availability for starting times).

What types of fish are you trying to catch?

The tour describes fishing for cod, halibut, haddock, rockfish, and pollock.

Is a meal included?

Yes. You can grill your catch onboard, and it’s served with potatoes.

Do you need fishing experience?

No. The tour is set up for all ages and experience levels, with an expert crew on board to help you learn.

What language is the live guide?

The live tour guide is English.

FAQ

Is pickup included, and when should I show up?

Pickup starts about 60 minutes prior to departures, but the transfer is only available for registered hotels and guesthouses in Reykjavík and has a small extra fee.

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