Fresh fish weather is the best weather.

This Reykjavik tour turns a cold North Atlantic morning into a hands-on sea fishing outing, followed by lunch made from what you catch. You’ll sail out from the Old Harbor area, fish for species like cod, haddock, rockfish, and pollock, then head back to the dock where the crew cooks your catch into a warm meal.

I especially like the small-group setup (up to 12 people), because you get more help while learning the ropes and more room to enjoy the bay views. I also like the practical package: waterproof clothing, fishing gear, and instruction are included, and the crew fillets the fish so you’re not stuck doing the messy part. The main drawback is simple: you’re on the water for about 3 hours, so you need to dress for wind and chill even with the provided gear.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Catch, keep, and get filleted: you’re not just watching—you’re taking your catch home after the prep work.
• Small group, max 12: easier attention from the local crew than on big boat tours.
• Warm lunch from the catch of the day: pan-fried fish with potatoes and sauce, served after fishing.
• Waterproof clothing included: a big value add when Iceland weather changes fast.
• Reykjavik wildlife and bay scenery: islands and seabirds are part of the experience, with sightings possible like puffins.
• You sail first, then eat: the rhythm matters here—this is fishing that ends in a meal, not the other way around.

Reykjavik Sea Fishing with BBQ Lunch: The Core Idea

If you want Reykjavik to feel like Iceland and not like a museum stop, this is the kind of outing that makes the city feel real. You’re getting out on the water with a local crew, learning to fish in a working harbor setting, and ending with a hot lunch tied directly to your effort.

The biggest appeal is that you’re doing two things back-to-back that travelers usually experience separately: hands-on fishing and fresh seafood dining. Catch something, watch it get handled, then eat it. It’s straightforward, and it cuts out the usual “the meal was fine” disappointment.

I also like that the tour doesn’t overpromise fancy extras. The focus stays on fishing, staying comfortable, and getting a satisfying onboard meal—exactly what you want when you’re paying for an experience.

From Old Harbor to Open Water: Your 3-Hour Flow

This tour runs for about 3 hours, and the timing is built around a simple cycle: meet, sail, fish, return, eat.

First, you board at the Old Harbor in Reykjavik, near the Víkin Maritime Museum. Then the boat heads out across the bay toward islands outside Reykjavík. This portion is where you’ll feel the Iceland weather “activate” (wind, spray, cool air), but it’s also when you can relax and take in the scenery without racing between stops.

Once you’re fishing, the local crew provides the necessary equipment and protective clothing, plus instruction and guidance. If you’re new, you’re not on your own. The whole point is that you can participate, even if you’ve never fished before.

Then you head back to the harbor with your catch. That’s when the food part kicks in: your fish gets prepared, and lunch is served as pan-fried fish with potatoes and sauce. You get the satisfaction of catching it and the relief of not having to figure out how to cook it.

The Old Harbor Meeting Point: How to Find Your Boat Fast

Meeting location matters here because the tour is short, and you’ll want to avoid last-minute stress on cobblestones and docks. You’ll board at the Old Harbor of Reykjavik, next to the Víkin Maritime Museum.

From the city center, the walk is about 5 to 10 minutes. If you’re coming from downtown, pass the first dock and the Hamborgarabúlla Tómasar hamburger stand. Continue past the Reykjavík Marina Hotel until you see a sign marked Hlésgata. The meeting point is on the other side of the shipyard—where large ships sit on land for repairs.

A practical tip: if it’s windy, give yourself an extra minute or two to orient yourself. Docks can look similar, and the small-group boat size means you want to arrive before the crew starts organizing everyone.

Small Group (Up to 12): Why It Changes the Experience

On water, help makes a difference. With no more than 12 passengers, you’re more likely to get close, clear coaching when it’s time to fish. You won’t be stuck watching others do the hard parts while you wait for your turn.

A smaller group also tends to make the ride feel less like a cattle call and more like a shared afternoon. You get more space to sit and adjust your layers, which matters a lot in Reykjavik wind.

The boat itself is built for this kind of trip, so the vibe stays hands-on: catch, keep what you take, and then cook it into lunch. That “small crew energy” shows up in how the tour moves—efficient but not rushed.

What You’ll Fish For: Cod, Haddock, Rockfish, Pollock

The target species for this trip include cod, haddock, rockfish, and pollock. The exact mix can depend on conditions, but you should come prepared to fish for these types and be ready to learn as you go.

The tour also includes a key practical benefit: you keep what you catch and the team will filet it for you. That’s not just a nice touch—it’s a time-saver. It means you leave with usable fish, not a cooler full of work.

From the feedback you can gather about similar days on the water, it’s clear that people often leave with plenty of fish, and even first-timers tend to have success. If you’re the type who enjoys a measurable payoff (not just scenic photos), this is that kind of tour.

And yes, the view is part of it. Wildlife in the bay and islands outside Reykjavík can be a nice bonus when the fishing slows and you’re watching lines, not clouds.

BBQ on Board: What the Lunch Really Means

This is the part that makes the tour feel like more than a fishing lesson. After you return to the harbor, you’ll cook and eat what you caught.

Lunch is described as pan-fried fish served with potatoes and sauce. It’s simple, warm, and tied to the day’s catch, which is the whole point. The best meals in Iceland aren’t fancy—they’re fresh and done well.

The crew also helps with the food process, including filing and preparing the fish. Some boat teams are family-run, and you may hear familiar names connected to guiding and cooking (for example Snorri, Ana, or Thor show up in accounts of captains and first mates). You don’t need to hunt names down—just know that on these boats, the people running the experience are the same people handling the fishing and the meal.

One realistic expectation: you’ll be outdoors, on the water, and then eating a hearty lunch that fits that day’s effort. It’s not a light snack. It’s a “refuel and feel satisfied” kind of meal.

Waterproof Clothing and Weather: Stay Warm Without Overthinking It

Iceland weather is rarely polite, and this tour is out on the bay. The good news: the tour includes waterproof clothing and fishing gear. You still need to dress in warm layers underneath, because waterproof fabric isn’t magic—it protects, but it can’t fully replace insulation.

Warm clothes are strongly recommended, especially if you run cold. The time you spend on deck can include wind and spray, and even a great day can feel chilly once the boat starts moving.

Safety is also built in. Lifejackets are provided, and children 12 and younger are required to wear them. The tour isn’t recommended for children under 4, which keeps the group safer and more manageable on the water.

My advice: wear something you can move in and layer thoughtfully. You want to fish comfortably, not fight your clothes the whole time.

Price and Value: Is $170 Worth It?

At $170 per person for about 3 hours, this isn’t a “cheap afternoon” activity. But it’s also not overpriced when you look at what’s included.

You’re getting:

• Fishing equipment
• Waterproof clothing
• Instruction and guidance
• Lunch made from the catch of the day
• Fish filleting support
• A small group max of 12 people

That combination is the value. Most tours either give you gear but not the meal, or they give you a meal but not the catch-and-keep part. Here, you’re paying for an experience that turns effort into food, without needing to source anything extra.

So if you’re the type who wants to eat well in Iceland and also wants a real activity behind it, this price can feel fair. If you’re only after a scenic boat ride, then it might feel steep—because the point is fishing, not cruising.

Who This Tour Suits Best (And Who Might Feel Mismatched)

This tour is a strong fit for people who enjoy:

• Hands-on activities
• Getting outdoors right from Reykjavik
• Learning something with a local crew
• Having lunch that’s actually connected to the day

It’s also a good choice for families who are comfortable with water time. Several family-focused accounts highlight that kids can catch fish too, and the tour structure supports that with lifejackets for children 12 and younger.

Where it may not be the best match is if you’re uncomfortable on boats, hate cold wind, or don’t want to fish at all. This isn’t a watch-only tour. You’ll want to participate to get the full value.

Should You Book This Reykjavik Fishing and BBQ Tour?

I’d book it if you want a Reykjavik experience that’s practical, local, and payoff-rich. The small group, included waterproof gear, and lunch made from your catch make it feel like a complete package—fishing in the morning, good food later, no awkward “and then what?” gap.

I’d think twice only if you’re very weather-sensitive or expect an easy, purely scenic outing. You can absolutely have a great day even if conditions aren’t perfect, but you do need to dress for the water.

If you’re ready for cod-and-haddock style fishing and the idea of eating what you worked for sounds like a good Iceland memory, this is a very solid bet.

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavik sea fishing and BBQ tour?

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours.

What fish species will you be fishing for?

You’ll fish for cod, haddock, rockfish, and pollock.

Is fishing equipment and waterproof clothing included?

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

Do you get to keep what you catch?

Yes. You can 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 described as pan-fried fish with potatoes and sauce.

Where do you meet for the tour?

You board at the Old Harbor of Reykjavik next to the Víkin Maritime Museum. The boat is a 5 to 10-minute walk from the city center.

Is the tour suitable for children?

It’s not recommended for children under 4 years. All children 12 years and younger are required to wear lifejackets, which are provided.

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